Marfell Community School vs Waitara Central School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 18 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Marfell Community School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
141 students
Waitara Central School
Waitara · State contributing · Years 1–6
184 students
| Measure | Marfell Community School New Plymouth, Taranaki | Waitara Central School Waitara, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 22 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #54 of 56 | #49 of 56 |
| National rank | #1476 of 1,559 | #1411 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 141 | 184 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 542 | 535 |
| Total roll | 141 | 184 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 22.4% | 39.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 66% | 74.5% |
| Pacific students | 6.4% | 6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | New Plymouth | Waitara |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.marfell.school.nz/ | – |
The verdict
- •Waitara Central School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (26.4 vs 22.3).
- •Waitara Central School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (535 vs 542).
- •Waitara Central School does better on roll size (184 vs 141).
- •Waitara Central School does better on roll growth (5 years) (39.2% vs 22.4%).
- •Waitara Central School is the larger school with 184 students compared with 141.
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 Marfell Community School better than Waitara Central School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waitara Central School ranks higher (26.4 vs 22.3 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 Marfell Community School and Waitara Central School?
About 18 km in a straight line, between New Plymouth and Waitara in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Marfell Community School: 542. Waitara Central School: 535. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Marfell Community School and Waitara Central School rank in Taranaki?
Marfell Community School is 54th of 56 and Waitara Central School is 49th of 56 among contributing schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).