If you used Clearing in 2024, how did you find it?

college applications

Hey everyone, I hope you are all well!

Basically, I have not taken my English language with the rest of my cohort in the summer so i have made an arrangement with the current sixth form I am in that I will take the GCSE in November with those wanting to retake it.

I didn't want to go to this sixth form originally, I was split between woodhouse or ICS but leaning more to woodhouse.

I couldn't go originally in the start of the academic year because of the fact I don't have my GCSE but I received an offer from both back in April.

I don't think the reason why I didn't get my GCSE is important, but just in case it is, it was because of bereavement and AQA gave me that week and allowed me to do my GCSE in November, if that makes sense.

Anyway, I have emailed both colleges and they have said to reapply with the 2025-2027 cohort, which makes a lot more sense. But this means I would have stayed in college for an extra year compared with everyone else in my year. Would this affect my university application?

Another question I have is, both prospective colleges (WH and ICS) are saying that they prioritise those coming out of secondary school but I am turning 17 before 31 August so do you guys think that would significantly lower my chances of getting into woodhouse? ICS is a much smaller sixth form so I don't think it would affect much.

All in all, do you guys think it's even worth it to move colleges? I feel like I won't get as many opportunities in this one I am in currently as the other ones as they are more specialised. Also I'm not really bothered by this but I kind of have a feeling the students and teachers would kind of discriminate against me for joining late, but idk.

Thank you sooo much!!