Schools in Porirua
Wellington · New Zealand
There are 37 schools in and around Porirua (Wellington) — 27 primary, 2 intermediate, 6 secondary. Mahinawa Specialist School and Resource Centre 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.
37 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Browse Porirua schools by suburb
13 Porirua suburbs have their own schools page.
- Schools in Ascot Park 1
- Schools in Cannons Creek 4
- Schools in Elsdon 1
- Schools in Papakowhai 1
- Schools in Paremata 1
- Schools in Pauatahanui 1
- Schools in Plimmerton 2
- Schools in Porirua East 6
- Schools in Pukerua Bay 1
- Schools in Takapuwahia 1
- Schools in Titahi Bay 5
- Schools in Waitangirua 3
- Schools in Whitby 5
Top 30 schools in Porirua 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.
- 1Mahinawa Specialist School and Resource Centre
Porirua · Specialist School · 148 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)
View profile →92
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory100ERO review79 - View profile →
86
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory90ERO review72 - View profile →
84
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory76ERO review75 - View profile →
83
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory70ERO review75 - 5St Theresa's School (Plimmerton)
Plimmerton · Contributing · 204 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)
View profile →80
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory59ERO review75 - View profile →
79
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory40ERO review86 - View profile →
78
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory48ERO review77 - 8Porirua Activity Centre
Porirua · Activity Centre · — students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)
View profile →78
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory—ERO review58 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory42ERO review78 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Academic79Outcomes—Retention73Wellbeing82Trajectory61ERO review85 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing92Trajectory53ERO review80 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory34ERO review84 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory49ERO review75 - 14Glenview School (Porirua East)
Porirua East · Contributing · 102 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)
View profile →76
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory54ERO review69 - View profile →
75
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory40ERO review76 - View profile →
74
/ 100 composite
Academic81Outcomes52Retention81Wellbeing81Trajectory82ERO review85 - View profile →
74
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory37ERO review75 - View profile →
73
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory51ERO review63 - View profile →
73
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory24ERO review79 - View profile →
72
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing90Trajectory42ERO review74 - View profile →
72
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory28ERO review75 - View profile →
70
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory10ERO review81 - View profile →
70
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing77Trajectory40ERO review82 - View profile →
69
/ 100 composite
Academic92Outcomes11Retention92Wellbeing—Trajectory100ERO review80 - 25Russell School (Porirua East)
Cannons Creek · Contributing · 112 students · EQI 475–509
View profile →68
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory37ERO review60 - View profile →
66
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing49Trajectory75ERO review75 - View profile →
65
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing77Trajectory31ERO review75 - View profile →
65
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing85Trajectory11ERO review81 - View profile →
59
/ 100 composite
Academic82Outcomes8Retention83Wellbeing35Trajectory100ERO review75 - View profile →
58
/ 100 composite
Academic72Outcomes23Retention78Wellbeing60Trajectory58ERO review75
More schools in Porirua
The rest of Porirua's schools — some scored, some without a composite score yet (often small rolls or limited scored data). Every one has a full source-linked profile.
- Porirua College Secondary (Year 9-15) · 584 students
- Natone Park School Contributing · 106 students
- Cannons Creek School Contributing · 143 students
- Ngati Toa School Contributing · 143 students
- Windley School Full Primary · 207 students
- St Pius X School (Titahi Bay) Contributing · 26 students
- Porirua Montessori Primary School Full Primary · 9 students
What the record says about Porirua schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Wellington S D A School
Wellington S D A School is a full primary school in Porirua with 113 students. The Board of Trustees' December 2024 assurance review confirmed that the school meets all regulatory and legislative requirements, with Board Administration and Curriculum requirements verified as of September 2024. No composite score is currently available.
Full source-linked profile →Tairangi School
Tairangi School's 2024 ERO review found most learners achieve at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics, though senior learners show lower achievement than juniors. Māori and Pacific learners achieve at similar levels to their peers, and the school provides an inclusive environment supporting student wellbeing. School leaders focus on improving outcomes for at-risk learners through evidence-informed planning and authentic learning opportunities.
