Fiordland College vs James Hargest College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland, New Zealand, 121 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Fiordland College
Te Anau · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
307 students
James Hargest College
Invercargill · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
1,887 students
| Measure | Fiordland College Te Anau, Southland | James Hargest College Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 64 Top 50% | 66 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #3 of 14 | #1 of 14 |
| National rank | #147 of 486 | #130 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 307 | 1,887 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 445 |
| Total roll | 307 | 1,887 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 25.4% | 4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.3% | 82.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 48.4% | 56.2% |
| Māori students | 15.3% | 19.7% |
| Pacific students | 2.6% | 3.6% |
| International students | 0% | 1.3% |
| suburb or town | Te Anau | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.fiordland.school.nz | www.jameshargest.school.nz |
The verdict
- •James Hargest College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (66.0 vs 64.2).
- •Fiordland College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (441 vs 445).
- •James Hargest College does better on roll size (1,887 vs 307).
- •Fiordland College does better on roll growth (5 years) (25.4% vs 4%).
- •Fiordland College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (90.3% vs 82.6%).
- •James Hargest College is the larger school with 1,887 students compared with 307.
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 Fiordland College better than James Hargest College?
On the Success Index (NZ), James Hargest College ranks higher (66.0 vs 64.2 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 Fiordland College and James Hargest College?
About 121 km in a straight line, between Te Anau and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Fiordland College: 441. James Hargest College: 445. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Fiordland College and James Hargest College rank in Southland?
Fiordland College is 3rd of 14 and James Hargest College is 1st of 14 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).