With a roll of 416[1] in November 2024, the college has been recognised for achieving success in spite of its Decile 4 ranking.

[5] In 1918 during the influenza epidemic, one of the teachers Cybele Kirk converted the assembly hall into a clinic holding 30 beds.

As New Zealand's school-age population grew markedly after the Second World War, there was growing public pressure to establish a school in the region.

The school engages closely with Ngāti Raukawa, including through the board of trustees, learning plans, and in the college's tikanga and kawa.

[12][13] Ōtaki College has produced several national representative sportspeople, including Olympic Kayaker John MacDonald, Commonwealth Games high-jumper Kelley O'Hagan, and Silver Fern Katarina Cooper.