Medbury Preparatory School vs Tuia Burnside Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Medbury Preparatory School
Fendalton · Private full primary · Years 1–8
381 students
Tuia Burnside Primary School
Ilam · State contributing · Years 1–6
326 students
| Measure | Medbury Preparatory School Fendalton, Canterbury | Tuia Burnside Primary School Ilam, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 57 Top 50% |
| Region rank | – | #113 of 187 |
| National rank | – | #700 of 1,559 |
| Sector | Private | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 381 | 326 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | – | 437 |
| Total roll | 381 | 326 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.7% | -0.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 7.3% | 21.2% |
| Pacific students | 0.5% | 10.7% |
| International students | 2.1% | 2.5% |
| suburb or town | Fendalton | Ilam |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.medbury.school.nz | www.burnsideprimary.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Medbury Preparatory School does better on roll size (381 vs 326).
- •Tuia Burnside Primary School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-0.9% vs -2.7%).
- •Medbury Preparatory School is the larger school with 381 students compared with 326.
- •Medbury Preparatory School is a private school while Tuia Burnside Primary School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Medbury Preparatory School is boys and Tuia Burnside Primary School is co-educational.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Medbury Preparatory School better than Tuia Burnside Primary School?
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 Medbury Preparatory School and Tuia Burnside Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Fendalton and Ilam in Canterbury.
How do Medbury Preparatory School and Tuia Burnside Primary School rank in Canterbury?
Medbury Preparatory School is unranked and Tuia Burnside Primary School is 113th of 187 among full primary schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).