Central Normal School vs Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Central Normal School
Palmerston North · State contributing · Years 1–6
485 students
Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)
Takaro · State integrated contributing · Years 1–6
161 students
| Measure | Central Normal School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) Takaro, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 47 Lower 50% | 68 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #42 of 111 | #7 of 111 |
| National rank | #951 of 1,559 | #446 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 485 | 161 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 491 | 422 |
| Total roll | 485 | 161 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.8% | 10.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 49.5% | 13% |
| Pacific students | 15.5% | 22.4% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Takaro |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.centralnormal.school.nz | www.olol.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (67.9 vs 46.9).
- •Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (422 vs 491).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll size (485 vs 161).
- •Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) does better on roll growth (5 years) (10.3% vs 6.8%).
- •Central Normal School is the larger school with 485 students compared with 161.
- •Central Normal School is a state school while Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) is a state integrated 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Central Normal School better than Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)?
On the Success Index (NZ), Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) ranks higher (67.9 vs 46.9 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 Central Normal School and Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North)?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Takaro in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Central Normal School: 491. Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North): 422. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Central Normal School and Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School is 42nd of 111 and Our Lady of Lourdes School (P North) is 7th of 111 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).