Palmerston School
🇳🇿 Official data · 2026Palmerston, Otago 9430 · Waitaki District
#70 of 85 contributing schools in Otago
#1051 of 1,559 nationally
About Palmerston School
Palmerston School is a state contributing located in Palmerston, in the Waitaki District territorial authority of Otago, New Zealand. It caters for Years 1–6. In 2026 it enrolled 103 students. Government-funded schools, free to attend apart from donations and activity fees.
Its Success Index (NZ) is 42.6 out of 100, placing it in the lower 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand and 70th of 85 ranked contributing schools in Otago. Its strongest component is equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (46th percentile), and its weakest is roll size (28th percentile).
Other published figures: māori students 28.2%; pacific students 5.8%; international students 0%.
There are 2 schools in Palmerston; Palmerston School ranks 1st of 2 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%)461
- Roll size (10%)103
- Roll growth (5 years) (15%)-2.8%
- 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 Palmerston School by the official sources.
- Equity Index (EQI)
- 461
- Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
- Total roll
- 103
- Total enrolled students.
- Roll growth (5 yrs)
- -2.8%
- Change in total roll over five years.
- Māori students
- 28.2%
- Share of roll identifying as Māori.
- Pacific students
- 5.8%
- 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 Palmerston School has changed over time.
Free academic assessment
Is your child on track for NCEA?
Success Tutoring runs personalised English and Maths tutoring for Years 1–13 in New Zealand. Start with a free assessment mapped to the New Zealand Curriculum.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Schools near Palmerston School
Closest schools by straight-line distance, with their Success Index (NZ).
Similar schools
State contributing schools in Otago with a comparable Equity Index (EQI).
Macraes Moonlight School
Macraes Flat · State full primary · Years 1–8
14 students
Waihola District School
Waihola · State full primary · Years 1–8
30 students
Elmgrove School
Mosgiel · State contributing · Years 1–6
309 students
Karitane School
Karitane · State contributing · Years 1–6
28 students
Rosebank School (Balclutha)
Balclutha · State full primary · Years 1–8
216 students
Fenwick School
South Hill · State contributing · Years 1–6
287 students
Frequently asked questions
Is Palmerston School a good school?
Palmerston School has a Success Index (NZ) of 42.6 out of 100 (Lower 50% of contributing schools in New Zealand) and ranks #70 of 85 in Otago. 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 Palmerston School rank in Otago?
Palmerston School ranks #70 of 85 contributing schools in Otago and #1051 of 1,559 nationally on the Success Index (NZ) (2026 data).
How many students attend Palmerston School?
Palmerston School had 103 students in 2026, a change of -3% over five years.
Is Palmerston School a primary school or a secondary school?
Palmerston School is classified as a contributing covering Years 1–6. It is a state school.
What other schools are near Palmerston School?
There are 2 schools within 15 km of Palmerston School; they are listed on this page with their Success Index (NZ) and distance, and can be compared side by side.