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  2. Sixth Form
  3. Curriculum
  4. Pathways

Pathways

Our students take one of four curriculum pathways designed to ensure that they thrive in the modern workplace. Three pathways include a Computer Science BTEC and the fourth is a T-Level.

Pathways at a glance

Ada’s unique digital curriculum offers a range of distinct but connected pathways designed to support learners at every stage of their computing and digital journey, from foundational digital skills through to specialist Level 3 programmes.

BTEC National Diploma in Computing

Pioneer

A Level Maths plus Further Maths (optional)

Innovator

A Level Psychology or Business Studies, plus Level 3 Maths Studies (optional)

Creator

A Level Graphics, plus Level 3 Maths Studies (optional)

T Level

Developer

T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development (including a 45 day work placement)

Industry insights

Designed with leading companies

Pioneer

Designed for high-attaining students with a strong interest in advanced computing, mathematics, and emerging technologies such as AI and data science. This academically intensive route develops deep technical expertise and provides outstanding preparation for competitive university courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science.

Pathway combination

  • BTEC National Diploma in Computing (RQF) + A-Level Mathematics

Optional: A-Level Further Mathematics

Students achieving at least a grade 8 in GCSE Maths may opt to study A-Level Further Mathematics as a fourth subject. This is especially beneficial for those targeting top-tier university degrees where advanced mathematical fluency is a key requirement.

Typical future careers

  • Software engineer
  • Game developer
  • Cyber security engineer
  • Database developer
  • Web designer
  • Machine learning engineer

Innovator

Designed for students who want to combine technical computing skills with an understanding of how digital tools shape business and user needs. This route balances coding, system design, user research, and data analysis with strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. Ideal for students aiming for careers in digital consultancy, UX and service design, behavioural analytics, and cybersecurity strategy.

Pathway combinations

  • BTEC National Diploma in Computing (RQF) + A-Level Business
  • BTEC National Diploma in Computing (RQF) + A-Level Psychology

Optional: Core Maths

Students may choose to add Core Maths to strengthen their quantitative reasoning and support data-focused or analytical aspects of the pathway.

Typical future careers

  • Digital marketer
  • IT consultant
  • UX specialist
  • Data analyst

Creator

Perfect for students who enjoy combining visual creativity with logical problem solving. This route focuses on the design and development of user-friendly applications, engaging digital experiences, and visually rich interfaces. Learners develop strong front-end programming skills alongside an understanding of design thinking, media production, and IT systems. Ideal for careers in UI/UX design, games development, interactive media, creative computing, or digital publishing.

Pathway combination

  • BTEC National Diploma in Computing (RQF) + A-Level Graphics

Optional: Core Maths

Students may add Core Maths to develop mathematical thinking relevant to digital design and creative technologies.

Typical future careers

  • UI designer
  • Illustrator
  • Graphic designer
  • Animator

Developer

The Developer Pathway offers one of the most rigorous and career-focused routes into the tech industry. Built around the T-Level in Digital Software Development, this demanding, full-time two-year programme delivers 1,200 guided learning hours and includes a 45-day industry placement with a partner employer. Equivalent to three A-Levels in UCAS points but far surpassing them in technical depth and workplace readiness, it immerses students in real-world software development from day one.

Optional: Core Maths

Students who demonstrate strong mathematical ability may choose to add Core Maths to support quantitative reasoning and complement the technical demands of this route.

Typical future careers

  • Mobile application developer
  • DevOps engineer
  • Web developer
  • Software developer

Foundation Pathway

Our structured Foundation Year is an entry route for students who need to build confidence and core digital competence before beginning a full Level 3 programme. Learners complete the BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology, develop digital fluency through the Ada Skills Programme, and receive support in English and Maths where needed.

Work experience and a focus on progression readiness ensure successful transition into one of these Level 3 pathways: Developer, Creator, or Innovator.

Highlights

Full-stack development

Build robust and scalable software using industry-standard languages and frameworks

Employer integration

Master skills top tech companies demand, taught through projects shaped by real business needs

Real-world project delivery

Work in teams to develop solutions for genuine client briefs, gaining hands-on experience

There’s nowhere else like this; that provides the same opportunities, that brings the same like-minded people together. You’re not going to find anywhere else like Ada.

Daniel Ada Sixth Form Graduate

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