Schools in Matamata
Waikato · New Zealand
There are 7 schools in and around Matamata (Waikato) — 4 primary, 1 intermediate, 2 secondary. Matamata Christian School 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.
7 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Schools in Matamata 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 →
95
/ 100 composite
Academic—Outcomes—Retention—Wellbeing100Trajectory100ERO review76 - View profile →
83
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory63ERO review80 - View profile →
64
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing53Trajectory70ERO review71 - View profile →
58
/ 100 composite
Academic66Outcomes45Retention70Wellbeing31Trajectory70ERO review85 - View profile →
51
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing24Trajectory55ERO review73 - View profile →
40
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing0Trajectory24ERO review84
More schools in Matamata
These schools don't yet have a composite score (often small rolls or limited scored data). Their full source-linked profiles are still available.
- St Joseph's Catholic School (Matamata) Full Primary · 26 students
What the record says about Matamata schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Matamata Christian School
Matamata Christian School's most recent ERO review (September 2024) found that most students achieve at or above expected curriculum levels in reading and mathematics, with the majority meeting expectations in writing. The school has a strong culture of belonging and positive behaviour, supported by collaborative leadership and inclusive learning environments. However, the ERO identified that while Māori student achievement has improved over time, disparities remain in reading, writing and mathematics. The school's composite score is 76.
Full source-linked profile →Matamata Primary School
The school's board confirmed in October 2024 that all regulatory and legislative requirements were met, including board administration and curriculum requirements. An ERO board assurance review was conducted on 4 February 2025. No composite score is currently available.
Full source-linked profile →Firth School
Firth School's Board of Trustees attested to meeting all regulatory and legislative requirements as of August 2022, with board administration and curriculum requirements confirmed as met in the November 2022 board assurance review. No composite score data is currently available for this school.
Full source-linked profile →Matamata College
Matamata College's Board attested to meeting regulatory and legislative requirements in Board Administration, Curriculum, and Health, Safety and Welfare. One area of non-compliance was identified regarding police vetting for non-teaching personnel, which the Board has taken steps to address. The school's most recent ERO review was a Board Assurance report in April 2024.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Matamata schools
What schools are in Matamata?
Matamata has 7 schools on our records (4 primary, 1 intermediate, 2 secondary): Matamata College, Matamata Christian School, Firth School, Matamata Intermediate, Matamata Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic School (Matamata), Te Poi School. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Matamata?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Matamata Christian School ranks highest among Matamata schools (95/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Matamata College 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 Matamata?
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 Matamata 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 Matamata address.
Decile or EQI — how are Matamata 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).