Schools in Manawatū-Whanganui (2026)
197 schools · 41,732 students · 168 state, 24 state integrated, 5 private · median Equity Index (EQI) 487.
Manawatū-Whanganui has 197 schools in New Zealand's 2026 data, together educating about 41,732 students. By level there are 114 full primary, 35 contributing, 21 secondary (year 9-15), 12 composite, 7 intermediate, 4 secondary (year 7-15), 2 teen parent unit, 1 special school, 1 activity centre; by sector 168 state, 24 state integrated, 5 private.
The median Equity Index (EQI) across Manawatū-Whanganui's schools is 487. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
144 of the 197 schools qualify for the Success Index (NZ). The highest-scoring is St Mary's School (P North) (81.4, top 10% of contributing schools nationally), followed by Cornerstone Christian School (79.5, top 10% of composite schools nationally), and St Johns Hill School (78.4, top 25% of contributing schools nationally). 2 schools sit in the top 10% of New Zealand for their type. Scores are percentiles within school type, so compare a primary school with other primary schools.
The largest schools are Palmerston North Boys' High School (1,794 students), Feilding High School (1,650 students), Whanganui High School (1,475 students). 7 schools are single-sex.
Schools are spread across 85 suburbs or towns, with the most in Palmerston North (22), Whanganui (18), Feilding (12), Levin (12).
Best primary schools in Manawatū-WhanganuiBest secondary schools in Manawatū-WhanganuiBest state schools in Manawatū-WhanganuiBest state integrated schools in Manawatū-Whanganui
Top 60 schools in Manawatū-Whanganui
Ordered by Success Index (NZ). Rank positions shown on each profile are within New Zealand and Manawatū-Whanganui. The remaining 84 ranked schools are listed below the table.
- 181St Mary's School (P North)Roslyn · State integrated ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 389 · 222 students
- 280Cornerstone Christian SchoolKelvin Grove · State integrated CompositeEquity Index (EQI) 417 · 612 students
- 378St Johns Hill SchoolWhanganui · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 416 · 415 students
- 478Palmerston North Girls' High SchoolPalmerston North · State Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 433 · 1,318 students
- 577Aokautere SchoolAokautere · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 393 · 162 students
- 677Palmerston North IntermediatePalmerston North · State IntermediateEquity Index (EQI) 426 · 751 students
- 775Nga Tawa Diocesan SchoolMarton · State integrated Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 431 · 193 students
- 872College Street Normal SchoolHokowhitu · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 409 · 623 students
- 972Russell Street SchoolPalmerston North · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 429 · 334 students
- 1070St Peter's College (Palmerston North)Milson · State integrated Secondary (Year 7-15)Equity Index (EQI) 436 · 789 students
- 1170Whanganui Collegiate SchoolWhanganui · State integrated Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 417 · 371 students
- 1268Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)Takaro · State integrated ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 422 · 161 students
- 1368Turitea SchoolTiritea · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 403 · 134 students
- 1468Mount Biggs SchoolFeilding · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 415 · 114 students
- 1567Palmerston North Boys' High SchoolPalmerston North · State Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 441 · 1,794 students
- 1666St James' Catholic School Te Kura Katorika o Hato HeemiHokowhitu · State integrated ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 410 · 143 students
- 1765Glen Oroua SchoolPalmerston North · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 415 · 75 students
- 1865Westmere School - WhanganuiWhanganui · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 427 · 238 students
- 1965Whakarongo SchoolPalmerston North · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 424 · 490 students
- 2065Winchester School (P North)Hokowhitu · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 420 · 342 students
- 2164Halcombe Primary SchoolHalcombe · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 427 · 195 students
- 2264Hiwinui SchoolPalmerston North · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 415 · 134 students
- 2363Hokowhitu SchoolPalmerston North · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 426 · 385 students
- 2463Riverdale School (P North)Awapuni · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 426 · 378 students
