Waihi College
Secondary (Year 7-15) · State
- Year levels
- 7–13
- Total roll
- 552
- Enrolment zone
- No
- Gender
- Co-Educational
Where is it, and how do I get in touch?
- Address
- Kensington Road, Waihi
- Territorial authority
- Hauraki District
- Phone
- 07-8638349
- principal@waihicol.school.nz
- Directions
- Get directions
Other schools nearby: schools in Waikato
What would the day look like?
The practical things this school states on its own website — the hours, the uniform, the term dates, and how children get there. These are the school’s own words, not the Ministry’s record and not ERO’s.
Quoted from this school’s own website, as we read it on 13 August 2026. A web page carries no date of its own, so that is the day we read it — not a statement that any of this is still the case. Each line quotes the words it came from.
- Uniform
- Required
Only Waihi College sweatshirts and school jackets are to be worn as outerwear. Hoodies (including Waihi College sports hoodies) and puffer jackets are not part of the school uniform and cannot be worn during the school day.
- Required
- Where to buy the uniform
- https://wcol.uniformgroup.co.nz/
Uniforms can be purchased online at: [https://wcol.uniformgroup.co.nz/](https://wcol.uniformgroup.co.nz/)
- https://wcol.uniformgroup.co.nz/
- Getting there
- Here are our current bus routes. If you have any queries, please contact Sue in the office on 07 863 8349. Bus 9 – Tauranga Road Bus 10 – Bowentown Bus 11 – Golden Valley and East End Bus 12 – Waihi Beach North End Bus 13 – Waihi Beach Seaforth Road Bus 14 – Waikino
- How to enrol
- https://www.waihicol.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/New-Enrolment-form-2.pdf
Enrolment Form: [Enrolment Form 2026](https://www.waihicol.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/New-Enrolment-form-2.pdf)
- https://www.waihicol.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/New-Enrolment-form-2.pdf
What does the school say about itself?
Quoted, not summarised. Every school describes itself well, so this is here to be read as the school’s own case rather than as a finding — and a school that states nothing simply has no row.
Quoted from this school’s own website, as we read it on 13 August 2026. A web page carries no date of its own, so that is the day we read it — not a statement that any of this is still the case. Each line quotes the words it came from.
- In their words
- Waihi College supports students on their life long journey to develop the knowledge, skills and characteristics that form the foundation of success today and in the future. Cornerstone to the success of our students is the strength of relationships formed between the school, whānau and community which support each student to reach excellence in their chosen field of endeavour.
- International students
- Accepted, as stated
The following fee information is for all new applications to Waihi College International for enrolment between January 2026 and December 2026.
- Accepted, as stated
What is on offer beyond the classroom?
The sports, arts, clubs and groups this school names on its own website. Not a complete list of what any school offers, and not a count — a school that names more here has written more down, which is not the same as doing more.
Quoted from this school’s own website, as we read it on 13 August 2026. A web page carries no date of its own, so that is the day we read it — not a statement that any of this is still the case. Each line quotes the words it came from.
- On offer
- Rippa
Rippa is played by girls and boys in Years 7 and 8.
- 1st XV
1st XV: Playing shorts & socks are provided but players can also purchase their own through the office/TIC
- Netball
Netball · Netipōro - Waihi College
- Basketball
Basketball · Pāhiketepaoro - Waihi College
- Hockey
Hockey, Football and Rugby socks can be purchased through the Uniform Shop.
- Football
Hockey, Football and Rugby socks can be purchased through the Uniform Shop.
- Rippa
Who goes here?
Ethnicity breakdown of the total roll, shown as context. Not ranked, and not compared against any average.
- European
- 417
- Māori
- 220
- Pacific
- 27
- Asian
- 56
- MELAA
- 5
- Other
- 3
- International
- 13
Roll by year level and age
Shown as context, not ranked, not compared to any average. As at 30 June 2026, from the same annual return as the roll count above.
