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 behavior—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 of problem solvers, creators, and innovators.
Join us and be part of something exceptional.
Purpose of the Role
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 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.
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.
* 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.
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.
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 meetings on safeguarding, behaviour and attendance and ensure this is a key consideration in decision-making processes.
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 in 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.
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 found at
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.
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