Ruru Special School vs Waihopai School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Southland, New Zealand, 2.2 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ruru Special School
Invercargill ยท State special school
128 students
Waihopai School
Gladstone ยท State contributing ยท Years 1โ6
354 students
| Measure | Ruru Special School Invercargill, Southland | Waihopai School Gladstone, Southland |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | โ Not rated | 68 Top 25% |
| Region rank | โ | #3 of 48 |
| National rank | โ | #442 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Special School | Contributing |
| Year range | โ | Years 1โ6 |
| Students | 128 | 354 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 519 | 428 |
| Total roll | 128 | 354 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 27.7% | 0.9% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | โ | โ |
| Mฤori students | 30.5% | 20.9% |
| Pacific students | 10.2% | 5.9% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Invercargill | Gladstone |
| region | Southland | Southland |
| Website | www.rurued.school.nz | www.waihopai.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- โขWaihopai School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (428 vs 519).
- โขWaihopai School does better on roll size (354 vs 128).
- โขRuru Special School does better on roll growth (5 years) (27.7% vs 0.9%).
- โขWaihopai School is the larger school with 354 students compared with 128.
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 Waihopai 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 Waihopai School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Invercargill and Gladstone in Southland.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ruru Special School: 519. Waihopai School: 428. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ruru Special School and Waihopai School rank in Southland?
Ruru Special School is unranked and Waihopai School is 3rd of 48 among special school schools in Southland on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).