Bethlehem College vs John Paul College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 50 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bethlehem College
Bethlehem · State integrated composite · Years 1–13
2,108 students
John Paul College
Utuhina · State integrated secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
1,090 students
| Measure | Bethlehem College Bethlehem, Bay of Plenty | John Paul College Utuhina, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 84 Top 10% | 73 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #2 of 34 | #3 of 34 |
| National rank | #25 of 486 | #86 of 486 |
| Sector | State integrated | State integrated |
| Type | Composite | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 2,108 | 1,090 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 409 | 415 |
| Total roll | 2,108 | 1,090 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 12.5% | -7.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 93.5% | 92.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 80.6% | 81.6% |
| Māori students | 10.4% | 17.5% |
| Pacific students | 2.4% | 3.9% |
| International students | 5.2% | 2.3% |
| suburb or town | Bethlehem | Utuhina |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.beth.school.nz | www.jpc.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Bethlehem College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (84.3 vs 72.8).
- •Bethlehem College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (409 vs 415).
- •Bethlehem College does better on roll size (2,108 vs 1,090).
- •Bethlehem College does better on roll growth (5 years) (12.5% vs -7.5%).
- •Bethlehem College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (93.5% vs 92.4%).
- •Bethlehem College is the larger school with 2,108 students compared with 1,090.
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 Bethlehem College better than John Paul College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Bethlehem College ranks higher (84.3 vs 72.8 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 Bethlehem College and John Paul College?
About 50 km in a straight line, between Bethlehem and Utuhina in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Bethlehem College: 409. John Paul College: 415. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Bethlehem College and John Paul College rank in Bay of Plenty?
Bethlehem College is 2nd of 34 and John Paul College is 3rd of 34 among composite schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).