Francis Douglas Memorial College vs Marfell Community School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 957 m apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Francis Douglas Memorial College
Westown · State integrated secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
779 students
Marfell Community School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
141 students
| Measure | Francis Douglas Memorial College Westown, Taranaki | Marfell Community School New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 72 Top 25% | 22 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #2 of 16 | #54 of 56 |
| National rank | #95 of 486 | #1476 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 779 | 141 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 418 | 542 |
| Total roll | 779 | 141 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -1.3% | 22.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 94.8% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 77.3% | – |
| Māori students | 20.4% | 66% |
| Pacific students | 3% | 6.4% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Westown | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.fdmc.school.nz | www.marfell.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (71.9 vs 22.3).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (418 vs 542).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College does better on roll size (779 vs 141).
- •Marfell Community School does better on roll growth (5 years) (22.4% vs -1.3%).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is the larger school with 779 students compared with 141.
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is a state integrated school while Marfell Community School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is boys and Marfell Community School is co-educational.
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 Francis Douglas Memorial College better than Marfell Community School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Francis Douglas Memorial College ranks higher (71.9 vs 22.3 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 Francis Douglas Memorial College and Marfell Community School?
About 957 m in a straight line, between Westown and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Francis Douglas Memorial College: 418. Marfell Community School: 542. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Francis Douglas Memorial College and Marfell Community School rank in Taranaki?
Francis Douglas Memorial College is 2nd of 16 and Marfell Community School is 54th of 56 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).