Ferndale Te Ahu vs He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 896 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ferndale Te Ahu
Merivale · State special school
140 students
He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate
Merivale · State intermediate · Years 7–8
541 students
| Measure | Ferndale Te Ahu Merivale, Canterbury | He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate Merivale, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 72 Top 25% |
| Region rank | – | #49 of 187 |
| National rank | – | #346 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Special School | Intermediate |
| Year range | – | Years 7–8 |
| Students | 140 | 541 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 521 | 407 |
| Total roll | 140 | 541 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 14.9% | -2.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 32.1% | 10% |
| Pacific students | 12.1% | 4.1% |
| International students | 0% | 2% |
| suburb or town | Merivale | Merivale |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.ferndaleschool.co.nz | www.heaton.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (407 vs 521).
- •He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate does better on roll size (541 vs 140).
- •Ferndale Te Ahu does better on roll growth (5 years) (14.9% vs -2.9%).
- •He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate is the larger school with 541 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 Ferndale Te Ahu better than He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate?
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 Ferndale Te Ahu and He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate?
About 896 m in a straight line, between Merivale and Merivale in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ferndale Te Ahu: 521. He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate: 407. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ferndale Te Ahu and He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate rank in Canterbury?
Ferndale Te Ahu is unranked and He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate is 49th of 187 among special school schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).