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Avonhead School - Rakipaoa vs St Thomas of Canterbury College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureAvonhead School - Rakipaoa
Avonhead, Canterbury
St Thomas of Canterbury College
Sockburn, Canterbury
Success Index (NZ)
73
Top 25%
77
Top 25%
Region rank#45 of 187#9 of 57
National rank#332 of 1,559#61 of 486
SectorStateState integrated
TypeFull PrimarySecondary (Year 7-15)
Year rangeYears 1–8Years 7–13
Students614686
Equity Index (EQI)406430
Total roll614686
Roll growth (5 yrs)-4.3%6.4%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+–95.9%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance–76%
Māori students8.8%19%
Pacific students7.2%20.6%
International students0%2.6%
suburb or townAvonheadSockburn
regionCanterburyCanterbury
Websitewww.avonhead.school.nzwww.stc.school.nz

The verdict

  • •St Thomas of Canterbury College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (77.3 vs 72.6).
  • •Avonhead School - Rakipaoa does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (406 vs 430).
  • •St Thomas of Canterbury College does better on roll size (686 vs 614).
  • •St Thomas of Canterbury College does better on roll growth (5 years) (6.4% vs -4.3%).
  • •St Thomas of Canterbury College is the larger school with 686 students compared with 614.
  • •Avonhead School - Rakipaoa is a state school while St Thomas of Canterbury College is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
  • •Avonhead School - Rakipaoa is co-educational and St Thomas of Canterbury College is boys.

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 Avonhead School - Rakipaoa better than St Thomas of Canterbury College?

On the Success Index (NZ), St Thomas of Canterbury College ranks higher (77.3 vs 72.6 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 Avonhead School - Rakipaoa and St Thomas of Canterbury College?

About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Avonhead and Sockburn in Canterbury.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Avonhead School - Rakipaoa: 406. St Thomas of Canterbury College: 430. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Avonhead School - Rakipaoa and St Thomas of Canterbury College rank in Canterbury?

Avonhead School - Rakipaoa is 45th of 187 and St Thomas of Canterbury College is 9th of 57 among full primary schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).