Central Normal School vs Palmerston North Adventist Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.2 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
Palmerston North Adventist Christian School
Palmerston North · State integrated contributing · Years 1–6
103 students
| Measure | Central Normal School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Palmerston North Adventist Christian School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 47 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #42 of 111 | #24 of 111 |
| National rank | #951 of 1,559 | #736 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 485 | 103 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 491 | 433 |
| Total roll | 485 | 103 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.8% | -4.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 49.5% | 8.7% |
| Pacific students | 15.5% | 32% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.centralnormal.school.nz | www.pnacs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Palmerston North Adventist Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (55.7 vs 46.9).
- •Palmerston North Adventist Christian School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (433 vs 491).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll size (485 vs 103).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll growth (5 years) (6.8% vs -4.8%).
- •Central Normal School is the larger school with 485 students compared with 103.
- •Central Normal School is a state school while Palmerston North Adventist Christian School 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 Palmerston North Adventist Christian School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Palmerston North Adventist Christian School ranks higher (55.7 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 Palmerston North Adventist Christian School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Central Normal School: 491. Palmerston North Adventist Christian School: 433. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Central Normal School and Palmerston North Adventist Christian School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School is 42nd of 111 and Palmerston North Adventist Christian School is 24th of 111 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).