Central Normal School vs Palmerston North Intermediate
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 1.3 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 Intermediate
Palmerston North · State intermediate · Years 7–8
751 students
| Measure | Central Normal School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Palmerston North Intermediate Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 47 Lower 50% | 77 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #42 of 111 | #4 of 111 |
| National rank | #951 of 1,559 | #236 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Intermediate |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 7–8 |
| Students | 485 | 751 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 491 | 426 |
| Total roll | 485 | 751 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.8% | 2.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 49.5% | 13.2% |
| Pacific students | 15.5% | 6.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0.5% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.centralnormal.school.nz | www.pnins.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Palmerston North Intermediate scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (76.7 vs 46.9).
- •Palmerston North Intermediate does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (426 vs 491).
- •Palmerston North Intermediate does better on roll size (751 vs 485).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll growth (5 years) (6.8% vs 2.1%).
- •Palmerston North Intermediate is the larger school with 751 students compared with 485.
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 Central Normal School better than Palmerston North Intermediate?
On the Success Index (NZ), Palmerston North Intermediate ranks higher (76.7 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 Intermediate?
About 1.3 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 Intermediate: 426. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Central Normal School and Palmerston North Intermediate rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School is 42nd of 111 and Palmerston North Intermediate is 4th of 111 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).