Awatapu College vs Whanganui Girls' College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 68 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Awatapu College
West End · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
869 students
Whanganui Girls' College
Whanganui East · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
362 students
| Measure | Awatapu College West End, Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui Girls' College Whanganui East, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 37 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #17 of 33 | #15 of 33 |
| National rank | #324 of 486 | #307 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 869 | 362 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 492 | 493 |
| Total roll | 869 | 362 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.2% | -3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 76.4% | 81% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 49% | 65.8% |
| Māori students | 32.8% | 33.1% |
| Pacific students | 8.1% | 9.1% |
| International students | 2.2% | 3.3% |
| suburb or town | West End | Whanganui East |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.awatapu.school.nz | www.whanganui-girls.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whanganui Girls' College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (39.8 vs 37.1).
- •Awatapu College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (492 vs 493).
- •Awatapu College does better on roll size (869 vs 362).
- •Awatapu College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.2% vs -3%).
- •Whanganui Girls' College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81% vs 76.4%).
- •Awatapu College is the larger school with 869 students compared with 362.
- •Awatapu College is co-educational and Whanganui Girls' College is girls.
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 Awatapu College better than Whanganui Girls' College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whanganui Girls' College ranks higher (39.8 vs 37.1 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 Awatapu College and Whanganui Girls' College?
About 68 km in a straight line, between West End and Whanganui East in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Awatapu College: 492. Whanganui Girls' College: 493. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Awatapu College and Whanganui Girls' College rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Awatapu College is 17th of 33 and Whanganui Girls' College is 15th of 33 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).