Aparima College vs Northern Southland College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland, New Zealand, 76 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Aparima College
Riverton · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
213 students
Northern Southland College
Lumsden · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
218 students
| Measure | Aparima College Riverton, Southland | Northern Southland College Lumsden, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #10 of 14 | #11 of 14 |
| National rank | #337 of 486 | #343 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 213 | 218 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 489 | 464 |
| Total roll | 213 | 218 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 19.6% | -0.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 66.7% | 63.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 41.7% | 21.2% |
| Māori students | 29.1% | 15.6% |
| Pacific students | 2.8% | 2.3% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Riverton | Lumsden |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.aparima.school.nz | www.nsc.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (35.3 vs 34.8).
- •Northern Southland College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (464 vs 489).
- •Northern Southland College does better on roll size (218 vs 213).
- •Aparima College does better on roll growth (5 years) (19.6% vs -0.5%).
- •Aparima College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (66.7% vs 63.6%).
- •Northern Southland College is the larger school with 218 students compared with 213.
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 Aparima College better than Northern Southland College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (NZ). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Aparima College and Northern Southland College?
About 76 km in a straight line, between Riverton and Lumsden in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aparima College: 489. Northern Southland College: 464. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aparima College and Northern Southland College rank in Southland?
Aparima College is 10th of 14 and Northern Southland College is 11th of 14 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).