Fernworth Primary School vs New River Primary
A head-to-head comparison of two contributing schools in Southland, New Zealand, 970 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Fernworth Primary School
Strathern · State contributing · Years 1–6
266 students
New River Primary
Kew · State contributing · Years 1–6
229 students
| Measure | Fernworth Primary School Strathern, Southland | New River Primary Kew, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 30 Lower 50% | 32 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #43 of 48 | #41 of 48 |
| National rank | #1325 of 1,559 | #1282 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Contributing | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 1–6 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 266 | 229 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 535 | 522 |
| Total roll | 266 | 229 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 12.7% | 2.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 44.7% | 33.6% |
| Pacific students | 16.5% | 24.5% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Strathern | Kew |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.wharepa.school.nz/ | newriver.school.nz |
The verdict
- •New River Primary scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (31.9 vs 30.1).
- •New River Primary does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (522 vs 535).
- •Fernworth Primary School does better on roll size (266 vs 229).
- •Fernworth Primary School does better on roll growth (5 years) (12.7% vs 2.6%).
- •Fernworth Primary School is the larger school with 266 students compared with 229.
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 Fernworth Primary School better than New River Primary?
On the Success Index (NZ), New River Primary ranks higher (31.9 vs 30.1 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 Fernworth Primary School and New River Primary?
About 970 m in a straight line, between Strathern and Kew in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Fernworth Primary School: 535. New River Primary: 522. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Fernworth Primary School and New River Primary rank in Southland?
Fernworth Primary School is 43rd of 48 and New River Primary is 41st of 48 among contributing schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).