Halcombe Primary School vs Riverdale School (P North)
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 27 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Halcombe Primary School
Halcombe · State full primary · Years 1–8
195 students
Riverdale School (P North)
Awapuni · State contributing · Years 1–6
378 students
| Measure | Halcombe Primary School Halcombe, Manawatū-Whanganui | Riverdale School (P North) Awapuni, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 64 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #15 of 111 | #18 of 111 |
| National rank | #522 of 1,559 | #565 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 195 | 378 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 427 | 426 |
| Total roll | 195 | 378 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 0.5% | -6.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 10.8% | 23% |
| Pacific students | 1% | 6.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Halcombe | Awapuni |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.halcombe.school.nz | www.riverdale.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Halcombe Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (64.3 vs 62.7).
- •Riverdale School (P North) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (426 vs 427).
- •Riverdale School (P North) does better on roll size (378 vs 195).
- •Halcombe Primary School does better on roll growth (5 years) (0.5% vs -6.9%).
- •Riverdale School (P North) is the larger school with 378 students compared with 195.
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 Halcombe Primary School better than Riverdale School (P North)?
On the Success Index (NZ), Halcombe Primary School ranks higher (64.3 vs 62.7 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 Halcombe Primary School and Riverdale School (P North)?
About 27 km in a straight line, between Halcombe and Awapuni in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Halcombe Primary School: 427. Riverdale School (P North): 426. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Halcombe Primary School and Riverdale School (P North) rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Halcombe Primary School is 15th of 111 and Riverdale School (P North) is 18th of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).