Ages 
For independent learners with good work habits, high aspirations and a love of academics, this could be educational nirvana – a kind of halfway house between school and university, with excellent teaching across the board. And even if youngsters are not all these things, there’s a good chance most will get swept along with the crowd, though some may struggle.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 4,812 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Fees
- Day free; Boarding £17,580 - £18,945 pa
- Local authority
- Hampshire County Council
Headteacher
Principal
Sara Russell
Since 2018, Sarah Russell BA (history, Reading), previously deputy principal and then principal of Alton College. Lengthy experience in sixth form education and sits on several policy groups.
Entrance
Base entry for ‘level 3’ – ie A levels and equivalent – is five 4s at GCSE, including English and maths, but most have considerably more than this. Some subjects – including sciences, maths, languages, music, psychology, economics and computer
- Open days
- October and July
Exit
Some leave after year 12 to go to other sixth form colleges, agricultural college or vocational college. Ninety per cent to university, 40 per cent to Russell Group. In 2024, 45 to Oxbridge, making the college one of the top five Oxbridge feeder
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 33 per cent A*/A at A level (63 per cent A-B). In 2023, 30 per cent A*/A at A level (60 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Often chosen for its academic reputation, results here are excellent. ‘Head and shoulders’ above other options, said a student. All the more impressive when you consider that the college is non-selective – magic ingredient is value added, up one
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
College talks about learning differences, not difficulties – ‘We are the ones that need to adjust to them not vice-versa. We work hard to find creative ways to do that.’ Can be on micro level, eg changing fonts to be dyslexic friendly, giving
Arts & extracurricular
All students have to do at least one timetabled enrichment activity from a lovely long list that includes dance team challenge, debating society, Symonds News, film clubs, Medsoc and LAMDA. First aid is popular as students get a qualification out of
Sport
Sport is not always a forte of sixth form colleges, but this could not be further from the truth here as Peter Symonds is the national leading sixth form for games. If you excel at sport the chances are you will quickly be in a team – but only one
Boarders
Full, term-time boarding only, with most families taking up the opportunity because they live too far to travel in – anything from 30 or 40 miles away to right across the UK. A smattering of internationals too. This includes the Falkland Islands, for
Ethos & heritage
The college sits in an expanse of daisied green, a mixture of the old grammar buildings and modern additions, the swish and the less so. The atmosphere is relaxed, though purposeful and confident – ‘a stepping stone from school to university, freer
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The Hub is the pastoral focal point, although students told us they also turn to tutors and teachers for support. The Hub was a response to the tsunami of low-level mental health problems, such as anxiety and low mood – and that was pre-Covid, so you
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones must be switched off and remain out of use and sight throughout lessons, unless the teacher has given permission for them to be used for educational purposes.
Pupils & parents
Students mainly from Winchester, Basingstoke and Southampton, though stretches 10-15 miles in most directions up to Andover, over to Salisbury, down to Portsmouth and eastwards to Petersfield. Marginally more ethnically diverse than when we last
Money matters
- Fee information
- Day free; Boarding £17,580 - £18,945 pa
The last word
For independent learners with good work habits, high aspirations and a love of academics, this could be educational nirvana – a kind of halfway house between school and university, with excellent teaching across the board. And even if youngsters are
