Hillcrest High School vs Knighton Normal School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 1.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hillcrest High School
Hillcrest · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,801 students
Knighton Normal School
Hillcrest · State contributing · Years 1–6
699 students
| Measure | Hillcrest High School Hillcrest, Waikato | Knighton Normal School Hillcrest, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 62 Top 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #13 of 58 | #82 of 179 |
| National rank | #155 of 486 | #892 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 1,801 | 699 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 451 | 476 |
| Total roll | 1,801 | 699 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 2.6% | 0.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 79.2% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 56% | – |
| Māori students | 14.9% | 36.2% |
| Pacific students | 4.9% | 11.4% |
| International students | 2.5% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Hillcrest | Hillcrest |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.hillcrest-high.school.nz | www.kns.ac.nz |
The verdict
- •Hillcrest High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (61.8 vs 49.2).
- •Hillcrest High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (451 vs 476).
- •Hillcrest High School does better on roll size (1,801 vs 699).
- •Hillcrest High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (2.6% vs 0.1%).
- •Hillcrest High School is the larger school with 1,801 students compared with 699.
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 Hillcrest High School better than Knighton Normal School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Hillcrest High School ranks higher (61.8 vs 49.2 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 Hillcrest High School and Knighton Normal School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Hillcrest and Hillcrest in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hillcrest High School: 451. Knighton Normal School: 476. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hillcrest High School and Knighton Normal School rank in Waikato?
Hillcrest High School is 13th of 58 and Knighton Normal School is 82nd of 179 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).