Teacher of Computer Science in London

Welcome to Ada. At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. By combining high-quality education with deep industry partnerships, we are expanding the talent pipeline, diversifying the tech sector, and transforming lives.

As a specialist Further Education college, all our 16–19 students study Computing, while our Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in high-demand disciplines within innovative, blue-chip companies.

Bridging the Skills Gap

The UK’s digital skills gap costs the economy an estimated £63 billion annually in lost GDP. Ada addresses this by equipping young people with the specific skills the industry requires. Since being announced by the Prime Minister in 2014 as England’s first new FE College since 1993, we have consistently excelled, earning "Good with Outstanding features" in our first two Ofsted inspections.

Our Reach and Impact

We operate from state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London, and Ancoats, Manchester, fostering a supportive, values-driven environment for students and staff alike. Our current learner demographics reflect our commitment to inclusion:

• 33% Female
• 62% Ethnic minority backgrounds
• 27% Low-income households
• 48% From low-income areas

Our London Sixth Form currently enrolls 216 students, delivering nation-leading results: The qualification achievement rate (QAR) is 84% with those from disadvantaged backgrounds (measured as eligible for FSM) at 88%. The BTEC pass rate achieved is 100%, with 65% of learners attaining the highest grades (Distinction* or Distinction). The programs successfully lead to 91% positive destinations for learners.

Expanding our curriculum

In response to our successful roll out of T Levels from September 2024 we are expecting to expand the offer of the program in Digital Software Development with up to 75 learners across both our campuses with London hosting up to 50 learners. This includes a 315-hour industry placement and a comprehensive skills program designed to launch successful careers in tech. We are also looking ahead to launching new V Levels in 2027 in response to the DfE launch of distinct programmes of study.

Key aspects of the role and main duties

• Teach Computer Science to Ada students, maintaining outstanding standards of teaching, learning and assessment.
• Support the college in developing an inventive approach to teaching, learning and assessment in computer science so that all students are challenged effectively and enabled not simply to achieve high outcomes but also to gain an excellent understanding of the subject which propels them into successful progression routes.
• Prepare high quality learning resources that reflect the Ada Approach to Collaborative Professionalism.
• Provide academic and pastoral support for students in their lessons, as well as support outside lessons (e.g. after college or during part of lunch) to ensure that every student makes continuous and effective progress.
• Support student progress by providing constructive feedback both in lesson and on homework submitted that systematically checks learners’ understanding, identifies misconceptions accurately and provides clear, direct strategies for improvement.
• Provide written feedback on students’ progress to the college, to parents/carers and to students themselves where appropriate and as directed by Senior Leaders.
• Be a Team Lead (Form Tutor) and support, through mentoring and intervention, the personal development and academic progress of the students in your Team in line with Ada’s Social Mission and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure you incorporate relevant industry support into your classroom teaching, e.g., through guest speakers, industry visits, subject competitions and that you take an active part in Ada’s industry projects.
• Participate fully in the learning community of Ada teachers, for example by regularly observing colleagues and welcoming observations in return and by contributing enthusiastically to discussions around teaching and learning.
• Provide or contribute to written assessments, reports and references relating to individual students and groups of students.
• Participate in arrangements for preparing students for public examinations and in assessing students for the purposes of such examinations.
• Attend professional development activities either at Ada or elsewhere to improve and enhance your own practice, including attending meetings which take place outside of normal working hours.

Person Specification

Essential qualifications and experience

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject
• Qualified teacher status (QTS) / PGCE / Lecturer qualification (QTLS)
• Delivery of Computer Science/ Computing at Level 3 with an excellent track record of results

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Enthusiasm for teaching Computer Science to a high standard
• Embodiment of Ada’s values: Curiosity, Creativity, Collaboration, Rigour and Resilience
• An educational vision aligned with the college’s high aspirations.
• Genuine passion and belief in the potential of every student
• Ability to engage and inspire students and support learning
• A desire to innovate and try new approaches, being reflective and learning from mistakes.
• A commitment to on-going subject and personal development
• Strong collaborative working skills
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A willingness to work flexibly and where necessary outside of normal working hours

Personal qualities

• Enthusiasm for teaching Computer Science to a high standard
• Embodiment of Ada’s values: Curiosity, Creativity, Collaboration, Rigour and Resilience
• An educational vision aligned with the college’s high aspirations.
• Genuine passion and belief in the potential of every student
• Ability to engage and inspire students and support learning
• A desire to innovate and try new approaches, being reflective and learning from mistakes.
• A commitment to on-going subject and personal development
• Strong collaborative working skills
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A willingness to work flexibly and where necessary outside of normal working hours

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.

Equal Opportunities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
• To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

Applicants with Disabilities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact the HR department.

Sponsorship

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills and good luck with your application.