Frequently Asked Questions

Am I guaranteed an offer if I meet the entry requirements?

No. Meeting the College's minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place. Woodhouse College receives significantly more applications than available places each year, and some subjects are particularly oversubscribed. As a result, applications are assessed using the College's admissions criteria and oversubscription arrangements.

When making offers, the College considers a range of factors, including predicted grades, subject combinations, school references, attendance, behaviour, and other admissions priorities set out in the Admissions Policy. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may therefore not receive an offer if demand exceeds the number of places available.

We strongly encourage all applicants to apply to a range of post-16 providers and to ensure they have suitable alternative options available.

Can I apply after the application deadline has passed?

No. We only consider applications submitted by the published January deadline. Applications received after this date cannot be accepted.

Can I apply on GCSE results day if I did not apply in January?

No. We do not accept new applications during the August/September enrolment period. Applications must be submitted during the College's published application window. If you did not apply by the application deadline, you will not be able to submit a new application on GCSE Results Day.

I currently live overseas, can I apply?

If you are returning to the UK by August 2027 and will be living with a legal guardian 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.

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.

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 share copies of school references with applicants. If you wish to obtain a copy of your reference, please contact your school directly, as they are the original source of this information.

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?

Yes. 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 applicants on the oversubscribed and reserve waiting list, along with their primary parent/carer contact, will receive an email containing detailed enrolment instructions once examination results have been released.

The email will include a link to the online registration form, which must be completed by the deadline stated in the enrolment information. It is important that the online registration form is submitted by the specified date and time.

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 you can request this on your registration form. 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. Instructions regarding this will be sent internally. 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.

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.

What are the ID and residency checks for?

Before you start college, we need to verify your identity and your right to study in the UK. This is a standard requirement for all students and helps us ensure that our records are accurate.

Once these checks have been completed, we will be able to create your Woodhouse College ID card. Your ID card is important because it gives you access to college facilities and services, including:

• College IT systems
• The Library 
• Other college resources during your time at Woodhouse

What should I do if I cannot attend an ID & residency check day?

Attendance is compulsory and is required to complete your enrolment. If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled ID & residency check days, please contact admissions@woodhouse.ac.uk as soon as possible to let us know and explain your circumstances.

What happens if I am unable to attend the first day of term?

If you are unable to attend on your first day because of a pre-booked appointment or holiday, please email attendance@woodhouse.ac.uk as soon as possible.

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