Heathcote Valley School vs Little River School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 22 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Heathcote Valley School
Heathcote Valley ยท State full primary ยท Years 1โ8
188 students
Little River School
Little River ยท State full primary ยท Years 1โ8
39 students
| Measure | Heathcote Valley School Heathcote Valley, Canterbury | Little River School Little River, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 61 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #91 of 187 | โ |
| National rank | #597 of 1,559 | โ |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1โ8 | Years 1โ8 |
| Students | 188 | 39 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 424 | 423 |
| Total roll | 188 | 39 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -24.5% | -58.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 15.4% | 20.5% |
| Pacific students | 3.2% | 12.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Heathcote Valley | Little River |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.hvs.school.nz | www.littleriver.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขHeathcote Valley School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (61.4 vs 58.7).
- โขLittle River School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (423 vs 424).
- โขHeathcote Valley School does better on roll size (188 vs 39).
- โขHeathcote Valley School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-24.5% vs -58.6%).
- โขHeathcote Valley School is the larger school with 188 students compared with 39.
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 Heathcote Valley School better than Little River School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Heathcote Valley School ranks higher (61.4 vs 58.7 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 Heathcote Valley School and Little River School?
About 22 km in a straight line, between Heathcote Valley and Little River in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Heathcote Valley School: 424. Little River School: 423. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Heathcote Valley School and Little River School rank in Canterbury?
Heathcote Valley School is 91st of 187 and Little River School is unranked among full primary schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).