- 2562Colyton SchoolFeilding · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 433 · 154 students
- 2659Newbury SchoolPalmerston North · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 445 · 203 students
- 2759Faith City SchoolSpringvale · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 441 · 157 students
- 2858Mana TamarikiPalmerston North CBD · State CompositeEquity Index (EQI) 444 · 70 students
- 2958Mosston SchoolWestmere · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 444 · 181 students
- 3057St Anthony's School (Pahiatua)Pahiatua · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 441 · 128 students
- 3156Palmerston North Adventist Christian SchoolPalmerston North · State integrated ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 433 · 103 students
- 3255Whanganui High SchoolWhanganui · State Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 482 · 1,475 students
- 3355Opiki SchoolOpiki · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 435 · 113 students
- 3454West End School (P North)Palmerston North · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 458 · 358 students
- 3554St Joseph's School (Feilding)Feilding · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 435 · 74 students
- 3654St Joseph's School (Taihape)Taihape · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 435 · 79 students
- 3754Ruahine SchoolDannevirke · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 451 · 167 students
- 3854Parkland School (P North)Palmerston North · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 443 · 325 students
- 3952Cullinane CollegeWhanganui · State integrated Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 497 · 492 students
- 4052Manchester Street SchoolFeilding · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 449 · 404 students
- 4152Feilding High SchoolFeilding · State Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 472 · 1,650 students
- 4251South Makirikiri SchoolMarton · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 444 · 154 students
- 4351ManukuraPalmerston North · State Secondary (Year 9-15)Equity Index (EQI) 494 · 188 students
- 4451St Joseph's School (Levin)Levin · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 462 · 186 students
- 4550Fordell SchoolFordell · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 455 · 130 students
- 4650Kaitoke School (Wanganui)Whanganui · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 453 · 116 students
- 4750Ohakune SchoolOhakune · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 472 · 267 students
- 4849Hunterville Consolidated SchoolHunterville · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 446 · 116 students
- 4949Kairanga SchoolPalmerston North · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 449 · 155 students
- 5049Taonui SchoolFeilding · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 462 · 150 students
- 5149Ashhurst SchoolAshhurst · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 459 · 456 students
- 5248Koputaroa SchoolLevin · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 452 · 191 students
- 5347Central Normal SchoolPalmerston North · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 491 · 485 students
- 5447Milson SchoolMilson · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 486 · 341 students
- 5547St Mary's School (Wanganui)Whanganui · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 469 · 248 students
- 5646Manakau SchoolManakau · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 452 · 97 students
- 5746St Anne's School (Wanganui)Whanganui East · State integrated Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 459 · 223 students
- 5845Rongotea SchoolRongotea · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 470 · 151 students
- 5944Kiwitea SchoolKiwitea · State Full PrimaryEquity Index (EQI) 455 · 70 students
- 6043Durie Hill SchoolDurie Hill · State ContributingEquity Index (EQI) 463 · 189 students
| # | School | Sector | Success Index (NZ) | Equity Index (EQI) | Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Mary's School (P North) Roslyn · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State integrated | 81.4 Top 10% | 389 | 222 |
| 2 | Cornerstone Christian School Kelvin Grove · Composite · Years 1–13 | State integrated | 79.5 Top 10% | 417 | 612 |
| 3 | St Johns Hill School Whanganui · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 78.4 Top 25% | 416 | 415 |
| 4 | Palmerston North Girls' High School Palmerston North · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State | 77.7 Top 25% | 433 | 1,318 |
| 5 | Aokautere School Aokautere · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 77.4 Top 25% | 393 | 162 |
| 6 | Palmerston North Intermediate Palmerston North · Intermediate · Years 7–8 | State | 76.7 Top 25% | 426 | 751 |
