Palmerston North Boys' High School vs Queen Elizabeth College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand, 463 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Palmerston North Boys' High School
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,794 students
Queen Elizabeth College
Palmerston North · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
408 students
| Measure | Palmerston North Boys' High School Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui | Queen Elizabeth College Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 67 Top 25% | 21 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #6 of 33 | #27 of 33 |
| National rank | #123 of 486 | #435 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 9-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 9–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 1,794 | 408 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 556 |
| Total roll | 1,794 | 408 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 7.5% | 44.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 81.2% | 62.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 57.8% | 49.2% |
| Māori students | 24% | 58.3% |
| Pacific students | 10.1% | 19.4% |
| International students | 2% | 1.7% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston North | Palmerston North |
| region | Manawatū-Whanganui | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Website | www.pnbhs.school.nz | www.qec.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (66.7 vs 20.7).
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (441 vs 556).
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School does better on roll size (1,794 vs 408).
- •Queen Elizabeth College does better on roll growth (5 years) (44.5% vs 7.5%).
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (81.2% vs 62.3%).
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School is the larger school with 1,794 students compared with 408.
- •Palmerston North Boys' High School is boys and Queen Elizabeth College is co-educational.
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 Palmerston North Boys' High School better than Queen Elizabeth College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Palmerston North Boys' High School ranks higher (66.7 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 Palmerston North Boys' High School and Queen Elizabeth College?
About 463 m in a straight line, between Palmerston North and Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Palmerston North Boys' High School: 441. Queen Elizabeth College: 556. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Palmerston North Boys' High School and Queen Elizabeth College rank in Manawatū-Whanganui?
Palmerston North Boys' High School is 6th of 33 and Queen Elizabeth College is 27th of 33 among secondary (year 9-15) schools in Manawatū-Whanganui on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).