Bell Block School vs Highlands Intermediate
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 6.4 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bell Block School
Bell Block · State full primary · Years 1–8
473 students
Highlands Intermediate
New Plymouth · State intermediate · Years 7–8
714 students
| Measure | Bell Block School Bell Block, Taranaki | Highlands Intermediate New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 68 Top 25% | 57 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #8 of 56 | #17 of 56 |
| National rank | #444 of 1,559 | #692 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Full Primary | Intermediate |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 7–8 |
| Students | 473 | 714 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 441 | 444 |
| Total roll | 473 | 714 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | 4.4% | -2.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 22.2% | 21.7% |
| Pacific students | 4% | 3.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Bell Block | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.bellblock.school.nz | www.highlands.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Bell Block School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (68.0 vs 56.9).
- •Bell Block School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (441 vs 444).
- •Highlands Intermediate does better on roll size (714 vs 473).
- •Bell Block School does better on roll growth (5 years) (4.4% vs -2.4%).
- •Highlands Intermediate is the larger school with 714 students compared with 473.
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 Bell Block School better than Highlands Intermediate?
On the Success Index (NZ), Bell Block School ranks higher (68.0 vs 56.9 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 Bell Block School and Highlands Intermediate?
About 6.4 km in a straight line, between Bell Block and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Bell Block School: 441. Highlands Intermediate: 444. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Bell Block School and Highlands Intermediate rank in Taranaki?
Bell Block School is 8th of 56 and Highlands Intermediate is 17th of 56 among full primary schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).