St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) vs Te Waotu School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Waikato, New Zealand, 13 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru)
Putaruru · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
177 students
Te Waotu School
Putaruru · State full primary · Years 1–8
129 students
| Measure | St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) Putaruru, Waikato | Te Waotu School Putaruru, Waikato |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #98 of 179 | #86 of 179 |
| National rank | #963 of 1,559 | #913 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 177 | 129 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 455 | 448 |
| Total roll | 177 | 129 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -5.4% | -2.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 24.9% | 17.8% |
| Pacific students | 6.2% | 2.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Putaruru | Putaruru |
| region | Waikato | Waikato |
| Website | www.stmarysput.school.nz | www.tewaotu.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Te Waotu School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (48.5 vs 46.4).
- •Te Waotu School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (448 vs 455).
- •St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) does better on roll size (177 vs 129).
- •Te Waotu School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.4% vs -5.4%).
- •St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) is the larger school with 177 students compared with 129.
- •St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) is a state integrated school while Te Waotu School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) better than Te Waotu School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Te Waotu School ranks higher (48.5 vs 46.4 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 St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) and Te Waotu School?
About 13 km in a straight line, between Putaruru and Putaruru in Waikato.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru): 455. Te Waotu School: 448. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) and Te Waotu School rank in Waikato?
St Mary's Catholic School (Putāruru) is 98th of 179 and Te Waotu School is 86th of 179 among full primary schools in Waikato on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).