Iona College
42 Lucknow Road, Havelock North · Hawke's Bay & Gisborne
Composite score
Strong
Top 25% in NZ
Rank #19 of scored NZ schools
Best suited for
Students aged 13-18 in Havelock North looking for a state-funded setting with a strong recent ERO trajectory.
Is Iona College a good school?
Based on the most recent Education Review Office report, Iona College scores 85/100 (Strong) on our composite — top 25% in nz of scored NZ schools. Trajectory has declined across recent review cycles. Read the underlying ERO report below for the full evidence.
Strengths from the latest ERO report
- Effective pastoral care systems and processes in place
- Strong positive relationships between students and hostel staff
- Facilities provide privacy and range of spaces that support student needs
Summary derived from ERO reports + audited financials + MoE records. Every claim links to its source — see data transparency at the bottom of this page.
Latest ERO review
2023-10-17 · Shelley Booysen, ERO
- A supportive environment focuses on students' wellbeing with effective pastoral care systems and processes in place
- Positive relationships between students and hostel staff creates a sense of belonging and community
- Facilities provide privacy and a range of spaces that support student needs
- Learning is well supported, and independence and self-confidence is fostered and supported with age-appropriate responsibilities
- Stakeholder feedback is sought with student voice acknowledged and contributing to continuous improvement
"A supportive environment focuses on students' wellbeing with effective pastoral care systems and processes in place."
Trajectory across review cycles
Year-over-year change per dimension based on consecutive ERO reviews.
Both reports emphasize wellbeing as a key strength, but with a shift in focus. The 2016 report highlighted individual student care enabled by small class sizes and "comprehensive student wellbeing monitoring" in the hostel. The 2023 report frames wellbeing within a broader systemic approach, emphasizing "effective systematic and sustained school processes, practices and actions value wellbeing, student agency and academic success" within an inclusive culture.
2016-05 → 2023-10 diff source
Both reports rate leadership as effective, but with a notable shift in emphasis. The 2016 report highlighted the principal's individual strategic leadership and her assessment of school strengths/areas for change. The 2023 report broadens the focus to 'effective leadership that promotes the school vision and values' with emphasis on equitable opportunities and collective capacity-building, suggesting a more inclusive, systems-based leadership approach.
2016-05 → 2023-10 diff source
International students
SIEBA member · Boarding available
ESOL support
dedicated class
Years accepted
Years 7-13
Schools nearby
Within 15km, sorted by distance. Add any to compare with Iona College.
- no score yet
Woodford House
Secondary (Year 7-15) · 0.6km · 384 roll
- no score yet
Havelock North Primary School
Contributing · 0.9km · 603 roll
- no score yet
Lucknow School
Contributing · 0.9km · 293 roll
- no score yet
Hukarere Girls' College
Secondary (Year 9-15) · 1.3km · 53 roll
- no score yet
Hereworth School
Full Primary · 1.7km · 332 roll
- no score yet
Havelock North High School
Secondary (Year 9-15) · 1.9km · 1,096 roll
Frequently asked
Is Iona College a good school?
Based on the most recent Education Review Office report, Iona College scores 85/100 (Strong) on our composite — top 25% in nz of scored NZ schools. Trajectory has declined across recent review cycles. Read the underlying ERO report below for the full evidence.
What does the latest ERO review say?
ERO's 2023-10 review identified 5 key findings. A supportive environment focuses on students' wellbeing with effective pastoral care systems and processes in place
How do I enrol my child at Iona College?
Contact the school directly on 06-8778149, email office@iona.school.nz, or visit www.iona.school.nz. For state schools, check your home address against the school's enrolment zone — some schools are in-zone-only.
What are the fees?
Iona College is a state school. There is no tuition fee for domestic students; voluntary donations may be requested.
What is the roll size?
Iona College has 333 students, with an EQI of 396 (lower socio-economic need). It is a girls school-only school.
When was the school last reviewed by ERO?
The Education Review Office last reviewed Iona College in 2023-10, signed by Shelley Booysen. 5 ERO reports are on file in our archive.
Data transparency
Every fact on this page links to its source. We never publish a claim without provenance — read our methodology for the full rules.
Sourced from
- ero.govt.nz
- schoolsdata.co.nz
- sieba.nz
- iona.school.nz
- crimestats.co.nz