Teacher of Computer Science

Job Title: Teacher of Computer Science
Subjects/Department: Computer Science
Annual Salary: £41,000 – £45,000 – depending on experience

Location: Victoria Campus, London
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 4:45pm (We operate flexibility on days we have All Ada staff training sessions)
Holidays: Ada term dates (in line with Westminster term time breaks)

Disclosure: The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. References will be sought from previous employers prior to commencing employment. Other related pre-employment checks appropriate to the post will also be carried out.

Pension: Teachers’ pension (TPS) (28.68%)

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.

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.

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.

Job description
We are seeking a specialist Computer Science teacher who is passionate about the subject and understands the role this plays in the wider industry landscape. All our students study Computer Science which makes up two-thirds of their total qualification at Level 3. Students are then split into distinct pathways to study a complementary subject that matches their interests.

We stand apart from other Colleges due to:
● The quality of teaching, learning and assessment of computer science and related subjects

● Our fantastic progression outcomes for our learners

● The breadth and depth of our industry partnerships

● Our focus on outreach and learner diversity, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds

● Our high support, high expectations culture for staff and learners
The ideal candidate will be inspired by Ada’s mission to empower the next generation of diverse digital talent and will play a key role in building a high achieving 16-19 Provision at Ada.

As a Teacher of Computer Science at Ada you’ll work closely with other teachers in an experienced Computer Science team and will play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of digital pioneers. You will help deliver our core computing curriculum in an innovative and engaging way that embodies the beliefs and values of the College; to put real world industry involvement at the heart of our curriculum. You will teach on the T-Level in Digital Software Development, OCR A-Level Computer Science or BTEC Level 3 Computing Courses. There will be opportunities for you to lead on elements of the courses suited to your individual expertise as well as to team teach to develop your skills in others.

Key Responsibilities:
● 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.

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

Desired 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

SAFEGUARDING
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior
to the interview day. Further information about the DBS be can found at www.gov.uk

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.

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 HR@ada.ac.uk.

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.

Apply here.