Elmwood Normal School vs Waimairi School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.3 km 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
Waimairi School
Christchurch · State contributing · Years 1–6
330 students
| Measure | Elmwood Normal School Merivale, Canterbury | Waimairi School Christchurch, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 91 Top 5% | 65 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #2 of 187 | #72 of 187 |
| National rank | #19 of 1,559 | #490 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 564 | 330 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 376 | 418 |
| Total roll | 564 | 330 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 1% | -10.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 6% | 16.1% |
| Pacific students | 3.7% | 3.9% |
| International students | 1.1% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Merivale | Christchurch |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.elmwood.school.nz | www.waimairi.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Elmwood Normal School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (90.7 vs 65.3).
- •Elmwood Normal School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (376 vs 418).
- •Elmwood Normal School does better on roll size (564 vs 330).
- •Elmwood Normal School does better on roll growth (5 years) (1% vs -10.8%).
- •Elmwood Normal School is the larger school with 564 students compared with 330.
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 Waimairi School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Elmwood Normal School ranks higher (90.7 vs 65.3 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 Elmwood Normal School and Waimairi School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Merivale and Christchurch in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Elmwood Normal School: 376. Waimairi School: 418. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Elmwood Normal School and Waimairi School rank in Canterbury?
Elmwood Normal School is 2nd of 187 and Waimairi School is 72nd of 187 among contributing schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).