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Kelson School vs Papakowhai School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 9.3 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureKelson School
Kelson, Wellington
Papakowhai School
Papakowhai, Wellington
Success Index (NZ)
80
Top 10%
77
Top 25%
Region rank#16 of 176#37 of 176
National rank#144 of 1,559#231 of 1,559
SectorStateState
TypeContributingFull Primary
Year rangeYears 1–6Years 1–8
Students278476
Equity Index (EQI)386387
Total roll278476
Roll growth (5 yrs)0%-7.7%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+––
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance––
Māori students10.1%11.8%
Pacific students5.8%9.7%
International students0%0%
suburb or townKelsonPapakowhai
regionWellingtonWellington
Websitewww.kelson.school.nzwww.papakowhai.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Kelson School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (80.0 vs 76.8).
  • •Kelson School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (386 vs 387).
  • •Papakowhai School does better on roll size (476 vs 278).
  • •Kelson School does better on roll growth (5 years) (0% vs -7.7%).
  • •Papakowhai School is the larger school with 476 students compared with 278.

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 Kelson School better than Papakowhai School?

On the Success Index (NZ), Kelson School ranks higher (80.0 vs 76.8 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 Kelson School and Papakowhai School?

About 9.3 km in a straight line, between Kelson and Papakowhai in Wellington.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Kelson School: 386. Papakowhai School: 387. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Kelson School and Papakowhai School rank in Wellington?

Kelson School is 16th of 176 and Papakowhai School is 37th of 176 among contributing schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).