Do you have
any questions for us?

A digital academy is a college that teaches you various digital skills, such as video game design, networking, programming and digital marketing, and where you can achieve a range of digital qualifications.

TDA is a pioneering digital academy set up by Southend City Council to provide students in our area and beyond a place of pure digital learning. Here you can work towards well-respected diplomas, study alongside like-minded students, and gain skills that will enable you to enter a wide choice of digital careers.

A digital diploma is awarded to our students upon the successful completion of one of our courses. Our courses have been designed to focus on particular digital and IT skills that give you the best chance of pursuing relevant careers. These include courses in:

• Video game design and development

• Social media for e-commerce websites

• Networking and cybersecurity

• IT systems infrastructure

• Core digital and IT skills

• IT user skills

You can learn more about our available digital diplomas on our Digital Courses page.

The entry requirements for TDA’s courses differ depending on which level of diploma you want to study toward:

• Our Level 2 Diplomas require you to have achieved a minimum of 3 Grade 4s (or higher) at GCSE

• Our Level 3 Diplomas require you to have achieved a minimum of 4 Grade 4s (or higher) at GCSE

Alternatively, you can apply for a Level 3 Diploma if you have already achieved a Level 2 Diploma.

Yes. A Grade 4 GCSE in Maths and/or English is not required to apply for a TDA course.

If you do not have one or both of these qualifications, additional study time will be dedicated to Maths or English, and we guarantee that you will achieve at least a Grade 4 in both subjects before the end of your course.

No. Because students won’t receive their GCSE results until the summer, we can offer places at TDA on a conditional basis.

Provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen course, you will be enrolled into the school ahead of the September 2023 start date.

A Level 3 Diploma course takes 2 years to complete. A Level 2 Diploma course takes 1 year to complete.

If you are aged between 16 and 19, then it is absolutely free to attend TDA.

If you are over the age of 19, then whether your course is fully funded will depend on your specific circumstances. If this is not possible, we are happy to discuss the funding options that are available to you.

Yes. During your course, you will be able to undertake work experience at top local companies in the Southend area. This is part of developing work-ready skills that empower you to transition from your course into employment if you so choose.

There are a maximum of 12 places available on every TDA course. This ensures that each student receives the focus and guidance they need from their instructors to succeed, resulting in better learning outcomes.

No. TDA courses involve classroom-based learning at our academy in Leigh-on-Sea and are assessed based on the portfolio you develop during your course.

In addition, this will enable you to utilise the state-of-the-art technology TDA offers, and the opportunity to learn from and alongside other students who share your interests.

Yes. With the digital skills gap growing in the UK, the qualifications you gain at TDA will set you apart from potential candidates in roles across every industry, and may help you secure high-paying vacancies in the digital space.

Yes. While a TDA Diploma gives you the digital and work-based skills to immediately enter employment, you can also use these qualifications to go onto other forms of further education, including:

• University

• T-Levels

• Apprenticeships

Attending a pure digital academy like TDA allows you to fully focus on the digital skills and qualifications that matter most to you, in a way that isn’t possible in other forms of post-GCSE education such as sixth form or apprenticeships.

Other benefits of joining an academy that solely focuses on digital learning include:

• You are surrounded by students who share your passion for technology, creating a more collaborative and aspirational environment

• Your instructors all have experience from across the digital space, helping you gain skills to ease your transition into a digital career

• Our connections with local digital organisations allow you to gain hands-on work experience in industries you are interested in

• You will work with technology, hardware and software that is actively used in the tech industry

TDA is based at the Belfairs Centre next to Southend Adult Community College in Leigh-on-Sea. This large building has been revamped to incorporate the very latest digital technology and equipment, as well as additional facilities to support all students throughout their time at the academy.

Furthermore, TDA’s close proximity to Southend East railway station and bus links makes TDA accessible to students throughout the Southend City area and beyond.

After submitting your application to TDA, we will be in touch to arrange an interview with a member of our team. You may also be sent an additional form to complete for us to gather further details.

If the interview is successful, we will send a written conditional offer to you, and subject to your GCSE results we will look forward to welcoming you in September!