Schools in Leeston
Canterbury · New Zealand
There are 3 schools in and around Leeston (Canterbury) — 2 primary, 1 secondary. Dunsandel School 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 Leeston 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 →
78
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing100Trajectory53ERO review75 - View profile →
55
/ 100 composite
Academic71Outcomes37Retention76Wellbeing31Trajectory41ERO review51 - View profile →
49
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing24Trajectory36ERO review79
What the record says about Leeston schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Dunsandel School
Dunsandel School, a contributing primary school with 122 students, has been working to support wellbeing following recent traumatic events in the school community. The 2022 ERO review identified that teachers effectively use research-based approaches and regular evaluation to accelerate progress for students needing support, and noted growing capability among staff to promote positive mental health and resilience.
Full source-linked profile →Ellesmere College
Ellesmere College's 2024 ERO review found that while most Year 7 and 8 students achieve at or above expected levels in literacy and numeracy, less than half of Year 9 and 10 students meet curriculum expectations. The school has recognised disparities for boys and Māori students that require improvement, though it maintains strong attendance rates and has a well-developed strategic plan. The school's composite score is 51.
Full source-linked profile →Leeston School
Leeston School is a contributing school serving 315 students in Leeston, Canterbury. Most students achieve at expected levels in reading, writing and mathematics with improving proportions over time, though a smaller proportion of Māori students achieve at expected levels across all three areas. The school has established systems to identify students at risk and provide learning support, offers a broad and responsive curriculum, and maintains a positive learning culture supporting both learning and wellbeing outcomes.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Leeston schools
What schools are in Leeston?
Leeston has 3 schools on our records (2 primary, 1 secondary): Ellesmere College, Dunsandel School, Leeston School. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Leeston?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Dunsandel School ranks highest among Leeston schools (78/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Ellesmere 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 Leeston?
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 Leeston 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 Leeston address.
Decile or EQI — how are Leeston 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).