Hornby High School vs St Thomas of Canterbury College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 2.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hornby High School
Hornby · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
1,015 students
St Thomas of Canterbury College
Sockburn · State integrated secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
686 students
| Measure | Hornby High School Hornby, Canterbury | St Thomas of Canterbury College Sockburn, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 40 Lower 50% | 77 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #49 of 57 | #9 of 57 |
| National rank | #309 of 486 | #61 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 1,015 | 686 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 489 | 430 |
| Total roll | 1,015 | 686 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 35.9% | 6.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 65.9% | 95.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 32.5% | 76% |
| Māori students | 22.2% | 19% |
| Pacific students | 11.1% | 20.6% |
| International students | 0.3% | 2.6% |
| suburb or town | Hornby | Sockburn |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.hornby.school.nz | www.stc.school.nz |
The verdict
- •St Thomas of Canterbury College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (77.3 vs 39.5).
- •St Thomas of Canterbury College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (430 vs 489).
- •Hornby High School does better on roll size (1,015 vs 686).
- •Hornby High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (35.9% vs 6.4%).
- •St Thomas of Canterbury College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (95.9% vs 65.9%).
- •Hornby High School is the larger school with 1,015 students compared with 686.
- •Hornby High School is a state school while St Thomas of Canterbury College is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Hornby High School 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 Hornby High School better than St Thomas of Canterbury College?
On the Success Index (NZ), St Thomas of Canterbury College ranks higher (77.3 vs 39.5 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 Hornby High School and St Thomas of Canterbury College?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Hornby and Sockburn in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hornby High School: 489. St Thomas of Canterbury College: 430. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hornby High School and St Thomas of Canterbury College rank in Canterbury?
Hornby High School is 49th of 57 and St Thomas of Canterbury College is 9th of 57 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).