Schools in Shirley
Christchurch · Canterbury
There are 2 schools in and around Shirley, Christchurch (Canterbury) — 1 primary, 1 intermediate. Te Oraka 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 Shirley 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 →
55
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing0Trajectory100ERO review74 - View profile →
48
/ 100 composite
Wellbeing0Trajectory61ERO review83
What the record says about Shirley schools
Plain-language summaries distilled from each school's ERO reports and Ministry records. Every claim is source-linked on the school's profile.
Te Oraka
Te Oraka has made substantial progress on improvement priorities over the last two years, with significantly improved school climate and student wellbeing since 2022. Teaching effectiveness and curriculum development have strengthened through localised curriculum redesign and better recognition of student learning needs. The school has a positive tone and culture, strong learning support systems, and a cohesive senior leadership team with a strength-based approach.
Full source-linked profile →Te Hiwa Shirley Primary School
Te Hiwa Shirley Primary School received an ERO review in August 2023 with a composite score of 83. The school has an embedded relational and inclusive culture supported by shared values, well-considered leadership structures that sustain quality practices and grow teacher capability, and collaborative teaching teams that share expertise to support learner wellbeing and success.
Full source-linked profile →Frequently asked questions about Shirley schools
What schools are in Shirley?
Shirley, Christchurch has 2 schools on our records (1 primary, 1 intermediate): Te Oraka, Te Hiwa Shirley Primary School. Every school links to a source-backed profile with ERO history, NCEA results and audited financials.
What is the best school in Shirley?
On the SchoolsNearMe value-added composite — which scores each school against its EQI peer group across all year levels — Te Oraka ranks highest among Shirley schools (55/100). "Best" depends on what you value — compare profiles to weigh academic results, ERO trajectory, retention and wellbeing.
What is the school zone for Shirley?
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 Shirley 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 Shirley address.
Decile or EQI — how are Shirley 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).