Job Title: Interim Assistant Principal (Head of Learner Services)

Salary: £56,000- £61,000 (Dependent on Experience)

Selection process: Application; interview and tasks relevant to the post

Location: London, Victoria 

Hours of work: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (Full Time)

Start date: 1st April 2025

Welcome to Ada!

We are the UK’s top-performing National College for Digital Skills, shaping the next generation of digital pioneers. With campuses in central London and Manchester, we offer a high-achieving, positive learning environment where students are highly motivated, have excellent attendance, and demonstrate exemplary behaviour—allowing teachers to focus entirely on their subject specialism in disruption-free classrooms. At Ada, we believe in breaking barriers and opening doors by connecting our students with the best problem-solvers, creators, and innovators. Through strong engagements with many industry partners, such as Deloitte, King Games, and Bank of America, students and teachers engage in real-world projects that enrich learning and expand career opportunities.

Our learners choose Ada because they are passionate about technology, eager to develop cutting-edge skills, and driven to secure top opportunities in the digital world. Over the past year, our London Sixth Form has grown significantly, welcoming a more diverse intake, including more young people with additional learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Today, our London campus supports approximately 173 Sixth Form students and many apprentices. As we continue to expand in London and prepare to welcome our first cohort of Sixth Formers to our Manchester campus in September 2025, we remain committed to delivering consistent, high-quality learner services across Ada.

Our diverse and supportive community provides outstanding teaching conditions, tailored professional development, and the opportunity to shape Ada’s growing impact, from new campuses to expanded opportunities. With 70% of students securing first-choice destinations at top universities and leading firms—and an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features (2018, 2023)—Ada is redefining digital education.

Join us and be part of something exceptional.

A message from Sarah Salimullah, Principal:

I joined Ada in 2024 because I’m passionate about ensuring young people have clear, sustainable career pathways where they can thrive and make an impact. With a background in Computing, I’m excited to be part of Ada’s growth as we expand our Sixth Form and support our campus in Manchester as we welcome a Sixth Form in September 2025, creating new opportunities for both students and staff. If you want to make an impact in a role that nurtures your expertise and interests—without the strain of juggling multiple responsibilities—Ada is ideal.

As a senior leader, you’ll have the chance to contribute meaningfully as we grow—helping to shape the next generation of tech talent while working in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. This is a great time to join Ada and be part of something that’s making a real difference.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven leader for an interim role, focused on reviewing and refining systems and procedures across our Sixth Form and Apprenticeship provisions at our London and Manchester campuses. This role includes the key responsibility of acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring that safeguarding systems and training are robust, well-implemented, and effective.

As Assistant Principal, you will work closely with the Sixth Form Principal in London and collaborate with the college’s Director of Apprenticeships.

In this interim capacity, your primary objective will be to review and enhance the operational systems and procedures that underpin student support services and safeguarding provisions. You will oversee the development of staff training to ensure adherence to the highest standards of student behaviour, attendance and wellbeing.

This role is crucial in supporting the continuous improvement of our Sixth Form and Apprenticeship offerings while ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority across both campuses.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the college, ensuring that safeguarding processes and systems are consistently followed across both the Sixth Form and Apprenticeship provisions across London and Manchester.
• Oversee and refine safeguarding policies, ensuring they remain up-to-date, aligned with legislation, and effectively implemented.
• Ensure that safeguarding practices are embedded into all operational systems and procedures across both campuses.
• Develop, implement, and monitor safeguarding training programs for staff, ensuring regular updates are communicated and follow-up is modelled effectively.
• Lead safeguarding inductions for new staff, providing comprehensive training on safeguarding procedures and reporting mechanisms.
• Monitor and evaluate safeguarding incidents daily to ensure appropriate actions are taken and that learners are supported effectively.
• Work closely with external agencies and partners to support students' welfare and wellbeing, ensuring that appropriate support mechanisms are in place for those at risk.
• Actively promote a culture of safeguarding and online safety across the campus, ensuring both staff and students are informed of emerging issues.

Systems and Procedures Review & Refinement

• Conduct a thorough review of existing systems and procedures for student support, SEND, attendance and behaviour, identifying areas for improvement.
• Implement effective data tracking and monitoring mechanisms that support the effective management of behaviour and attendance in the Sixth Form
• Assess existing training programs to ensure that safeguarding and welfare are central to staff professional development across the college
• Ensure systems for monitoring the personal development, behaviour and wellbeing of students are streamlined and fully operational
• Where changes are required, work closely with the Core IT, Impact, Information and Data teams to resolve problems.

Behaviour, Attendance & Punctuality

• Review and refine systems related to student behaviour, attendance, and punctuality, ensuring channels of follow-up are effective and promote positive choices.
• Ensure that any safeguarding concerns related to attendance or behaviour are promptly identified and addressed
• Ensure the Behaviour Policy is up-to-date and effectively applied across both campuses.
• Develop strategies to monitor, report and intervene where necessary, supporting a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

Personal Development

• Evaluating and refining systems supporting the personal development and wellbeing of students, this will include capturing key information from counselling provision and developing individual action plans.
• Lead the development of student wellbeing initiatives, ensuring students feel heard, supported, and safe.
• Work with staff and ELT to ensure that the personal development and welfare of students are central to the college’s mission.

SEND & Inclusion

• Ensure that systems for supporting students with SEND are robust and effective, with a focus on safeguarding their wellbeing and educational outcomes.
• Work with external agencies to ensure the needs of students with SEND are met, including safeguarding needs.
• Ensure that SEND staff are adequately trained to handle safeguarding concerns specific to this group of students.

Leadership & Management

• Line manage and support pastoral and attendance teams, ensuring that all staff are adequately trained in safeguarding practices.
• Provide training for staff on identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns, promoting a proactive approach to student welfare.
• Contribute to governor's meetings on safeguarding, behaviour and attendance and ensure this is a key consideration in decision-making processes.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to align safeguarding, wellbeing, and operational systems with the college’s strategic goals.
• Identify areas for improvement in safeguarding, behaviour and attendance systems and implement strategic solutions to address them.
• Monitor the impact of newly implemented systems and refine them as necessary to ensure they continue to meet the needs of students.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Proven leadership experience in a school/college or similar educational setting.
• Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, alongside QTS.
• Significant experience in safeguarding leadership, with a thorough understanding of safeguarding laws and best practices.
• Extensive experience in reviewing and refining operational systems, particularly in relation to SEND, behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality training and development programs for staff.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience as a DSL
• Strong experience leading and implementing safeguarding training across a range of staff.
• Experience of driving improvements in attendance and behaviour management

Skills and Attributes

• Expertise in safeguarding processes and policies, with a proactive approach to student welfare and safety.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with staff, students, and external agencies.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead change effectively.
• Ability to assess and refine attendance strategies to reduce persistent absence
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of behaviour systems and make necessary improvements.

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.  

Equal opportunities

Ada. 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. 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 you have special needs in relation to your application, please contact us at HR@ada.ac.uk.

Sponsorship

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.

How to apply for the role

Please submit your completed application form to jobs@ada.ac.uk. Please include a cover letter (no longer than two pages) outlining your interest in the role and how you can make a difference at Ada.