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Birchwood School vs Nayland College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Nelson, New Zealand, 715 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBirchwood School
Stoke, Nelson
Nayland College
Stoke, Nelson
Success Index (NZ)
47
Lower 50%
61
Top 50%
Region rank#10 of 14#3 of 4
National rank#955 of 1,559#166 of 486
SectorStateState
TypeContributingSecondary (Year 9-15)
Year rangeYears 1–6Years 9–13
Students2511,270
Equity Index (EQI)456462
Total roll2511,270
Roll growth (5 yrs)-0.8%9.2%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+–82.1%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance–57.7%
Māori students27.9%15.9%
Pacific students7.6%4.6%
International students0%5.7%
suburb or townStokeStoke
regionNelsonNelson
Websitewww.birchwood.school.nzwww.nayland.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Nayland College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (60.5 vs 46.7).
  • •Birchwood School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (456 vs 462).
  • •Nayland College does better on roll size (1,270 vs 251).
  • •Nayland College does better on roll growth (5 years) (9.2% vs -0.8%).
  • •Nayland College is the larger school with 1,270 students compared with 251.

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 Birchwood School better than Nayland College?

On the Success Index (NZ), Nayland College ranks higher (60.5 vs 46.7 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 Birchwood School and Nayland College?

About 715 m in a straight line, between Stoke and Stoke in Nelson.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Birchwood School: 456. Nayland College: 462. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Birchwood School and Nayland College rank in Nelson?

Birchwood School is 10th of 14 and Nayland College is 3rd of 4 among contributing schools in Nelson on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).