| Māori | Pacific | Asian | MELAA | Other | European/ Pākehā | International students | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 07 | 37 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 0 | 87 |
| Year 08 | 38 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 77 | 0 | 91 |
| Year 09 | 39 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 80 | 0 | 96 |
| Year 10 | 37 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 72 | 0 | 87 |
| Year 11 | 36 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 46 | 4 | 77 |
| Year 12 | 23 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 60 | 8 | 85 |
| Year 13+ | 14 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 4 | 49 |
| Total | 224 | 32 | 49 | 4 | 2 | 435 | 16 | 572 |
| Māori | Pacific | Asian | MELAA | Other | European/ Pākehā | International students | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Age 11 | 24 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 0 | 68 |
| Age 12 | 41 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 69 | 0 | 86 |
| Age 13 | 35 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 72 | 0 | 91 |
| Age 14 | 41 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 85 | 0 | 99 |
| Age 15 | 36 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 47 | 2 | 72 |
| Age 16 | 31 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 60 | 7 | 89 |
| Age 17 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 33 | 6 | 47 |
| Age 18 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 19 |
| Total | 224 | 32 | 49 | 4 | 2 | 435 | 16 | 572 |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0
Academic results
Percentage with NCEA level 1 or above — 2025
89.8%
| Waihi College | 89.8% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 84.2% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 89.6% |
| State: Not integrated | 83.6% |
| New Zealand | 85.2% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 88.6% |
|---|---|
| Male | 90.9% |
| Māori | 87.5% |
| Pacific | 100% |
| Asian | Too few to report |
| MELAA | Too few to report |
| Other | Not applicable |
| European/Pākehā | 87.1% |
| Total | 89.8% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison NCEA level 1 data (2023-2025)
Percentage with NCEA level 2 or above — 2025
80.7%
| Waihi College | 80.7% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 75.7% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 83.3% |
| State: Not integrated | 75.4% |
| New Zealand | 77.8% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 81.8% |
|---|---|
| Male | 79.5% |
| Māori | 68.8% |
| Pacific | 85.7% |
| Asian | Too few to report |
| MELAA | Too few to report |
| Other | Not applicable |
| European/Pākehā | 81.4% |
| Total | 80.7% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison NCEA level 2 data (2023-2025)
Percentage with NCEA level 3 or above — 2025
43.2%
| Waihi College | 43.2% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 51.3% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 64.5% |
| State: Not integrated | 55.2% |
| New Zealand | 59% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 61.4% |
|---|---|
| Male | 25% |
| Māori | 31.3% |
| Pacific | 57.1% |
| Asian | Too few to report |
| MELAA | Too few to report |
| Other | Not applicable |
| European/Pākehā | 41.4% |
| Total | 43.2% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison NCEA level 3 data (2023-2025)
Percentage with VP Award — 2025
28.4%
| Waihi College | 28.4% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 15.1% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 14.7% |
| State: Not integrated | 14.4% |
| New Zealand | 14.1% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 29.5% |
|---|---|
| Male | 27.3% |
| Māori | 21.9% |
| Pacific | 42.9% |
| Asian | Too few to report |
| MELAA | Too few to report |
| Other | Not applicable |
| European/Pākehā | 28.6% |
| Total | 28.4% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison Vocational Pathway data (2023-2025)
Retention
Percentage staying until at least 17th birthday — 2025
70.5%
| Waihi College | 70.5% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 77.4% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 83.1% |
| State: Not integrated | 81.4% |
| New Zealand | 83% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 77.3% |
|---|---|
| Male | 63.6% |
| Māori | 62.5% |
| Pacific | 100% |
| Asian | Too few to report |
| MELAA | Too few to report |
| Other | Not applicable |
| European/Pākehā | 68.6% |
| Total | 70.5% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison trend data (2023-2025)
— 2024
not reported
| Female | not reported |
|---|---|
| Male | not reported |
| Māori | not reported |
| Pacific | not reported |
| Asian | not reported |
| MELAA | not reported |
| Other | not reported |
| European/Pākehā | not reported |
| Total | not reported |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 1: School leavers enrolled in tertiary education one year after leaving school (2022-2024 leaver cohorts)
— 2023
not reported
| Female | not reported |
|---|---|
| Male | not reported |
| Māori | not reported |
| Pacific | not reported |
| Asian | not reported |
| MELAA | not reported |
| Other | not reported |
| European/Pākehā | not reported |
| Total | not reported |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: School leavers enrolled in tertiary education two years after leaving school (2021-2023 leaver cohorts)
— 2024
not reported
| Female | not reported |
|---|---|
| Male | not reported |
| Māori | not reported |
| Pacific | not reported |
| Asian | not reported |
| MELAA | not reported |
| Other | not reported |
| European/Pākehā | not reported |
| Total | not reported |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 1: School leavers enrolled in tertiary education one year after leaving school (2022-2024 leaver cohorts)
— 2023
not reported
| Female | not reported |
|---|---|
| Male | not reported |
| Māori | not reported |
| Pacific | not reported |
| Asian | not reported |
| MELAA | not reported |
| Other | not reported |
| European/Pākehā | not reported |
| Total | not reported |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: School leavers enrolled in tertiary education two years after leaving school (2021-2023 leaver cohorts)
Student engagement
Age-standardised stand-down rate per 1,000 students — 2024
75.2%
| Waihi College | 75.2% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 53.9% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 43.4% |
| State | 40.2% |
| New Zealand | 37.1% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 61.6% |
|---|---|
| Male | 88.4% |
| Māori | 135.3% |
| Pacific | 109.2% |
| Asian | 16.9% |
| Other | 0% |
| European/Pākehā | 54.9% |
| Total | 75.2% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison stand-down rates data (2024)
Age-standardised suspension rate per 1,000 students — 2024
6.7%
| Waihi College | 6.7% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 6.6% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 4.6% |
| State | 4.5% |
| New Zealand | 4.1% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 11.6% |
|---|---|
| Male | 1.9% |
| Māori | 13.7% |
| Pacific | 0% |
| Asian | 0% |
| Other | 0% |
| European/Pākehā | 3.7% |
| Total | 6.7% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison suspension rates data (2024)
Age-standardised exclusion rate per 1,000 students — 2024
3.3%
| Waihi College | 3.3% |
|---|---|
| Waikato Region | 2.4% |
| Secondary (Year 7-15) | 2% |
| State | 1.9% |
| New Zealand | 1.8% |
Trend and demographic breakdown
| Female | 6.6% |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Māori | 5.1% |
| Pacific | 0% |
| Asian | 0% |
| Other | 0% |
| European/Pākehā | 2.9% |
| Total | 3.3% |
Source: Education Counts, Ministry of Education, CC BY 4.0 — Table 2: Comparison exclusion data (2024)
About the school
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 485
- Boarding
- No
- Language of instruction
- All students taught in English/other setting
- Urban / rural
- Small urban area
- Date opened
- 31 January 1954
The Equity Index is used by the Ministry to allocate equity funding. It describes the socio-economic barriers a school’s students face, not how good the school is. How the Equity Index works
What did ERO find?
