Equity Index (EQI)
The Equity Index (EQI) replaced the decile system in 2023. It measures the socio-economic context of a school's student community using factors such as household income, parental education, housing quality, and neighbourhood deprivation. A higher EQI indicates greater equity need (more disadvantaged). The national average is approximately 455.
Birkenhead College's EQI of 464 is above the national average, indicating the school community has greater-than-average equity needs. This context is important when interpreting any outcome data.
Attendance Context
Per-school attendance data is not published in New Zealand. The figures below show national benchmark averages for Term 4 2024 — broken down by school type and equity context — to help you understand what attendance looks like for schools similar to this one.
| Peer Group | Attending >90% | Attending >80% | Serious absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| All NZ schools | 56.4% | 78.9% | 11.3% |
| Secondary schools ← this type | 48% | 70.1% | 18% |
| Moderate equity need schools ← this EQI | 54% | 77.1% | 12.5% |
"Attending >90%" is the government's definition of "regular attendance." Serious absence means attending 70% or less. These figures apply to similar schools — not this specific school.
Location & Authority Context
Geographic and administrative context for Birkenhead College.
Enrolment Scheme
Birkenhead College does not have an enrolment scheme, meaning any student can enrol regardless of where they live. This is typical of schools that are not at capacity or that serve areas where zoning is not required.
All students may enrol without geographic restriction.
Understanding These Measures
EQI — Equity Index
The EQI replaced the decile system in 2023. It uses individual-level student data (not area-level) to build a more accurate picture of a school community's socio-economic context. Factors include household income, parental education, housing quality, and neighbourhood deprivation. The national average is approximately 455. Schools with higher EQI receive more equity funding from the government.
Enrolment Schemes (Zones)
An enrolment scheme defines a geographic zone around a school. Students within the zone are guaranteed entry; students outside may apply but go into a ballot if demand exceeds capacity. Schemes are common in popular urban schools and are managed by the school board with approval from the Ministry of Education.
Territorial Authority
New Zealand has 67 territorial authorities (district and city councils). The territorial authority where a school is located provides local government context. It does not affect the school's education region or funding allocation directly.
Isolation Index
The Isolation Index measures how geographically remote a school is, based on distance to population centres and services. Schools with high isolation receive additional Ministry of Education funding for operational costs and staffing.