Bainesse School vs Oroua Downs School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 6.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bainesse School
Palmerston North · State full primary · Years 1–8
80 students
Oroua Downs School
Foxton · State full primary · Years 1–8
84 students
| Measure | Bainesse School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Oroua Downs School Foxton, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #72 of 111 | #65 of 111 |
| National rank | #1201 of 1,559 | #1167 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 80 | 84 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 485 | 473 |
| Total roll | 80 | 84 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 20.7% | -22.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 36.3% | 9.5% |
| Pacific students | 0% | 2.4% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Foxton |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.bainesse.school.nz | www.orouadowns.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Oroua Downs School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (37.0 vs 35.3).
- •Oroua Downs School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (473 vs 485).
- •Oroua Downs School does better on roll size (84 vs 80).
- •Bainesse School does better on roll growth (5 years) (20.7% vs -22.2%).
- •Oroua Downs School is the larger school with 84 students compared with 80.
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 Bainesse School better than Oroua Downs School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Oroua Downs School ranks higher (37.0 vs 35.3 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 Bainesse School and Oroua Downs School?
About 6.2 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Foxton in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Bainesse School: 485. Oroua Downs School: 473. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Bainesse School and Oroua Downs School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Bainesse School is 72nd of 111 and Oroua Downs School is 65th of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).