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NewzSchools · Aotearoa New Zealand

Secondary (Year 9-15) · State

South Otago High School

Balclutha · Otago 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 South Otago High School

South Otago High School is a co-educational secondary (year 9-15) school in Balclutha, within the Otago Region, operating in the state sector, with 477 students on roll, and an Equity Index of 475. The school has been open since 1926.

With 477 students on roll, South Otago High School is a large school — larger than about 79% of New Zealand schools.

The school's Equity Index is 475, which is close to the national average of 463. That means the roll faces a broadly typical level of socio-economic challenge compared with schools across Aotearoa.

The largest group is European at 74.3%, with a meaningful Asian community at 11.6% — a mixed but clearly led roll.

On the isolation index the school scores 1.57 (very high isolation) — this measures how far students travel and how accessible the school is, not how good it is.

Students by ethnicity

European 333 · 74.3%
Pasifika 46 · 10.3%
Asian 52 · 11.6%
Middle Eastern / Latin American / African 13 · 2.9%
Other 3 · 0.7%
International 1 · 0.2%

Total roll recorded: 477 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

477Students on rollLarger than 79% of NZ schools · national median 215.5
475Equity IndexAbove national mean of 463
0.85Diversity scoreHigher = more mixed roll (max 1.95)
1.57Isolation indexvery high isolation
344 · lowest need569 · highest need

Location

Otago Region
Balclutha 46.2462° S · 169.7285° E
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Nearby schools

Rosebank School (Balclutha)Balclutha · Full Primary 0.3 km St Joseph's School (Balclutha)Balclutha · Full Primary 0.9 km Balclutha SchoolBalclutha · Full Primary 1.3 km Stirling SchoolStirling · Full Primary 3.9 km Warepa SchoolBalclutha · Full Primary 8.5 km Kaitangata SchoolKaitangata · Full Primary 10.3 km

School information

  • School typeSecondary (Year 9-15)
  • YearsYears 9–15
  • AuthorityState
  • GenderCo-Educational
  • SettingSmall urban area
  • Territorial authorityClutha District
  • Education regionOtago, Southland
  • Regional councilOtago Region
  • Enrolment schemeNo — no enrolment scheme
  • BoardingDay school only
  • Language of instructionAll students taught in English/other setting
  • Cohort entryNo — individual entry
  • DonationsDonations may be requested
  • Opened1926
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