Ashhurst School vs Whakarongo School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 7.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ashhurst School
Ashhurst · State full primary · Years 1–8
456 students
Whakarongo School
Palmerston North · State full primary · Years 1–8
490 students
| Measure | Ashhurst School Ashhurst, Manawatū-Whanganui | Whakarongo School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 49 Lower 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #40 of 111 | #13 of 111 |
| National rank | #910 of 1,559 | #497 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 456 | 490 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 459 | 424 |
| Total roll | 456 | 490 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -1.1% | -10.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 28.7% | 19.4% |
| Pacific students | 5.3% | 3.9% |
| International students | 0% | 0.6% |
| suburb or town | Ashhurst | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.ashhurst.school.nz | www.whakarongo.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Whakarongo School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (65.1 vs 48.5).
- •Whakarongo School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (424 vs 459).
- •Whakarongo School does better on roll size (490 vs 456).
- •Ashhurst School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-1.1% vs -10.5%).
- •Whakarongo School is the larger school with 490 students compared with 456.
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 Ashhurst School better than Whakarongo School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Whakarongo School ranks higher (65.1 vs 48.5 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 Ashhurst School and Whakarongo School?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Ashhurst and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ashhurst School: 459. Whakarongo School: 424. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ashhurst School and Whakarongo School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Ashhurst School is 40th of 111 and Whakarongo School is 13th of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).