Andover Women in Business Club met at the Bourne Valley Inn enjoying a most interesting presentation by Martin Simmons, vice principal, Andover College.

He gave a resume of his work prior to joining the college staff. His lifestyle included work from dishwasher to movie extra, to running an art school in France! On return to England Martin worked as a lecturer in social care rising through management to his present position.

He discussed the mission of the college: To aspire to excellence in meeting needs and exceeding expectations. A vision based on high quality learning and skills for all where professional vocational excellence and routes to academic excellence were valued in equal measure.

The group was told in detail of the wide variety of programmes and courses offered by the college. The sixth form has been renovated; there are new science laboratories and other modern facilities. There are new salons, construction workshops and facilities, for dance and performing arts students. This summer, the A-level pass rate was 99 per cent and some vocational courses had a pass rate of 100 per cent.

The green shoots of recovery are shown by increased recruitment of young people leaving school this September. New facilities, a new ethos, a new constructive management team with a strong sense of purpose are the ingredients fuelling a significant renaissance at Andover College.