Highlands Intermediate vs Merrilands School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Taranaki, New Zealand, 1.7 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Highlands Intermediate
New Plymouth · State intermediate · Years 7–8
714 students
Merrilands School
New Plymouth · State contributing · Years 1–6
138 students
| Measure | Highlands Intermediate New Plymouth, Taranaki | Merrilands School New Plymouth, Taranaki |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 57 Top 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #17 of 56 | #41 of 56 |
| National rank | #692 of 1,559 | #1202 of 1,559 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Intermediate | Contributing |
| Year range | Years 7–8 | Years 1–6 |
| Students | 714 | 138 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 444 | 479 |
| Total roll | 714 | 138 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -2.4% | -25.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | – |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | – |
| Māori students | 21.7% | 36.2% |
| Pacific students | 3.1% | 13.8% |
| International students | 0% | 0% |
| suburb or town | New Plymouth | New Plymouth |
| region | Taranaki | Taranaki |
| Website | www.highlands.school.nz/ | www.merrilands.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Highlands Intermediate scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (56.9 vs 35.3).
- •Highlands Intermediate does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (444 vs 479).
- •Highlands Intermediate does better on roll size (714 vs 138).
- •Highlands Intermediate does better on roll growth (5 years) (-2.4% vs -25.6%).
- •Highlands Intermediate is the larger school with 714 students compared with 138.
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 Highlands Intermediate better than Merrilands School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Highlands Intermediate ranks higher (56.9 vs 35.3 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 Highlands Intermediate and Merrilands School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between New Plymouth and New Plymouth in Taranaki.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Highlands Intermediate: 444. Merrilands School: 479. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Highlands Intermediate and Merrilands School rank in Taranaki?
Highlands Intermediate is 17th of 56 and Merrilands School is 41st of 56 among intermediate schools in Taranaki on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).