James Cook School vs St Matthew's School (Marton)
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 507 m 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
St Matthew's School (Marton)
Marton · State integrated full primary · Years 1–8
55 students
| Measure | James Cook School Marton, Manawatū-Whanganui | St Matthew's School (Marton) Marton, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 29 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #85 of 111 | – |
| National rank | #1346 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 148 | 55 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 499 | 484 |
| Total roll | 148 | 55 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -25.5% | 51.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 43.2% | 16.4% |
| Pacific students | 16.2% | 49.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Marton | Marton |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | jamescook.school.nz/ | www.smsm.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •St Matthew's School (Marton) scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (34.2 vs 29.0).
- •St Matthew's School (Marton) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (484 vs 499).
- •James Cook School does better on roll size (148 vs 55).
- •St Matthew's School (Marton) does better on roll growth (5 years) (51.5% vs -25.5%).
- •James Cook School is the larger school with 148 students compared with 55.
- •James Cook School is a state school while St Matthew's School (Marton) 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 James Cook School better than St Matthew's School (Marton)?
On the Success Index (NZ), St Matthew's School (Marton) ranks higher (34.2 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 St Matthew's School (Marton)?
About 507 m in a straight line, between Marton and Marton in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
James Cook School: 499. St Matthew's School (Marton): 484. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do James Cook School and St Matthew's School (Marton) rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
James Cook School is 85th of 111 and St Matthew's School (Marton) is unranked among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).