When Peter Symonds opened as a grammar school in 1897, it launched from the charitable will of a Tudor merchant and has never stopped reaching upwards. Today, the college remains one of England's largest sixth form colleges, with over 5,000 students drawn from across the south and as far away as the Falkland Islands. Outstanding for two decades in succession, it ranks 536th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it comfortably in the top 25% of sixth form colleges nationwide (FindMySchool ranking). The college occupies 25 acres of Winchester's historic centre, minutes from the train station, mixing Victorian splendour with modern facilities including a newly opened Russell Music Centre. No tuition fees, selective neither in admissions nor by social background, Peter Symonds delivers results that rival independent schools and carries 39 students annually to Oxford and Cambridge.
The college motto, 'Counting in Ones', cuts to the heart of how staff approach their work here. Students are individuals first, and the scale of the college, large enough to offer genuine breadth, is managed deliberately to avoid becoming impersonal. Walk across the campus and you notice the diversity of buildings themselves; Victorian red-brick sits alongside contemporary structures, each serving its purpose without architectural pretension. The campus spreads across 25 acres with extensive playing fields and a welcoming atmosphere that feels more university than school.
Sara Russell has led the college since 2018, bringing extensive experience in post-16 sixth-form education and a seat on several national policy groups. Under her leadership, the college achieved Outstanding across every area in its October 2024 Ofsted inspection, marking two decades of continuous Outstanding ratings. Staff turnover is notably low, with 97% of teaching staff rating the college as an excellent workplace in anonymous surveys.
The college is divided thoughtfully between full-time sixth form students and part-time adult learners, each inhabiting their own academic community. Around 75% of sixth form students travel from outside Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke, Andover, and beyond, making it genuinely comprehensive in its intake. Approximately 15% arrive from the independent sector, having chosen the college for its academic reputation and selective-free ethos.
Peter Symonds students achieved impressive results in 2024: 33% of A-level grades reached A* or A, with 63% achieving A*, A, or B grades. Over 98% of A-level candidates passed their examinations. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which many students undertake, saw 72% achieve A* or A status, demonstrating depth of independent study.
These results place the college 536th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in the national strong band and significantly above typical state sixth form performance. The college has consistently held first or second place in Hampshire league tables for state colleges and ranks frequently as the leading college in the South of England. On value-added measures, the college demonstrates strong progress from GCSE entry: students progress further than their starting attainment would predict.
The most striking figure is Oxbridge: 39 students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge in the 2024 cohort, with the college consistently sending 45-50 students annually to the two universities. This places Peter Symonds among the top Oxbridge feeders in England and surpasses all but a handful of selective independent schools. The college ranks 12th in England for Oxbridge acceptances (FindMySchool data).
Beyond Oxbridge, over 90% of leavers progress to university, with more than two-thirds entering Russell Group universities. The college is the largest single supplier in England of students to Russell Group institutions and to the 'Sutton 30', the most competitive universities. When measured against comparable institutions, Peter Symonds students progress to the top-tier universities at rates that exceed those from independent schools and the state sector nationwide.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
63.4%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The college offers 45-50 A-level subjects annually, from Classical Civilisation and Further Mathematics to Philosophy, Criminology, and Media Studies. Teaching is delivered by specialist subject staff, many holding postgraduate qualifications; some have studied at Oxbridge themselves. Classes are taught in subject-grouped faculties, with careful tutoring provision ensuring pastoral oversight alongside academic challenge.
The college runs one of the largest A-level examination centres in the country, with over 3,800 candidates sitting exams each year. Students typically study three A-levels, though some pursue four in Year 12 and continue with three or four into Year 13. A significant minority combine A-levels with vocational qualifications (BTEC), creating mixed pathways that broaden opportunity.
Teaching quality is reflected in inspection feedback. Ofsted noted that "teachers structure lessons skillfully, enabling students to deepen their understanding and retain knowledge effectively, which supports them to make exceptional progress in their studies." The college emphasises independent learning, with two dedicated learning resource centres (Ashurst and Hopkins Study Areas) offering quiet and silent zones reflecting different study preferences.
The Music Department is one of the busiest in the country, with over 220 students participating in musical activity. This is no peripheral enrichment; the college sits as home to the Hampshire Music Service, organising concerts of exceptional quality throughout the year. The opening of the Russell Music Centre in 2025 marks a watershed moment, a state-of-the-art facility offering professional-standard resources unmatched in the region. Students participate in the Symonds Orchestra, various chamber ensembles, choir, jazz groups, and smaller ensembles. The college holds annual Carol and Founder's Day Services in Winchester Cathedral, creating formal performance opportunities.
