Pārāwai School vs Thames South School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 1.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Pārāwai School
Parawai · State full primary · Years 1–8
246 students
Thames South School
Thames · State full primary · Years 1–8
64 students
| Measure | Pārāwai School Parawai, Waikato | Thames South School Thames, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 41 Lower 50% | 16 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #118 of 179 | #177 of 179 |
| National rank | #1079 of 1,559 | #1545 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 246 | 64 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 468 | 541 |
| Total roll | 246 | 64 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -8% | -21.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 30.5% | 70.3% |
| Pacific students | 4.9% | 9.4% |
| International students | 1.6% | 4.7% |
| suburb or town | Parawai | Thames |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.parawai.school.nz | www.thamessouth.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Pārāwai School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (41.4 vs 15.8).
- •Pārāwai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (468 vs 541).
- •Pārāwai School does better on roll size (246 vs 64).
- •Pārāwai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-8% vs -21.7%).
- •Pārāwai School is the larger school with 246 students compared with 64.
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 Pārāwai School better than Thames South School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Pārāwai School ranks higher (41.4 vs 15.8 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 Pārāwai School and Thames South School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Parawai and Thames in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Pārāwai School: 468. Thames South School: 541. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Pārāwai School and Thames South School rank in Waikato?
Pārāwai School is 118th of 179 and Thames South School is 177th of 179 among full primary schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).