Bainesse School vs Pongaroa School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 71 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
Pongaroa School
Pongaroa · State full primary · Years 1–8
50 students
| Measure | Bainesse School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Pongaroa School Pongaroa, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #72 of 111 | – |
| National rank | #1201 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 80 | 50 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 485 | 485 |
| Total roll | 80 | 50 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 20.7% | 20% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 36.3% | 58% |
| Pacific students | 0% | 6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Pongaroa |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.bainesse.school.nz | www.pongaroa.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Bainesse School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (35.3 vs 33.5).
- •Bainesse School does better on roll size (80 vs 50).
- •Bainesse School does better on roll growth (5 years) (20.7% vs 20%).
- •Bainesse School is the larger school with 80 students compared with 50.
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 Bainesse School better than Pongaroa School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Bainesse School ranks higher (35.3 vs 33.5 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 Bainesse School and Pongaroa School?
About 71 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Pongaroa in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Bainesse School: 485. Pongaroa School: 485. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Bainesse School and Pongaroa School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Bainesse School is 72nd of 111 and Pongaroa School is unranked among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).