Whanganui City College vs Whanganui High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.3 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Whanganui City College
Whanganui · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
286 students
Whanganui High School
Whanganui · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,475 students
| Measure | Whanganui City College Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui High School Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 9 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #33 of 33 | #8 of 33 |
| National rank | #483 of 486 | #197 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 286 | 1,475 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 547 | 482 |
| Total roll | 286 | 1,475 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -4.7% | 8.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 53.6% | 81.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 32.1% | 63.5% |
| Māori students | 74.8% | 31.4% |
| Pacific students | 8.4% | 5.4% |
| International students | 0% | 3.1% |
| suburb or town | Whanganui | Whanganui |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.wcc.school.nz | www.whanganuihigh.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whanganui High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (55.1 vs 9.3).
- •Whanganui High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (482 vs 547).
- •Whanganui High School does better on roll size (1,475 vs 286).
- •Whanganui High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (8.4% vs -4.7%).
- •Whanganui High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.9% vs 53.6%).
- •Whanganui High School is the larger school with 1,475 students compared with 286.
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 Whanganui City College better than Whanganui High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whanganui High School ranks higher (55.1 vs 9.3 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 Whanganui City College and Whanganui High School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Whanganui and Whanganui in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Whanganui City College: 547. Whanganui High School: 482. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Whanganui City College and Whanganui High School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Whanganui City College is 33rd of 33 and Whanganui High School is 8th of 33 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).