Skip to content
s schoolsnearme.co.nz

Schools in Tauranga

Bay of Plenty · New Zealand

There are 41 schools in and around Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) — 28 primary, 2 intermediate, 10 secondary. Suzanne Aubert Catholic 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.

41 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.

Top 30 schools in Tauranga 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.

  1. 1
    Suzanne Aubert Catholic School logo
    Suzanne Aubert Catholic School

    Papamoa · Contributing · 207 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    90

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    100
    ERO review
    75
  2. 2
    TKKM o Otepou logo
    TKKM o Otepou

    Tauranga Central · Full Primary · 71 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)

    89

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    83
    ERO review
    83
  3. 3
    TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri logo
    TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri

    Welcome Bay · Composite · 268 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)

    87

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    86
    Outcomes
    Retention
    72
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    100
    ERO review
    83
  4. 4
    Keenan Road Primary School (Proposed)

    Pyes Pa · Full Primary · — students · EQI unknown

    87

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    ERO review
    75
  5. 5
    Aquinas College logo
    Aquinas College

    Pyes Pa · Secondary (Year 7-15) · 831 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    83

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    92
    Outcomes
    72
    Retention
    90
    Wellbeing
    84
    Trajectory
    58
    ERO review
    85
  6. 6
    Taumata School logo
    Taumata School

    Pyes Pa · Full Primary · 708 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    82

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    67
    Trajectory
    100
    ERO review
    84
  7. 7
    St Mary's Catholic School (Tauranga) logo
    St Mary's Catholic School (Tauranga)

    Tauranga · Contributing · 486 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    79

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    59
    ERO review
    72
  8. 8
    Tauranga Waldorf School logo
    Tauranga Waldorf School

    Welcome Bay · Full Primary · 203 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    78

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    94
    Trajectory
    49
    ERO review
    81
  9. 9
    Bethlehem College logo
    Bethlehem College

    Bethlehem · Composite · 2,050 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    77

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    86
    Outcomes
    63
    Retention
    88
    Wellbeing
    92
    Trajectory
    66
    ERO review
    33
  10. 10
    Tauranga Primary School logo
    Tauranga Primary School

    Tauranga · Contributing · 467 students · EQI 420–449

    75

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    88
    Trajectory
    49
    ERO review
    79
  11. 11
    Tauranga Adventist School logo
    Tauranga Adventist School

    Bethlehem · Full Primary · 120 students · EQI 420–449

    75

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    100
    Trajectory
    40
    ERO review
    74
  12. 12
    Matua School logo
    Matua School

    Matua · Contributing · 555 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    74

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    90
    Trajectory
    50
    ERO review
    76
  13. 13
    Tahatai Coast School logo
    Tahatai Coast School

    Papamoa · Contributing · 830 students · EQI 420–449

    74

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    73
    Trajectory
    57
    ERO review
    86
  14. 14
    Pahoia School logo
    Pahoia School

    Tauranga · Contributing · 181 students · EQI 420–449

    71

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    87
    Trajectory
    37
    ERO review
    79
  15. 15
    Bethlehem School logo
    Bethlehem School

    Bethlehem · Contributing · 440 students · EQI 420–449

    70

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    94
    Trajectory
    29
    ERO review
    74
  16. 16
    Ōtūmoetai Intermediate logo
    Ōtūmoetai Intermediate

    Otumoetai · Intermediate · 908 students · EQI 420–449

    70

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    74
    Trajectory
    46
    ERO review
    82
  17. 17
    Pillans Point School logo
    Pillans Point School

    Pillans Point · Contributing · 525 students · EQI <420 (most advantaged)

    70

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    71
    Trajectory
    43
    ERO review
    85
  18. 18
    Ōtūmoetai College logo
    Ōtūmoetai College

    Tauranga Central · Secondary (Year 9-15) · 1,961 students · EQI 450–474

    69

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    77
    Outcomes
    50
    Retention
    76
    Wellbeing
    76
    Trajectory
    60
    ERO review
    84
  19. 19
    Merivale School logo
    Merivale School

    Tauranga · Contributing · 177 students · EQI 510+ (most disadvantaged)

    69

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    71
    Trajectory
    59
    ERO review
    73
  20. 20
    Tauriko School logo
    Tauriko School

    Tauriko · Full Primary · 256 students · EQI 420–449

    68

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    79
    Trajectory
    27
    ERO review
    85
  21. 21
    Selwyn Ridge School logo
    Selwyn Ridge School

    Welcome Bay · Contributing · 489 students · EQI 420–449

    68

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    82
    Trajectory
    42
    ERO review
    72
  22. 22
    ACG Tauranga logo
    ACG Tauranga

    Pyes Pa · Composite · 409 students · EQI unknown

    67

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    88
    Outcomes
    14
    Retention
    81
    Wellbeing
    Trajectory
    100
    ERO review
    85
  23. 23
    Maungatapu School logo
    Maungatapu School

    Maungatapu-Tauranga · Contributing · 625 students · EQI 450–474

    66

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    68
    Trajectory
    57
    ERO review
    70
  24. 24
    Tauranga Special School logo
    Tauranga Special School

    Tauranga South · Specialist School · 121 students · EQI 475–509

    65

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    32
    Trajectory
    81
    ERO review
    85
  25. 25
    Tauranga Boys' College logo
    Tauranga Boys' College

