Ruru Special School vs Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 771 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ruru Special School
Invercargill Β· State special school
128 students
Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)
Waikiwi Β· State integrated contributing Β· Years 1β6
87 students
| Measure | Ruru Special School Invercargill, Southland | Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) Waikiwi, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | β Not rated | 57 Top 50% |
| Region rank | β | #19 of 48 |
| National rank | β | #704 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State integrated |
| Type | Special School | Contributing |
| Year range | β | Years 1β6 |
| Students | 128 | 87 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 519 | 430 |
| Total roll | 128 | 87 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 27.7% | -27.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | β | β |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | β | β |
| Leavers with University Entrance | β | β |
| MΔori students | 30.5% | 27.6% |
| Pacific students | 10.2% | 6.9% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Invercargill | Waikiwi |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.rurued.school.nz | www.shsinv.school.nz |
The verdict
- β’Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (430 vs 519).
- β’Ruru Special School does better on roll size (128 vs 87).
- β’Ruru Special School does better on roll growth (5 years) (27.7% vs -27.5%).
- β’Ruru Special School is the larger school with 128 students compared with 87.
- β’Ruru Special School is a state school while Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) is a state integrated school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruru Special School better than Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)?
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 Ruru Special School and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi)?
About 771 m in a straight line, between Invercargill and Waikiwi in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ruru Special School: 519. Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi): 430. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ruru Special School and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) rank in Southland?
Ruru Special School is unranked and Sacred Heart School (Waikiwi) is 19th of 48 among special school schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).