Elmwood Normal School vs Ferndale Te Ahu
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 664 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Elmwood Normal School
Merivale · State contributing · Years 1–6
564 students
Ferndale Te Ahu
Merivale · State special school
140 students
| Measure | Elmwood Normal School Merivale, Canterbury | Ferndale Te Ahu Merivale, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 91 Top 5% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #2 of 187 | – |
| National rank | #19 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | – |
| Students | 564 | 140 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 376 | 521 |
| Total roll | 564 | 140 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 1% | 14.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 6% | 32.1% |
| Pacific students | 3.7% | 12.1% |
| International students | 1.1% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Merivale | Merivale |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.elmwood.school.nz | www.ferndaleschool.co.nz |
The verdict
- •Elmwood Normal School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (376 vs 521).
- •Elmwood Normal School does better on roll size (564 vs 140).
- •Ferndale Te Ahu does better on roll growth (5 years) (14.9% vs 1%).
- •Elmwood Normal School is the larger school with 564 students compared with 140.
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 Elmwood Normal School better than Ferndale Te Ahu?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Elmwood Normal School and Ferndale Te Ahu?
About 664 m in a straight line, between Merivale and Merivale in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Elmwood Normal School: 376. Ferndale Te Ahu: 521. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Elmwood Normal School and Ferndale Te Ahu rank in Canterbury?
Elmwood Normal School is 2nd of 187 and Ferndale Te Ahu is unranked among contributing schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).