Woodhouse College Review 2026: Top Five Sixth Form Excellence

The blue plaque on the college office wall commemorates Thomas Collins, the ornamental plasterer whose Victorian residence became The Woodhouse School in 1923. Over a century later, the institution that transformed from grammar school to state sixth form college ranks among England's most successful, with 80% of students achieving A*-B grades. Woodhouse draws around 1,500 students aged 16 to 18 from over 180 schools across North London. Non-selective in admission policy yet highly competitive in practice, the college has retained its selective character through excellence rather than entrance tests. Ms Sugra Alibhai, Principal since April 2021, leads a college that the government recognises with both Beacon Status and Outstanding rating. The campus sits between North Finchley and Friern Barnet, with a floodlit 3G football pitch, purpose-built studios, and modern science laboratories anchoring an ambitious academic and extracurricular programme.

The transition from school to sixth form college is profound, and Woodhouse recognises this explicitly. Students describe the environment as treated like adults yet carefully supported, a balance the college achieves through rigorous pastoral structures without the formality of school uniform. Subject tutorials, available after each lesson, provide one-to-one support from subject teachers. The college's emphasis on independence is genuine. Phones are permitted in lessons; the dress code is casual. Yet this relaxed social environment coexists with unrelenting academic demands. Teachers maintain high expectations; work must be submitted on time; attendance is tracked closely. Students who arrive expecting to coast quickly discover that Woodhouse is not a finishing school for the academically indifferent.

The college's mission explicitly states that it prepares high-achieving students for university and work. This clarity of purpose shapes everything: the curriculum emphasises facilitating subjects valued by competitive universities; enrichment programmes include Oxbridge and Medicine Academies; careers guidance begins in Year 12. The student body is diverse. Barnet contains London's largest Jewish community and a significant Indian diaspora; around 30% of students in recent cohorts have classified themselves as of minority ethnic origin. The college has drawn learners from as far as Haringey, Enfield, and Harrow, creating a geographically spread intake that strengthens social bonds. An atmosphere of ambition pervades; students describe connecting with like-minded peers and building friendships that extend well beyond graduation.

Leadership under Sugra Alibhai has modernised structures while preserving the college's heritage. In January 2021, the college converted to academy status and joined the Frontier Learning Trust. This transition expanded the Principal's autonomy and brought new resources. The 2022 Ofsted inspection, the first since 2007, confirmed the college's trajectory, awarding Outstanding in every area assessed: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Education Programmes for Young People, and Provision for Learners with High Needs.

With 80% of grades at A*-B in the most recent complete data, Woodhouse ranks in the top 8% of sixth form colleges in England (FindMySchool ranking). This places the college consistently in the national top five, and in recent years, frequently in the top three. The result reflects both the calibre of the intake and the quality of teaching.

In 2024, 240 students achieved three A grades or above, and more than 50 secured three As. Art proved particularly strong, with over 70% achieving A-A grades. The college's strength in mathematics and sciences is long-established, though the breadth of provision extends across humanities, languages, and creative disciplines. Twenty-six A-level subjects are available. Entry requirements reflect competitiveness: students require a minimum average grade of around 6 across their best eight GCSEs, with specific subjects demanding 7 or 8 depending on the A-level pathway chosen. Yet meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee a place; the college receives approximately 4,500 applications for 750 places annually, making oversubscription acute in popular subject combinations.

Teaching at Woodhouse is structured and rigorous. Lessons follow conventional A-level syllabi (primarily AQA), not a distinctive alternative curriculum. What distinguishes the college is the depth of teacher expertise, the clarity of expectations, and the relentless tracking of progress. Subject tutorials, provided weekly alongside lessons, allow teachers to identify and support struggling students before they fall behind. Students take assessments regularly; results are compared to target grades set at the beginning of the course. Underperformance triggers immediate intervention.

