Ada Lovelace Day 2026: helping girls see they belong in computing
Every Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrate a woman whose ideas were far ahead of her time. Ada Lovelace is often described as the world's first computer programmer, developing an algorithm for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and recognising that computers could do far more than perform calculations.
Her story matters because it reminds us that talent is not the issue. Opportunity, confidence and a sense of belonging often are. Ada also benefited from encouragement to pursue mathematics from an early age. At a time when women had limited opportunities to study and work in scientific fields, this support helped her develop her interests and ultimately make a lasting contribution to computing.
As computing teachers, many of us see girls engaging enthusiastically with the subject in primary school. Yet as pupils get older, some begin to question whether computing is really "for them". This isn't because of a lack of ability - it's often influenced by stereotypes, a lack of relatable role models and perceptions about who succeeds in technology.
Ada Lovelace Day provides a useful opportunity to reflect on what we can do in our own schools to tackle these barriers.
Small changes can have a big impact
Over the years, it has become clear that encouraging girls into computing is rarely about organising one special event. Change is more likely to happen when inclusion becomes part of everyday practice.
That might mean:
- highlighting diverse role models throughout the year
- using examples that connect computing to real-world problems and creativity
- building learners' confidence through collaborative approaches such as pair programming
- being deliberate about whose voices are heard during lessons
- challenging stereotypes when they arise
Individually, these actions may seem small. Together, they help create classrooms where more learners feel that they belong.
Looking beyond the classroom
Some of the most powerful moments may happen outside timetabled lessons.
Computing clubs, competitions, employer encounters, mentoring opportunities and enrichment projects can all help pupils develop confidence and explore computing in different ways. They also allow learners to meet people who use technology in their jobs, helping learners see the wide range of careers that computing can lead to.
If you're reviewing your enrichment offer this year, ask yourself a simple question: would every learner in my school see something here that appeals to them?
If the answer is no, there may be opportunities to broaden participation.
Support for schools
The National Centre for Computing Education's I Belong programme was developed to help schools take an evidence-informed approach to encouraging girls into computing and computer science. It focuses on practical strategies that help build confidence, challenge stereotypes and increase pupils' sense of belonging in the subject.
The programme offers professional development, classroom resources and guidance that can be implemented straight away, whether you're a classroom teacher, subject leader or senior leader.
Join our NCCE I Belong conference
If you're interested in learning more, the I Belong Conference in March 2027 will bring together teachers, school leaders, researchers and industry partners to share practical approaches to improving participation in computing. The focus will be on helping more young people, particularly girls, develop a strong sense of belonging in the subject.
There are likely to be learners in every classroom with the potential to thrive in computing. The challenge is helping them see that this is a subject where they belong.
Our challenge as teachers and computing leaders is to create the conditions where every young person can develop the confidence, interest and self-belief to see themselves as someone who can succeed in computing.