CyberFirst Girls Competition: a proud milestone and exciting future

When I reflect back on the CyberFirst Girls Competition, I feel proud of how much has been achieved. Since its launch in 2017, it has reached over 85,000 students across the UK, offering them the opportunity to engage in cyber challenges that build essential skills for future careers in cyber security. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is incredibly proud of the impact and reach of this programme, which has inspired countless young minds to explore the exciting world of cyber security. 

Today we are celebrating the start of a new path for the competition, one that will continue to encourage girls to develop their computing and cyber skills. 

If you haven’t read it yet then I encourage you to go and read the recent announcement from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) who have launched a new partnership with global tech giant IBM, marking a significant milestone in the competition's journey.

IBM will provide the online platform for the 2025/26 competition. This collaboration ensures the longevity and expansion of the programme, delivering it as a value-for-money offering. IBM's involvement is a testament to the importance of fostering diversity and addressing the cyber skills gap in the UK. 

DSIT will lead the overall delivery of the competition from the government side, with the NCSC remaining a key stakeholder. We will support DSIT and IBM to ensure the competition continues to grow, building on the successes over the past 8 years, and delivering the positive impact on the future of cyber security in the UK. 

This partnership supports the development of young talent and aligns with the government's efforts to grow the economy and strengthen the UK's cyber security sector. The CyberFirst Girls Competition is a vital initiative in inspiring and equipping the next generation of cyber professionals. 

I believe this is an exciting natural progression of the competition, working collaboratively with both industry and government to ensure its longevity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the future of cyber security in the UK. 

Chris Ensor
Deputy Director, Cyber Growth