A HAMPSHIRE college is celebrating another excellent Ofsted inspection after being given an ‘outstanding’ rating yet again.

Peter Symonds College has now held the highest possible rating from the schools’ inspectorate for 15 years.

Inspectors focused on the student experience, drawing attention to the college’s effort to implement “a challenging curriculum that enables students to achieve and often exceed expectation” and noting that “teachers provide high levels of support for students outside of lessons”.

Principal Sara Russell said: “Peter Symonds has long had a great reputation for excellence, support and enrichment and I am so pleased these qualities come through so strongly in the report.

“Fifteen years as an outstanding provider is an incredible achievement and not only testament to the strong foundations of the College but also recognition of our commitment to continuously evolve and improve. 

“Our students are at the centre of everything we do and we strive to ensure they are always receiving the very best education and support, both inside the classroom and in extra-curricular activities and services.
“I’m so proud of our wonderful staff, students, governors and entire college community and delighted that the report recognises the dedication and passion they all bring to Peter Symonds year after year.”

The report also noted the wider implications of the college’s work, stating: “Students’ participation on enrichment activities develops their sense of social justice and their roles as active citizens.

“Managers and teachers provide students with a wide range of enrichment activities that broaden the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom.”

“Our view is that education shouldn’t be limited to the classroom,” Sara continued.

“We have worked hard to develop and maintain a remarkable enrichment offer, with over 140 activities available to students each week, to give all our students an opportunity to stretch themselves, learn something new, develop a current skill or take some time to relax and have fun.

"It’s about providing a balanced, well-rounded education and great to see the benefits of this programme recognised by the inspectors.”