PETER SYMONDS COLLEGE BOARDING PROVISION RATED OUTSTANDING BY OFSTED
.jpg "Peter Symonds College Boarding provision celebrates being rated Outstanding by OFSTED.")
Peter Symonds College is celebrating the success of its boarding provision, which has been rated Outstanding by OFSTED following a comprehensive inspection. The review involved extensive engagement with boarding students and College staff, providing inspectors with a detailed insight into daily life within the boarding community. As a result, the College achieved the highest possible grade across all areas assessed.
Inspectors found that boarders thrive at the College, and that they are “unanimously positive and enthusiastic” about their experience. They noted that “boarders comment on how how their lives have changed through the boarding experience” and how “pleased they are that they chose to board at the college”.
There was praise for a “positive culture in the college, where high expectations for academic work are combined with wide ranging opportunities for activities and social time”. The inspectors noted how well supported boarders are by staff across the College. They highlighted the excellent pastoral care in the boarding houses, commenting that boarders are “incredibly complimentary about their houseparents”.
OFSTED celebrated the College’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with inspectors judging that “individuality, identity and difference are promoted”. The team observed that “boarders say they feel safe to be who they are”. There was praise for robust safeguarding arrangements, and a campus atmosphere which is “warm and respectful”.
Principal Sara Russell said: “I am thrilled that OFSTED has recognised what makes boarding, and the wider College, so special. This Outstanding judgement reflects the dedication of our boarding staff and the many College teams who work tirelessly to support our students. The report is also a testament to the wonderful young people who live in our two boarding houses.
“Symonds is a vibrant and caring community, where each student is supported and challenged to excel. In 2024, OFSTED judged the work of the College as a whole to be Outstanding in all areas. I am delighted that this report, which focuses specifically on boarding, reinforces the judgement that Symonds offers an exceptional experience to all its students.”
Highlights from the Ofsted report include:
- “Boarders feel safe and the atmosphere around campus is warm and respectful.”
- “The college ethos of ‘cushioned adulthood’ is well embedded and has a positive impact on the boarders.”
- “Boarders are positive about the opportunities they have to develop independent skills, so it is much less daunting when they move on to employment or higher education.”
- “There is a positive culture in the college, where high expectations for academic work are combined with wide ranging opportunities for activities and social time. Activities include sport, bowling, gardening, games nights, mindfulness activities, and access to college facilities such as the gym and the sports hall.”
- “Communication systems are clear, allowing staff across all departments to have the relevant information about each boarder that they need to provide high-quality support and care.”
- “Safeguarding responses are strong. There are robust procedures and rigorous checks to ensure that the boarders are kept safe”
- “Joint working between education and boarding staff is seamless.”
The full Peter Symonds College Boarding Ofsted report, 2025, can be found at:
https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50292697
Posted: 9 February 2026
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