Balmacewen Intermediate vs Columba College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Otago, New Zealand, 568 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Balmacewen Intermediate
Wakari · State intermediate · Years 7–8
476 students
Columba College
Roslyn · State integrated composite · Years 1–13
607 students
| Measure | Balmacewen Intermediate Wakari, Otago | Columba College Roslyn, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 65 Top 50% | 79 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #36 of 85 | #3 of 28 |
| National rank | #514 of 1,559 | #51 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Intermediate | Composite |
| Year range | Years 7–8 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 476 | 607 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 425 | 391 |
| Total roll | 476 | 607 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7.1% | -3.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 98.3% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 91.4% |
| Māori students | 13% | 8.2% |
| Pacific students | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| International students | 0.2% | 3.3% |
| suburb or town | Wakari | Roslyn |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.balmacewen.school.nz | www.columbacollege.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Columba College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (79.3 vs 64.5).
- •Columba College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (391 vs 425).
- •Columba College does better on roll size (607 vs 476).
- •Columba College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-3.4% vs -7.1%).
- •Columba College is the larger school with 607 students compared with 476.
- •Balmacewen Intermediate is a state school while Columba College is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Balmacewen Intermediate is co-educational and Columba College is girls.
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 Balmacewen Intermediate better than Columba College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Columba College ranks higher (79.3 vs 64.5 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 Balmacewen Intermediate and Columba College?
About 568 m in a straight line, between Wakari and Roslyn in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Balmacewen Intermediate: 425. Columba College: 391. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Balmacewen Intermediate and Columba College rank in Otago?
Balmacewen Intermediate is 36th of 85 and Columba College is 3rd of 28 among intermediate schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).