Windwhistle School
19 Rakaia Gorge Road, Darfield · Canterbury
In summary
Windwhistle School's October 2024 ERO review found almost all students meeting curriculum level expectations in reading, writing and mathematics, with strong student wellbeing and peer support. The school demonstrates robust achievement data analysis, aligned strategic planning, and seamless teaching team collaboration. The school's composite score is 80.
Best suited for
Students in Darfield looking for a state-funded setting.
Is Windwhistle School a good school?
Windwhistle School has a roll size below our composite-score threshold (roll < 30 (cohort too small for a reliable rollup)). The per-axis data on this profile (NCEA, retention, discipline, funding) is still complete — only the rollup is hidden because small cohorts make rollups noisy.
Strengths from the latest ERO report
- Robust analysis of achievement data ensures student strengths and needs are well-known with personalised programmes
- Vision, values and strategic goals are systematically aligned with curriculum and learning outcomes
- Teachers and teacher-aides work seamlessly as a teaching team to support emerging student strengths and 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
2024-10-01 · Shelley Booysen, ERO
- Almost all students are meeting curriculum level expectations in reading, writing and mathematics.
- Students demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing and are supportive of their peers.
- Leadership effectively sustains quality teaching for excellence in learner outcomes underpinned by a strong culture of care.
- Structured and well-considered research-informed teaching approaches inform a successful learning pathway for each student in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics.
- Strong connections with whānau and families promote ongoing community engagement in the life of the school.
"Leadership effectively sustains quality teaching for excellence in learner outcomes underpinned by a strong culture of care."
Composite score across reviews
2 ERO reviews on file, 2018–2024. Click a point to read that review.
Discipline (age-standardised, per 1,000 students)
Stand-down = sent home temporarily. Suspension = formal investigation. Exclusion = removed from school. National averages shown for comparison.
Stand-downs · 2024
0.0
· NZ avg ~37
Suspensions · 2024
0.0
· NZ avg ~5
Exclusions · 2024
0.0
· NZ avg ~1.5
Government funding
Crown funding only (school operations + teacher salaries + property). Excludes locally-raised funds, international fees and trading income — those are in the audited financial report above.
Total Crown funding · 2022
$0.41M
Per-student funding · 2022
$14,279
2018
$0.3M
2019
$0.4M
2020
$0.4M
2021
$0.5M
2022
$0.4M
Roll by year level
July 2025 roll return.
- Year 01 4
- Year 02 2
- Year 03 7
- Year 04 5
- Year 05 3
- Year 06 5
Roll by ethnicity
Share of total roll. Students who identify with multiple ethnicities are counted once.
- European/Pākehā 96.6%
- Māori 3.4%
Location
19 Rakaia Gorge Road, Darfield. Nearby schools marked in grey.
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap, © CARTO
Schools nearby
Within 15km, sorted by distance. Add any to compare with Windwhistle School.
Frequently asked
Is Windwhistle School a good school?
Windwhistle School has a roll size below our composite-score threshold (roll < 30 (cohort too small for a reliable rollup)). The per-axis data on this profile (NCEA, retention, discipline, funding) is still complete — only the rollup is hidden because small cohorts make rollups noisy.
What does the latest ERO review say?
ERO's 2024-10 review identified 5 key findings. Almost all students are meeting curriculum level expectations in reading, writing and mathematics.
How do I enrol my child at Windwhistle School?
Contact the school directly on 03-3186828, email office@windwhistle.school.nz, or visit www.windwhistle.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?
Windwhistle School is a state school. There is no tuition fee for domestic students; voluntary donations may be requested.
What is the roll size?
Windwhistle School has 29 students, with an EQI of 389 (lower socio-economic need).
When was the school last reviewed by ERO?
The Education Review Office last reviewed Windwhistle School in 2024-10, 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
- crimestats.co.nz