Balaclava School vs Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Otago, New Zealand, 1.7 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Balaclava School
Balaclava Β· State contributing Β· Years 1β6
260 students
Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School
Calton Hill Β· State special school
81 students
| Measure | Balaclava School Balaclava, Otago | Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School Calton Hill, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 60 Top 50% | β Not rated |
| Region rank | #42 of 85 | β |
| National rank | #624 of 1,559 | β |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1β6 | β |
| Students | 260 | 81 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 428 | 498 |
| Total roll | 260 | 81 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -6.7% | 34.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | β | β |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | β | β |
| Leavers with University Entrance | β | β |
| MΔori students | 18.8% | 22.2% |
| Pacific students | 4.2% | 6.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Balaclava | Calton Hill |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.balaclava.school.nz/ | www.saracohen.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- β’Balaclava School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (428 vs 498).
- β’Balaclava School does better on roll size (260 vs 81).
- β’Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School does better on roll growth (5 years) (34.7% vs -6.7%).
- β’Balaclava School is the larger school with 260 students compared with 81.
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 Balaclava School better than Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Balaclava School and Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Balaclava and Calton Hill in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Balaclava School: 428. Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School: 498. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Balaclava School and Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School rank in Otago?
Balaclava School is 42nd of 85 and Te Whirika Sara Cohen Specialist School is unranked among contributing schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).