Carncot Independent School vs Queen Elizabeth College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.5 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
Queen Elizabeth College
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
408 students
| Measure | Carncot Independent School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Queen Elizabeth College Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | – Not rated | 21 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | #27 of 33 |
| National rank | – | #435 of 486 |
| Sector | Private | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 128 | 408 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | – | 556 |
| Total roll | 128 | 408 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 0.8% | 44.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 62.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 49.2% |
| Māori students | 6.3% | 58.3% |
| Pacific students | 0% | 19.4% |
| International students | 0% | 1.7% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.carncot.school.nz | www.qec.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Queen Elizabeth College does better on roll size (408 vs 128).
- •Queen Elizabeth College does better on roll growth (5 years) (44.5% vs 0.8%).
- •Queen Elizabeth College is the larger school with 408 students compared with 128.
- •Carncot Independent School is a private school while Queen Elizabeth College 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 Queen Elizabeth College?
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 Queen Elizabeth College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
How do Carncot Independent School and Queen Elizabeth College rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Carncot Independent School is unranked and Queen Elizabeth College is 27th of 33 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).