The Evidence is in: Data for the School Leavers of Every High-School in NZ

I have spent the last month acquiring and processing significant data on the leavers of every high school in New Zealand – with great help from the good people at Education Counts. This is far more important than the cohort data (by Year level) that comes out in February.

As I reflected on this earlier this week with some of NZ's top educators the highlight was that there were schools in every decile achieving highly (as well as many most certainly not) which smashes the myth that poverty precludes education success.

(Credit: Education Counts)

Top schools in each decile by University Entrance achievement (schools with 75 or more students).

Decile 10. Diocesan School for Girls

Decile 9. Woodford House

Decile 8. St Peter's College (Epsom)

Decile 7. Marist College (Auckland)

Decile 6. St Catherine's College (Kilbirnie)

Decile 5. Manukura

Decile 4. College

Decile 3. Zayed College for Girls

Decile 2. St Paul's College (Ponsonby)

Decile 1. McAuley High School (Otahuhu)

I will let the reader draw conclusions. McAuley's results exceeded that of 20 of NZ's Decile 9 and 10 schools.

Baradene College and St Margaret's College are the best at getting students into degree Level study.

On the down side there are a lot of schools that have a HUGE amount to improve upon plus attendance is even worse than is being generally told. In Term 1 of this year only 22% of Decile 1 students were fully attending.

I have had the processes checked by two of Australasia's best education analysts. 

The aim is very much to motivate change and improvement for those currently missing out as well as affirming the very good aspects of our system – and helping to put the spotlight on great practice that can then be shared.

The data is in spreadsheet form and includes sheets for all high schools on:

– high-school size – largest to smallest

– Level 3 NCEA and above percentage for school leavers for each school 2018-21 (ranked highest to lowest for 2021).

– UE percentage for school leavers for each school 2018-21 (ranked highest to lowest for 2021).

– Each school's UE percentage for leavers for 2021 compared to decile mean and mean.

– Level 3 NCEA and above gap to UE for leavers 2018-21 and ranked smallest to largest for 2021.

– Retention percentage until 17 years of age for each school and ranked highest to lowest.

– Percentage for each school of their leavers going onto L7+ Degree study in 2020 – ranked highest to lowest.

– The anonymised data mean for full attendance across deciles 2018-2022 (T1).

– UE percentage by school governance and school type.

 Uses for the data 

– for policy writers and influencers to be fully informed about the state of play.

– for all school leaders and management to have a better understanding of the NZ system.

– for Primary/Intermediate school leaders and management to have a better understanding of the schools their students may go to and to be able to better inform/prepare students and families.

– For high schools to better evaluate their situation/progress – plan for improvement with accuracy and seek the right kind of support from the Ministry and the Community.

– For every parent to better understand the schools their children are attending – or are looking to attend.

The information is of high value educationally and has taken a considerable amount of time and expertise. I can make it available for use within a school (under copyright) or professional organisation at a relatively small price.

For personal use happy to supply on a donation basis.

Please email me for details: alwyn.poole@gmail.com

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