Thornton School
🇳🇿 Official data · 2026Thornton, Bay of Plenty 3193 · Whakatane District
#49 of 101 full primary schools in Bay of Plenty
#929 of 1,559 nationally
About Thornton School
Thornton School is a state full primary located in Thornton, in the Whakatane District territorial authority of Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It caters for Years 1–8. In 2026 it enrolled 163 students. Government-funded schools, free to attend apart from donations and activity fees.
Its Success Index (NZ) is 47.9 out of 100, placing it in the lower 50% of full primary schools in New Zealand and 49th of 101 ranked full primary schools in Bay of Plenty. Its strongest component is equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (52th percentile), and its weakest is roll growth (5 years) (38th percentile).
Other published figures: māori students 35%; pacific students 1.8%; international students 0%.
There are 2 schools in Thornton; Thornton School ranks 1st of 1 scored schools there.
Success Index (NZ) breakdown
Each component is a percentile against full primary schools across New Zealand.
- Equity Index (fewer barriers is higher) (45%)451
- Roll size (10%)163
- Roll growth (5 years) (15%)-6.8%
- School leavers with NCEA Level 2+ (20%)–
- School leavers with University Entrance (10%)–
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published data about a school community. It is not a measure of teaching quality. Read the methodology.
Published measures
All figures published for Thornton School by the official sources.
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 451
- Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
- Total roll
- 163
- Total enrolled students.
- Roll growth (5 yrs)
- -6.8%
- Change in total roll over five years.
- Māori students
- 35%
- Share of roll identifying as Māori.
- Pacific students
- 1.8%
- Share of roll identifying as Pacific peoples.
- International students
- 0%
- Share of roll who are international fee-paying students.
Total roll trend
How total roll at Thornton School has changed over time.
Free academic assessment
Is your child on track for NCEA?
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Schools near Thornton School
Closest schools by straight-line distance, with their Success Index (NZ).
Rangitaiki College – Te Kura Tuarua o Rangitaiki
Edgecumbe · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
127 students · 5.7 km away
Edgecumbe School
Edgecumbe · State full primary · Years 1–8
163 students · 5.8 km away
Whakatane Teen Parent Unit
Thornton · State teen parent unit
· 6.7 km away
Te Kura o Te Paroa
Whakatane · State full primary · Years 1–8
297 students · 7.4 km away
Awakeri School
Whakatane · State full primary · Years 1–8
343 students · 8.3 km away
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Orini ki Ngati Awa
Coastlands · State composite · Years 1–13
96 students · 9.6 km away
Matata School
Matata · State full primary · Years 1–8
96 students · 9.8 km away
St Joseph's Catholic School (Matata)
Matata · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
36 students · 10 km away
Whakatane Intermediate
Whakatane · State intermediate · Years 7–8
578 students · 10 km away
James Street School
Whakatane · State contributing · Years 1–6
250 students · 10 km away
Similar schools
State full primary schools in Bay of Plenty with a comparable Equity Index (EQI).
Selwyn Ridge School
Welcome Bay · State contributing · Years 1–6
492 students
Pongakawa School
Pongakawa · State full primary · Years 1–8
321 students
Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School
Papamoa · State contributing · Years 1–6
520 students
Fairhaven School
Te Puke · State contributing · Years 1–6
500 students
Te Ranga School
Te Puke · State full primary · Years 1–8
181 students
Apanui School
Whakatane · State contributing · Years 1–6
439 students
Frequently asked questions
Is Thornton School a good school?
Thornton School has a Success Index (NZ) of 47.9 out of 100 (Lower 50% of full primary schools in New Zealand) and ranks #49 of 101 in Bay of Plenty. The index summarises published data about the school community and, where available, attainment; it does not measure teaching quality, so visit the school and ask about support at your child's level.
Where does Thornton School rank in Bay of Plenty?
Thornton School ranks #49 of 101 full primary schools in Bay of Plenty and #929 of 1,559 nationally on the Success Index (NZ) (2026 data).
How many students attend Thornton School?
Thornton School had 163 students in 2026, a change of -7% over five years.
Is Thornton School a primary school or a secondary school?
Thornton School is classified as a full primary covering Years 1–8. It is a state school.
What other schools are near Thornton School?
There are 10 schools within 15 km of Thornton School; they are listed on this page with their Success Index (NZ) and distance, and can be compared side by side.