Grantlea Downs School vs Waimataitai School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Grantlea Downs School
Marchwiel · State full primary · Years 1–8
309 students
Waimataitai School
Timaru · State full primary · Years 1–8
475 students
| Measure | Grantlea Downs School Marchwiel, Canterbury | Waimataitai School Timaru, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 31 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #180 of 187 | #148 of 187 |
| National rank | #1305 of 1,559 | #967 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 309 | 475 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 498 | 464 |
| Total roll | 309 | 475 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -8.2% | -3.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 29.8% | 15.8% |
| Pacific students | 6.8% | 10.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Marchwiel | Timaru |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.grantleadowns.school.nz | www.waimataitai.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Waimataitai School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (46.3 vs 30.9).
- •Waimataitai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (464 vs 498).
- •Waimataitai School does better on roll size (475 vs 309).
- •Waimataitai School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-3.7% vs -8.2%).
- •Waimataitai School is the larger school with 475 students compared with 309.
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 Grantlea Downs School better than Waimataitai School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waimataitai School ranks higher (46.3 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 Grantlea Downs School and Waimataitai School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Marchwiel and Timaru in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Grantlea Downs School: 498. Waimataitai School: 464. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Grantlea Downs School and Waimataitai School rank in Canterbury?
Grantlea Downs School is 180th of 187 and Waimataitai School is 148th of 187 among full primary schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).