| 7 | Nga Tawa Diocesan School Marton · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State integrated | 74.8 Top 25% | 431 | 193 |
| 8 | College Street Normal School Hokowhitu · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 71.8 Top 25% | 409 | 623 |
| 9 | Russell Street School Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 71.6 Top 25% | 429 | 334 |
| 10 | St Peter's College (Palmerston North) Milson · Secondary (Year 7-15) · Years 7–13 | State integrated | 69.6 Top 25% | 436 | 789 |
| 11 | Whanganui Collegiate School Whanganui · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State integrated | 69.6 Top 25% | 417 | 371 |
| 12 | Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) Takaro · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State integrated | 67.9 Top 25% | 422 | 161 |
| 13 | Turitea School Tiritea · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 67.8 Top 25% | 403 | 134 |
| 14 | Mount Biggs School Feilding · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 67.5 Top 25% | 415 | 114 |
| 15 | Palmerston North Boys' High School Palmerston North · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State | 66.7 Top 25% | 441 | 1,794 |
| 16 | St James' Catholic School Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi Hokowhitu · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State integrated | 66.0 Top 50% | 410 | 143 |
| 17 | Glen Oroua School Palmerston North · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 65.4 Top 50% | 415 | 75 |
| 18 | Westmere School - Whanganui Whanganui · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 65.1 Top 50% | 427 | 238 |
| 19 | Whakarongo School Palmerston North · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 65.1 Top 50% | 424 | 490 |
| 20 | Winchester School (P North) Hokowhitu · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 64.8 Top 50% | 420 | 342 |
| 21 | Halcombe Primary School Halcombe · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 64.3 Top 50% | 427 | 195 |
| 22 | Hiwinui School Palmerston North · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 63.8 Top 50% | 415 | 134 |
| 23 | Hokowhitu School Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 62.8 Top 50% | 426 | 385 |
| 24 | Riverdale School (P North) Awapuni · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 62.7 Top 50% | 426 | 378 |
| 25 | Colyton School Feilding · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 62.4 Top 50% | 433 | 154 |
| 26 | Newbury School Palmerston North · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 58.9 Top 50% | 445 | 203 |
| 27 | Faith City School Springvale · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 58.7 Top 50% | 441 | 157 |
| 28 | Mana Tamariki Palmerston North CBD · Composite · Years 1–13 | State | 58.4 Top 50% | 444 | 70 |
| 29 | Mosston School Westmere · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 58.4 Top 50% | 444 | 181 |
| 30 | St Anthony's School (Pahiatua) Pahiatua · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 57.0 Top 50% | 441 | 128 |
| 31 | Palmerston North Adventist Christian School Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State integrated | 55.7 Top 50% | 433 | 103 |
| 32 | Whanganui High School Whanganui · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State | 55.1 Top 50% | 482 | 1,475 |
| 33 | Opiki School Opiki · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 54.9 Top 50% | 435 | 113 |
| 34 | West End School (P North) Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 54.3 Top 50% | 458 | 358 |
| 35 | St Joseph's School (Feilding) Feilding · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 54.2 Top 50% | 435 | 74 |
| 36 | St Joseph's School (Taihape) Taihape · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 54.2 Top 50% | 435 | 79 |
| 37 | Ruahine School Dannevirke · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 54.1 Top 50% | 451 | 167 |
| 38 | Parkland School (P North) Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 53.5 Top 50% | 443 | 325 |
| 39 | Cullinane College Whanganui · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State integrated | 52.2 Top 50% | 497 | 492 |
| 40 | Manchester Street School Feilding · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 51.9 Top 50% | 449 | 404 |
| 41 | Feilding High School Feilding · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State | 51.6 Top 50% | 472 | 1,650 |
| 42 | South Makirikiri School Marton · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 51.2 Top 50% | 444 | 154 |
| 43 | Manukura Palmerston North · Secondary (Year 9-15) · Years 9–13 | State | 50.9 Top 50% | 494 | 188 |
| 44 | St Joseph's School (Levin) Levin · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 50.5 Top 50% | 462 | 186 |
