Balmacewen Intermediate vs Halfway Bush School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Otago, New Zealand, 1.9 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Balmacewen Intermediate
Wakari ยท State intermediate ยท Years 7โ8
476 students
Halfway Bush School
Halfway Bush ยท State contributing ยท Years 1โ6
40 students
| Measure | Balmacewen Intermediate Wakari, Otago | Halfway Bush School Halfway Bush, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 65 Top 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #36 of 85 | โ |
| National rank | #514 of 1,559 | โ |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Intermediate | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7โ8 | Years 1โ6 |
| Students | 476 | 40 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 425 | 498 |
| Total roll | 476 | 40 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7.1% | -19.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 13% | 22.5% |
| Pacific students | 4.8% | 20% |
| International students | 0.2% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Wakari | Halfway Bush |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.balmacewen.school.nz | www.hwb.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขBalmacewen Intermediate scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (64.5 vs 27.0).
- โขBalmacewen Intermediate does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (425 vs 498).
- โขBalmacewen Intermediate does better on roll size (476 vs 40).
- โขBalmacewen Intermediate does better on roll growth (5 years) (-7.1% vs -19.5%).
- โขBalmacewen Intermediate is the larger school with 476 students compared with 40.
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 Halfway Bush School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Balmacewen Intermediate ranks higher (64.5 vs 27.0 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 Halfway Bush School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Wakari and Halfway Bush in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Balmacewen Intermediate: 425. Halfway Bush School: 498. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Balmacewen Intermediate and Halfway Bush School rank in Otago?
Balmacewen Intermediate is 36th of 85 and Halfway Bush School is unranked among intermediate schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).