What are we looking for?
We offer young people aged 16 to 19 a unique opportunity to develop the digital skills needed to launch a career in tech. Whether your goal is to become a software engineer, a digital innovator, or a leader in the tech space, Ada is where it begins.
But skills alone aren’t enough – we’re looking for applicants with a genuine passion for technology. If you’re excited by coding, curious about how digital products are made, and motivated to solve real-world problems with tech, you’ll fit right in.
Start your journey with Ada with our Sixth Form prospectus :
See for yourself how you could become part of Ada at one of Open Evenings or Mornings, click here to view the dates.
General entry requirements
All students must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs (including passes in English and Maths) with an average grade of 5 across all subjects. Students not meeting these requirements will be considered for a place on our Foundation year at our Principal’s discretion.
Pathway and subject-specific requirements
- Innovator Pathway: You must achieve at least a grade 5 in both GCSE Maths and GCSE English Language.
- Pioneer Pathway: You need a minimum of grade 7 in GCSE Maths to study A-level Mathematics and a grade 8 to study Further Maths.
- Computer Science A-level:
- You must have a grade 6 or above in GCSE Computer Science.
- Alternatively, if you haven’t taken GCSE Computer Science, you must have a grade 7 or above in GCSE Maths.
- T Level in Digital Software Development:
- Minimum grade 6 in Computer Science and/or grade 7 in Maths.
- Grade 5 in English.
- An average of grade 5 across a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects.
Application process
Applying to Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, begins with completing our online application form.
Applications for Ada Manchester will open in September.
Need help?
If you have any questions about our London Sixth Form, you can reach us at sixthformadmissions@ada.ac.uk
If you have any questions about our Manchester Sixth Form, you can reach us at mcrsixthformadmissions@ada.ac.uk.
Our Admissions policy can be found here. [link to policy on website when finalised]