Ascot Community School vs James Hargest College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 1.8 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ascot Community School
Hawthorndale · State full primary · Years 1–8
237 students
James Hargest College
Invercargill · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
1,887 students
| Measure | Ascot Community School Hawthorndale, Southland | James Hargest College Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 25 Lower 50% | 66 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #45 of 48 | #1 of 14 |
| National rank | #1434 of 1,559 | #130 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 237 | 1,887 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 516 | 445 |
| Total roll | 237 | 1,887 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -19.2% | 4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 82.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 56.2% |
| Māori students | 20.7% | 19.7% |
| Pacific students | 12.7% | 3.6% |
| International students | 0% | 1.3% |
| suburb or town | Hawthorndale | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.ascot.school.nz | www.jameshargest.school.nz |
The verdict
- •James Hargest College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (66.0 vs 25.1).
- •James Hargest College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (445 vs 516).
- •James Hargest College does better on roll size (1,887 vs 237).
- •James Hargest College does better on roll growth (5 years) (4% vs -19.2%).
- •James Hargest College is the larger school with 1,887 students compared with 237.
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 Ascot Community School better than James Hargest College?
On the Success Index (NZ), James Hargest College ranks higher (66.0 vs 25.1 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 Ascot Community School and James Hargest College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Hawthorndale and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ascot Community School: 516. James Hargest College: 445. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ascot Community School and James Hargest College rank in Southland?
Ascot Community School is 45th of 48 and James Hargest College is 1st of 14 among full primary schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).