Looking beyond strong passwords

Today's students are tomorrow's experts

We live in a modern world, where our phones are rarely out of our hands and technology touches our lives in all sorts of ways.

It’s this reliance on technology that makes protecting it so important. You might not realise it, but cyber security is all around us – it’s not just about your email, passwords or how you unlock your phone. It delivers train timetables and traffic lights. It powers homes. It protects your medical records and your bank account. It’s in everything from gaming to music streaming; getting on a plane to calling a friend.

All that data has to be protected, but the fact is, there aren’t enough experts to fill our growing need. We need a new generation to fill a critical skill gap in protecting the UK.

In 2019 the DCMS reported that digital skills were required for 82% of online advertised openings across the UK”

That's why we need CyberFirst

CyberFirst began as a programme of opportunities to help young people explore their passion for technology. Today there are several initiatives designed to seek out those with potential, offer the support, skills, experience and exposure needed to be the future first line of defence in a CyberFirst world.

The CyberFirst Schools scheme (previously known as Cyber Schools Hub) has been hugely successful thanks to the support of local and global industries. Working with schools, universities, businesses and government bodies, our initiative is training tomorrow’s cyber security community.

Interested in CyberFirst?

Find out more now

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CyberFirst Schools Regions

The NCSC is conducting a phased regional rollout to increase the scale and ambition of the scheme. The programme formally recognises schools and colleges across the UK who are committed to providing a structured approach to excellence in cyber security education.

Secondary schools or colleges within the following regions will be able to apply when invited to do so:

  • North East of England
  • North West of England
  • South West of England
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland
  • Scotland

Inspiring your students

Our core mission is to inspire and nurture talent by supporting young people to gain the skills, experience, and exposure they need to be the future first line of defence in our CyberFirst world.

From lesson plans and homework booklets, to vlogs from inspirational role models and students - you will find lots of great educational content on our resource pages.

Keep up to date with events and exclusive CyberFirst School and Colleges opportunities, such as e-Mentoring with our industry members.

You can also find links to the NCSC's cyber security training package for school staff to help improve school cyber resilience.

Supporting schools and colleges

CyberFirst works with a number of companies, organisations, academia and ambassadors, to ensure that we are nurturing talent and providing opportunities for the next generation of cyber security professionals.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with events and host technology and cyber security work placements at your organisation.

If you would like to know more about becoming a CyberFirst member and how you can get involved, please visit the NCSC website by clicking the button below.

What other teachers have said

Campbell College, Belfast - Silver Award 2021

Our students have been involved in CyberFirst activities for a number of years and we are delighted to have our efforts in the promotion of cyber security, robotics and digital technologies recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre through the CyberFirst Scheme.

We are especially excited by the opportunities this affords to us in the continued development of industry related links, staff development opportunities and increased engagement with local and national schools and colleges.

We hope our engagement with this scheme can further help promote computing and cyber education amongst our students by helping to increase awareness of opportunities for outside the classroom and in future employment areas.

This is a very exciting opportunity to work with and benefit from the expertise of industry, academia and the National Cyber Security Centre. ”

SGS Berkeley Green UTC, Gloucestershire - Gold Award 2021

SGS Berkeley Green UTC exists to prepare students in KS4 and KS5 for a career in cyber security, and the award of CyberFirst Gold status recognises the efforts and commitment of our students and staff.

The pandemic has forced all types of organisations and users to move their day-to-day working practices online. Our specialist and wider cyber security curriculum not only develops students’ technical skills, but also provides a strong grounding in cyber risks and effective cyber hygiene; which we believe is essential in preparing our young people for the working world.

Our partnership with the NCSC and the CyberFirst programme affords our students unrivalled opportunities to learn about the varied cyber careers, and network with industry colleagues. As a result, they are enthused and inspired, which is having a positive impact on their learning.