Opunake High School vs Spotswood College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 45 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Opunake High School
Opunake · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
315 students
Spotswood College
New Plymouth · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
905 students
| Measure | Opunake High School Opunake, Taranaki | Spotswood College New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 42 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #6 of 16 | #7 of 16 |
| National rank | #283 of 486 | #285 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 315 | 905 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 503 | 493 |
| Total roll | 315 | 905 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.4% | 21.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 81.4% | 72.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 52.5% | 42.8% |
| Māori students | 44.8% | 36.7% |
| Pacific students | 3.5% | 4.1% |
| International students | 0% | 2.4% |
| suburb or town | Opunake | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.opunake.school.nz/ | spotswoodcollege.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (42.3 vs 41.9).
- •Spotswood College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (493 vs 503).
- •Spotswood College does better on roll size (905 vs 315).
- •Spotswood College does better on roll growth (5 years) (21.5% vs 4.4%).
- •Opunake High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.4% vs 72.1%).
- •Spotswood College is the larger school with 905 students compared with 315.
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 Opunake High School better than Spotswood College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Opunake High School and Spotswood College?
About 45 km in a straight line, between Opunake and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Opunake High School: 503. Spotswood College: 493. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Opunake High School and Spotswood College rank in Taranaki?
Opunake High School is 6th of 16 and Spotswood College is 7th of 16 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).