Gower College Swansea awarded by experts for championing cyber security

Schools and Colleges in Wales leading the way championing cyber education for pupils have been officially recognised with awards by the UK’s leading experts.

Three institutions are the latest in Wales to be awarded by the CyberFirst Schools initiative, led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ, for showcasing how they offer first-rate cyber security teaching in and out of the classroom.

Chepstow School, Gower College Swansea and The College Merthyr Tydfil all received Silver awards in the latest round for top work including running an all-girls coding club, incorporating cyber skills into the digital curriculum and working with universities to hold sessions on cyber security.

They were joined by five other successful CyberFirst Schools and Colleges announced today (Wednesday) across the UK.

Since the initiative was launched in 2020, 49 CyberFirst Schools and Colleges have been recognised, helping to develop cyber skills ecosystems around the country and addressing the industry’s cyber skills gap.

Leanne Davies, Skills and Innovation Lead at Gower College Swansea, said: “Gower College Swansea are delighted to have been recognised by NCSC CyberFirst Schools for our hard work and dedication to quality computing and security education, helping to meet the growing industry demand in the local area.

“We are very much looking forward to working with the NCSC and Industry partners to continue to grow the opportunities for our learners throughout computing and cyber security.” 

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “Well done to all the schools and colleges in Wales that have been awarded CyberFirst Schools status for the high standard of cyber security education they provide.

“Offering young people opportunities to gain hands-on experience of cyber security is essential for inspiring the next generation of talent and keeping the UK secure online in the years to come.

“We welcome these institutions to our growing community of schools, colleges, local industry and academic members who are playing a key role in helping cyber skills ecosystems thrive around the country.”

Applications from secondary schools and further education colleges were welcomed in this latest round from select areas around the UK.

The initiative’s Gold award recognises schools that show they deliver the highest standard of cyber security education; Silver awards indicate the schools are meeting most of the judging criteria and offering good standards and Bronze is for those working towards excellence.

Being a CyberFirst School comes with a number of benefits including NCSC recognition and opportunities to collaborate with more than 130 CyberFirst partner organisations from a range of sectors on cyber related activities.

Examples of first-rate cyber security activities offered by the schools includes:

• Chepstow College running an all-girls coding club once a week to encourage more girls to explore cyber security;
• The College Merthyr Tydfil taking learners to universities to undertake sessions on cyber security and other digital industries to promote academic pathways into cyber and computing
• Gower College Swansea creating a new Digital Skills and Innovation role within the college, with increased focus on cyber security.

(Lead image: Gower College Swansea)