The Awabakal people were the first to make their homes here. They lived along the coastal area of the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, and their traditional lands were from Wollombi in the south to the Lower Hunter River near Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in the north. The Awabakal people played a significant role in shaping the region’s environment and are noted as strong and determined defenders of their territory.
The First Anglican Bishop of Newcastle and our namesake, Bishop William Tyrrell, was well-known for his passionate advocacy for the reform of religious education in schools and for making quality education more accessible and affordable. His legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for our school today.
At the centre of our college sits the historic Styles Grove mansion. Built in 1878, it was once home to James Fletcher, the first Member of Parliament in Newcastle. Styles Grove mansion was originally used by the college for classes but now serves as our Administration Building. It puts history at the heart of our school and learning.
Our school was founded in 1998 as a Christian Learning Community by the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. And community remains one of our core principles as we strive to provide a values-based learning experience that inspires students to learn, lead and serve. Classes first took place on our Fletcher campus in 1999, with 46 Primary students. We now have over 850 students from Preschool through to Year 12.
BTAC is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AIS), Heads of Co-educational Independent Schools (HICES). we are also associated with other Diocesan and independent schools in the Hunter region through the Hunter Region Independent Schools (HRIS) association
We’re proud to be part of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Chapel services at our school are dynamic and student-led, and we nurture compassion, integrity, justice, faith, courage, and wisdom.
