Aotea College vs Papakowhai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 1.7 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Aotea College
Porirua ยท State secondary (year 9-15) ยท Years 9โ13
1,358 students
Papakowhai School
Papakowhai ยท State full primary ยท Years 1โ8
476 students
| Measure | Aotea College Porirua, Wellington | Papakowhai School Papakowhai, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 69 Top 25% | 77 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #20 of 46 | #37 of 176 |
| National rank | #110 of 486 | #231 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 9โ13 | Years 1โ8 |
| Students | 1,358 | 476 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 387 |
| Total roll | 1,358 | 476 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 25.9% | -7.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 84.1% | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 65.1% | โ |
| Mฤori students | 22.3% | 11.8% |
| Pacific students | 19.7% | 9.7% |
| International students | 1.9% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Porirua | Papakowhai |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.aotea.school.nz | www.papakowhai.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขPapakowhai School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (76.8 vs 68.7).
- โขPapakowhai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (387 vs 441).
- โขAotea College does better on roll size (1,358 vs 476).
- โขAotea College does better on roll growth (5 years) (25.9% vs -7.7%).
- โขAotea College is the larger school with 1,358 students compared with 476.
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 Aotea College better than Papakowhai School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Papakowhai School ranks higher (76.8 vs 68.7 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 Aotea College and Papakowhai School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Porirua and Papakowhai in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aotea College: 441. Papakowhai School: 387. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aotea College and Papakowhai School rank in Wellington?
Aotea College is 20th of 46 and Papakowhai School is 37th of 176 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).