Central Normal School
🇳🇿 Official data · 2026Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui 4410 · Palmerston North City
#42 of 111 contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui
#951 of 1,559 nationally
About Central Normal School
Central Normal School is a state contributing located in Palmerston North, in the Palmerston North City territorial authority of Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand. It caters for Years 1–6. In 2026 it enrolled 485 students. Government-funded schools, free to attend apart from donations and activity fees.
Its Success Index (NZ) is 46.9 out of 100, placing it in the lower 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand and 42nd of 111 ranked contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui. Its strongest component is roll size (86th percentile), and its weakest is equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (27th percentile).
Other published figures: māori students 49.5%; pacific students 15.5%; international students 0%.
There are 22 schools in Palmerston North; Central Normal School ranks 16th of 21 scored schools there.
Success Index (NZ) breakdown
Each component is a percentile against contributing schools across New Zealand.
- Equity Index (fewer barriers is higher) (45%)491
- Roll size (10%)485
- Roll growth (5 years) (15%)6.8%
- School leavers with NCEA Level 2+ (20%)–
- School leavers with University Entrance (10%)–
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published data about a school community. It is not a measure of teaching quality. Read the methodology.
Published measures
All figures published for Central Normal School by the official sources.
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 491
- Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
- Total roll
- 485
- Total enrolled students.
- Roll growth (5 yrs)
- 6.8%
- Change in total roll over five years.
- Māori students
- 49.5%
- Share of roll identifying as Māori.
- Pacific students
- 15.5%
- Share of roll identifying as Pacific peoples.
- International students
- 0%
- Share of roll who are international fee-paying students.
Total roll trend
How total roll at Central Normal School has changed over time.
Free academic assessment
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Schools near Central Normal School
Closest schools by straight-line distance, with their Success Index (NZ).
Queen Elizabeth College
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
408 students · 453 m away
Palmerston North Boys' High School
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,794 students · 630 m away
Mana Tamariki
Palmerston North CBD · State composite · Years 1–13
70 students · 1.1 km away
Palmerston North Adventist Christian School
Palmerston North · State integrated contributing · Years 1–6
103 students · 1.2 km away
Palmerston North Intermediate
Palmerston North · State intermediate · Years 7–8
751 students · 1.3 km away
Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)
Takaro · State integrated contributing · Years 1–6
161 students · 1.4 km away
Russell Street School
Palmerston North · State contributing · Years 1–6
334 students · 1.5 km away
Takaro School
Palmerston North · State full primary · Years 1–8
200 students · 1.5 km away
Carncot Independent School
Palmerston North · Private full primary · Years 1–8
128 students · 1.6 km away
Monrad - Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga
Palmerston North · State intermediate · Years 7–8
330 students · 1.6 km away
Similar schools
State contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui with a comparable Equity Index (EQI).
Marton School
Marton · State full primary · Years 1–8
200 students
Tokomaru School
Tokomaru · State full primary · Years 1–8
70 students
Ngakonui Valley School
Taumarunui · State full primary · Years 1–8
26 students
Longburn School
Longburn · State full primary · Years 1–8
87 students
Moawhango School
Moawhango · State full primary · Years 1–8
29 students
Apiti School
Apiti · State full primary · Years 1–8
15 students
Frequently asked questions
Is Central Normal School a good school?
Central Normal School has a Success Index (NZ) of 46.9 out of 100 (Lower 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand) and ranks #42 of 111 in Manawatū-Whanganui. The index summarises published data about the school community and, where available, attainment; it does not measure teaching quality, so visit the school and ask about support at your child's level.
Where does Central Normal School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School ranks #42 of 111 contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui and #951 of 1,559 nationally on the Success Index (NZ) (2026 data).
How many students attend Central Normal School?
Central Normal School had 485 students in 2026, a change of +7% over five years.
Is Central Normal School a primary school or a secondary school?
Central Normal School is classified as a contributing covering Years 1–6. It is a state school.
What other schools are near Central Normal School?
There are 10 schools within 15 km of Central Normal School; they are listed on this page with their Success Index (NZ) and distance, and can be compared side by side.