Spotswood College vs Stratford High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 37 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Spotswood College
New Plymouth · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
905 students
Stratford High School
Stratford · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
696 students
| Measure | Spotswood College New Plymouth, Taranaki | Stratford High School Stratford, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 42 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #7 of 16 | #11 of 16 |
| National rank | #285 of 486 | #323 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 905 | 696 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 493 | 500 |
| Total roll | 905 | 696 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 21.5% | 26.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 72.1% | 68.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 42.8% | 42.6% |
| Māori students | 36.7% | 30.5% |
| Pacific students | 4.1% | 2% |
| International students | 2.4% | 0% |
| suburb or town | New Plymouth | Stratford |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | spotswoodcollege.school.nz | www.stratfordhigh.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Spotswood College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (41.9 vs 37.3).
- •Spotswood College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (493 vs 500).
- •Spotswood College does better on roll size (905 vs 696).
- •Stratford High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (26.3% vs 21.5%).
- •Spotswood College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (72.1% vs 68.5%).
- •Spotswood College is the larger school with 905 students compared with 696.
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 Spotswood College better than Stratford High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Spotswood College ranks higher (41.9 vs 37.3 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 Spotswood College and Stratford High School?
About 37 km in a straight line, between New Plymouth and Stratford in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Spotswood College: 493. Stratford High School: 500. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Spotswood College and Stratford High School rank in Taranaki?
Spotswood College is 7th of 16 and Stratford High School is 11th of 16 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).