Hilltop School vs Tauhara School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 1.3 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 School
Tauhara · State contributing · Years 1–6
275 students
| Measure | Hilltop School Taupo, Waikato | Tauhara School Tauhara, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 78 Top 25% | 34 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #9 of 179 | #140 of 179 |
| National rank | #195 of 1,559 | #1247 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 580 | 275 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 421 | 522 |
| Total roll | 580 | 275 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.6% | 18.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 16% | 73.5% |
| Pacific students | 2.6% | 5.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Taupo | Tauhara |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.hilltop.org.nz | tauharaprimary.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Hilltop School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (78.3 vs 33.8).
- •Hilltop School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (421 vs 522).
- •Hilltop School does better on roll size (580 vs 275).
- •Tauhara School does better on roll growth (5 years) (18.3% vs 4.6%).
- •Hilltop School is the larger school with 580 students compared with 275.
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 School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Hilltop School ranks higher (78.3 vs 33.8 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 Hilltop School and Tauhara School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Taupo and Tauhara in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Hilltop School: 421. Tauhara School: 522. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Hilltop School and Tauhara School rank in Waikato?
Hilltop School is 9th of 179 and Tauhara School is 140th of 179 among full primary schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).