The Education Review Office reviews every school and publishes what it finds in full. We quote ERO’s report here, section by section, in ERO’s own words and order, and link to it. We do not summarise a report, pick a line out of one, or turn one into a score. How ERO reviews schools
- Reports ERO holds
- 4
- Last reviewed
- 7 August 2023
- Latest report
- Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report
- Report type
- Profile report
- Board assurance
- The board attested to all areas (7 August 2023)
A board assurance statement is the board’s own account of whether it took all reasonable steps to meet its legal obligations, on the date shown. It is not ERO’s finding. ERO reports separately, in the same report, on any non-compliance it identified during that process.
The board assurance report of 7 August 2023 carries no actions-for-compliance section — the section ERO uses when it names non-compliance it identified. That is what this report contains; it is not ERO saying it found none. Other reports ERO holds for this school may say something different.
The roll ERO recorded, and when
ERO writes a roll into each report it publishes: a count taken for that report, on the day shown, by the review team that was there. The Ministry of Education’s current roll for this school is 552 — the figure at the top of this page, and the one to use for how big the school is now. These are a different measurement by a different body, so they will rarely agree, and a difference between them is not a change in the school.
June 2017
697
Counted while ERO’s review team was at the school. Education Review Office, report of 10 August 2017
This is one count taken for one report. It says what the roll was on that day, and nothing about how the roll has moved.
What ERO wrote in its latest report
This is ERO’s report of 7 August 2023 — “Te Ara Huarau | School Profile Report” — section by section, under ERO’s own headings, in ERO’s own order. Nothing is summarised, shortened or reordered.
Background
This Profile Report was written within 18 months of the Education Review Office and Waihi College working in Te Ara Huarau, an improvement evaluation approach used in most English Medium State and State Integrated Schools. For more information about Te Ara Huarau see ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz
Context
Waihi College, a rural co-educational school for Years 7 to 13, is located in the town of Waihi. Its core values are manaakitanga , katiakitanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga .
Waihi College’s strategic priorities for improving outcomes for learners are:
Katiakitanga; protecting and preserving our taonga tuku iho (things that are important to them). Meeting every student’s physical, cultural, and educational needs.
Manaakitanga ; resilience, respect, humility, kindness, honesty, and generosity.
Whanaungatanga ; knowing who they we are and what our relationships are to each other
Kotahitanga ; doings things together for the benefit of all.
You can find a copy of the school’s strategic and annual plan on Waihi College’s website.
ERO and the school are working together to evaluate the extent to which annual goals are realised and impact on learner outcomes. ERO’s Effective School Evaluation Framework will be used as reference for improvement.
The rationale for selecting this evaluation is:
school leaders recognise that there needs to be a more coherent approach to evaluating the impact of initiatives, goals and targets in place
using the Effective School Evaluation Framework allows for a much clearer process to identify learner outcomes, set priorities, and develop a process to undertake ongoing evaluation of progress.
The school expects to see:
a more aligned approach to school review and improvement
greater parity in achievement for all learners
teachers working alongside students to develop a clear understanding of their pathways through the school and into further education, training, or employment.
Strengths
The school can draw from the following strengths to support the school in its goal to evaluate the impact of their actions to improve outcomes for students:
designing and implementing specific programmes to meet the needs of students to engage and be successful, through specialised courses, in their individual pathways
staff - student relationships that personalise learning; teachers respond to the needs of learners
supported transition programs through the Te Ara Hou programme.
Where to next?
Moving forward, the school will prioritise:
building on teachers’ capability to deliver a localised curriculum
further refining the range of diverse programmes to best meet the needs of students
embedding the goals and aspirations of the recently reviewed charter to drive coherent, forward thinking, planning and actions for improved student outcomes.
ERO’s role will be to support the school in its evaluation for improvement cycle to improve outcomes for all learners. ERO will support the school in reporting their progress to the community. The next public report on ERO’s website will be a Te Ara Huarau | School Evaluation Report and is due within three years.
Shelley Booysen Director of Schools
7 August 2023
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home
Read the full report on ero.govt.nz →
All 4 reports ERO holds for this school
ERO reviews a school every few years — around four years between reviews is the usual cycle — so an older date here reflects where a school sits in that cycle, not how it is doing.
Source: Education Review Office, CC BY 4.0.
Roll date: 30 June 2026 (2026).