Interactive tool
Decile to Equity Index (EQI)
The old 1–10 decile system was retired in favour of the Equity Index. Use the converter below for a rough sense of how deciles line up with EQI bands - then read your school's actual EQI on its profile.
What's my school's EQI?
Convert your school's old decile rating to the new Equity Index
Old decile (1–10)
Approximate EQI range
EQI 451–480
This is an approximateband used to translate old deciles - not your school's actual EQI (use the school profile for that).
Plain-English band (by midpoint)
Average disadvantage
On the EQI scale (344–569)
Where decile 5 roughly lines up (shaded band). Lower number (greener side) = fewer families under heavy stress on average; higher number (redder side) = more - so possibly more funding. Not “better” or “worse” schools.
Why did deciles change?
Deciles put every school into ten big buckets, and the bucket could move when rolls changed. EQI uses a smoother scale and newer data so funding can line up more closely with how much extra support students are likely to need.
What does EQI actually measure?
In short: how much extra fundingthe Ministry thinks a school may need because, on average, students' families are more likely to face things like low income or housing stress. It is not a score for teaching quality or exam results. Example: a school with a higher EQI might still top sports or academics - EQI only describes average family circumstances for funding, not “how good” the school is.
Does a higher EQI mean a worse school?
No. Higher EQI means more families under pressure on average, so the school may get more equity funding. It does not say teachers are worse or that children learn less. Great schools exist at every EQI level.
How is EQI used?
The Ministry uses EQI to share out extra money fairly: schools serving more students in tougher circumstances tend to get more, so they can pay for things like learning support or pastoral care. It is not a public ranking of schools - think “who needs more fuel for the journey”, not “who came first in a race”.
Full EQI guide
For bands, examples, and what to look for on a school profile, see Equity Index (EQI) on FernHub.