A HAMPSHIRE college is among one of the best in the country for getting students into Oxford and Cambridge universities, data reveals.

Peter Symonds College, in Winchester, was rated the fifth best in the country for its admittance numbers with an average of 48 students per year receiving offers since 2015.

It was also rated the second best state college in the country behind Hills Road Sixth Form College, in Cambridge.

Principal Sara Russell said: “Peter Symonds, a state sixth form college, welcomes a diverse range of students from a variety of backgrounds, and we pride ourselves on the opportunities available to all our students.

“We have a dedicated Oxbridge tutor and experienced staff who provide our students with the very best support if Oxbridge is their ambition, but we also support and guide all our students to ensure that every single one reaches their full academic potential.

“We are extremely proud of all our students, the progress they make here and all the different things they go on to do when they leave us. Our motto is ‘Counting in Ones,’ and this means we are dedicated to ensuring every single student leaves Peter Symonds College equipped for success and the next stage of their lives.”

The figures come from social mobility charity Sutton Trust, which wanted to highlight that leading universities are “failing to attract” a wide enough range of talent.

The study examined Oxford and Cambridge admissions data between 2015 and 2017 and found a handful of schools, mostly private, disproportionately dominated the number of places awarded.

Also as part of that data, it was found that Southampton was among the worst areas in the country for Oxbridge admittance.

Just two or fewer state-educated students from the city secured places at the country’s two top universities between 2015 and 2017.

That puts Southampton in line with the likes of Rochdale, Salford and neighbouring Portsmouth, as one of the worst performing areas in the UK.

Founder of the Trust, Sir Peter Lampl, said: “All young people, regardless of what area they grow up in, or what school they go to, should have access to high-quality personal guidance that allows them to make the best informed choices about their future.”

The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading UK universities including Oxford and Cambridge, said it was working hard to improve social mobility.

Chief executive Dr Tim Bradshaw said: “We want to recruit students with potential and drive, regardless of background.”