Schools in Richmond
Nelson · Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast
There are 3 schools in and around Richmond, Nelson (Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast) — 2 primary, 1 secondary. St Paul's School (Richmond) 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 Richmond 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 →
80
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing84Trajectory89ERO review70 - View profile →
79
/ 100 composite
Academic84Outcomes64Retention86Wellbeing83Trajectory80ERO review85 - View profile →
77
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing90Trajectory53ERO review80
What the record says about Richmond schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Garin College
Garin College's hostel facilities comprise two separate, well-maintained boarding buildings (Francis Douglas House and Mother Theresa House) that provide a homely environment for boarders. The hostel manager and school leadership maintain effective liaison, with regular trips and activities arranged for residents. The hostel meets the requirements of the Hostel Regulations 2005, with policies and procedures well integrated with the school's pastoral systems.
Full source-linked profile →Richmond School (Nelson)
Richmond School's February 2025 ERO review found that success and progress for all learners is increasing, with high quality teaching practice improving outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics. The school demonstrates an inclusive approach, using data to identify and support learners at risk, and has an experienced leadership team focused on sustained improvement. The composite score is 80.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Richmond schools
What schools are in Richmond?
Richmond, Nelson has 3 schools on our records (2 primary, 1 secondary): St Paul's School (Richmond), Richmond School (Nelson), Garin College. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Richmond?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — St Paul's School (Richmond) ranks highest among Richmond schools (80/100). On NCEA and University Entrance results, Garin 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 Richmond?
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 Richmond 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 Richmond address.
Decile or EQI — how are Richmond 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).