Hilltop School vs Tauhara College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 1.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Hilltop School
Taupo · State full primary · Years 1–8
580 students
Tauhara College
Taupo · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
664 students
| Measure | Hilltop School Taupo, Waikato | Tauhara College Taupo, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 78 Top 25% | 46 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #9 of 179 | #21 of 58 |
| National rank | #195 of 1,559 | #263 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 580 | 664 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 421 | 486 |
| Total roll | 580 | 664 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 77.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 48.6% |
| Māori students | 16% | 41.7% |
| Pacific students | 2.6% | 6% |
| International students | 0% | 1.2% |
| suburb or town | Taupo | Taupo |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.hilltop.org.nz | www.tauhara.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Hilltop School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (78.3 vs 45.7).
- •Hilltop School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (421 vs 486).
- •Tauhara College does better on roll size (664 vs 580).
- •Tauhara College does better on roll growth (5 years) (5.4% vs 4.6%).
- •Tauhara College is the larger school with 664 students compared with 580.
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 Hilltop School better than Tauhara College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Hilltop School ranks higher (78.3 vs 45.7 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 Hilltop School and Tauhara College?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Taupo and Taupo in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hilltop School: 421. Tauhara College: 486. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hilltop School and Tauhara College rank in Waikato?
Hilltop School is 9th of 179 and Tauhara College is 21st of 58 among full primary schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).