Matata School vs Thornton School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 9.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Matata School
Matata · State full primary · Years 1–8
96 students
Thornton School
Thornton · State full primary · Years 1–8
163 students
| Measure | Matata School Matata, Bay of Plenty | Thornton School Thornton, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 27 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #83 of 101 | #49 of 101 |
| National rank | #1398 of 1,559 | #929 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 96 | 163 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 514 | 451 |
| Total roll | 96 | 163 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.7% | -6.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 59.4% | 35% |
| Pacific students | 4.2% | 1.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Matata | Thornton |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.matata.school.nz | www.thornton.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Thornton School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (47.9 vs 27.0).
- •Thornton School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (451 vs 514).
- •Thornton School does better on roll size (163 vs 96).
- •Matata School does better on roll growth (5 years) (6.7% vs -6.8%).
- •Thornton School is the larger school with 163 students compared with 96.
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 Matata School better than Thornton School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Thornton School ranks higher (47.9 vs 27.0 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 Matata School and Thornton School?
About 9.8 km in a straight line, between Matata and Thornton in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Matata School: 514. Thornton School: 451. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Matata School and Thornton School rank in Bay of Plenty?
Matata School is 83rd of 101 and Thornton School is 49th of 101 among full primary schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).