Aparima College vs Thornbury School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 9.2 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
Thornbury School
Thornbury · State contributing · Years 1–6
69 students
| Measure | Aparima College Riverton, Southland | Thornbury School Thornbury, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #10 of 14 | #22 of 48 |
| National rank | #337 of 486 | #743 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 213 | 69 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 489 | 438 |
| Total roll | 213 | 69 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 19.6% | 9.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 66.7% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 41.7% | – |
| Māori students | 29.1% | 31.9% |
| Pacific students | 2.8% | 0% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Riverton | Thornbury |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.aparima.school.nz | www.thornbury.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Thornbury School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (55.3 vs 35.3).
- •Thornbury School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (438 vs 489).
- •Aparima College does better on roll size (213 vs 69).
- •Aparima College does better on roll growth (5 years) (19.6% vs 9.4%).
- •Aparima College is the larger school with 213 students compared with 69.
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 Thornbury School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Thornbury School ranks higher (55.3 vs 35.3 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 Aparima College and Thornbury School?
About 9.2 km in a straight line, between Riverton and Thornbury in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Aparima College: 489. Thornbury School: 438. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Aparima College and Thornbury School rank in Southland?
Aparima College is 10th of 14 and Thornbury School is 22nd of 48 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).