Ballance School vs Tararua College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 6.7 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
Tararua College
Pahiatua · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
379 students
| Measure | Ballance School Pahiatua, Manawatū-Whanganui | Tararua College Pahiatua, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 24 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | #19 of 33 |
| National rank | – | #335 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 23 | 379 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 504 | 510 |
| Total roll | 23 | 379 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -22.7% | 0.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 78.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 63.6% |
| Māori students | 13% | 40.6% |
| Pacific students | 4.3% | 5.5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Pahiatua | Pahiatua |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.ballance.school.nz/ | www.tararuacollege.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Tararua College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (35.8 vs 24.2).
- •Ballance School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (504 vs 510).
- •Tararua College does better on roll size (379 vs 23).
- •Tararua College does better on roll growth (5 years) (0.3% vs -22.7%).
- •Tararua College is the larger school with 379 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ballance School better than Tararua College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Tararua College ranks higher (35.8 vs 24.2 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 Ballance School and Tararua College?
About 6.7 km in a straight line, between Pahiatua and Pahiatua in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ballance School: 504. Tararua College: 510. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ballance School and Tararua College rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Ballance School is unranked and Tararua College is 19th of 33 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).