Sport occupies a commanding place in college life. Sport is a major strength: around 550 students compete across 39 teams in 19 disciplines, and the college describes itself as the leading sixth form nationally for games. Teams compete at county and national level; many qualify as regional and national champions or cup winners. The Talented Sports Performer Scheme recognises elite athletes, with links to Southampton Solent University's High Performance Academy supporting progression into elite pathways. Major sports represented include rugby, football, hockey, netball, rowing, tennis, cricket, and badminton.
Drama and dance thrive on campus. Students can access multiple theatrical productions annually, from smaller student-led works to ambitious ensemble pieces. The college maintains dedicated performance spaces and encourages participation across all ability levels.
Science subjects benefit from specialist teaching and a dedicated science extension built in 2013. Computer Science, Further Mathematics, and specialist sciences attract strong cohorts. The college runs subject-specific societies and clubs where students explore topics beyond the A-level specification. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is offered widely, encouraging independent research and scholarship.
All students must engage with at least one timetabled enrichment activity. The menu of choice is extensive: Debating Society, Symonds News (student newspaper), Film Clubs, Medsoc (pre-medical discussion group), LAMDA (drama performance training), Dance Team Challenge, First Aid (leading to formal qualification), Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Practical Wildlife Conservation, Choir, Harry Potter Appreciation Society, UK Rock Challenge, Fencing, Fantasy Football, and more. The college advertises over 170 enrichment activities in total. This mandatory engagement ensures breadth; even students who might otherwise focus narrowly on academics encounter creative, sporting, and vocational opportunities.
The Careers Department provides comprehensive university guidance. For Oxbridge candidates, the college runs a structured support programme: Lower Sixth spring/summer focuses on extension activities and relevant skill development; Upper Sixth autumn includes personal statement workshops, entrance test preparation, and practice interviews. The college mobilises governors, experienced staff, and external experts to conduct practice interviews in autumn, familiarising candidates with the experience.
Entry to the college requires a minimum of five GCSE grade 4s (passes) including English and maths. Most students arrive with grades considerably above this baseline.
Applications are made online, opening in September and closing in December for September entry. The college remains significantly oversubscribed. Approximately 25% of the full-time sixth form comes from Winchester's 11-16 schools; the remainder travel from Southampton, Basingstoke, Andover, and across the broader region. The college is selective by merit: places go to candidates achieving the required grades and demonstrating engagement with the college's academic culture.
Boarding is available for approximately 80 students, with term-time boarding only. Current capacity stands at 79. Boarders come primarily from British Armed Forces families and the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands Government funds boarding places for qualifying students, establishing Peter Symonds as the official sixth form college for the islands.
Tutoring is embedded in the college structure. All full-time teaching staff (and some part-time) act as tutors to groups of students; this role is considered critical to student support. Directors of Curriculum & Support (DoCS) oversee five subject faculties and carry pastoral responsibility for students within their faculty, creating a dual academic-pastoral oversight.
The college invests substantially in learning support. Learning Support is described as experienced and well qualified, with specialist help for dyslexia and dyspraxia, ADD, EAL, visual/hearing impairment and autism spectrum conditions. Three dedicated coordinators (Learning Difficulties, Physical Disabilities, and Inclusive Learning) ensure no student is overlooked.
Ofsted inspection found that the college commits to "the highest standards of pastoral care" and identified "excellent pastoral care" as a defining feature. Students describe a warm, supportive, and diverse environment. The college explicitly integrates equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout college life, with staff demonstrating commitment to fostering an environment where all can thrive.
This is a state college with no tuition fees. The college is located on Owens Road in Winchester, within five minutes' walk of Winchester railway station (approximately 0.5 miles). The station offers regular services to London Waterloo (around one hour) and connections across the south. The college campus occupies 25 acres close to Winchester's historic city centre, providing access to local amenities, shops, and transport links.
For adult and higher education students, the separate Stoney Lane site operates in Weeke, approximately one mile away. This campus includes 10 classrooms with IT facilities, complementary therapy facilities, and hair and beauty salons.
The college operates a mainstream admissions process coordinated through standard A-level entry routes. Students progressing to the second year (Upper Sixth) must meet grade thresholds in their chosen subjects. Some students leave after Year 12 to pursue vocational courses or agricultural college; the college reports this occurs but remains the minority outcome.
Scale and independence required. With over 5,000 full-time students, Peter Symonds is genuinely large. Unlike smaller sixth forms, students are expected to be independent and proactive. Support is available, but it is not a place where staff chase individuals; students must know where to find help and take responsibility for their own engagement. The college ethos is university-like by design, some students thrive in this environment; others prefer more structured, pastoral-focused settings.
