Piopio College vs Te Kauwhata College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 120 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Piopio College
Piopio · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
154 students
Te Kauwhata College
Te Kauwhata · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
500 students
| Measure | Piopio College Piopio, Waikato | Te Kauwhata College Te Kauwhata, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 24 Lower 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #48 of 58 | #40 of 58 |
| National rank | #416 of 486 | #382 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 154 | 500 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 499 | 500 |
| Total roll | 154 | 500 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -4.2% | -8.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 54.2% | 73.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 25% | 30.3% |
| Māori students | 50% | 47.4% |
| Pacific students | 7.8% | 16.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Piopio | Te Kauwhata |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.piopio.school.nz | tkcoll.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Te Kauwhata College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (29.5 vs 23.8).
- •Piopio College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (499 vs 500).
- •Te Kauwhata College does better on roll size (500 vs 154).
- •Piopio College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-4.2% vs -8.6%).
- •Te Kauwhata College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (73.7% vs 54.2%).
- •Te Kauwhata College is the larger school with 500 students compared with 154.
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 Piopio College better than Te Kauwhata College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Te Kauwhata College ranks higher (29.5 vs 23.8 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 Piopio College and Te Kauwhata College?
About 120 km in a straight line, between Piopio and Te Kauwhata in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Piopio College: 499. Te Kauwhata College: 500. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Piopio College and Te Kauwhata College rank in Waikato?
Piopio College is 48th of 58 and Te Kauwhata College is 40th of 58 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).