Botany Downs Secondary College vs Willowbank School (Howick)
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Auckland, New Zealand, 1.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Botany Downs Secondary College
Botany Downs ยท State secondary (year 9-15) ยท Years 9โ13
2,001 students
Willowbank School (Howick)
Dannemora ยท State contributing ยท Years 1โ6
740 students
| Measure | Botany Downs Secondary College Botany Downs, Auckland | Willowbank School (Howick) Dannemora, Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 83 Top 10% | 81 Top 10% |
| Region rank | #18 of 101 | #73 of 390 |
| National rank | #28 of 486 | #120 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 9โ13 | Years 1โ6 |
| Students | 2,001 | 740 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 403 | 374 |
| Total roll | 2,001 | 740 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 9.1% | -9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.7% | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 76.3% | โ |
| Mฤori students | 3.7% | 5.9% |
| Pacific students | 6.1% | 8.8% |
| International students | 7.8% | 0.7% |
| suburb or town | Botany Downs | Dannemora |
| region | Auckland | Auckland |
| Website | www.bdsc.school.nz | www.willowbank.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขBotany Downs Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (83.2 vs 80.8).
- โขWillowbank School (Howick) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (374 vs 403).
- โขBotany Downs Secondary College does better on roll size (2,001 vs 740).
- โขBotany Downs Secondary College does better on roll growth (5 years) (9.1% vs -9%).
- โขBotany Downs Secondary College is the larger school with 2,001 students compared with 740.
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 Willowbank School (Howick)?
On the Success Index (NZ), Botany Downs Secondary College ranks higher (83.2 vs 80.8 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 Willowbank School (Howick)?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Botany Downs and Dannemora in Auckland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Botany Downs Secondary College: 403. Willowbank School (Howick): 374. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Botany Downs Secondary College and Willowbank School (Howick) rank in Auckland?
Botany Downs Secondary College is 18th of 101 and Willowbank School (Howick) is 73rd of 390 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Auckland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).