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Gisborne Central School

Gisborne · Gisborne Region

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Figures on this page come from the New Zealand Ministry of Education school directory export dated 1 September 2026, with roll and ethnicity recorded at the same snapshot. Always confirm enrolment, zoning and fees directly with the school. About this directory

At a glance

About Gisborne Central School

Gisborne Central School is a co-educational contributing school in Gisborne, within the Gisborne Region, operating in the state sector, with 379 students on roll, and an Equity Index of 430. The school has been open since 1872.

With 379 students on roll, Gisborne Central School is a large school — larger than about 71% of New Zealand schools.

The school's Equity Index is 430, which is below the national average of 463. A lower Equity Index signals less socio-economic need in the school's community than the national norm.

81.1% of students identify as European, so the school has a strongly homogeneous roll. Students of Asian descent make up 14%.

On the isolation index the school scores 0.84 (high isolation) — this measures how far students travel and how accessible the school is, not how good it is.

Students by ethnicity

European 214 · 81.1%
Pasifika 1 · 0.4%
Asian 37 · 14.0%
Middle Eastern / Latin American / African 10 · 3.8%
Other 2 · 0.8%

Total roll recorded: 379 students, from the 2026 roll census. Percentages may not sum to exactly 100% because of rounding and students who decline to state an ethnicity.

Roll in context

379Students on rollLarger than 71% of NZ schools · national median 215.5
430Equity IndexBelow national mean of 463
0.63Diversity scoreHigher = more mixed roll (max 1.95)
0.84Isolation indexhigh isolation
344 · lowest need569 · highest need

Location

Gisborne Region
Gisborne 38.6550° S · 178.0304° E
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Nearby schools

Turanganui-A-Kiwa Activity CentreGisborne · Activity Centre 0.9 km Mangapapa SchoolGisborne · Contributing 1.2 km Tūranga Tangata RiteGisborne · Secondary (Year 9-15) 1.7 km Gisborne IntermediateGisborne · Intermediate 1.9 km Te Wharau School (Gisborne)Gisborne · Contributing 1.9 km Gisborne Boys' High SchoolGisborne · Secondary (Year 9-15) 1.9 km

School information

  • School typeContributing
  • YearsYears 1–6
  • AuthorityState
  • GenderCo-Educational
  • SettingLarge urban area
  • Territorial authorityGisborne District
  • Education regionHawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti
  • Regional councilGisborne Region
  • Enrolment schemeYes — has an in-zone entitlement
  • BoardingDay school only
  • Language of instructionAll students taught in English/other setting
  • Cohort entryNo — individual entry
  • DonationsDonations should not be requested, unless for a school camp
  • Opened1872
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