Northern Southland College vs Southland Boys' High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland, New Zealand, 73 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Northern Southland College
Lumsden · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
218 students
Southland Boys' High School
Invercargill · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
1,078 students
| Measure | Northern Southland College Lumsden, Southland | Southland Boys' High School Invercargill, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 35 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #11 of 14 | #6 of 14 |
| National rank | #343 of 486 | #209 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 218 | 1,078 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 464 | 464 |
| Total roll | 218 | 1,078 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -0.5% | 4.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 63.6% | 79.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 21.2% | 40.8% |
| Māori students | 15.6% | 26.9% |
| Pacific students | 2.3% | 11% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Lumsden | Invercargill |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.nsc.school.nz | www.sbhs.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Southland Boys' High School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (53.7 vs 34.8).
- •Southland Boys' High School does better on roll size (1,078 vs 218).
- •Southland Boys' High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (4.1% vs -0.5%).
- •Southland Boys' High School does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (79.6% vs 63.6%).
- •Southland Boys' High School is the larger school with 1,078 students compared with 218.
- •Northern Southland College is co-educational and Southland Boys' High School is boys.
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 Northern Southland College better than Southland Boys' High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Southland Boys' High School ranks higher (53.7 vs 34.8 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 Northern Southland College and Southland Boys' High School?
About 73 km in a straight line, between Lumsden and Invercargill in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Northern Southland College: 464. Southland Boys' High School: 464. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Northern Southland College and Southland Boys' High School rank in Southland?
Northern Southland College is 11th of 14 and Southland Boys' High School is 6th of 14 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).