Donovan Primary School vs Ruru Special School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 478 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Donovan Primary School
Waikiwi ยท State contributing ยท Years 1โ6
378 students
Ruru Special School
Invercargill ยท State special school
128 students
| Measure | Donovan Primary School Waikiwi, Southland | Ruru Special School Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 45 Lower 50% | โ Not rated |
| Region rank | #31 of 48 | โ |
| National rank | #997 of 1,559 | โ |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Special School |
| Year range | Years 1โ6 | โ |
| Students | 378 | 128 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 464 | 519 |
| Total roll | 378 | 128 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -14.5% | 27.7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 22% | 30.5% |
| Pacific students | 5.8% | 10.2% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Waikiwi | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.donovanprimary.ac.nz | www.rurued.school.nz |
The verdict
- โขDonovan Primary School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (464 vs 519).
- โขDonovan Primary School does better on roll size (378 vs 128).
- โขRuru Special School does better on roll growth (5 years) (27.7% vs -14.5%).
- โขDonovan Primary School is the larger school with 378 students compared with 128.
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 Donovan Primary School better than Ruru Special School?
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 Donovan Primary School and Ruru Special School?
About 478 m in a straight line, between Waikiwi and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Donovan Primary School: 464. Ruru Special School: 519. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Donovan Primary School and Ruru Special School rank in Southland?
Donovan Primary School is 31st of 48 and Ruru Special School is unranked among contributing schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).