Rotorua Lakes High School vs Whakatane High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, 63 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Rotorua Lakes High School
Te Ngae · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
622 students
Whakatane High School
Whakatane · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,228 students
| Measure | Rotorua Lakes High School Te Ngae, Bay of Plenty | Whakatane High School Whakatane, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #13 of 34 | #10 of 34 |
| National rank | #261 of 486 | #189 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 622 | 1,228 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 473 | 475 |
| Total roll | 622 | 1,228 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.3% | 21.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.7% | 84.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 49.1% | 60.7% |
| Māori students | 44.1% | 51.5% |
| Pacific students | 3.9% | 2.9% |
| International students | 0.3% | 2.7% |
| suburb or town | Te Ngae | Whakatane |
| region | Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty |
| Website | www.rotorualakes.school.nz | www.whakatanehigh.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whakatane High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (57.3 vs 45.9).
- •Rotorua Lakes High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (473 vs 475).
- •Whakatane High School does better on roll size (1,228 vs 622).
- •Whakatane High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (21.7% vs 4.3%).
- •Whakatane High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (84.3% vs 68.7%).
- •Whakatane High School is the larger school with 1,228 students compared with 622.
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 Rotorua Lakes High School better than Whakatane High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whakatane High School ranks higher (57.3 vs 45.9 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 Rotorua Lakes High School and Whakatane High School?
About 63 km in a straight line, between Te Ngae and Whakatane in Bay of Plenty.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Rotorua Lakes High School: 473. Whakatane High School: 475. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Rotorua Lakes High School and Whakatane High School rank in Bay of Plenty?
Rotorua Lakes High School is 13th of 34 and Whakatane High School is 10th of 34 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Bay of Plenty on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).