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Mackenzie College vs Rolleston College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 137 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureMackenzie College
Fairlie, Canterbury
Rolleston College
Rolleston, Canterbury
Success Index (NZ)
48
Top 50%
65
Top 50%
Region rank#42 of 57#20 of 57
National rank#248 of 486#138 of 486
SectorStateState
TypeSecondary (Year 7-15)Secondary (Year 9-15)
Year rangeYears 7–13Years 9–13
Students1951,963
Equity Index (EQI)451449
Total roll1951,963
Roll growth (5 yrs)8.2%94.3%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+70.6%83.2%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance44.1%56.6%
Māori students10.8%14.3%
Pacific students3.1%6.6%
International students0%1.4%
suburb or townFairlieRolleston
regionCanterburyCanterbury
Websitewww.mackcollege.school.nzwww.rollestoncollege.nz

The verdict

  • •Rolleston College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (65.0 vs 48.1).
  • •Rolleston College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (449 vs 451).
  • •Rolleston College does better on roll size (1,963 vs 195).
  • •Rolleston College does better on roll growth (5 years) (94.3% vs 8.2%).
  • •Rolleston College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (83.2% vs 70.6%).
  • •Rolleston College is the larger school with 1,963 students compared with 195.

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 Mackenzie College better than Rolleston College?

On the Success Index (NZ), Rolleston College ranks higher (65.0 vs 48.1 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 Mackenzie College and Rolleston College?

About 137 km in a straight line, between Fairlie and Rolleston in Canterbury.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Mackenzie College: 451. Rolleston College: 449. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Mackenzie College and Rolleston College rank in Canterbury?

Mackenzie College is 42nd of 57 and Rolleston College is 20th of 57 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).