Marian College vs St Bede's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 385 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Marian College
Northcote-Christchurch · State integrated secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
427 students
St Bede's College
Papanui · State integrated secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
795 students
| Measure | Marian College Northcote-Christchurch, Canterbury | St Bede's College Papanui, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 75 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #13 of 57 | #14 of 57 |
| National rank | #77 of 486 | #79 of 486 |
| Sector | State integrated | State integrated |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 427 | 795 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 426 | 415 |
| Total roll | 427 | 795 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4% | 0% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 91.7% | 94.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 75% | 68.2% |
| Māori students | 14.3% | 14.1% |
| Pacific students | 10.5% | 6.3% |
| International students | 0.5% | 3.6% |
| suburb or town | Northcote-Christchurch | Papanui |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.mariancollege.school.nz | www.stbedes.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (74.7 vs 73.8).
- •St Bede's College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (415 vs 426).
- •St Bede's College does better on roll size (795 vs 427).
- •Marian College does better on roll growth (5 years) (4% vs 0%).
- •St Bede's College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (94.7% vs 91.7%).
- •St Bede's College is the larger school with 795 students compared with 427.
- •Marian College is girls and St Bede's 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 Marian College better than St Bede's College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Marian College and St Bede's College?
About 385 m in a straight line, between Northcote-Christchurch and Papanui in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Marian College: 426. St Bede's College: 415. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Marian College and St Bede's College rank in Canterbury?
Marian College is 13th of 57 and St Bede's College is 14th of 57 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).