Developing computing in Your School: A Guide for Computing Leads
Whether you're leading computing in a primary, secondary, or all-through school, identifying the right support and opportunities to strengthen your computing provision can feel overwhelming—especially if you're just starting out. The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) offers a wide range of programmes, resources, and CPD to help you build a confident, inclusive, and high-quality computing curriculum.
Here’s how you can take the lead in driving computing forward in your school, no matter your starting point.
On-Demand CPD: Flexible Learning for Busy Teachers
Start by exploring on-demand CPD, perfect for fitting professional development around your schedule. These courses cover everything from foundational computing concepts to advanced programming and pedagogy and are ideal for building subject knowledge at your own pace.
Whether you're looking to improve your understanding of algorithms in KS1 or explore AI and ethics at GCSE level, there's a course for every phase and every need.
Residential CPD: Learn at the National STEM Learning Centre in York
For a deeper dive into computing education, consider attending a residential CPD course. These multi-day experiences offer hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions in a supportive environment.
Residentials are particularly valuable for computing leads looking to build a computing vision, collaborate with peers, and return to school with actionable plans.
Our York-based residentials are free for teachers working in state-funded schools in England - accommodation, meals etc. are included with your booking.
I Belong Programme: Champion Inclusion in Computing
The I Belong programme is designed to increase participation in GCSE computer science, particularly girls. It provides resources, guidance, and support to help you create a more inclusive computing environment and challenge gender and other stereotypes in your school. Computing leads can use I Belong to drive whole-school change and ensure all pupils feel they belong in computing.
Computing Ambassadors: Inspire and Connect
Bring real-world computing into your classroom with Computing Ambassadors - industry professionals who volunteer to support schools. Ambassadors can deliver talks, run workshops, and help pupils see the relevance of computing in the wider world.
This is a fantastic way to raise aspirations and connect your curriculum to careers in tech.
Request a Computing Ambassador
Computing Quality Framework (CQF): Evaluate and Improve computing provision
The Computing Quality Framework is a free self-review tool designed to help schools evaluate their computing provision. It supports you in identifying strengths, setting goals, and planning improvements across curriculum, leadership, teaching, and inclusion.
Whether you're just beginning your computing journey or looking to improve provision within your school, the CQF provides a clear roadmap.
Certification: Recognition for teachers
Develop your subject knowledge and classroom practice with a National Centre for Computing Education certificate; improve your confidence and take your career to the next level. With a range of certificates designed for primary, secondary, GCSE, and A level. Choose from tailored pathways that support your growth from beginner to expert in computing skills and classroom practice.
Teach primary computing certificate - Teach Computing
Teach secondary computing certificate – Teach Computing
KS3 & GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certification
A Level computer science subject knowledge certification
Driving computing in your school doesn’t mean doing it alone. With the NCCE’s comprehensive support for computing leaders you have all the tolls to ensure your computing provision is ambitious, inclusive, engaging and meets the needs of your school.