CyberFirst: Information for schools
The NCSC will once again be running the CyberFirst Girls Competition in 2021
We will be sticking to the same format as last year which seeks to encourage and recognise participation from all parts of the UK.
To begin with, there will be an online qualifier round lasting 10 days, followed by a semi-final round and a Grand Final.
The competition is aimed at Year 8 girls in England and Wales, Year 9 in Northern Ireland and S2 in Scotland. We made a deliberate shift in age group in 2018 to give as many girls as possible the opportunity to find out more about cyber security with a view to potentially influencing the subjects they take at GCSE (or equivalent).
The content for each category of the competition is consistent with subjects within the Computer Science syllabus from both the National Curriculum and Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. However, the competition will contain some advanced cyber topics that are not covered in traditional education but will seek to stretch the lateral thinking and additional cyber knowledge of the teams.
What you need to know
• Teams are made up of up to four female students in Year 8, S2 or Year 9 (NI).
• Teams need to be supported by a responsible adult appointed by the school who is aged over 18 years and who can act as the team guardian.
• Team guardians do not need to have any cyber knowledge or be an IT or computer science teacher. Their role is to register the teams and facilitate access to the competition.
• Schools can enter as many teams as they like if they fit the qualifying criteria (see above).
• The semi-final round will be self-funded by the school.
• The Grand Final will be fully funded by the NCSC.
CyberFirst has transitioned to TechFirst
From 1 September 2026, the CyberFirst programme became part of TechFirst. NCSC continues to lead the cyber pathway, ensuring young people can access high-quality cyber skills and career opportunities. For more information view NCSC Cyber Skills.