Ballance School vs Mangatainoka School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 5.7 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ballance School
Pahiatua · State full primary · Years 1–8
23 students
Mangatainoka School
Mangatainoka · State full primary · Years 1–8
48 students
| Measure | Ballance School Pahiatua, Manawatū-Whanganui | Mangatainoka School Mangatainoka, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 24 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | – |
| National rank | – | – |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 23 | 48 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 504 | 509 |
| Total roll | 23 | 48 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -22.7% | -28.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 13% | 58.3% |
| Pacific students | 4.3% | 6.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Pahiatua | Mangatainoka |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.ballance.school.nz/ | – |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (24.2 vs 23.8).
- •Ballance School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (504 vs 509).
- •Mangatainoka School does better on roll size (48 vs 23).
- •Ballance School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-22.7% vs -28.2%).
- •Mangatainoka School is the larger school with 48 students compared with 23.
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 Ballance School better than Mangatainoka 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 Ballance School and Mangatainoka School?
About 5.7 km in a straight line, between Pahiatua and Mangatainoka in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ballance School: 504. Mangatainoka School: 509. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ballance School and Mangatainoka School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Ballance School is unranked and Mangatainoka School is unranked among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).