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  5. Digital Software Development (T Level)

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  2. Sixth Form
  3. Manchester Curriculum
  4. Digital Developer Pathway
  5. Digital Software Development (T Level)

Digital Software Development (T Level)

Get the industry-specific knowledge and skills required to create interactive digital products and keep you ahead in the fast-paced digital industry.

Why study Digital Software Development at Ada?

This T Level has been developed in partnership with top employers such as ARM, BBC, BT, Cisco, and CompTIA. You won’t just learn theory; you’ll master the precise, high-demand technical skills that the industry is currently hiring for. 

It offers a rigorous combination of specialised academic learning in computing, delivered by expert teachers, and extensive hands-on experience in the workplace. In addition, you will complete a number of industry-based professional certification programmes from the likes of Cisco Networking Academy. 

The standout feature of this program is the 45-day industry placement, where you will bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. You will gain invaluable employability experience working alongside experts at prestigious organisations such as:

  • Amazon
  • World Wide Technology
  • Department for Education (DfE)

These placements are more than just work experience, they are a launchpad. You’ll apply your software design and development skills to real-world projects, learning directly from industry leaders and proving your value in a professional environment.

By the end of your two-year program, you will be well-equipped to transition seamlessly into a Digital Apprenticeship Degree or a University Computer Science Degree, setting the stage for a thriving career in the digital sector.

What will I learn?

In Year 1, you’ll master the digital fundamentals: Full-stack Programming, Cyber Security, Networking, and UX/UI Design. In Year 2, you’ll specialise in the software development lifecycle, learning to design, code, and test professional solutions using at least two industry-standard programming languages.

How will I be assessed?

Exam Board: NCFE

Year 1: Two written exams covering core digital theory and an Employer Set Project (ESP) to test your real-world problem-solving.
Year 2: An Occupational Specialism project where you demonstrate your ability to develop and fix professional software.

Industry Placement: Completion of a 45-day (315 hour) placement with a local employer.

How will I be taught?

You’ll learn through a “hands-on first” approach, combining lab-based coding sessions and collaborative sprints with teacher-led technical workshops. Your learning is reinforced by a 45-day industry placement, where you’ll apply your skills in a professional office environment alongside expert developers.

Key links / reading lists / website links:

Access recommended reading lists, essential websites, and primary sources for T Level.

T Level Results

Year 13 Results

Our first full graduating cohort of 17 students achieved a phenomenal 100% pass rate. An impressive 88% of the cohort earned a Merit or higher, with 35% achieving a Distinction or Distinction*. Notably, this includes one student achieving a rare Distinction*, equivalent to A*-A*-A* at A-Level, which preliminary Department for Education figures suggest may be the only one awarded nationally this year. Progression for these graduates has been equally exceptional, with seven students already confirming Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships, including six highly competitive positions secured at Amazon.

Year 12 Results

The strength of our T Level provision continues with our 25 Year 12 students, who achieved exceptional results in their Core Component exams and Employer Set Project, all alongside a flawless 100% retention rate. Impressively, 44% of students achieved A*-A grades, 88% achieved A*-B, 96% achieved A*-C, and a full 100% secured A*-D grades.

Teaching staff