Schools in Awapuni
Palmerston North · Taranaki & Manawatū
There are 2 schools in and around Awapuni, Palmerston North (Taranaki & Manawatū) — 2 primary. Riverdale School (P North) is the highest-scoring on the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite, which compares every school against its EQI peer group. Each profile is source-linked to Education Counts, ERO and the Ministry of Education.
2 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Schools in Awapuni ranked by value-added score
The SchoolsNearMe composite scores every level against its EQI peer group, so it surfaces schools that get the most out of their students — not just the most advantaged intake. How it's calculated.
- View profile →
76
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing93Trajectory41ERO review84 - View profile →
62
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing47Trajectory59ERO review77
What the record says about Awapuni schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Riverdale School (P North)
Riverdale School achieved very good outcomes in 2017, with over half of learners exceeding curriculum expectations in reading and a third in mathematics. The school implements robust processes to support students with additional needs and demonstrates strong leadership focused on excellence and equity. ERO noted effective teaching practices, professional collaboration, and meaningful inquiry contributing to school improvement and success for Māori students.
Full source-linked profile →Awapuni School (P North)
Awapuni School is achieving equitable outcomes for most students, with Māori students performing as well as or better than Pākehā peers across all areas. Pacific students exceed Pākehā achievement in reading and writing, though mathematics performance is lower. The school's composite score is 77, with strengths in leadership focused on learning outcomes and teaching practice that prioritises student achievement. The school is currently operating under limited statutory manager intervention from the Ministry of Education.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Awapuni schools
What schools are in Awapuni?
Awapuni, Palmerston North has 2 schools on our records (2 primary): Awapuni School (P North), Riverdale School (P North). Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Awapuni?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Riverdale School (P North) ranks highest among Awapuni schools (76/100). "Best" depends on what you value — compare profiles to weigh academic results, ERO trajectory, retention and wellbeing.
What is the school zone for Awapuni?
Many New Zealand state schools operate an enrolment zone (home zone), so your home address — not just the suburb — determines which in-zone state schools you can enrol at. Living in Awapuni does not guarantee a place at any particular school. Check each school's current zone with the school directly or use our by-address tool to see which schools cover a specific Awapuni address.
Decile or EQI — how are Awapuni schools rated for socio-economic need?
New Zealand replaced the decile system with the Equity Index (EQI) in 2023. A lower EQI means a more socio-economically advantaged community; a higher EQI means greater need. EQI is a funding tool, not a quality measure — a high-EQI school can outperform a low-EQI one. The SchoolsNearMe composite controls for EQI so a school serving a more disadvantaged community isn't unfairly penalised.
Source data: Education Counts (NCEA, retention, destinations, discipline, funding) · Ministry of Education (roll, EQI, identity) · Education Review Office (reviews).