Kelburn Normal School vs Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 1.5 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Kelburn Normal School
Kelburn · State full primary · Years 1–8
281 students
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
Karori · Private composite · Years 1–13
396 students
| Measure | Kelburn Normal School Kelburn, Wellington | Samuel Marsden Collegiate School Karori, Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 79 Top 10% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #21 of 176 | – |
| National rank | #169 of 1,559 | – |
| Sector | State | Private |
| Type | Full Primary | Composite |
| Year range | Years 1–8 | Years 1–13 |
| Students | 281 | 396 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 353 | – |
| Total roll | 281 | 396 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -15.7% | -14.6% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 95% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 92.5% |
| Māori students | 4.6% | 3.8% |
| Pacific students | 1.8% | 1.5% |
| International students | 1.4% | 2% |
| suburb or town | Kelburn | Karori |
| region | Wellington | Wellington |
| Website | www.kelburnnormal.school.nz/ | www.marsden.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Samuel Marsden Collegiate School does better on roll size (396 vs 281).
- •Samuel Marsden Collegiate School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-14.6% vs -15.7%).
- •Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is the larger school with 396 students compared with 281.
- •Kelburn Normal School is a state school while Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is a private school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Kelburn Normal School is co-educational and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is girls.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Kelburn Normal School better than Samuel Marsden Collegiate School?
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 Kelburn Normal School and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Kelburn and Karori in Wellington.
How do Kelburn Normal School and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School rank in Wellington?
Kelburn Normal School is 21st of 176 and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is unranked among full primary schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).