Bream Bay College vs Whangārei Boys' High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Northland, New Zealand, 22 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bream Bay College
Ruakaka · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
617 students
Whangārei Boys' High School
Avenues · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,404 students
| Measure | Bream Bay College Ruakaka, Northland | Whangārei Boys' High School Avenues, Northland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 43 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #7 of 37 | #4 of 37 |
| National rank | #278 of 486 | #240 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 617 | 1,404 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 482 | 474 |
| Total roll | 617 | 1,404 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 11.2% | 18.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 71.9% | 73.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 42.7% | 46.8% |
| Māori students | 41.3% | 42.6% |
| Pacific students | 8.8% | 9.2% |
| International students | 1.3% | 0.8% |
| suburb or town | Ruakaka | Avenues |
| region | Northland | Northland |
| Website | www.breambaycollege.school.nz/ | www.wbhs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whangārei Boys' High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (49.4 vs 43.1).
- •Whangārei Boys' High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (474 vs 482).
- •Whangārei Boys' High School does better on roll size (1,404 vs 617).
- •Whangārei Boys' High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (18.8% vs 11.2%).
- •Whangārei Boys' High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (73.4% vs 71.9%).
- •Whangārei Boys' High School is the larger school with 1,404 students compared with 617.
- •Bream Bay College is co-educational and Whangārei Boys' High School 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 Bream Bay College better than Whangārei Boys' High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whangārei Boys' High School ranks higher (49.4 vs 43.1 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 Bream Bay College and Whangārei Boys' High School?
About 22 km in a straight line, between Ruakaka and Avenues in Northland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Bream Bay College: 482. Whangārei Boys' High School: 474. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Bream Bay College and Whangārei Boys' High School rank in Northland?
Bream Bay College is 7th of 37 and Whangārei Boys' High School is 4th of 37 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Northland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).