INSPECTORS have declared Peter Symonds College to be "outstanding".

During their three-day visit the inspection team from education watchdog Ofsted found that the college was outstanding in seven out of the nine subject areas.

These included science; maths; sports, leisure and travel; visual, performing arts and media; humanities; law, psychology and sociology; English, communications and modern foreign languages.

Principal Neil Hopkins said: "It is technically the best report for a sixth form college in the south of England with seven out of our nine subject areas judged to be outstanding.

"Nothing has been classed less than good and the vast majority are outstanding."

"Every student knows they will get good teaching here regardless of what subject they choose."

The college currently has 2,615 full-time students aged between 16 and 19 as well as 4,000 adults on a range of part-time courses. Mr Hopkins, who has been in charge of the college for 11 years, said he was delighted with the inspectors' findings.

"It's all down to hard work and our unremitting commitment to continuous improvement. Any college that stands still goes backwards."

Business administration, management and professional studies and Information and communications technology were two subject areas described as "good". A building programme is currently under way to provide extra space for classes.

STRENGTHS

Students' outstanding behaviour.

Excellent teaching and learning.

Excellent strategic and curriculum management.

Outstanding leadership and governance.

Students' outstanding progression to higher education.

Outstanding guidance and support for students.

Very good financial management

Excellent quality assurance and self assessment.

Successful estate management.

Outstanding enrichment activities.

WHAT SHOULD BE IMPROVED

The cramped accommodation in a minority of lessons.