| 45 | Fordell School Fordell · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 50.3 Top 50% | 455 | 130 |
| 46 | Kaitoke School (Wanganui) Whanganui · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 50.2 Top 50% | 453 | 116 |
| 47 | Ohakune School Ohakune · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 49.8 Top 50% | 472 | 267 |
| 48 | Hunterville Consolidated School Hunterville · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 49.4 Top 50% | 446 | 116 |
| 49 | Kairanga School Palmerston North · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 48.7 Lower 50% | 449 | 155 |
| 50 | Taonui School Feilding · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 48.6 Lower 50% | 462 | 150 |
| 51 | Ashhurst School Ashhurst · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 48.5 Lower 50% | 459 | 456 |
| 52 | Koputaroa School Levin · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 47.8 Lower 50% | 452 | 191 |
| 53 | Central Normal School Palmerston North · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 46.9 Lower 50% | 491 | 485 |
| 54 | Milson School Milson · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 46.7 Lower 50% | 486 | 341 |
| 55 | St Mary's School (Wanganui) Whanganui · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 46.6 Lower 50% | 469 | 248 |
| 56 | Manakau School Manakau · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 46.0 Lower 50% | 452 | 97 |
| 57 | St Anne's School (Wanganui) Whanganui East · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State integrated | 45.5 Lower 50% | 459 | 223 |
| 58 | Rongotea School Rongotea · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 45.2 Lower 50% | 470 | 151 |
| 59 | Kiwitea School Kiwitea · Full Primary · Years 1–8 | State | 44.3 Lower 50% | 455 | 70 |
| 60 | Durie Hill School Durie Hill · Contributing · Years 1–6 | State | 43.2 Lower 50% | 463 | 189 |
More ranked schools in Manawatū-Whanganui
Ranked 61 to 144 by Success Index (NZ).
- 61.St Patrick's Catholic School (Taumarunui)43.0
- 62.Freyberg High School42.4
- 63.Ross Intermediate42.2
- 64.Longburn Adventist College42.0
- 65.Bulls School41.7
- 66.Hato Paora College41.7
- 67.Lytton Street School41.2
- 68.Fairfield School (Levin)41.1
- 69.Brunswick School41.0
- 70.Ohau School41.0
- 71.North Street School40.3
- 72.Ōwhango School40.2
- 73.Whanganui Girls' College39.8
- 74.Marton School39.7
- 75.Horowhenua College38.5
- 76.Pahiatua School38.1
- 77.Feilding Intermediate37.9
- 78.St Joseph's School (Dannevirke)37.9
- 79.Carlton School37.6
- 80.Levin School37.3
- 81.Awatapu College37.1
- 82.Oroua Downs School37.0
- 83.Monrad - Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga36.8
- 84.Kai Iwi School36.7
- 85.Terrace End School36.3
- 86.Totara College of Accelerated Learning36.2
- 87.Poroutawhao School35.9
- 88.Tararua College35.8
- 89.Levin East School35.4
- 90.Levin Intermediate35.4
- 91.Bainesse School35.3
- 92.Linton Camp School34.6
- 93.Taihape Area School34.6
- 94.Dannevirke High School34.1
- 95.Waiouru School32.8
- 96.Clifton School (Bulls)32.7
- 97.Eketāhuna School31.9
- 98.Cloverlea School31.7
- 99.Manunui School31.7
- 100.Rangitīkei College31.6
- 101.Ruapehu College31.2
- 102.Longburn School31.0
- 103.TKKM o Te Atihaunui-A-Paparangi30.7
- 104.TKKM o Manawatu30.6
- 105.Whanganui Intermediate30.6
- 106.Woodville School30.4
- 107.Tokomaru School30.3
- 108.James Cook School29.0
- 109.Dannevirke South School28.8
- 110.Shannon School28.1
- 111.Levin North School27.9
- 112.Keith Street School27.8
- 113.Taitoko School27.5
- 114.Roslyn School26.7
- 115.Foxton Beach School25.7
- 116.Te Kura o Kokohuia25.7
- 117.Turaki School25.7
- 118.Waiopehu College25.5
- 119.Gonville School25.4
- 120.Coley Street School25.0
- 121.Churton School23.4
- 122.Tawhero School23.1
- 123.Awapuni School (P North)23.0
- 124.Raetihi Primary School22.7
- 125.Marton Junction School22.6
- 126.Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Taumarunui22.1
- 127.Huia Range School21.3
- 128.Taumarunui Primary School21.0
- 129.Queen Elizabeth College20.7
- 130.Upokongaro School20.4
- 131.Takaro School20.1
- 132.TKKM o Tamaki Nui A Rua19.8
- 133.Whare Kura Morehu ō Ratana19.7
- 134.Aranui School (Wanganui)19.4
- 135.Castlecliff School19.3
- 136.TKKM o Tupoho18.7
- 137.Foxton School18.2
- 138.Te Kura Waenga O Rutherford | Rutherford Intermediate School17.9
- 139.Te Kura o Wairau17.7
- 140.Taumarunui High School17.3
- 141.Tarrangower School16.9
- 142.Whanganui East School16.6
- 143.Manawatū College16.1
- 144.Whanganui City College9.3
Other schools in Manawatū-Whanganui
Schools without a rank: fewer than 60 students, no published Equity Index (EQI), or a school type that is not scored.
