Aotea College vs Tawa College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 9-15) schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 4.9 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
Tawa College
Tawa · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,031 students
| Measure | Aotea College Porirua, Wellington | Tawa College Tawa, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 69 Top 25% | 66 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #20 of 46 | #25 of 46 |
| National rank | #110 of 486 | #132 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 | 1,031 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 440 |
| Total roll | 1,358 | 1,031 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 25.9% | -22.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 84.1% | 91.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 65.1% | 76.5% |
| Māori students | 22.3% | 20.2% |
| Pacific students | 19.7% | 14.8% |
| International students | 1.9% | 1.4% |
| suburb or town | Porirua | Tawa |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.aotea.school.nz | www.tawacollege.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Aotea College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (68.7 vs 66.0).
- •Tawa College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (440 vs 441).
- •Aotea College does better on roll size (1,358 vs 1,031).
- •Aotea College does better on roll growth (5 years) (25.9% vs -22.4%).
- •Tawa College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (91.6% vs 84.1%).
- •Aotea College is the larger school with 1,358 students compared with 1,031.
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 Tawa College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Aotea College ranks higher (68.7 vs 66.0 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 Tawa College?
About 4.9 km in a straight line, between Porirua and Tawa in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aotea College: 441. Tawa College: 440. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aotea College and Tawa College rank in Wellington?
Aotea College is 20th of 46 and Tawa College is 25th of 46 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).