Merit-based admissions creates peer intensity. All students have arrived through grades and demonstrated capability. The peer group is academically strong. This creates an intensive learning culture and high internal expectations; students should be comfortable with this level of intellectual demand and prepared for competition. Tutoring for entry is not officially recommended but occurs widely in practice.
Distance and travel. While the college is accessible by train, students travelling from Basingstoke, Andover, or Southampton face daily commutes of 30-60 minutes or longer. Some students choose to board; others manage train journeys. Parents should consider travel logistics carefully, particularly for students with additional support needs or those who might benefit from closer pastoral proximity.
No specialist support for significant SEMH needs. The college has excellent pastoral infrastructure, but students with substantial emotional, social, or mental health difficulties requiring intensive therapeutic support may find the college environment challenging. The college is well-suited to academically motivated students; it is less well-suited to those whose primary need is intensive emotional scaffolding.
Peter Symonds College delivers exceptional A-level education at no tuition cost, with university progression rates that rival independent schools and significantly exceed state sector averages. Ranked in the top 25% of English sixth form colleges for A-level outcomes, with 39 annual Oxbridge acceptances and two-thirds of leavers entering Russell Group universities, the college combines academic excellence with a genuine commitment to inclusion and student wellbeing.
Best suited to students who are academically motivated, independent learners, and comfortable thriving within a large, diverse community. The college's motto, 'Counting in Ones', translates to practice: individual students are supported carefully, but within an environment that demands self-direction and intellectual maturity. For families seeking strong academic results without fees, genuine breadth of opportunity (sport, music, enrichment), and university progression to top institutions, Peter Symonds remains one of England's most powerful sixth form options.
Yes. Peter Symonds has maintained an Outstanding Ofsted rating continuously for 20 years, most recently confirmed in October 2024. The college ranks 536th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25%. In 2024, 39 students secured Oxbridge places, and over 90% of leavers progressed to university, with two-thirds entering Russell Group institutions. It is consistently recognised as one of the leading state sixth form colleges in the country.
The minimum requirement is five GCSE grade 4s (passes) including English and maths. However, most students achieve considerably higher grades. Some subjects have higher entry thresholds — for example computer science, economics, psychology, music, languages, maths and sciences often ask for a grade 6+ GCSE in the relevant subject. Entry is merit-based through your GCSE results; there is no entrance exam.
The college is oversubscribed and selective by academic merit. Places are allocated to students meeting subject-specific entry requirements and achieving the strongest GCSE grades. Approximately 25% of the sixth form comes from Winchester's local 11-16 schools; the remainder travel from across the region. The college is not selective by background, wealth, or social class, admissions are purely merit-based on GCSE achievement.
The college offers 45-50 A-level subjects annually, including sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), mathematics, further mathematics, languages (French, German, Spanish, Italian), English (Language and Literature), History, Geography, Economics, Business, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Drama, Music, Art, Media Studies, Film Studies, Computer Science, and many others. The exact subject list may vary year to year; consult the college website for the current prospectus.
Music is exceptionally strong. Over 220 students participate in musical activities. The college is home to the Hampshire Music Service and hosts concerts of professional standard throughout the year. The newly opened Russell Music Centre (2025) provides state-of-the-art facilities including specialist practice rooms, ensemble spaces, and performance technology. Students can join the Symonds Orchestra, multiple chamber ensembles, jazz groups, choir, and smaller performance groups.
Yes, Peter Symonds is one of only two state sixth form colleges to offer boarding. Capacity is approximately 80 students on a term-time boarding basis. Boarders are primarily from British Armed Forces families or the Falkland Islands, for whom boarding is funded by the Falkland Islands Government. Students from other regions may apply for boarding if places become available. Boarding is not a pathway to admission; it is a separate arrangement for families who require residential provision.
Where do they go to university?
Over 90% of leavers progress to university. Two-thirds enter Russell Group universities (the UK's leading research institutions). The college is the largest single supplier in England of students to Russell Group universities. Beyond Oxbridge (39 acceptances in 2024), leavers progress regularly to universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, LSE, Imperial College, UCL, and Warwick. A small percentage pursue apprenticeships, employment, or further education outside university.
Major sports include rugby, football, hockey, netball, rowing, tennis, cricket, badminton, athletics, and many others. Teams compete from county level to national standard, with many achieving championship and cup success. The Talented Sports Performer Scheme supports elite athletes with pathways to university and professional development.
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