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Bluestone School vs Roncalli College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBluestone School
West End, Canterbury
Roncalli College
Timaru, Canterbury
Success Index (NZ)
53
Top 50%
58
Top 50%
Region rank#126 of 187#28 of 57
National rank#797 of 1,559#184 of 486
SectorStateState integrated
TypeFull PrimarySecondary (Year 9-15)
Year rangeYears 1–8Years 9–13
Students474500
Equity Index (EQI)474446
Total roll474500
Roll growth (5 yrs)2.8%0.8%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+–83.9%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance–62.5%
Māori students18.4%15%
Pacific students12.9%2.8%
International students0%0%
suburb or townWest EndTimaru
regionCanterburyCanterbury
Websitewww.bluestone.school.nzwww.roncalli.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Roncalli College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (58.1 vs 53.1).
  • •Roncalli College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (446 vs 474).
  • •Roncalli College does better on roll size (500 vs 474).
  • •Bluestone School does better on roll growth (5 years) (2.8% vs 0.8%).
  • •Roncalli College is the larger school with 500 students compared with 474.
  • •Bluestone School is a state school while Roncalli College is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.

The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bluestone School better than Roncalli College?

On the Success Index (NZ), Roncalli College ranks higher (58.1 vs 53.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.

How far apart are Bluestone School and Roncalli College?

About 1.6 km in a straight line, between West End and Timaru in Canterbury.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Bluestone School: 474. Roncalli College: 446. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Bluestone School and Roncalli College rank in Canterbury?

Bluestone School is 126th of 187 and Roncalli College is 28th of 57 among full primary schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).