James Cook School vs South Makirikiri School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 5.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
James Cook School
Marton · State full primary · Years 1–8
148 students
South Makirikiri School
Marton · State full primary · Years 1–8
154 students
| Measure | James Cook School Marton, Manawatū-Whanganui | South Makirikiri School Marton, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 29 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #85 of 111 | #32 of 111 |
| National rank | #1346 of 1,559 | #842 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 148 | 154 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 499 | 444 |
| Total roll | 148 | 154 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -25.5% | -13.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 43.2% | 11.7% |
| Pacific students | 16.2% | 5.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Marton | Marton |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | jamescook.school.nz/ | www.southmak.school.nz |
The verdict
- •South Makirikiri School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (51.2 vs 29.0).
- •South Makirikiri School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (444 vs 499).
- •South Makirikiri School does better on roll size (154 vs 148).
- •South Makirikiri School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-13.3% vs -25.5%).
- •South Makirikiri School is the larger school with 154 students compared with 148.
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 James Cook School better than South Makirikiri School?
On the Success Index (NZ), South Makirikiri School ranks higher (51.2 vs 29.0 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 James Cook School and South Makirikiri School?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Marton and Marton in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
James Cook School: 499. South Makirikiri School: 444. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do James Cook School and South Makirikiri School rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
James Cook School is 85th of 111 and South Makirikiri School is 32nd of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).