Peter symonds feedback

[greekmumkay]

Looking for insight into Peter Symonds sixth form college. Specifically interested in physical science/maths A-level courses, support for oxbridge applications and boarding experiences. Is there anyone out there who can give parent insight into any of those broad topics at Peter Symonds?

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No idea re specific subjects but overall an excellent college. Good reputation and deservedly so (have a child there).

I'm a bit out of date but:
Good reputation.
Can have problems finding space to work.
Doesn't chase students much, better for self motivated.

Won't help if you need boarding, but Barton Peveril's reputation has increased a lot in oast 10 years.

Maths is good at Barton Peveril. Olympiad success and dc go to Oxbridge/COWI unis.

Not a current parent so can't help on day to day boarding life, but a few things from what they publish that might help with what to ask.
Oxbridge wise they say around 50 a year get places, and there's a proper programme that starts spring of lower sixth with workshops, entrance test prep and then practice interviews in autumn of upper sixth. That 50 is across every subject though, so I'd ask at the open evening how many are maths/physics/natsci.
Boarding is small next to the size of the college, two co-ed houses with up to 79 boarders between them (Falkland Lodge is the newer en-suite one, School House is the old Victorian house). Places are limited and they look at suitability, not just who applies first, and it's a separate application with its own deadline so worth checking that date now. Also boarding isn't free like the teaching, their site has Falkland at about £6,870 a term. If you can grab a current boarder at an open event they'll tell you way more than the website.

My daughter is currently in Upper sixth doing maths. Yes, it's been good so far. Tutors seem supportive. Definitely an emphasis on independent learning and self organisation. It does seem to have a fair few days of closure as well as the holidays. But they always seem to set work to do.

DD was there a few years ago in the original Covid cohort. She didn't take FM so was largely ignored in maths classes. This worked to her disadvantage when the grades were assigned by algorithms.

She went to Oxbridge, but was largely under the radar as she successfully applied for a course which she hadn't studied at A level.

You have to be motivated to work and parents are only involved if their YP are problematic. Excellent sports facilities. It's a great stepping stone to university.

I always assumed that the boarding places went to those from the Falklands, Channel Islands & military families as there are so few places. They weren't for those wanting a WinCol or St Swithuns experience.