Oroua Downs School vs Ross Intermediate
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 26 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Oroua Downs School
Foxton · State full primary · Years 1–8
84 students
Ross Intermediate
Palmerston North · State intermediate · Years 7–8
444 students
| Measure | Oroua Downs School Foxton, Manawatū-Whanganui | Ross Intermediate Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 37 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #65 of 111 | #51 of 111 |
| National rank | #1167 of 1,559 | #1060 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Intermediate |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 7–8 |
| Students | 84 | 444 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 473 | 473 |
| Total roll | 84 | 444 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -22.2% | -18.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 9.5% | 29.1% |
| Pacific students | 2.4% | 9.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Foxton | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.orouadowns.school.nz | www.rossint.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Ross Intermediate scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (42.2 vs 37.0).
- •Ross Intermediate does better on roll size (444 vs 84).
- •Ross Intermediate does better on roll growth (5 years) (-18.8% vs -22.2%).
- •Ross Intermediate is the larger school with 444 students compared with 84.
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 Oroua Downs School better than Ross Intermediate?
On the Success Index (NZ), Ross Intermediate ranks higher (42.2 vs 37.0 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 Oroua Downs School and Ross Intermediate?
About 26 km in a straight line, between Foxton and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Oroua Downs School: 473. Ross Intermediate: 473. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Oroua Downs School and Ross Intermediate rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Oroua Downs School is 65th of 111 and Ross Intermediate is 51st of 111 among full primary schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).