Macraes Moonlight School vs Palmerston School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Otago, New Zealand, 25 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Macraes Moonlight School
Macraes Flat · State full primary · Years 1–8
14 students
Palmerston School
Palmerston · State contributing · Years 1–6
103 students
| Measure | Macraes Moonlight School Macraes Flat, Otago | Palmerston School Palmerston, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 40 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | – | #70 of 85 |
| National rank | – | #1051 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 14 | 103 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 461 | 461 |
| Total roll | 14 | 103 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -18.2% | -2.8% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 21.4% | 28.2% |
| Pacific students | 7.1% | 5.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Macraes Flat | Palmerston |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | macraes.nz/community/macraes-school/ | www.palmerston.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Palmerston School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (42.6 vs 39.8).
- •Palmerston School does better on roll size (103 vs 14).
- •Palmerston School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.8% vs -18.2%).
- •Palmerston School is the larger school with 103 students compared with 14.
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 Macraes Moonlight School better than Palmerston School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Palmerston School ranks higher (42.6 vs 39.8 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 Macraes Moonlight School and Palmerston School?
About 25 km in a straight line, between Macraes Flat and Palmerston in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Macraes Moonlight School: 461. Palmerston School: 461. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Macraes Moonlight School and Palmerston School rank in Otago?
Macraes Moonlight School is unranked and Palmerston School is 70th of 85 among full primary schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).