Central Normal School vs Queen Elizabeth College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 453 m 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
Queen Elizabeth College
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
408 students
| Measure | Central Normal School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Queen Elizabeth College Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 47 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #42 of 111 | #27 of 33 |
| National rank | #951 of 1,559 | #435 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 485 | 408 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 491 | 556 |
| Total roll | 485 | 408 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 6.8% | 44.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 62.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 49.2% |
| Māori students | 49.5% | 58.3% |
| Pacific students | 15.5% | 19.4% |
| International students | 0% | 1.7% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.centralnormal.school.nz | www.qec.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Central Normal School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (46.9 vs 20.7).
- •Central Normal School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (491 vs 556).
- •Central Normal School does better on roll size (485 vs 408).
- •Queen Elizabeth College does better on roll growth (5 years) (44.5% vs 6.8%).
- •Central Normal School is the larger school with 485 students compared with 408.
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 Queen Elizabeth College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Central Normal School ranks higher (46.9 vs 20.7 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 Queen Elizabeth College?
About 453 m in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Central Normal School: 491. Queen Elizabeth College: 556. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Central Normal School and Queen Elizabeth College rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Central Normal School is 42nd of 111 and Queen Elizabeth College is 27th of 33 among contributing schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).