Ellesmere College vs Southbridge School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 6.6 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ellesmere College
Leeston · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
575 students
Southbridge School
Southbridge · State contributing · Years 1–6
130 students
| Measure | Ellesmere College Leeston, Canterbury | Southbridge School Southbridge, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 52 Top 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #38 of 57 | #138 of 187 |
| National rank | #218 of 486 | #875 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 575 | 130 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 462 | 452 |
| Total roll | 575 | 130 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7% | 0.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.2% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 47.1% | – |
| Māori students | 18.3% | 28.5% |
| Pacific students | 3.3% | 8.5% |
| International students | 2.8% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Leeston | Southbridge |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.ellesmere.school.nz | www.southbridge.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Ellesmere College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (52.3 vs 49.7).
- •Southbridge School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (452 vs 462).
- •Ellesmere College does better on roll size (575 vs 130).
- •Southbridge School does better on roll growth (5 years) (0.8% vs -7%).
- •Ellesmere College is the larger school with 575 students compared with 130.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellesmere College better than Southbridge School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Ellesmere College ranks higher (52.3 vs 49.7 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 Ellesmere College and Southbridge School?
About 6.6 km in a straight line, between Leeston and Southbridge in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ellesmere College: 462. Southbridge School: 452. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ellesmere College and Southbridge School rank in Canterbury?
Ellesmere College is 38th of 57 and Southbridge School is 138th of 187 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).