Palmerston School vs Waikouaiti School
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Otago, New Zealand, 13 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Palmerston School
Palmerston · State contributing · Years 1–6
103 students
Waikouaiti School
Waikouaiti · State contributing · Years 1–6
92 students
| Measure | Palmerston School Palmerston, Otago | Waikouaiti School Waikouaiti, Otago |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 43 Lower 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #70 of 85 | #56 of 85 |
| National rank | #1051 of 1,559 | #829 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 103 | 92 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 461 | 440 |
| Total roll | 103 | 92 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.8% | -17% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 28.2% | 21.7% |
| Pacific students | 5.8% | 6.5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Palmerston | Waikouaiti |
| region | Otago | Otago |
| Website | www.palmerston.school.nz | www.waikouaiti.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Waikouaiti School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (52.0 vs 42.6).
- •Waikouaiti School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (440 vs 461).
- •Palmerston School does better on roll size (103 vs 92).
- •Palmerston School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.8% vs -17%).
- •Palmerston School is the larger school with 103 students compared with 92.
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 Waikouaiti School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Waikouaiti School ranks higher (52.0 vs 42.6 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 Waikouaiti School?
About 13 km in a straight line, between Palmerston and Waikouaiti in Otago.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Palmerston School: 461. Waikouaiti School: 440. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Palmerston School and Waikouaiti School rank in Otago?
Palmerston School is 70th of 85 and Waikouaiti School is 56th of 85 among contributing schools in Otago on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).