Full source-linked profile →Porirua Activity Centre
Porirua Activity Centre had a special ERO review in 2017 (composite score: 58). The centre's strengths include its values of Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Akoranga and Te Ara Whakatia being integral to daily practice, strong relationships with Tawa College, and caring, collaborative staff. Key findings noted that approximately 25% of students transition back to school with limited demonstrable progress in literacy and numeracy, Individual Learning Programmes were not completed for all students as required, and the managing board's evaluation could be more focused on responsiveness to student needs.
Full source-linked profile →Adventure School
Adventure School's most recent ERO review (August 2022) identified strengths in collaborative staff culture, trust-based relationships, and effective monitoring systems for student learning. The school has demonstrated success in lifting teaching quality and student outcomes. Leaders and teachers have identified the need to further strengthen mathematics teaching and student engagement.
Full source-linked profile →Postgate School
Postgate School's 2022 ERO review found the school has well-considered strategic planning focused on improving outcomes for all learners, supported by a transparent inquiry framework built on relational trust. The school demonstrates committed learning-centred partnerships with whānau and the wider community, and has been strengthening staff capability following the appointment of five new leaders in 2021. No composite score was available at the time of review.
Full source-linked profile →Aotea College
Aotea College's 2023 ERO review of its international student provision found effective pastoral care processes, established systems for stakeholder voice, and thorough induction and support documentation. International students report feeling heard and supported. The school has a composite score of 85.
Full source-linked profile →Paremata School
Paremata School's November 2024 ERO review found most students achieve at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics, with Pacific students achieving at higher rates than their peers. Leaders use regular student data analysis to drive improvements, and teachers employ evidence-based practices to accelerate progress. The school is working on targeted interventions to reduce achievement disparities for Māori students in writing.
Full source-linked profile →Pukerua Bay School
Pukerua Bay School's 2024 ERO review found a collaborative staff committed to improving learner outcomes, with leadership that supports teachers to build capacity and enhance practice. The school has staff strengths across a range of curriculum areas. The school's composite score is 74.
Full source-linked profile →Titahi Bay School
Titahi Bay School, a contributing school with 370 students, received an ERO review in September 2023. The school demonstrates positive relationships with students and whānau that support learning engagement, well-known values consistently enacted to support student wellbeing, and engagement with local iwi that strengthens understanding of the area's history. The school has a composite score of 75.
Full source-linked profile →Whitby Collegiate
Whitby Collegiate is a secondary school in Porirua with a roll of 352 students. An ERO special review in February 2021 found the school meets all eight registration criteria for private schools under the Education Act 1989. The school has suitable premises, staffing, and equipment appropriate to its curriculum and student level.
Full source-linked profile →Bishop Viard College
Bishop Viard College is a Year 7-15 secondary school in Porirua with 389 students. The school systematically tracks individual student progress and achievement data to identify students needing additional support. An effective teacher profile based on building learning relationships has been developed, and a significant proportion of staff are proficient in Pacific languages and Te Reo Māori, supporting the language learning needs of many students. The school is currently under active limited statutory manager intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Full source-linked profile →Mana College
Mana College achieved significant improvement in NCEA outcomes since 2014, with most students gaining Level 1 and Level 2, and narrowing achievement gaps between groups at junior levels. The school has strong leadership supporting innovation and a collaborative culture responsive to student cultures and wellbeing. A limited statutory manager is currently active at the school.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Porirua schools
What schools are in Porirua?
Porirua has 37 schools on our records (27 primary, 2 intermediate, 6 secondary): Aotea College, Mana College, Porirua College, Bishop Viard College, Whitby Collegiate, Adventure School, Te Kura Māori o Porirua, Brandon Intermediate, Cannons Creek School, Corinna School, Discovery School, Glenview School (Porirua East), and more. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Porirua?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Mahinawa Specialist School and Resource Centre ranks highest among Porirua schools (92/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Bishop Viard 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 Porirua?
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 Porirua 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 Porirua address.
Decile or EQI — how are Porirua 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).