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Craighead Diocesan School vs Grantlea Downs School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.7 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureCraighead Diocesan School
West End, Canterbury
Grantlea Downs School
Marchwiel, Canterbury
Success Index (NZ)
85
Top 5%
31
Lower 50%
Region rank#2 of 57#180 of 187
National rank#23 of 486#1305 of 1,559
SectorState integratedState
TypeSecondary (Year 7-15)Full Primary
Year rangeYears 7–13Years 1–8
Students410309
Equity Index (EQI)409498
Total roll410309
Roll growth (5 yrs)7.8%-8.2%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+100%–
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance92.7%–
Māori students9%29.8%
Pacific students1%6.8%
International students1.7%0%
suburb or townWest EndMarchwiel
regionCanterburyCanterbury
Websitewww.craighead.school.nzwww.grantleadowns.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Craighead Diocesan School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (84.5 vs 30.9).
  • •Craighead Diocesan School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (409 vs 498).
  • •Craighead Diocesan School does better on roll size (410 vs 309).
  • •Craighead Diocesan School does better on roll growth (5 years) (7.8% vs -8.2%).
  • •Craighead Diocesan School is the larger school with 410 students compared with 309.
  • •Craighead Diocesan School is a state integrated school while Grantlea Downs School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
  • •Craighead Diocesan School is girls and Grantlea Downs School is co-educational.

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 Craighead Diocesan School better than Grantlea Downs School?

On the Success Index (NZ), Craighead Diocesan School ranks higher (84.5 vs 30.9 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 Craighead Diocesan School and Grantlea Downs School?

About 1.7 km in a straight line, between West End and Marchwiel in Canterbury.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Craighead Diocesan School: 409. Grantlea Downs School: 498. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Craighead Diocesan School and Grantlea Downs School rank in Canterbury?

Craighead Diocesan School is 2nd of 57 and Grantlea Downs School is 180th of 187 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).