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Ruru Special School vs Southland Boys' High School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 2.3 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureRuru Special School
Invercargill, Southland
Southland Boys' High School
Invercargill, Southland
Success Index (NZ)
โ€“
Not rated
54
Top 50%
Region rankโ€“#6 of 14
National rankโ€“#209 of 486
SectorStateState
TypeSpecial SchoolSecondary (Year 7-15)
Year rangeโ€“Years 7โ€“13
Students1281,078
Equity Index (EQI)519464
Total roll1281,078
Roll growth (5 yrs)27.7%4.1%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+โ€“79.6%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+โ€“โ€“
Leavers with University Entranceโ€“40.8%
Mฤori students30.5%26.9%
Pacific students10.2%11%
International students0%0%
suburb or townInvercargillInvercargill
regionSouthlandSouthland
Websitewww.rurued.school.nzwww.sbhs.school.nz

The verdict

  • โ€ขSouthland Boys' High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (464 vs 519).
  • โ€ขSouthland Boys' High School does better on roll size (1,078 vs 128).
  • โ€ขRuru Special School does better on roll growth (5 years) (27.7% vs 4.1%).
  • โ€ขSouthland Boys' High School is the larger school with 1,078 students compared with 128.
  • โ€ขRuru Special School 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 Ruru Special School better than Southland Boys' High 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 Ruru Special School and Southland Boys' High School?

About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Invercargill and Invercargill in Southland.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Ruru Special School: 519. Southland Boys' High School: 464. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Ruru Special School and Southland Boys' High School rank in Southland?

Ruru Special School is unranked and Southland Boys' High School is 6th of 14 among special school schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).