Across West Wales, schools and colleges are seeing the positive impact of the CyberFirst Wales programme as it continues to inspire the next generation of cyber talent. Through hands-on activities, competitions, and partnerships with further education providers, young people are gaining early exposure to cybersecurity and the wide range of careers within the sector. Teachers across the region describe a growing sense of curiosity, confidence and ambition among their pupils as a result.
Bringing Cyber Careers to Life in the Classroom
For Jo Ralph, CyberFirst Area Lead for West Wales, the role brings together years of experience in science education and computing outreach. Having moved from a secondary school science classroom into university computer science engagement, she now focuses on helping pupils understand what the cyber sector really looks like.
“The most exciting part is showing students that cyber isn’t stereotypically about sitting in a dark room typing lines of mysterious code. It is about showcasing Wales as a diverse and thriving cyber sector.”
A central part of that work involves delivering workshops directly in schools, where pupils explore cybersecurity concepts through creative and collaborative challenges. One of the most popular activities transports Year 7 pupils back to the world of wartime codebreaking. Working together to decipher encrypted messages, students experience the excitement of cracking codes while learning how cryptography underpins modern digital security.
The same activity is delivered across multiple schools and hosted by Gower College Swansea, giving pupils the opportunity to experience the challenge in different learning environments. By introducing these ideas early in secondary school, the programme helps pupils see that computing connects to history, mathematics and real world problem solving.
Another standout experience is a digital investigation challenge where Year 8 pupils become online detectives, analysing publicly available information to track the fictional spread of a disease. The room quickly fills with excitement as teams follow digital clues, make connections and piece together evidence. In the process, they develop critical thinking skills while learning about digital footprints and the power of open source intelligence.
Alongside technical skills, creating inclusive opportunities is a major focus of the programme. Events designed specifically to support girls in technology allow students to meet peers and professionals working in the sector, helping to challenge stereotypes and build confidence.
Changing Perceptions and Influencing Subject Choices
At Gowerton School, Computer Science teacher and Digital Competence Framework coordinator Rachel Roberts says these opportunities have had a clear impact across the school.
“CyberFirst has had a hugely positive impact at Gowerton School, providing inspiring opportunities for pupils across multiple year groups.”
Through a range of experiences, pupils have begun to understand how computing skills apply beyond the classroom. University visits, competitions and interactive challenges have helped students see the variety of roles within the cyber sector and the pathways that lead into them.
The results are already being reflected in student choices.
At Gowerton School, GCSE Computer Science uptake has been increasing year on year, with a particularly encouraging rise in female students choosing the subject.
For teachers, this shift demonstrates how early engagement can transform perceptions. When pupils encounter cyber security through practical, collaborative experiences, it becomes a subject they can see themselves pursuing.
Expanding Opportunities for Students
A similar story is unfolding at Penyrheol School. Head of ICT Lisa Fox explains that delivering enrichment opportunities had once been difficult within a small department, but partnership working has opened up new possibilities for learners.
“Our partnership with CyberFirst Wales has transformed what is possible for our learners.”
Students at the school have explored both the historical and modern sides of cybersecurity. Younger pupils have discovered the stories behind wartime codebreaking, while older students have stepped into the role of cyber investigators, analysing digital evidence and examining the motivations behind cyberattacks. These experiences give students a glimpse into professional cyber roles and show how the skills they are learning in class apply to real world challenges.
Encouraging girls to pursue computing has also been a major priority. Participation in dedicated clubs and competitions has helped build confidence while creating a supportive environment where students can discuss challenges such as imposter syndrome and realise that they belong in the field.
One team from the school has even been selected to attend a national Women in Cyber conference, providing the opportunity to meet role models already working in the industry and connect with like minded students from across the country.
Building a Regional Pipeline for Cyber Talent
Supporting this network of schools is the strong partnership between CyberFirst Wales and Gower College Swansea, a recognised CyberFirst Gold College. The collaboration plays a crucial role in connecting schools with further education opportunities and long term career pathways.
“The partnership is more than just a collaboration. It’s a pipeline for future cyber talent.”
The college regularly hosts students from its network of feeder schools, providing hands-on cyber challenges that encourage teamwork, digital investigation and logical thinking. These experiences help bridge the gap between school learning and future study, giving pupils a clearer understanding of where their interests could lead.
Beyond technical activities, the partnership also highlights real opportunities within the cyber sector. Students learn about initiatives such as the CyberFirst Bursary from the National Cyber Security Centre, which supports those studying cybersecurity degrees through funding, professional development and industry experience.
This coordinated approach, supported by strong communication between schools and the college, has significantly expanded the programme’s reach across the region. The success of that partnership was recognised nationally when Gower College Swansea was named CyberFirst School or College of the Year 2025.
A Confident Future for Cyber in West Wales
Together, the experiences shared by educators across West Wales demonstrate how sustained collaboration can shape the future of digital skills. Through engaging activities, inclusive opportunities and clear pathways into further education and careers, CyberFirst Wales is helping young people see cybersecurity not simply as a subject they study, but as a future they can confidently pursue.
Become a CyberFirst School
If you’re a school or college in Wales and want to enjoy the benefit of CyberFirst, there’s no better time than now to start your award application.
