Solway College vs Wairarapa College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 1.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Solway College
Masterton · State integrated secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
211 students
Wairarapa College
Masterton · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
935 students
| Measure | Solway College Masterton, Wellington | Wairarapa College Masterton, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 68 Top 25% | 47 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #23 of 46 | #32 of 46 |
| National rank | #117 of 486 | #256 of 486 |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 211 | 935 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 431 | 479 |
| Total roll | 211 | 935 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 17.9% | -12.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 83.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 59.7% |
| Māori students | 23.7% | 31.7% |
| Pacific students | 1.4% | 5.6% |
| International students | 1.4% | 0.2% |
| suburb or town | Masterton | Masterton |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.solwaycollege.school.nz | www.waicol.co.nz |
The verdict
- •Solway College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (67.9 vs 47.1).
- •Solway College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (431 vs 479).
- •Wairarapa College does better on roll size (935 vs 211).
- •Solway College does better on roll growth (5 years) (17.9% vs -12.2%).
- •Wairarapa College is the larger school with 935 students compared with 211.
- •Solway College is a state integrated school while Wairarapa College is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Solway College is girls and Wairarapa College is co-educational.
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 Solway College better than Wairarapa College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Solway College ranks higher (67.9 vs 47.1 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 Solway College and Wairarapa College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Masterton and Masterton in Wellington.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Solway College: 431. Wairarapa College: 479. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Solway College and Wairarapa College rank in Wellington?
Solway College is 23rd of 46 and Wairarapa College is 32nd of 46 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).