Carncot Independent School vs Hokowhitu School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.1 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Carncot Independent School
Palmerston North · Private full primary · Years 1–8
128 students
Hokowhitu School
Palmerston North · State contributing · Years 1–6
385 students
| Measure | Carncot Independent School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Hokowhitu School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 63 Top 50% |
| Region rank | – | #17 of 111 |
| National rank | – | #561 of 1,559 |
| Sector | Private | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 128 | 385 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | – | 426 |
| Total roll | 128 | 385 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 0.8% | -2.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 6.3% | 19.2% |
| Pacific students | 0% | 5.7% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.carncot.school.nz | www.hokowhitu.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Hokowhitu School does better on roll size (385 vs 128).
- •Carncot Independent School does better on roll growth (5 years) (0.8% vs -2.6%).
- •Hokowhitu School is the larger school with 385 students compared with 128.
- •Carncot Independent School is a private school while Hokowhitu School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Carncot Independent School better than Hokowhitu 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 Carncot Independent School and Hokowhitu School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
How do Carncot Independent School and Hokowhitu School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Carncot Independent School is unranked and Hokowhitu School is 17th of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).