Buller High School vs Reefton Area School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in West Coast, New Zealand, 46 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Buller High School
Westport · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
348 students
Reefton Area School
Reefton · State composite · Years 1–13
172 students
| Measure | Buller High School Westport, West Coast | Reefton Area School Reefton, West Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 39 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #5 of 7 | #7 of 7 |
| National rank | #310 of 486 | #326 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Composite |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 348 | 172 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 487 | 504 |
| Total roll | 348 | 172 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 10.4% | 19.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 68.6% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 45.3% | – |
| Māori students | 23.9% | 21.5% |
| Pacific students | 2.3% | 1.7% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Westport | Reefton |
| region | West Coast | West Coast |
| Website | www.buller.ac.nz/ | www.ras.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Buller High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (39.4 vs 37.0).
- •Buller High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (487 vs 504).
- •Buller High School does better on roll size (348 vs 172).
- •Reefton Area School does better on roll growth (5 years) (19.7% vs 10.4%).
- •Buller High School is the larger school with 348 students compared with 172.
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 Buller High School better than Reefton Area School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Buller High School ranks higher (39.4 vs 37.0 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 Buller High School and Reefton Area School?
About 46 km in a straight line, between Westport and Reefton in West Coast.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Buller High School: 487. Reefton Area School: 504. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Buller High School and Reefton Area School rank in West Coast?
Buller High School is 5th of 7 and Reefton Area School is 7th of 7 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in West Coast on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).