    Tauranga · Secondary (Year 9-15) · 2,161 students · EQI 450–474

    64

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    71
    Outcomes
    49
    Retention
    70
    Wellbeing
    63
    Trajectory
    64
    ERO review
    80
  26. 26
    Papamoa College logo
    Papamoa College

    Papamoa · Secondary (Year 7-15) · 1,766 students · EQI 450–474

    64

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    73
    Outcomes
    41
    Retention
    74
    Wellbeing
    62
    Trajectory
    70
    ERO review
    85
  27. 27
    Tauranga Girls' College logo
    Tauranga Girls' College

    Gate Pa · Secondary (Year 9-15) · 1,399 students · EQI 450–474

    62

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Academic
    74
    Outcomes
    46
    Retention
    77
    Wellbeing
    40
    Trajectory
    54
    ERO review
    83
  28. 28
    Tauranga Intermediate logo
    Tauranga Intermediate

    The Avenues · Intermediate · 1,262 students · EQI 475–509

    62

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    63
    Trajectory
    41
    ERO review
    75
  29. 29
    Ōtūmoetai Primary School logo
    Ōtūmoetai Primary School

    Otumoetai · Contributing · 571 students · EQI 420–449

    60

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    54
    Trajectory
    45
    ERO review
    74
  30. 30
    Greenpark School (Tauranga) logo
    Greenpark School (Tauranga)

    Greerton · Contributing · 722 students · EQI 420–449

    59

    / 100 composite

    View profile →
    Wellbeing
    63
    Trajectory
    37
    ERO review
    70

More schools in Tauranga

The rest of Tauranga'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.

What the record says about Tauranga schools

Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.

TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri

TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri is a composite school providing education grounded in Te Aho Matua philosophy and traditional Māori values. The May 2023 ERO review found tamariki achieving success with authentic, experiential learning programmes including māra kai and waka voyaging, strong whānau engagement through the Tūmatakōkiri framework, and a supportive distributive leadership model. The school's composite score is 83.

Full source-linked profile →

Aquinas College

The board confirmed meeting regulatory and legislative requirements across all areas in the March 2024 ERO board assurance review. One area of non-compliance was identified regarding police vetting procedures for non-teaching staff, which the board has since addressed. No active Ministry of Education intervention is in place.

Full source-linked profile →

Taumata School

Taumata School's 2021 ERO review found most students achieve at or above curriculum expectation in reading, writing and mathematics, with accelerated progress for those starting below expectation. The school has strong academic monitoring, collaborative leadership promoting a shared vision, and responsive partnerships with Māori students and Ngai Tamarawaho. High attendance levels and flexible learning environments support student success, with an overall composite score of 84.

Full source-linked profile →

Tauranga Waldorf School

Tauranga Waldorf School received a Te Ara Huarau review in March 2023, with a composite score of 81. The school demonstrates collective capacity focused on community needs, a coherent curriculum emphasising inclusivity and wellbeing through arts and land-based learning, and highly effective teaching that addresses the holistic development of all children.

Full source-linked 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 →

Tahatai Coast School

Tahatai Coast School is a contributing school in Papamoa with 830 students. An ERO board assurance review in May 2023 confirmed the Board of Trustees had met regulatory and legislative requirements as of March 2022, with board administration and curriculum requirements confirmed.

Full source-linked profile →

Pillans Point School

Pillans Point School's board has attested to meeting all regulatory and legislative requirements as of March 2023, with confirmed compliance in board administration and curriculum requirements. The school had no composite score assigned at the time of this review.

Full source-linked profile →

Ōtūmoetai College

Ōtūmoetai College's 2022 ERO review focused on international student support. The school has a highly experienced International Student Department with well-embedded practices supporting the wellbeing, achievement and inclusion of international students through a wide range of activities. At the time of review, 34 international students were enrolled, a significant reduction from pre-pandemic numbers.

Full source-linked profile →

Tauriko School

Tauriko School's 2022 ERO review found experienced leadership, stable staffing, and strong systems supporting individualised learning in an inclusive environment. The school uses evidence to inform improvement and prioritises learning-centred relationships with students, teachers and whānau. The school is currently subject to a limited statutory manager intervention by the Ministry of Education.

Full source-linked profile →

Selwyn Ridge School

Selwyn Ridge School's 2022 ERO review focused on international students and found the school attested compliance with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. International students have equitable access to the curriculum with positive learning opportunities, and students are well supported in transitioning to intermediate education.

Full source-linked profile →

ACG Tauranga

ERO's special review in December 2024 confirmed ACG Tauranga meets all criteria for private school registration under the Education and Training Act 2020. The school maintains suitable premises, staffing, and equipment, with regularly reviewed policies supporting student safety. The school has strong support systems for international students across pastoral, academic, and extra-curricular areas. The school's composite score is 85.

Full source-linked profile →

Frequently asked questions about Tauranga schools

What schools are in Tauranga?

Tauranga has 41 schools on our records (28 primary, 2 intermediate, 10 secondary): Bethlehem College, Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga Boys' College, Tauranga Girls' College, Aquinas College, Taumata School, TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri, ACG Tauranga, Suzanne Aubert Catholic School, Tauranga Waldorf School, Bellevue School (Tauranga), Bethlehem School, and more. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.

What is the best school in Tauranga?

On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Suzanne Aubert Catholic School ranks highest among Tauranga schools (90/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Aquinas 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 Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga address.

Decile or EQI — how are Tauranga 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).