Birkenhead College vs Kaipara College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Auckland, New Zealand, 25 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Birkenhead College
Birkenhead · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
487 students
Kaipara College
Helensville · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
719 students
| Measure | Birkenhead College Birkenhead, Auckland | Kaipara College Helensville, Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 50 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #70 of 101 | #64 of 101 |
| National rank | #231 of 486 | #203 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 487 | 719 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 464 | 460 |
| Total roll | 487 | 719 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.4% | -12.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 82.2% | 87.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 68.2% | 61.6% |
| Māori students | 21.4% | 32.5% |
| Pacific students | 23% | 7.6% |
| International students | 6.8% | 1.8% |
| suburb or town | Birkenhead | Helensville |
| region | Auckland | Auckland |
| Website | www.birkenhead.school.nz/ | www.kaipara.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Kaipara College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (54.6 vs 50.2).
- •Kaipara College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (460 vs 464).
- •Kaipara College does better on roll size (719 vs 487).
- •Birkenhead College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.4% vs -12.2%).
- •Kaipara College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (87.4% vs 82.2%).
- •Kaipara College is the larger school with 719 students compared with 487.
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 Birkenhead College better than Kaipara College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Kaipara College ranks higher (54.6 vs 50.2 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 Birkenhead College and Kaipara College?
About 25 km in a straight line, between Birkenhead and Helensville in Auckland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Birkenhead College: 464. Kaipara College: 460. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Birkenhead College and Kaipara College rank in Auckland?
Birkenhead College is 70th of 101 and Kaipara College is 64th of 101 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Auckland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).