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CyberFirst is the National Cyber Security Centre's schools outreach programme, designed to encourage more students to consider careers in cybersecurity and technology. Here in the South West, the CyberFirst team works closely with schools and colleges to support teachers in inspiring their students through a wide range of opportunities to explore the world of cyber and tech. By partnering with some of the most innovative organisations, we're able to showcase the very best of cyber, computing, coding, and all things digital. Our programme offers varied and engaging interactions, encouraging all schools and colleges to discover what CyberFirst has to offer.
See our students and partners in action across the South West
Churchdown School at EmPower
Winterbourne Academy receiving their CyberFirst Award
Student enjoying VR at EmPower
Bournside School receiving their CyberFirst Award
Students enjoying a workshop at CyberHorizons
Gemba Advantage at EmpowerCyber
Hear from educators who have experienced the CyberFirst impact
As a University Technical College, everything we do revolves around creating opportunities for students to thrive. A key focus is engaging them in employer-led tasks during project days, which are an essential part of our approach to blending education with real-world experience.
I have been part of the CyberFirst program from the start, and it's been amazing to see its impact. Engaging with employers, hosting exciting events, and running interactive programs have been powerful in sparking curiosity and building enthusiasm for computer science and cybersecurity—both among young people and their parents.
SGS Berkeley Green UTC (Gold Awarded College)
The variety of enrichment opportunities offered, such as Empower Cyber, the Cyber Girls Competition, and the Cyber First Bursary, has sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among students. Girls are feeling empowered and more confident in exploring opportunities within cybersecurity and computing. The various apprenticeship opportunities, such as those with Microsoft and NCSC work experience, have been immensely helpful. Recently, L3Harris a Cyberfirst South West sponsor had delivered outreach to schools which has been of high quality, bringing academic learning into real world application.
Cheltenham Bournside
The CyberFirst programme has not only enriched our Computer Science qualifications but has helped create a culture where cyber awareness, digital responsibility and career ambition are increasingly visible across the school. We are proud to be part of the South West CyberFirst community and look forward to continuing to build on this momentum.
Devonport High School for Boys (Gold Awarded College)
Through CyberFirst, I've been able to raise the profile of the subject and actively attract more girls into Computer Science. While boys continue to thrive in the subject, I'm proud to say that girls now make up over 30% of the cohort at both GCSE and A-Level in the schools I've worked in. This shift is a direct result of the opportunities and visibility that CyberFirst provides.
Cirencester Kingshill (Gold Awarded School)
Our ambition is to be the go-to point of contact for computing education and cyber careers across the South West. We'd love to hear from educators, tech professionals, and skills and training providers who are interested in supporting our schools and colleges.
