Nelson Central School
🇳🇿 Official data · 2026Nelson, Nelson 7010 · Nelson City
#4 of 14 contributing schools in Nelson
#546 of 1,559 nationally
About Nelson Central School
Nelson Central School is a state contributing located in Nelson, in the Nelson City territorial authority of Nelson, New Zealand. It caters for Years 1–6. In 2026 it enrolled 380 students. Government-funded schools, free to attend apart from donations and activity fees.
Its Success Index (NZ) is 63.3 out of 100, placing it in the top 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand and 4th of 14 ranked contributing schools in Nelson. Its strongest component is roll size (77th percentile), and its weakest is roll growth (5 years) (28th percentile).
Other published figures: māori students 13.7%; pacific students 3.9%; international students 0.5%.
There are 14 schools in Nelson; Nelson Central School ranks 5th of 10 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%)425
- Roll size (10%)380
- Roll growth (5 years) (15%)-15.3%
- 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 Nelson Central School by the official sources.
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 425
- Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
- Total roll
- 380
- Total enrolled students.
- Roll growth (5 yrs)
- -15.3%
- Change in total roll over five years.
- Māori students
- 13.7%
- Share of roll identifying as Māori.
- Pacific students
- 3.9%
- Share of roll identifying as Pacific peoples.
- International students
- 0.5%
- Share of roll who are international fee-paying students.
Total roll trend
How total roll at Nelson Central School has changed over time.
Free academic assessment
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Schools near Nelson Central School
Closest schools by straight-line distance, with their Success Index (NZ).
St Joseph's School (Nelson)
Nelson · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
376 students · 163 m away
Maitai School
Nelson · State special school
58 students · 523 m away
Nelson College For Girls
Nelson · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
956 students · 540 m away
Nelson College For Girls Prep School
Nelson · Private intermediate · Years 7–8
96 students · 556 m away
Hampden Street School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
451 students · 1.3 km away
Auckland Point School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
85 students · 1.4 km away
Nelson Teen Parent Unit
Nelson · State teen parent unit
· 1.4 km away
Nelson College
Nelson · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,009 students · 1.4 km away
Nelson College (Prep Dept)
Nelson · Private intermediate · Years 7–8
94 students · 1.5 km away
Te Puna Wānanga o Te Wairepo – Victory Primary School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
366 students · 1.8 km away
Similar schools
State contributing schools in Nelson with a comparable Equity Index (EQI).
Enner Glynn School
Stoke · State contributing · Years 1–6
329 students
Hampden Street School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
451 students
Hira School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
44 students
Clifton Terrace School
Nelson · State contributing · Years 1–6
280 students
Nelson Intermediate
Nelson · State intermediate · Years 7–8
415 students
Birchwood School
Stoke · State contributing · Years 1–6
251 students
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelson Central School a good school?
Nelson Central School has a Success Index (NZ) of 63.3 out of 100 (Top 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand) and ranks #4 of 14 in Nelson. 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 Nelson Central School rank in Nelson?
Nelson Central School ranks #4 of 14 contributing schools in Nelson and #546 of 1,559 nationally on the Success Index (NZ) (2026 data).
How many students attend Nelson Central School?
Nelson Central School had 380 students in 2026, a change of -15% over five years.
Is Nelson Central School a primary school or a secondary school?
Nelson Central School is classified as a contributing covering Years 1–6. It is a state school.
What other schools are near Nelson Central School?
There are 10 schools within 15 km of Nelson Central School; they are listed on this page with their Success Index (NZ) and distance, and can be compared side by side.