Peter Symonds College

About Peter Symonds College

Peter Symonds College is a large state sixth-form college in Winchester, Hampshire, catering for students aged 16 to 99. With a pupil count of 1,982 in its most recent KS5 data, the college operates well above typical capacity for a single institution, reflecting its status as one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the South East. The college does not publish its free school meal (FSM) percentage, so it is not possible to compare its intake directly against local or national averages. However, the fact that it is a mixed, non-denominational college with no religious character suggests a broad, inclusive intake. Demand is clearly high, as the college's admission information indicates it is oversubscribed, though exact ratios are not provided. This level of demand, combined with its size, positions Peter Symonds as a dominant player in the Hampshire sixth-form landscape, competing with other large providers like Sparsholt College Hampshire and Lift Winton.

Academically, Peter Symonds College performs strongly. In the 2023/24 academic year, its A-level students achieved a best three A-levels average grade of B, with a points per entry score of 38.37, also graded B. The proportion of students achieving AAB or higher in at least two facilitating subjects was 22.3%, a solid figure for a large state college. The college's value-added score of 0.1 places it in the 'Above average' progress banding, meaning students typically make more progress than expected given their prior attainment. This is particularly notable when compared to the Hampshire local authority average Progress 8 score of -0.17, though Progress 8 is a KS4 measure and not directly comparable to KS5 value-added. The college's progress banding suggests it is effective at supporting students to achieve beyond their starting points, which is a key consideration for parents looking at post-16 options.

The college offers a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, sports hall, science labs, and a chapel, alongside a strong sports programme featuring netball, football, hockey, rugby, and athletics. Clubs such as choir, drama, debate, and Young Enterprise provide enrichment opportunities. While the data does not include specific SEND provisions, the college's size and status as a state institution suggest it will have a dedicated SEND team. For families, Peter Symonds is best suited to academically motivated students who are comfortable in a large, bustling environment. Its oversubscribed status means early application is essential, and the college's strong value-added performance makes it particularly attractive for students who may not have achieved top GCSE grades but have the potential to excel at A-level. The college's age range up to 99 also indicates it offers adult education, though the main focus is on 16-19 year olds.

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