CABINET minister Michael Gove visited Peter Symonds College yesterday to see the success of its maths department – and also express support for the campaign for a new primary school in the city.

In an unannounced visit on Monday, the secretary of state for education chatted to teachers and students about their courses and the additional support given by the college.

Peter Symonds has seen a 32 per cent increase in the last four years in the number of students studying Maths. Currently more than a thousand are studying either AS or A level maths. Results are outstanding – more than half achieved A*, A or B grades in 2011 - and nearly all students go on to university to study science or maths courses.

At the end of his visit, Mr Gove said: “Peter Symonds should be proud of its increasing numbers and successful results in the maths department. The staff are extremely committed and the students are thriving within this vibrant atmosphere”.

Neil Hopkins, college principal, said: “Our maths department is a fantastic example of what can be achieved at a sixth form college and we are pleased that Mr Gove has had the time to meet staff and students today”.

Mr Gove also backed efforts to bring a new primary school to the city.

As revealed by the Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester faces a chronic shortage of primary places for this September.

Mr Gove said: "Steve Brine is absolutely right to tackle the problem of primary places head-on and build a consensus in Winchester that will deliver new permanent places to meet demand.

“Through our free schools policy we have given communities, including Winchester, the tools needed to take control of the local situation and there is no reason why a free school in the city could not develop and prosper.”

Mr Brine said Hampshire County Council are expected this week to give the go-ahead for a consultation on a new school for five-16 year-olds, based on The Westgate School in Fulflood.

Mr Brine said: "It is always good to have Michael in Winchester and to show off the superb Peter Symonds to a member of the Government. The new school campaign is really picking up momentum now so it was good also to brief him on progress."