PETER SYMONDS BECOMES UK’S FIRST SIXTH FORM COLLEGE TO ACHIEVE ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL STATUS
Peter Symonds College has proudly become the UK’s first state sixth form college to achieve the prestigious All-Steinway School status and marked the occasion at a celebratory concert. The centrepiece of the event was the performance of the world premiere of The Steinway Twelve, a specially commissioned work by Teresa Barlow, composer and arranger with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which was performed by Symonds students on an extraordinary line-up of twelve Steinway pianos.
The accreditation reflects the College’s unwavering dedication to providing world-class music education and outstanding performance opportunities for its students, as well as underlining its ongoing commitment to arts education at a time when creativity is under threat of increasing pressure in the state sector.
Principal, Sara Russell, said: “This is momentous for the College and our students. It is testament to the hard work and passion of our students and staff, as well as our commitment to the arts. We are hugely proud to champion creativity through our diverse qualifications, the Arts Award, and our new music centre.
“I must give a very special thanks to The Mercers’ Company and The Friends of Music, Winchester, for their financial support; to Teresa Barlow and to Symonds’ very own Dr Samantha Carrasco. This project is a credit to her endless energy and drive, as well as her inspiring teaching and brilliant coaching. The College is also honoured to have the support of world-renowned composer, pianist, broadcaster, and Steinway artist, Julian Joseph OBE. We thank Julian for his guidance throughout the College’s Steinway journey.”
Head of Music, Rachel Platt, said: “This new status heralds an amazing opportunity for our pianists. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, musical growth, and the sheer joy they bring to their craft. Their inspiration and talent continue to energise us all.”
Head of Keyboard, Dr Samantha Carrasco, said: “Our Steinway journey began in September 2021 when we joined the Steinway Initiative, and we are eternally grateful for every opportunity Steinway has made available to Symonds. These opportunities and resources are typically only found in the country’s leading higher education music conservatoires or elite private institutions. Having access to such outstanding instruments will leave a superb legacy for Symonds students for many years to come.”
The Russell Music Centre, now home to the College’s enhanced music department, offers cutting-edge performance spaces and supports a thriving curriculum and extracurricular programme, reaffirming Peter Symonds College’s position as a leader in state sector music education.
The Steinway Twelve are:
Khorey Barrett
Samantha Carrasco
Esther Chan
Thomas Gibbs
Taylor Gover
Magnus Gray
Zach Jones
Ollie Mills
Connie Mowat
Phillip du Plessis
Rainbow Thrussell
Shoshana Yugin-Power
Posted: 23 October 2025
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