The college places enormous emphasis on developing independent learning skills. Students are expected to read beyond the curriculum, to engage critically with ideas, and to prepare essays and presentations with minimal scaffolding. This expectation suits students who thrive on challenge and intellectual engagement; it may overwhelm those accustomed to high levels of direct instruction or extrinsic motivation. Teachers themselves are invariably subject specialists with deep knowledge. The college draws on partnerships with local universities and employers. A contract exists with Middlesex University to support UCAS applications. Specialist academies, including the Oxbridge Academy and Medicine Academy, provide insider knowledge and interview preparation. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available, enabling motivated students to undertake independent research aligned with university-level study.

Almost all Woodhouse students progress to university. In the 2023-24 cohort of 727 leavers, 70% entered university, 13% entered employment, and 2% each proceeded to further education or apprenticeships. Beyond these headline figures, the college's university destinations are selective. 70% of leavers secure places at Russell Group universities. Eight students secured Oxbridge places from 57 applications in the most recent measurable period. The college ranks 49th nationally for Oxford admissions and 133rd combined for Oxbridge (FindMySchool data), reflecting genuine strength in competitive university application.

Medical schools attract particular interest. The Medicine Academy supports this pathway, and in recent years, 12 to 18 students annually have secured places. University destinations beyond Oxbridge and medicine typically include Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, UCL, and Imperial College. The college maintains a dedicated university support team; staff specialise in UCAS personal statements and interview coaching. The government recognises these outcomes: Ofsted noted that students are "exceptionally well prepared for their next steps after college" and that "many obtain places at universities with very demanding entry criteria."

The college's extracurricular provision is genuinely extensive, encompassing academic enrichment, performance opportunities, sporting activity, and student-led societies. This is the most distinctive aspect of Woodhouse's offering, elevating it above a purely exam-focused environment.

Woodhouse Plus Programme

Every Lower Sixth student chooses from over 50 activities delivered in a structured 10-week cycle. Options include academic enrichment (the Oxbridge Academy, Medicine Academy, Chemistry Academy), creative pursuits (choir, creating a computer game), physical challenge (training for a 10K charity run), and personal development (media training, interview coaching). The breadth means nearly every student finds something meaningful. The format ensures that enrichment is accessible, time-limited, and rotated, preventing burnout whilst maintaining engagement.

Student Societies

Student-led societies, initiated and run by Upper Sixth students, reflect the college's diverse body. Active societies include Islamic Society and Jewish Society, Christian Union, plus African and Caribbean and South Asian societies; there are also Hong Kong and Eastern European/Balkan societies. Beyond cultural and religious groups, societies encompass musical theatre, Book Club, Economics Society, Fashion Society, Film Society, Engineering Society, and Philosophy Society. If a student's interest remains unmet, the college actively encourages the founding of new societies. This approach fosters leadership; students plan meetings, invite external speakers, and organise social events. The social action project requires every Lower Sixth student to contribute to a charity or cause. In 2025, students collectively raised over £23,000 for good causes.

Sports & Physical Activity

A floodlit 3G football pitch serves as the centrepiece of the college's sports provision. Two purpose-built studios accommodate dance, yoga, and fitness classes. Coaches run regular lunchtime and after-college sessions in badminton, basketball, football, netball, volleyball, dodgeball, and table tennis. The football and netball teams compete in North London leagues, offering competitive opportunities without making sport compulsory. A-level PE is not offered; the college's focus remains on general fitness and recreational participation alongside academic study.

Music, Drama, and Arts

The college maintains a strong music provision through a partnership with Barnet Education Arts Trust. Small group tuition is available in performance and composition. Drama productions and musical performances occur regularly, though the college website does not detail specific productions or ensembles. The art programme stands out: 3D design, printmaking, textiles, photography, and painting are taught in well-equipped studios by experienced practitioners. The 70% A*-A pass rate in Art signals both strong teaching and high student engagement.

Academic Enrichment

Beyond subject teaching, the college offers the Advanced Extension Award and Senior Mathematics Challenge, providing pathways for particularly able mathematicians. Weekly lecture series, essay prizes, and olympiad competitions feature prominently. The college contracts with subject specialists and university departments to broaden students' intellectual horizons. Work experience, organised at the end of Year 12, exposes students to professional environments and provides material for UCAS personal statements.

