Burnside High School vs Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara
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.
Burnside High School
Burnside · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
2,736 students
Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara
Avonhead · State full primary · Years 1–8
469 students
| Measure | Burnside High School Burnside, Canterbury | Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara Avonhead, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 80 Top 10% | 74 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #6 of 57 | #40 of 187 |
| National rank | #49 of 486 | #305 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 2,736 | 469 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 416 | 398 |
| Total roll | 2,736 | 469 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 3.6% | -8.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 88.6% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 74.5% | – |
| Māori students | 7.1% | 9.8% |
| Pacific students | 4.2% | 6% |
| International students | 6.2% | 2.1% |
| suburb or town | Burnside | Avonhead |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.burnside.school.nz | www.merrin.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Burnside High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (79.9 vs 73.7).
- •Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (398 vs 416).
- •Burnside High School does better on roll size (2,736 vs 469).
- •Burnside High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (3.6% vs -8.4%).
- •Burnside High School is the larger school with 2,736 students compared with 469.
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 Burnside High School better than Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara?
On the Success Index (NZ), Burnside High School ranks higher (79.9 vs 73.7 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 Burnside High School and Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Burnside and Avonhead in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Burnside High School: 416. Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara: 398. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Burnside High School and Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara rank in Canterbury?
Burnside High School is 6th of 57 and Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara is 40th of 187 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).