A HAMPSHIRE sixth-form college has been named as the best performing further education provider for level 3 courses in the county.

It comes after the government published the latest Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR) data, an annual assessment of how well colleges are performing.

The data shows what proportion of learning was successfully completed, with the results expressed as percentages.

Daily Echo: The latest QAR data shows Barton Peveril is the highest achieving college in HampshireThe latest QAR data shows Barton Peveril is the highest achieving college in Hampshire (Image: Barton Peveril College)

According to the QAR report for 2021-22, Barton Peveril in Eastleigh achieved a 98.9 per cent pass rate, a 91 per cent retention rate, and a 90 per cent achievement rate.

It means more students pass their courses at Barton Peveril than at any other college in the county.

The announcement comes after the Chestnut Avenue campus was rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted in November last year following a four-day inspection.

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Speaking at the time the principal, Rob Temple, said: "It's a wonderful endorsement of the extraordinary effort and skill of our teachers and support staff, and of how the students have responded to the high expectations we have of them.

"The inspectors were unanimous in praising our studious young people.

"They found them to be exceptionally well behaved, thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with them, and said they were a credit to the college."

Daily Echo: The latest QAR data shows Barton Peveril is the highest achieving college in HampshireThe latest QAR data shows Barton Peveril is the highest achieving college in Hampshire (Image: Barton Peveril)

Commenting on the latest QAR data Mr Temple added: "This is another wonderful endorsement of the success students enjoy when they come to Barton Peveril.

"This data confirms that more learners who start at Barton Peveril complete and pass their level 3 courses - A levels or equivalent - than at all other colleges in Hampshire."

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As reported, Barton Peveril has received consent to build a new art and design school to help it cope with an increase in students.

Eastleigh Borough Council has approved proposals to build the new school on one of the college car parks.

A council report said: "The college accommodates almost 4,800 students and is looking to enlarge its facilities to keep pace with predicted population growth and future student numbers.

"Work is underway on the college’s new business school, which will provide additional capacity for 750 students and will roughly meet the present demand.

"However, admissions are predicted to continue to grow by 3-5% per annum, resulting in a further 900 student places needed by 2029."

Former Barton Peveril students include the Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, 62, who comes from the nearby village of Grayshott.