Students found themselves performing to a high profile audience when Culture Secretary Sajid Javid paid a flying visit at the invitation of Mims Davies, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh.
Mr Javid toured art, sport and performing arts facilities, dropping in on lessons, chatting to students and taking in a performance of songs from The Lion King.
Praising Barton Peveril’s investment in new facilities he said: “I was invited to come and see the college as a fantastic example of what’s going on here in Eastleigh and it is just that. I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen.
I think it’s very cutting edge…there’s a good investment in technology and it’s also an example of a college that keeps investing to stay ahead of the times.”
Following the visit, principal Jonathan Prest said:” It’s nice for students to see that politicians are interested in what they’re doing – and it’s nice for politicians to hear about some of the challenges we face in post-16 education.”