Woodhouse is formally non-selective, yet substantively competitive. Approximately 4,500 students apply for 750 places annually. Entry requirements stipulate a minimum average GCSE grade (typically 6 across the best eight subjects) and specific grades in subjects related to the intended A-level pathway. Priority goes to students from partner schools such as Friern Barnet School and The Archer Academy; other applicants are assessed on merit, and subject combinations can affect allocation when oversubscribed.

Applications open in October and close in January (exact dates vary; prospective applicants must check the college website annually). Offers are made in spring; students enrol electronically after GCSE results. The college operates a waiting list for those who meet criteria but do not initially receive an offer. As places become available (when those offered decline or fail to meet conditions), waiting-listed applicants are considered. Subject flexibility improves chances; applicants willing to adjust course choices are prioritised.

The college admits students who will be under 19 at 31 August of the academic year. Exceptions for younger or older applicants are rare. The college is government-funded and free to UK citizens or those with settled or pre-settled status in the UK. A £50 textbook deposit is requested; this is refundable on return of materials at the end of the course.

Tutorial systems are the bedrock of pastoral support. Students meet a personal tutor each week in small groups. Tutors track attendance, progress, and wellbeing, and escalate concerns to Heads of Year. Heads of Year manage pastoral issues and liaise with parents when necessary. For serious or sensitive concerns, an Assistant Principal for Student Services (currently Sally Casson) provides additional support.

The college has invested significantly in mental health provision. Counsellors are available; mental health workshops are delivered; staff receive training in recognising and supporting students in distress. The Ofsted report noted that the college "supports learners with high needs effectively," emphasising the availability of one-to-one sessions with also learning support assistants for those with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, sensory, plus impairments and physical disabilities.

Practical support extends to attendance officers, who monitor absence and work with families to address barriers. The college's high retention rate suggests that support systems are effective; students who begin the course rarely leave before completion.

College hours are typically 9:00am to 3:00pm, though individual timetables vary. The campus is situated at Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, N12 9EY. Public transport links include bus connections throughout North London; the nearest underground stations are Woodside Park and Finchley Central. The college does not operate wraparound care or breakfast club provision; sixth form students are expected to manage their own transport and timing.

The college operates three terms per academic year with holidays aligned to standard UK school dates. Full term dates are available on the college website and in parent communications. Some A-level subjects (Drama and Geography, notably) include optional residential trips, allowing students to engage with locations relevant to their studies. Costs are additional and participation is voluntary.

Highly competitive entry. With 4,500 applications for 750 places, many academically capable students will not secure places despite meeting minimum criteria. Subject choices influence outcomes; popular combinations (sciences, mathematics) are more heavily oversubscribed. Families should begin thinking about subject selection early and have contingency plans.

Not a school environment. The transition to college demands maturity and independence. Students accustomed to structured school routines, detailed teacher direction, and frequent check-ins may find the autonomy and self-regulation expected at Woodhouse challenging. This is not a college for those seeking hand-holding; it suits self-motivated learners who thrive on challenge.

Pace and intensity. A-level content at Woodhouse moves swiftly. Teachers assume mastery of GCSE content and build rapidly. Students who need time to consolidate foundational knowledge may struggle. The expectation is that struggle drives learning; the college provides support but not endless repetition.

Long working hours. The combination of demanding lessons, subject tutorials, enrichment activities, social action projects, and independent study creates a demanding schedule. Students often spend three to four hours in evening study. Families must be prepared for this time commitment.

Woodhouse College is among England's most successful sixth form colleges, consistently ranked in the top five nationally and frequently in the top three. The college achieves this through clarity of purpose, excellence in teaching, rigorous pastoral care, and a genuinely rich extracurricular programme. Nearly all students progress to university, with 70% entering Russell Group institutions and many securing places at Oxford, Cambridge, and leading medical schools.

The college suits ambitious, capable students who thrive on challenge, value intellectual engagement, and seek preparation for selective university courses. It suits students who can manage independence and self-regulation, and who welcome the transition from school to something closer to university life. For families in North London seeking a free, high-performing sixth form college with strong university outcomes, Woodhouse College delivers exceptional value. The main challenge is securing a place; once admitted, the education is genuinely excellent.