FAQs
Schools
What is CyberFirst?
CyberFirst is a program created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to inspire and nurture the next generation of cyber talent in the UK.
What opportunities does CyberFirst offer for schools and colleges?
CyberFirst offers a range of initiatives, including the CyberFirst Award, curriculum enrichment, specialist careers guidance, and professional learning opportunities for teachers.
What is the CyberFirst Award?
The CyberFirst Award is a government-backed recognition for schools and colleges that are leaders in Computing and Cyber education.
How can a school or college apply for the CyberFirst Award?
Schools and colleges can apply by completing an application process with support from the CyberFirst team. There is no fixed deadline for submission.
What are the benefits of receiving a CyberFirst Award?
Benefits include a tailored engagement framework, industry partnerships, curriculum enrichment opportunities, careers guidance, and cyber security infrastructure support.
What activities are included in the CyberFirst Wales Engagement Framework?
Activities include digital forensics, code-breaking experiences, ethical hacking, AI exploration, sports analysis, VR world creation, and more, targeted at different year groups.
What is the CyberFirst Girls Competition?
The CyberFirst Girls Competition is an annual challenge designed to spark interest in tech among Year 8 girls and encourage them to choose Computing at GCSE.
How can schools participate in the CyberFirst Girls Competition?
Schools can sign up directly via the NCSC website when the competition opens each year. They can also access support from the CyberFirst Wales team.
What prizes can be won in the CyberFirst Girls Competition?
Prizes include laptops for the winning team members, cash prizes for the school, and the chance to be crowned National or Welsh Champions.
What is the CyberFirst Bursary?
The CyberFirst Bursary offers financial support of £4,000 per year to undergraduates, along with paid cyber security work experiences every summer.
Businesses
How can businesses become CyberFirst Industry Partners?
Businesses can become partners by registering as CyberFirst Members and committing to support schools with hands-on enrichment and strategic interventions.
What are the benefits for businesses partnering with CyberFirst schools?
Benefits include national recognition, direct links to future talent, promotion via CyberFirst communications, networking opportunities, and participation in diversity initiatives.
Ambassadors
Who can become a CyberFirst Ambassador?
Individuals working or studying in technology-related fields with an interest in tackling the cyber skills gap can become CyberFirst Ambassadors.
What does being a CyberFirst Ambassador involve?
Ambassadors can give as much or as little time as they can, from delivering activities in schools to promoting CyberFirst through their networks and attending events as role models.
How can someone apply to become a CyberFirst Ambassador?
Interested individuals can apply by emailing the CyberFirst team, who will provide more information and arrange a chat to discuss the program.