Birdwood School vs Waitakere College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Auckland, New Zealand, 2.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Birdwood School
Ranui · State full primary · Years 1–8
288 students
Waitakere College
Henderson · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,957 students
| Measure | Birdwood School Ranui, Auckland | Waitakere College Henderson, Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 34 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #331 of 390 | #63 of 101 |
| National rank | #1225 of 1,559 | #202 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 288 | 1,957 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 522 | 480 |
| Total roll | 288 | 1,957 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 14.3% | 42.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 78.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 66% |
| Māori students | 37.8% | 25.2% |
| Pacific students | 47.6% | 30.7% |
| International students | 0% | 1.1% |
| suburb or town | Ranui | Henderson |
| region | Auckland | Auckland |
| Website | www.birdwood.school.nz | www.waitakerecollege.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Waitakere College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (54.7 vs 34.4).
- •Waitakere College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (480 vs 522).
- •Waitakere College does better on roll size (1,957 vs 288).
- •Waitakere College does better on roll growth (5 years) (42.9% vs 14.3%).
- •Waitakere College is the larger school with 1,957 students compared with 288.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Birdwood School better than Waitakere College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waitakere College ranks higher (54.7 vs 34.4 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Birdwood School and Waitakere College?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Ranui and Henderson in Auckland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Birdwood School: 522. Waitakere College: 480. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Birdwood School and Waitakere College rank in Auckland?
Birdwood School is 331st of 390 and Waitakere College is 63rd of 101 among full primary schools in Auckland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).