Kaipara College vs Rutherford 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.
Kaipara College
Helensville · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
719 students
Rutherford College
Te Atatu · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,596 students
| Measure | Kaipara College Helensville, Auckland | Rutherford College Te Atatu, Auckland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 55 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #64 of 101 | #50 of 101 |
| National rank | #203 of 486 | #141 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 719 | 1,596 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 460 | 459 |
| Total roll | 719 | 1,596 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -12.2% | 17.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 87.4% | 83.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 61.6% | 69% |
| Māori students | 32.5% | 19.9% |
| Pacific students | 7.6% | 19.5% |
| International students | 1.8% | 2.9% |
| suburb or town | Helensville | Te Atatu |
| region | Auckland | Auckland |
| Website | www.kaipara.school.nz/ | www.rutherford.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Rutherford College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (64.6 vs 54.6).
- •Rutherford College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (459 vs 460).
- •Rutherford College does better on roll size (1,596 vs 719).
- •Rutherford College does better on roll growth (5 years) (17.1% vs -12.2%).
- •Kaipara College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (87.4% vs 83.5%).
- •Rutherford College is the larger school with 1,596 students compared with 719.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Kaipara College better than Rutherford College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Rutherford College ranks higher (64.6 vs 54.6 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 Kaipara College and Rutherford College?
About 25 km in a straight line, between Helensville and Te Atatu in Auckland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Kaipara College: 460. Rutherford College: 459. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Kaipara College and Rutherford College rank in Auckland?
Kaipara College is 64th of 101 and Rutherford College is 50th of 101 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Auckland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).