Forest Lake School vs Waingaro School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 27 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Forest Lake School
Forest Lake · State contributing · Years 1–6
386 students
Waingaro School
Ngaruawahia · State full primary · Years 1–8
9 students
| Measure | Forest Lake School Forest Lake, Waikato | Waingaro School Ngaruawahia, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 45 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #101 of 179 | – |
| National rank | #991 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 386 | 9 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 492 | 492 |
| Total roll | 386 | 9 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 2.4% | -73.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 59.6% | 77.8% |
| Pacific students | 8.8% | 0% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Forest Lake | Ngaruawahia |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.forestlake.school.nz | www.waingaro.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Forest Lake School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (45.4 vs 27.5).
- •Forest Lake School does better on roll size (386 vs 9).
- •Forest Lake School does better on roll growth (5 years) (2.4% vs -73.5%).
- •Forest Lake School is the larger school with 386 students compared with 9.
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 Forest Lake School better than Waingaro School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Forest Lake School ranks higher (45.4 vs 27.5 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 Forest Lake School and Waingaro School?
About 27 km in a straight line, between Forest Lake and Ngaruawahia in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Forest Lake School: 492. Waingaro School: 492. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Forest Lake School and Waingaro School rank in Waikato?
Forest Lake School is 101st of 179 and Waingaro School is unranked among contributing schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).