Cambridge High School vs Hillcrest High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 16 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Cambridge High School
Cambridge · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,743 students
Hillcrest High School
Hillcrest · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,801 students
| Measure | Cambridge High School Cambridge, Waikato | Hillcrest High School Hillcrest, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 66 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #10 of 58 | #13 of 58 |
| National rank | #127 of 486 | #155 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 1,743 | 1,801 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 447 | 451 |
| Total roll | 1,743 | 1,801 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 7.7% | 2.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 83.3% | 79.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 61.8% | 56% |
| Māori students | 14.1% | 14.9% |
| Pacific students | 2.5% | 4.9% |
| International students | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| suburb or town | Cambridge | Hillcrest |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.camhigh.school.nz | www.hillcrest-high.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Cambridge High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (66.3 vs 61.8).
- •Cambridge High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (447 vs 451).
- •Hillcrest High School does better on roll size (1,801 vs 1,743).
- •Cambridge High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (7.7% vs 2.6%).
- •Cambridge High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (83.3% vs 79.2%).
- •Hillcrest High School is the larger school with 1,801 students compared with 1,743.
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 Cambridge High School better than Hillcrest High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Cambridge High School ranks higher (66.3 vs 61.8 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 Cambridge High School and Hillcrest High School?
About 16 km in a straight line, between Cambridge and Hillcrest in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Cambridge High School: 447. Hillcrest High School: 451. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Cambridge High School and Hillcrest High School rank in Waikato?
Cambridge High School is 10th of 58 and Hillcrest High School is 13th of 58 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).