Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

The college is for 16–18-year-olds. Almost all of our students are 16 when they start the academic year, and they come to us straight from Year 11. We only offer full-time A level courses. We consider ourselves to be a sixth form college for north London and its environs, and we do not prioritise applicants who live in particular boroughs. However, we prefer to offer places to those who live within a reasonable travelling distance.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

We specify particular GCSE grades in specific subjects; at least a 5 in English Language and 5 in Mathematics, and an average score across the best 8 GCSE subjects (including English Language and Mathematics) as follows:
3 A levels: 6.0
4 A levels: 7.5

Note that these are the minimum average GCSE scores required.

How many subjects do I pick?

3 or 4 A levels. Around 90% of our students are likely to study 3 A levels. The other 10% will study 4 A level courses. In order to be allowed to do this however, you have to achieve a higher threshold of grades than you do for the 3 A level programme.

How many places are available?

We enrol over 700 students from schools in and around north London. We prioritise applicants from our partner schools, The Archer Academy and Friern Barnet School, but they still have to meet the same entry requirements as everyone else. We also prioritise looked-after children and care-leavers. We know that not all students offered a place will actually come: some fail to get the grades, others choose to stay at their own school sixth form or go elsewhere. So we offer more places than we actually have.

What criteria are used for offering places?

The criteria include your academic potential, journey to college, school report, combination of subjects, as well as your contribution to your current school and participation in extra-curricular activities. Please be aware that in recent years the college has been heavily oversubscribed in some subjects and so, we cannot guarantee to offer a place to all applicants who meet our minimum criteria.

When will I hear whether I have a conditional place or not?

We aim to let everyone know the outcome of their application before the end of April.

Can I change subjects after I have submitted my application?

If you would like to change subjects, please email admissions@woodhouse.ac.uk informing us which subjects you wish to change as soon as possible.

Can I change subjects after I have been offered a place?

We will do our best to accommodate you but cannot guarantee this since other subjects may be full. We would also need to consider your (predicted) grade profile. Likewise, if you wish to change courses following the publication of GCSE results we will do what we can to facilitate your request.

What happens if I do not reach the offer conditions?

You may lose your place, but in some cases students who narrowly miss the offer grades are accepted if we can fit them in. Sometimes we have to renegotiate the course(s). Note that all students are expected to have passed GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 5 or above.

What happens if I decide not to take up my place?

You would need to email admissions@woodhouse.ac.uk at any time during the admissions and registration process, clearly stating your full name, reference number and the words ‘WITHDRAWN’, in the email subject line.

If I get a waiting list place what are my chances?

This varies from year to year and often depends on which subjects have been requested. It is not possible to put any sort of figure on this. The more flexible you are about your subject choices, the more likely it is that we can fit you in. If you are keen to have a place, let us know after the GCSE results are published.

Are applications processed in date order?

No, applications received before the deadline are all treated equally. However, we cannot process your application until we have received the report from your school, together with your predicted grades.

Can I apply after I receive my GCSE results in August?

Yes, by filling a ‘New Application’ form which can be downloaded from our website. You then need to scan and email the completed form and a copy of your GCSE statement of results to admissions@woodhouse.ac.uk. You must still have met our minimum entry criteria, and we would need to see a school reference or report. We consider students from our waiting list before new applications.

Can I see my school reference?

No, we have asked for a confidential school report so we will not let you see this. Should you have any concerns about your reference, you would need to discuss this with your school.

Do we operate any quotas when selecting students?

No, each applicant is judged on their merits and we operate no quotas of any sort.

If I change my mind about a course once I have started can I change?

This may be possible but any changes must be requested quickly and will depend on space availability and your grade profile. Your personal tutor and other staff will support you in this.

What happens if a subject is cancelled?

This happens very rarely. If we have to withdraw a subject we would do our utmost to provide you with a suitable alternative.

I currently live overseas, can I apply?

If you are returning to the UK by August 2023 and will be living with a parent who has the right to remain in the UK for the full duration of your course, then we can consider your application. If you are not studying GCSE/IGCSE, then you will need to get a ‘statement of compatibility’ from UK ENIC (formally known as UK NARIC - National Recognition Information Centre for the UK).

I wish to come to the UK just to study, can I apply?

We do not hold Tier 4 sponsorship with the UK Border Agency and therefore are unable to consider students in this category.

Are there any fees?

The college is funded directly by the government and is free to UK citizens.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens will still be able to benefit from free education as long as they have confirmation of Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status granted by the Home Office.

We do require a text book deposit of £50. This allows us to issue students with free textbooks and to lend out library books and laptops. The deposit is returnable at the end of the course, on condition that all outstanding text books are returned.

A level drama and theatre, and A level geography will also be offering residential trips. Further information regarding this, will be available when the course commences.