South Otago High School vs Waitaki Boys' High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Otago, New Zealand, 163 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
South Otago High School
Rosebank · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
477 students
Waitaki Boys' High School
Oamaru · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
418 students
| Measure | South Otago High School Rosebank, Otago | Waitaki Boys' High School Oamaru, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 51 Top 50% | 48 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #16 of 28 | #20 of 28 |
| National rank | #227 of 486 | #249 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 477 | 418 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 475 | 477 |
| Total roll | 477 | 418 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 18.3% | 13.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 81.3% | 76.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 51.6% | 55.1% |
| Māori students | 17.4% | 14.6% |
| Pacific students | 9.6% | 14.4% |
| International students | 0.2% | 0.5% |
| suburb or town | Rosebank | Oamaru |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.sohs.school.nz | www.waitakibhs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •South Otago High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (50.8 vs 48.1).
- •South Otago High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (475 vs 477).
- •South Otago High School does better on roll size (477 vs 418).
- •South Otago High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (18.3% vs 13.3%).
- •South Otago High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.3% vs 76.9%).
- •South Otago High School is the larger school with 477 students compared with 418.
- •South Otago High School is co-educational and Waitaki 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.
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 South Otago High School better than Waitaki Boys' High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), South Otago High School ranks higher (50.8 vs 48.1 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 South Otago High School and Waitaki Boys' High School?
About 163 km in a straight line, between Rosebank and Oamaru in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
South Otago High School: 475. Waitaki Boys' High School: 477. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do South Otago High School and Waitaki Boys' High School rank in Otago?
South Otago High School is 16th of 28 and Waitaki Boys' High School is 20th of 28 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).