Francis Douglas Memorial College vs Woodleigh School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 1.1 km 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
Woodleigh School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
437 students
| Measure | Francis Douglas Memorial College Westown, Taranaki | Woodleigh School New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 72 Top 25% | 70 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #2 of 16 | #7 of 56 |
| National rank | #95 of 486 | #406 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State integrated | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 779 | 437 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 418 | 437 |
| Total roll | 779 | 437 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -1.3% | 11.4% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 94.8% | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 77.3% | – |
| Māori students | 20.4% | 22% |
| Pacific students | 3% | 4.1% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | Westown | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.fdmc.school.nz | www.woodleigh.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (71.9 vs 69.8).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (418 vs 437).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College does better on roll size (779 vs 437).
- •Woodleigh School does better on roll growth (5 years) (11.4% vs -1.3%).
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is the larger school with 779 students compared with 437.
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is a state integrated school while Woodleigh School is a state school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Francis Douglas Memorial College is boys and Woodleigh 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 Woodleigh School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Francis Douglas Memorial College ranks higher (71.9 vs 69.8 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 Woodleigh School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Westown and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Francis Douglas Memorial College: 418. Woodleigh School: 437. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Francis Douglas Memorial College and Woodleigh School rank in Taranaki?
Francis Douglas Memorial College is 2nd of 16 and Woodleigh School is 7th of 56 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).