Aotea College vs Paraparaumu College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 29 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Aotea College
Porirua · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,358 students
Paraparaumu College
Paraparaumu · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,499 students
| Measure | Aotea College Porirua, Wellington | Paraparaumu College Paraparaumu, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 69 Top 25% | 72 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #20 of 46 | #13 of 46 |
| National rank | #110 of 486 | #92 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 1,358 | 1,499 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 442 |
| Total roll | 1,358 | 1,499 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 25.9% | 12.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 84.1% | 90% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 65.1% | 68.8% |
| Māori students | 22.3% | 20.9% |
| Pacific students | 19.7% | 5.9% |
| International students | 1.9% | 4.1% |
| suburb or town | Porirua | Paraparaumu |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.aotea.school.nz | www.paraparaumucollege.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Paraparaumu College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (72.4 vs 68.7).
- •Aotea College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (441 vs 442).
- •Paraparaumu College does better on roll size (1,499 vs 1,358).
- •Aotea College does better on roll growth (5 years) (25.9% vs 12.4%).
- •Paraparaumu College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (90% vs 84.1%).
- •Paraparaumu College is the larger school with 1,499 students compared with 1,358.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Aotea College better than Paraparaumu College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Paraparaumu College ranks higher (72.4 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 Paraparaumu College?
About 29 km in a straight line, between Porirua and Paraparaumu in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aotea College: 441. Paraparaumu College: 442. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aotea College and Paraparaumu College rank in Wellington?
Aotea College is 20th of 46 and Paraparaumu College is 13th of 46 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).