Peter Symonds College has signed a charter pledging to promote diversity.

The Winchester college signed the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Charter at a ceremony held in the House of Lords.

The charter, developed by the Association of Colleges, is a commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity in all the college's work.

Principal Sara Russell, who was at the ceremony with other parliamentarians and initial signatories, said: "We feel incredibly proud and honoured to be one of the country’s first colleges to commit to this historic charter.

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Peter Symonds principal Sara Russell and Winchester MP Danny Chambers (Image: Peter Symonds College) "We place our students at the heart of everything we do; we celebrate their individualism and their differences. Signing this charter reaffirms our determination to challenge prejudice and create a more equal society.

"Promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity is already deeply ingrained within the college. Symonds was the UK’s first college to commit to an anti-racism pledge in 2023.

"This EDI charter commits us to building on this work and will ensure that we continue to challenge ourselves."

The formal launch of the EDI charter was attended by Ms Russell, along with further education commissioner, Shelagh Legrave, Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester, and other signatories including Baroness Whitaker, who hosted the launch.

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The college has a 4,700-strong student community, many of whom are actively involved in cultural societies, action groups, and forums focused on raising awareness and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

As well as a long-standing student and staff EDI forum, the college has an extensive, student-led extra-curricular enrichment programme which allows everyone to learn and enjoy different cultural experiences through events, campaigns, and other activities.

The college is one of the country’s most successful colleges and has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted since 2004.

The college is one of the top five contributors of students to Oxford and Cambridge universities nationally.

The college also provides an extensive enrichment programme, comprising more than 170 activities, clubs, sports, and groups giving students an incredible opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people, and make the most of college life.