PETER SYMONDS COLLEGE STUDENTS CELEBRATE CONSERVATOIRE OFFERS
Peter Symonds College, Winchester has announced that seven students from the 2024-2026 Music cohort have obtained places at some of the world’s most prestigious conservatoires including The Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, both based in London, and the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. Students have been offered to study a variety of disciplines including organ, saxophone, flute and violin.
In total, nineteen conservatoire places were offered, including eight scholarships, marking an exceptional level of success for the cohort.
Rachel Platt, Head of Music, said: “Competition for conservatoire places is exceptionally strong, with exacting entry requirements and highly competitive audition processes. Success demands unwavering commitment, extensive rehearsal, and meticulous preparation. At Symonds, supporting students through this demanding journey is a collaborative effort. We provide specialist guidance at every stage, including tailored repertoire advice and expert support from our dedicated staff.”
“We are proud of our strong track record in enabling students to progress to the next stage of their musical careers. Their success in such a competitive landscape is a testament to their talent, resilience, and commitment, and we look forward with great anticipation to following their continued achievements in the next chapter of their musical journeys.”
Pictured: from left to right:
- Katie Ho, violin, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London.
- Rainbow Thrussell, flute, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London
- Taylor Gover, piano, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
- Zach Jones, organ, Royal College of Music, London
- Thomas Gibbs, trumpet, Royal College of Music, London
- Jacob Grigorian, trombone, Royal College of Music, London
- Khorey Barrett, saxophone, Royal Academy of Music, London
Khorey, who has also been awarded a major scholarship, said: “I believe that going to a music conservatoire in London will really help me to build some valuable connections, take my solo and ensemble playing to a much higher level and provide a firm platform for me to launch my career as a young jazz artist in the UK.”
Rainbow said: “I want to expand my musical journey by progressing with the most talented people my age. Conservatoire will prepare me for the musical world which I am so fortunate to be able to explore.”
Zach said: “I am really eager to explore my musicality and technique to such a high standard, without distractions, and as my primary focus. This will help me achieve my goal of playing professionally.”
Taylor said: “I am excited to develop all the essential skills needed to build a career in music. I am also excited to grow and learn in the vibrant city of Manchester, and all the opportunities that will bring.”
A centre of excellence for music and an All-Steinway establishment, Symonds also offers the Hampshire Specialist Music Course (HSMC), designed for gifted young people who are thinking seriously about pursuing a career in music performance, and who want to combine A Level Music with extra training in performance skills and chamber music coaching.
The College is also home to the state-of-the-art Russell Music Centre, which opened in the summer of 2025. A £5.4m hub for music education, it incorporates professional-standard rehearsal, recording and performance spaces, as well as a recital hall, specialist band rooms, and recording studios. A level Music, the BTEC in Popular Music Performance and A level in Music Technology are taught. All students on performance courses receive free instrumental and vocal lessons.
In addition to the current cohort of 155 students taking Music subjects, a further 230 Symonds students are involved in music as part of the College’s extra-curricular Enrichment programme. Musical enrichments on offer include: Soul Band, Big Band, Chamber Choir and Symonds Orchestra, among many others.
-ENDS-
Posted: 20 April 2026
For further information about this article or the college in general, please contact our Marketing department by telephone on 01962 857553 or by email marketing@psc.ac.uk