Schools in Bethlehem
Tauranga · Bay of Plenty
There are 4 schools in and around Bethlehem, Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) — 2 primary, 2 secondary. Bethlehem College is the highest-scoring on the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite, which compares every school against its EQI peer group. Each profile is source-linked to Education Counts, ERO and the Ministry of Education.
4 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Schools in Bethlehem ranked by value-added score
The SchoolsNearMe composite scores every level against its EQI peer group, so it surfaces schools that get the most out of their students — not just the most advantaged intake. How it's calculated.
- View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Academic86Outcomes63Retention88Wellbeing92Trajectory66ERO review33 - View profile →
75
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory40ERO review74 - View profile →
70
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing94Trajectory29ERO review74 - 4Te Wharekura o Mauao
Bethlehem · Secondary (Year 7-15) · 280 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)
View profile →57
/ 100 composite
Academic87Outcomes10Retention84Wellbeing14Trajectory73ERO review84
What the record says about Bethlehem schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Bethlehem College
Bethlehem College's December 2023 special ERO review found the school has not yet balanced its stated beliefs with obligations under the Education and Training Act, particularly regarding support for LGBTQIA+ students. Some current and former students reported feeling harmed by bullying related to sexual orientation, with limited acknowledgement of these obligations in school policies and training. Despite these concerns, many teachers, staff and parents report positive experiences, and leaders have introduced a restructured pastoral care system. The school's composite score is 33.
Full source-linked profile →Tauranga Adventist School
Tauranga Adventist School's 2022 ERO review found that the school's Christian character and vision create a positive culture for learning with strong student engagement and wellbeing. The school demonstrates effective leadership that supports consistent practices and ongoing professional development that builds staff capacity. The school has a composite score of 74.
Full source-linked profile →Te Wharekura o Mauao
Te Wharekura o Mauao's 2023 ERO review found that uri confidently demonstrate their identity through learning rooted in kōrero tuku iho of local iwi, with strong relationships between the kura, whānau, hapū and iwi. Strengths include meaningful learning experiences affirming uri identity, clear understanding of mana whenua responsibilities, and consistent tikanga practices. The school has a composite score of 84.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Bethlehem schools
What schools are in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem, Tauranga has 4 schools on our records (2 primary, 2 secondary): Bethlehem College, Bethlehem School, Tauranga Adventist School, Te Wharekura o Mauao. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Bethlehem?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Bethlehem College ranks highest among Bethlehem schools (77/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Te Wharekura o Mauao leads the local secondary schools. "Best" depends on what you value — compare profiles to weigh academic results, ERO trajectory, retention and wellbeing.
What is the school zone for Bethlehem?
Many New Zealand state schools operate an enrolment zone (home zone), so your home address — not just the suburb — determines which in-zone state schools you can enrol at. Living in Bethlehem does not guarantee a place at any particular school. Check each school's current zone with the school directly or use our by-address tool to see which schools cover a specific Bethlehem address.
Decile or EQI — how are Bethlehem schools rated for socio-economic need?
New Zealand replaced the decile system with the Equity Index (EQI) in 2023. A lower EQI means a more socio-economically advantaged community; a higher EQI means greater need. EQI is a funding tool, not a quality measure — a high-EQI school can outperform a low-EQI one. The SchoolsNearMe composite controls for EQI so a school serving a more disadvantaged community isn't unfairly penalised.
Source data: Education Counts (NCEA, retention, destinations, discipline, funding) · Ministry of Education (roll, EQI, identity) · Education Review Office (reviews).