Ardgowan School vs Papakaio School
A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Otago, New Zealand, 8.0 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ardgowan School
Oamaru · State full primary · Years 1–8
131 students
Papakaio School
Oamaru · State full primary · Years 1–8
123 students
| Measure | Ardgowan School Oamaru, Otago | Papakaio School Oamaru, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 46 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #66 of 85 | #63 of 85 |
| National rank | #965 of 1,559 | #925 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Full Primary |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–8 |
| Students | 131 | 123 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 453 | 449 |
| Total roll | 131 | 123 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -3.7% | -5.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 13.7% | 10.6% |
| Pacific students | 4.6% | 1.6% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Oamaru | Oamaru |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.ardgowan.school.nz/ | www.papakaio.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Papakaio School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (48.0 vs 46.3).
- •Papakaio School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (449 vs 453).
- •Ardgowan School does better on roll size (131 vs 123).
- •Ardgowan School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-3.7% vs -5.6%).
- •Ardgowan School is the larger school with 131 students compared with 123.
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 Ardgowan School better than Papakaio School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Papakaio School ranks higher (48.0 vs 46.3 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 Ardgowan School and Papakaio School?
About 8.0 km in a straight line, between Oamaru and Oamaru in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ardgowan School: 453. Papakaio School: 449. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ardgowan School and Papakaio School rank in Otago?
Ardgowan School is 66th of 85 and Papakaio School is 63rd of 85 among full primary schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).