Schools in Cromwell
Otago & Southland · New Zealand
There are 3 schools in and around Cromwell (Otago & Southland) — 2 primary, 1 secondary. Goldfields School (Cromwell) 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.
3 schools · refreshed from Education Counts 2026-07-12. Full methodology.
Schools in Cromwell 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 →
79
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing83Trajectory62ERO review86 - View profile →
74
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing81Trajectory62ERO review76 - View profile →
58
/ 100 composite
Academic73Outcomes35Retention77Wellbeing0Trajectory94ERO review83
What the record says about Cromwell schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Goldfields School (Cromwell)
Goldfields School (Cromwell) is a contributing primary school located in Cromwell, Otago, Southland with a roll of 330 students. The Board of Trustees attested to meeting all regulatory and legislative requirements as of June 2024, with Board Administration and Curriculum requirements confirmed in the September 2024 board assurance review. No composite score is currently available.
Full source-linked profile →Cromwell Primary School
Cromwell Primary School's most recent ERO review (February 2025) found that most learners achieve at or above curriculum levels in mathematics and a large majority in reading and writing, with equitable achievement for Māori students. The school has achieved significant improvement in student literacy outcomes through structured literacy programmes and enhanced consistency in teacher practice, though a disparity in boys' achievement in writing has been identified and is being addressed. Leadership demonstrates systematic monitoring of schoolwide progress with consistent implementation of structured programmes across the school.
Full source-linked profile →Cromwell College
Cromwell College's most recent ERO review (February 2025) found that most learners progress and achieve at appropriate curriculum levels with equitable outcomes. The school has effectively embedded inclusive practices to meet diverse learner needs and strengthened restorative systems that support student engagement. Curriculum design increasingly reflects local contexts through community and environmental connections. The school has a composite score of 83 and is currently operating under a limited statutory manager intervention.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Cromwell schools
What schools are in Cromwell?
Cromwell has 3 schools on our records (2 primary, 1 secondary): Cromwell College, Cromwell Primary School, Goldfields School (Cromwell). Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Cromwell?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Goldfields School (Cromwell) ranks highest among Cromwell schools (79/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Cromwell College leads the local secondary schools. "Best" depends on what you value — compare profiles to weigh academic results, ERO trajectory, retention and wellbeing.
What is the school zone for Cromwell?
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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell address.
Decile or EQI — how are Cromwell 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).