Waitara Central School vs Westown School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 17 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Waitara Central School
Waitara · State contributing · Years 1–6
184 students
Westown School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
176 students
| Measure | Waitara Central School Waitara, Taranaki | Westown School New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 26 Lower 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #49 of 56 | #48 of 56 |
| National rank | #1411 of 1,559 | #1407 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 184 | 176 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 535 | 533 |
| Total roll | 184 | 176 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 39.2% | 37.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 74.5% | 50% |
| Pacific students | 6% | 13.6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Waitara | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | – | www.westown.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (26.4 vs 26.5).
- •Westown School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (533 vs 535).
- •Waitara Central School does better on roll size (184 vs 176).
- •Waitara Central School does better on roll growth (5 years) (39.2% vs 37.5%).
- •Waitara Central School is the larger school with 184 students compared with 176.
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 Waitara Central School better than Westown School?
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 Waitara Central School and Westown School?
About 17 km in a straight line, between Waitara and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Waitara Central School: 535. Westown School: 533. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Waitara Central School and Westown School rank in Taranaki?
Waitara Central School is 49th of 56 and Westown School is 48th of 56 among contributing schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).