FAQs

Who can apply?

Almost all of our applicants are 16 when they start the academic year, and they come to us directly 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.

Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

Meet the following minimum entry requirements: 

• At least a GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 5 in Mathematics
• 8/7/6 grades in subjects needed for your particular A level programme.
• Achieve the required average grade score across their best eight GCSEs, IGCSEs or International Baccalaureate (IB MYP) subjects (including English Language and Mathematics), all taken in a single exam sitting.
• 3 A level programme: 6.0
• 4 A level programme: 7.5

Accepted Qualification Combinations

We will only accept the following qualification combinations:

·       Eight or more full GCSEs, IGCSEs, O Levels or IB MYP subjects.

·       Seven full GCSEs, IGCSEs, O Levels or IB MYP subjects plus one BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) or CNAT (Cambridge National qualification) Level 1 & 2.

What criteria are used for offering places?

The criteria include your school reference, behaviour, attendance, predicted grades, journey to College, combination of subjects and students who are progressing directly from Year 11.

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.

How many subjects do I pick?

3 or 4 A levels.  Around 90% of our applicants 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?

Every year we enrol over 750 applicants. 

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 your school report and your predicted grades.

Do we operate any quotas when selecting applicants?

No, we do not operate any quotas. Each applicant is assessed individually based on their own merits.

Can 15 year - old applicants apply?

Yes, you may apply if you are completing Year 11 and will sit your examinations in the same academic year. In these cases, we may ask the applicant to attend a meeting with the Assistant Principal for Curriculum to discuss readiness for the program.

I currently live overseas, can I apply?

If you are returning to the UK by August 2026 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. 

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 applicants in this category.

When will I find out if my application has been successful?

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

Can I see my school reference?

We are unable to provide a copy of your school reference as we are considered a third party and do not have the authority to share this information. Please contact your school directly to request a copy of your reference. 

A level Art: Can I apply if I have not taken GCSE / IGCSE or IB in Art?
Yes, you can still apply. However, if you have not studied GCSE, IGCSE or IB Art & Design, you’ll need to submit an electronic portfolio to the Art department. 

You do not need to send any artwork at this stage, we will contact you directly after the application deadline and once we’ve received your school reference.

A level Music: Can I apply if I have not taken GCSE / IGCSE or IB in Music, Grade 5 Music Theory and Grade 5 Music Practical / Performance?

If you are applying to study A level Music and are not studying the above-mentioned examinations, then we will not be able to consider your application for this subject. 

Can I change subjects after I have submitted my application?

If you would like to change subjects, please email admissions@woodhouse.ac.uk, clearly stating your full name, reference number and the words ‘COURSE CHANGE’, in the email subject line.

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.  

How will I be able to enrol in August?

All offer holders and waiting list applicants, together with their parent / carers, will be sent a link via email, detailing full instructions on how to register once the examination results have been received. The online registration form must be completed by the given date and time listed in the information provided in the email.

Can I change subjects during registration in August?

If you wish to change courses following the publication of GCSE results, and qualify for the entry requirements, we will do what we can to facilitate your request.

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

You will have the opportunity to request a course change within the first week of starting college. Course changes are subject to availability and will depend on your grade profile. 

What happens if I do not reach the offer conditions for my A levels?

If you do not meet the conditions of your offer, you may lose your place. In some cases, we may be able to discuss alternative course options with you, that you qualify for.

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.

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

Unfortunately, no. We only consider applications submitted before the January deadline. Applicants must also have completed their registration form and met the entry requirements for their chosen A Level courses.

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

The likelihood of receiving an offer from the waiting list varies each year and is influenced by the specific subjects requested. It is not possible to provide a definitive number or guarantee how many offers will be able to make, but the more flexible you are with your subject choices, the greater the chances we may be able to accommodate you. If you remain interested in securing a place, please reach out to us after GCSE results are published.

What happens if a subject is cancelled?

This happens very rarely. If we must withdraw a subject, we will do our utmost to provide you with a suitable alternative.

Are there any fees?

The College is funded directly by the government and is free to UK citizens or who have the right to remain in the UK.

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 ask for a textbook 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 textbooks are returned.

A level Drama and Theatre Studies and A level Geography will also be offering residential trips. Further information regarding this, will be available when the course commences.

Getting to the College: Transport Options and Nearby Facilities

Buses:   221, 134, SL1, SL10

Underground:    Finchley Central Station & Woodside Park Station