Roncalli College vs Timaru Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Roncalli College
Timaru ยท State integrated secondary (year 9-15) ยท Years 9โ13
500 students
Timaru Christian School
Watlington ยท State integrated composite (year 1-10) ยท Years 1โ13
170 students
| Measure | Roncalli College Timaru, Canterbury | Timaru Christian School Watlington, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 58 Top 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #28 of 57 | #23 of 57 |
| National rank | #184 of 486 | #167 of 486 |
| Sector | State integrated | State integrated |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Composite (Year 1-10) |
| Year range | Years 9โ13 | Years 1โ13 |
| Students | 500 | 170 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 446 | 446 |
| Total roll | 500 | 170 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 0.8% | 16.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 83.9% | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 62.5% | โ |
| Mฤori students | 15% | 9.4% |
| Pacific students | 2.8% | 16.5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Timaru | Watlington |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.roncalli.school.nz | www.timaruchristian.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขTimaru Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (60.4 vs 58.1).
- โขRoncalli College does better on roll size (500 vs 170).
- โขTimaru Christian School does better on roll growth (5 years) (16.3% vs 0.8%).
- โขRoncalli College is the larger school with 500 students compared with 170.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Roncalli College better than Timaru Christian School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Timaru Christian School ranks higher (60.4 vs 58.1 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 Roncalli College and Timaru Christian School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Timaru and Watlington in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Roncalli College: 446. Timaru Christian School: 446. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Roncalli College and Timaru Christian School rank in Canterbury?
Roncalli College is 28th of 57 and Timaru Christian School is 23rd of 57 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).