Schools & Colleges
What is the CyberFirst Award?
The CyberFirst Award gives schools and colleges government-backed recognition as national leaders in Computing and Cyber education.
Awarded institutions join a network of changemakers, gaining access to exclusive industry partnerships, events, activities, and resources – delivered to all year groups through the CyberFirst Wales Engagement Framework.
Why should I apply for a CyberFirst Award?
As well as recognition from the NCSC, the award also enables:
The Engagement Framework
The engagement framework focuses on delivering interventions at the right time of the year, with the right group of learners to maximise interest in cyber and computing. Activities and events are targeted at different year groups as below:
Digital Forensics
- Description
Grab your hazmat suits and become a digital forensics expert as you help us solve the case of the missing chocolate bar. - Format
Training for teachers and an activity box packed with digital devices and investigation tools for learners to explore.
Enigma
- Description
Step into WW2 Bletchley Park to help crack the Enigma code and save warships in this captivating, cross curricular code breaking experience. - Format
Immersive pop up room within a room, fully kitted out like a WW2 Bletchley Park hut.
Girls Competition Taster Session
- Description
Gather your year 8 girls for an exciting puzzle solving session to prepare them for the prestigious national competition. - Format
1 hour activity delivered by a female role model.
Trailblazers
- Description
Become an Ethical Hacker, explore AI and fake news, and use your code breaking and linguistic skills to hunt down patient zero.
- Format
Interactive lessons introducing new and exciting areas of technology, encouraging learners to take a computing GCSE.
Adventurers
- Description
Step into the world of sports analysis and pick the worlds’ best Quidditch team, employ team work and logic to crack a safe and create your very own VR world. - Format
Interactive lessons introducing new and exciting areas of technology, encouraging learners to take a computing GCSE.
Empower – Girls into Cyber
- Description
Meet the revolutionary women paving the way for the next generation of female tech talent through inspiring workshops, activities and networking. - Format
A whole-day industry led event for year 10 girls interested in tech.
Curriculum Enrichment
- Description
Learn from the experts as your CyberFirst Industry Partner provides bespoke activities that bring your curriculum to life. - Format
Sessions to fit around your curriculum from industry led talks and workshops to tech company site visits.
Cyber Pathways
- Description
Demystify the world of tech and cyber by discovering different knowledge areas, meeting the experts and helping learners identify their dream careers. - Format
A whole day industry led event for learners studying Computing qualifications or expressing an interest in tech careers.
Cyber Pathways
- Description
Demystify the world of tech and cyber by discovering different knowledge areas, meeting the experts and helping learners identify their dream careers. - Format
A whole day industry led event for learners studying Computing qualifications or expressing an interest in tech careers.
Cyber Aspire
- Description
Specifically targeted at underrepresented groups, including girls and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, a virtual escape room activity set against some of the most challenging and up to date cyber threats. - Format
3 days in early November and delivered online.
Cyber Advanced
- Description
Take the next steps steps towards a career in cyber by learning from the best and solving some of the most challenging real world problems. - Format
5 days of workshops during school holidays delivered at sites at various partner locations throughout Wales.
Bursary & Careers Talk
- Description
Learn about an exclusive and unique bursary scheme which provides valuable work placements and funded University opportunities. - Format
A 1-hour session delivered to any students expressing interest in Cyber related careers.
What company can we partner with?
From global tech firms to local cyber SMEs and government departments — all partners have teams based in Wales and are ready to collaborate closely with your school. If you already have a company in mind – we can work with you on this.
Is my school or college eligible for a CyberFirst award?
It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being committed to improving your Computing and Cyber education over time and with our support. The award has three levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold), so you can start from where you are and grow.
Gold Award
Minimum Requirements:
- Already delivering 150+ minutes or 3 lessons of Computing per fortnight in Years 7 & 8
- Already offering at least 1 Computing qualification at each Key Stage taught
Silver Award
Minimum Requirements:
- Already delivering 100+ minutes or 2 lessons of Computing per fortnight in Years 7 & 8
- Already offering at least 1 Computing qualification at each Key Stage taught
Bronze Award
Minimum Requirements:
- SLT-backed plan to deliver at least 100 minutes or 2 lessons of Computing per fortnight in Years 7 & 8
- SLT-backed plan to offer at least 1 Computing qualification at each Key Stage taught
Minimum requirements for Colleges: Must already offer at least one Computing qualification.
How do I apply for a CyberFirst award?
There is an application that you will need to complete – we’ll support you through the entire process with draft reviews, and step-by-step guidance. There is no fixed deadline, so you can submit when you feel confident!
Just email [email protected] to get started.
CyberFirst Schools and Colleges in Wales
Gold Award
- Abertillery Learning Community
- Bridgend College
- Cardiff And Vale College
- Coleg Cambria
- Coleg Gwent
- Gower College Swansea
- Gowerton Comprehensive School
- Merthyr Tydfil College
- Pencoed Comprehensive School
- Porthcawl Comprehensive School
- St Alban’s R.C. High School
- St Joseph’s R.C.High School
Silver Award
- Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School
- Castell Alun High School
- Corpus Christi Catholic High School
- Cyfarthfa High School
- St John’s College
- Penyrheol Comprehensive
- Radyr
- Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd
Bronze Award
- Rougemont
- St. Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican Secondary School
- Ysgol Brynhyfred
From Classroom to Cyber Careers: How One School Made It Happen
From the words of a teacher, read about the direct impact of CyberFirst on learner outcomes