- National Park Schoolfull primary
- Alfredton Schoolfull primary
- Waituna West Schoolfull primary
- Makuri Schoolfull primary
- Kopane Schoolfull primary
- Weber Schoolfull primary
- Kimbolton Schoolfull primary
- Papanui Junction Schoolfull primary
- Mangaweka Schoolfull primary
- Tokirima Schoolfull primary
- Awahou Schoolfull primary
- Marco Schoolfull primary
- Mataroa Schoolfull primary
- Kumeroa Schoolfull primary
- Kaitieke Schoolfull primary
- Sanson Schoolfull primary
- St Matthew's School (Marton)full primary
- Ongarue Schoolfull primary
- Pongaroa Schoolfull primary
- Moawhango Schoolfull primary
- Matiere Schoolfull primary
- Apiti Schoolfull primary
- Ngakonui Valley Schoolfull primary
- St Marcellin School (Wanganui)full primary
- Pukeokahu Schoolfull primary
- St Mary's School (Foxton)full primary
- Ballance Schoolfull primary
- Mangatainoka Schoolfull primary
- Turakina Schoolfull primary
- Taoroa Schoolfull primary
- Norsewood and Districts Schoolfull primary
- Orautoha Schoolfull primary
- Bunnythorpe Schoolfull primary
- Kakatahi Schoolfull primary
- Te Kura o Te Wainui-ā-Ruacomposite
- TKKM o Ngati Rangifull primary
- Okoia Schoolfull primary
- Whangaehu Schoolfull primary
- Tangimoana Schoolfull primary
- Mangamahu Primary Schoolfull primary
- Ohura Valley Primaryfull primary
- Te Kura o Ngāpukefull primary
- Aberfeldy Schoolfull primary
- Te Kura aa Iwi o Ngaati Kauwhatacomposite
- Arahunga Schoolspecial school
- Carncot Independent Schoolfull primary
- Huntley School (Marton)full primary
- Levin Teen Parent Unitteen parent unit
- Manawatu Community High School - Manawatu Kura a Iwiactivity centre
- St Anthony's School (Wanganui)composite
- St Dominic's Collegesecondary (year 7-15)
- St George's Schoolfull primary
- Whakatipuria Teen Parent Unitteen parent unit
Compare the top 4 schools in Manawatū-Whanganui side by side →
Territorial authoritys in Manawatū-Whanganui
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best school in Manawatū-Whanganui?
St Mary's School (P North) is the highest-ranked school in Manawatū-Whanganui with a Success Index (NZ) of 81.4 out of 100 (Top 10% of contributing schools in New Zealand).
How many schools are in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Manawatū-Whanganui has 197 schools (35 contributing, 12 composite, 21 secondary (year 9-15), 7 intermediate, 4 secondary (year 7-15), 114 full primary, 1 special school, 2 teen parent unit, 1 activity centre) educating 41,732 students in 2026.
What is the typical Equity Index (EQI) in Manawatū-Whanganui?
The median Equity Index (EQI) across schools in Manawatū-Whanganui is 487. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.