Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery vs Catholic Cathedral College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 880 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery
Christchurch · State composite · Years 1–13
654 students
Catholic Cathedral College
Phillipstown · State integrated secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
597 students
| Measure | Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery Christchurch, Canterbury | Catholic Cathedral College Phillipstown, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 54 Top 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #33 of 57 | #18 of 57 |
| National rank | #205 of 486 | #120 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Composite | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 654 | 597 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 442 | 448 |
| Total roll | 654 | 597 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 10.2% | 31.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 67.6% | 88.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 44.1% | 73.2% |
| Māori students | 14.8% | 11.4% |
| Pacific students | 2.6% | 15.9% |
| International students | 0% | 0.3% |
| suburb or town | Christchurch | Phillipstown |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | aotawhiti.school.nz/ | www.cathcollege.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Catholic Cathedral College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (67.2 vs 54.2).
- •Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (442 vs 448).
- •Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery does better on roll size (654 vs 597).
- •Catholic Cathedral College does better on roll growth (5 years) (31.3% vs 10.2%).
- •Catholic Cathedral College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (88.7% vs 67.6%).
- •Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery is the larger school with 654 students compared with 597.
- •Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery is a state school while Catholic Cathedral College is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery better than Catholic Cathedral College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Catholic Cathedral College ranks higher (67.2 vs 54.2 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 Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery and Catholic Cathedral College?
About 880 m in a straight line, between Christchurch and Phillipstown in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery: 442. Catholic Cathedral College: 448. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery and Catholic Cathedral College rank in Canterbury?
Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery is 33rd of 57 and Catholic Cathedral College is 18th of 57 among composite schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).