Francis Douglas Memorial College vs Taranaki Activity Centre
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 1.0 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Francis Douglas Memorial College
Westown ยท State integrated secondary (year 7-15) ยท Years 7โ13
779 students
Taranaki Activity Centre
New Plymouth ยท State activity centre
| Measure | Francis Douglas Memorial College Westown, Taranaki | Taranaki Activity Centre New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 72 Top 25% | โ Not rated |
| Region rank | #2 of 16 | โ |
| National rank | #95 of 486 | โ |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Activity Centre |
| Year range | Years 7โ13 | โ |
| Students | 779 | โ |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 418 | 569 |
| Total roll | 779 | โ |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -1.3% | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 94.8% | โ |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | โ | โ |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 77.3% | โ |
| Mฤori students | 20.4% | โ |
| Pacific students | 3% | โ |
| International students | 0% | โ |
| suburb or town | Westown | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.fdmc.school.nz | โ |
The verdict
- โขFrancis Douglas Memorial College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (418 vs 569).
- โขFrancis Douglas Memorial College is a state integrated school while Taranaki Activity Centre is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- โขFrancis Douglas Memorial College is boys and Taranaki Activity Centre 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 Taranaki Activity Centre?
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 Francis Douglas Memorial College and Taranaki Activity Centre?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Westown and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Francis Douglas Memorial College: 418. Taranaki Activity Centre: 569. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Francis Douglas Memorial College and Taranaki Activity Centre rank in Taranaki?
Francis Douglas Memorial College is 2nd of 16 and Taranaki Activity Centre is unranked among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).