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Garston School vs Lochiel School

A head-to-head comparison of two full primary schools in Southland, New Zealand, 87 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureGarston School
Garston, Southland
Lochiel School
Lochiel, Southland
Success Index (NZ)
55
Top 50%
56
Top 50%
Region rankโ€“#21 of 48
National rankโ€“#731 of 1,559
SectorStateState
TypeFull PrimaryFull Primary
Year rangeYears 1โ€“8Years 1โ€“8
Students2479
Equity Index (EQI)429432
Total roll2479
Roll growth (5 yrs)-48.8%-21.6%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+โ€“โ€“
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+โ€“โ€“
Leavers with University Entranceโ€“โ€“
Mฤori students8.3%10.1%
Pacific students0%2.5%
International students0%0%
suburb or townGarstonLochiel
regionSouthlandSouthland
Websitewww.garston.school.nzwww.lochiel.school.nz

The verdict

  • โ€ขBoth schools have almost identical Success Index (NZ) scores (55.1 vs 55.8).
  • โ€ขGarston School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (429 vs 432).
  • โ€ขLochiel School does better on roll size (79 vs 24).
  • โ€ขLochiel School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-21.6% vs -48.8%).
  • โ€ขLochiel School is the larger school with 79 students compared with 24.

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 Garston School better than Lochiel 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 Garston School and Lochiel School?

About 87 km in a straight line, between Garston and Lochiel in Southland.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Garston School: 429. Lochiel School: 432. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Garston School and Lochiel School rank in Southland?

Garston School is unranked and Lochiel School is 21st of 48 among full primary schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).