Botany Downs Secondary College vs Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick)
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Auckland, New Zealand, 1.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Botany Downs Secondary College
Botany Downs · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
2,001 students
Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick)
Howick South · State integrated contributing · Years 1–6
308 students
| Measure | Botany Downs Secondary College Botany Downs, Auckland | Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick) Howick South, Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 83 Top 10% | 79 Top 10% |
| Region rank | #18 of 101 | #103 of 390 |
| National rank | #28 of 486 | #175 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 2,001 | 308 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 403 | 355 |
| Total roll | 2,001 | 308 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 9.1% | -30.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.7% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 76.3% | – |
| Māori students | 3.7% | 5.8% |
| Pacific students | 6.1% | 12.3% |
| International students | 7.8% | 0.3% |
| suburb or town | Botany Downs | Howick South |
| region | Auckland | Auckland |
| Website | www.bdsc.school.nz | www.starofthesea.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Botany Downs Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (83.2 vs 78.9).
- •Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (355 vs 403).
- •Botany Downs Secondary College does better on roll size (2,001 vs 308).
- •Botany Downs Secondary College does better on roll growth (5 years) (9.1% vs -30.8%).
- •Botany Downs Secondary College is the larger school with 2,001 students compared with 308.
- •Botany Downs Secondary College is a state school while Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick) is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Botany Downs Secondary College better than Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick)?
On the Success Index (NZ), Botany Downs Secondary College ranks higher (83.2 vs 78.9 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 Botany Downs Secondary College and Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick)?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Botany Downs and Howick South in Auckland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Botany Downs Secondary College: 403. Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick): 355. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Botany Downs Secondary College and Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick) rank in Auckland?
Botany Downs Secondary College is 18th of 101 and Our Lady Star of the Sea School (Howick) is 103rd of 390 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Auckland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).