Rolleston College vs Waitaha School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 2.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Rolleston College
Rolleston · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,963 students
Waitaha School
Rolleston · State special school
129 students
| Measure | Rolleston College Rolleston, Canterbury | Waitaha School Rolleston, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 65 Top 50% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #20 of 57 | – |
| National rank | #138 of 486 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Special School |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | – |
| Students | 1,963 | 129 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 449 | 462 |
| Total roll | 1,963 | 129 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 94.3% | 29.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 83.2% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 56.6% | – |
| Māori students | 14.3% | 16.3% |
| Pacific students | 6.6% | 5.4% |
| International students | 1.4% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Rolleston | Rolleston |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.rollestoncollege.nz | waitaha.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Rolleston College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (449 vs 462).
- •Rolleston College does better on roll size (1,963 vs 129).
- •Rolleston College does better on roll growth (5 years) (94.3% vs 29.5%).
- •Rolleston College is the larger school with 1,963 students compared with 129.
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 Rolleston College better than Waitaha School?
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 Rolleston College and Waitaha School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Rolleston and Rolleston in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Rolleston College: 449. Waitaha School: 462. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Rolleston College and Waitaha School rank in Canterbury?
Rolleston College is 20th of 57 and Waitaha School is unranked among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).