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Palmerston School vs Waihola District School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Otago, New Zealand, 77 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasurePalmerston School
Palmerston, Otago
Waihola District School
Waihola, Otago
Success Index (NZ)
43
Lower 50%
41
Lower 50%
Region rank#70 of 85โ€“
National rank#1051 of 1,559โ€“
SectorStateState
TypeContributingFull Primary
Year rangeYears 1โ€“6Years 1โ€“8
Students10330
Equity Index (EQI)461461
Total roll10330
Roll growth (5 yrs)-2.8%-26.5%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+โ€“โ€“
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+โ€“โ€“
Leavers with University Entranceโ€“โ€“
Mฤori students28.2%20%
Pacific students5.8%0%
International students0%0%
suburb or townPalmerstonWaihola
regionOtagoOtago
Websitewww.palmerston.school.nzโ€“

The verdict

  • โ€ขPalmerston School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (42.6 vs 40.6).
  • โ€ขPalmerston School does better on roll size (103 vs 30).
  • โ€ขPalmerston School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.8% vs -26.5%).
  • โ€ขPalmerston School is the larger school with 103 students compared with 30.

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 Palmerston School better than Waihola District School?

On the Success Index (NZ), Palmerston School ranks higher (42.6 vs 40.6 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 Palmerston School and Waihola District School?

About 77 km in a straight line, between Palmerston and Waihola in Otago.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Palmerston School: 461. Waihola District School: 461. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Palmerston School and Waihola District School rank in Otago?

Palmerston School is 70th of 85 and Waihola District School is unranked among contributing schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).