Supply teachers: computer science needs you!

11 February 2021

The demand for computer science is on the rise. It is the fastest growing subject at GCSE, with a cohort size of more than 78,000, and students entered for computer science in 86% of secondary schools in England.

To meet the demand, the NCCE is working to support teachers from all backgrounds and career stages to further their subject knowledge, through an extensive range of support.

Funded by the Department for Education, our Computer Science Accelerator programme offers fully-funded professional development to supply teachers across England, whether you currently teach computing or are completely new to the subject. There are a number of learning pathways available, which have been designed to help you start at the right level to build up or refresh your subject knowledge.

Computing as a second subject

Our new computing pathway is perfect for trainees who specialise in another subject as it gives a broad look at different elements of computing, which can help increase their teaching capacity.  This pathway is available at a subject level to support participants to complete their CPD with colleagues from the same specialism, including PE; business studies; humanities and PSHE; music, art and media; modern foreign languages, English and science. We also offer bespoke pathways for maths and design and technology teachers.

Vethika Mohanalingam from Harrow High School, who teaches maths and key stage 3 computing, enrolled on the Computer Science Accelerator to increase her subject knowledge and to support her teaching.  

“By enhancing my knowledge I hope to be better prepared for any questions that arise during class from the students. It is a fun way to be interactive and learn different aspects of KS3 computing with fellow teachers, who are all on the same boat as myself.”

As well as achieving a professionally-recognised training certificate, if you take a permanent position in secondary state education within a year of completing the programme you can claim a bursary for your school of £920.

Next steps

Want to find out more about the Computer Science Accelerator and how to get started?  Watch this video.

You can also start your journey now by enrolling at teachcomputing.org/cs-accelerator.