PETER Symonds College in Winchester attracts day and boarding students from across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire – and as far afield as the Falkland Islands – all keen to benefit from the academic excellence, exceptional support and fantastic facilities, says principal Stephen Carville.

He said: “Our 2014 exam results demonstrate the astounding examination achievements of our students who left this summer.

“Once again, the college has maintained its 99 per cent pass rate at A level, 91 per cent at AS level.

“Sixty-two per cent of A level grades achieved were either A*, A or B grades and 50 per cent of our students obtained at least one A* or A grade.

“This year, 1,436 students progressed to university with 565 accepting places at the sought-after Russell Group universities. Over the last two years, 1,100 of our students have progressed to Russell Group universities.

“Recent analysis by the Sutton Trust shows that Peter Symonds is one of the top two performing state sixth form colleges in the country when it comes to getting young people into top universities.

“The analysis of three independent schools (Westminster, Eton and St Paul’s) and two state sixth form colleges (Hills Road in Cambridge and Peter Symonds College) illustrated that these five establishments sent as many students to Oxford and Cambridge universities in one academic year as all the other 1,800 state secondary schools and colleges put together.

“However, Peter Symonds is not just about academic success and our students make up the college’s large and vibrant community with a myriad of talents and countless interests.

“We develop well-rounded, open-minded individuals with ambitious goals and a genuine sense of social responsibility. Great emphasis is placed on encouraging and guiding each student personally and academically, creating a stimulating, friendly and supportive place to study.

“Students are encouraged to take part in the extensive activities programme and, for many, sport is also a key part of college life, regularly achieving wins at local, county and national level.

“The college actively supports students with sporting aspirations and helps them to balance their sporting commitments with their academic work.

“Peter Symonds’ open evenings on Wednesday and Thursday, October 15 and 16, from 6-9pm, are ideal opportunities for students and their parents to obtain more information regarding curriculum changes for 2015 and September 2015 admissions.”

For more information, visit psc.ac.uk.