CyberFirst Schools & Colleges
CyberFirst helps young people discover the dynamic industry of cyber security, what a job in cyber can lead to, and explores their passion for technology.
In partnership with the NCSC, IN4 delivers CyberFirst programmes to young people across the North West, making careers in technology more accessible.
Our Delivery
Cyber is one of the fastest growing and most rewarding careers for young people to kickstart their working journey. Becoming a CyberFirst school will set students up for success with access to an unrivalled network of industry employers and ambassadors.
The CyberFirst scheme helps schools build a computing programme that inspires children and teenagers to pursue a career in digital. It gives them access to mentorship and work experience from leading technology companies, exclusive classroom resources and events, and official recognition by the NCSC.
Benefits of CyberFirst
Attract top students with an official accreditation
Being a CyberFirst school gives you credits toward the OFSTED framework and GATSBY benchmarks! The NCSC will also credit you as a recognised school and provide access to unique education resources in an competitive market.
Access insights from 130+ leading technology organisations
CyberFirst is more than an accreditation, it’s a network. Being a CyberFirst school or college will connect you with 130+ partner organisations and add you to the CISSE UK cyber education community. These networks will open up new learning and work experience opportunities that students can’t get elsewhere.
Prepare students with cutting edge resources and events
In addition to the network and resources you get from CyberFirst, we also host a variety of exciting and immersive events. From day-long seminars to inter-school competitions, students will get a taste of the cyber world in a fun, hands-on environm
Registering your school
If you say yes to one or more of these criteria, you are perfectly placed to become a Bronze, Silver, or Gold CyberFirst school or college and should register your interest.
- Your school offers some form of digital or computing classes for Key Stage 3, 4, and/or 5
- Your school wants to prepare students for exciting and growing career opportunities
- Your school wants to attract ambitious students and parents
- Your school has big ambitions but tight budgets – CyberFirst is a free accreditation!
CyberFirst Days
A CyberFirst Day is an immersive workplace experience designed to expose KS3 students to the future of technology and cyber security. Innovative content, interactive debate and gamified learning will challenge initiative and spark imagination, as we open students’ eyes to a world of inspiring possibilities within the industry. CyberFirst Days are also available for KS2 and KS4 on an ad hoc basis.
We welcome schools from across the North West to our innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, in the heart of MediaCity. Home to the BBC and ITV, it is the ideal backdrop to enthuse students about tangible tech opportunities on their doorstep.
- Available from September-July, the days are free of charge to attend. We organise and pay for coaches, packed lunches and refreshments.
CyberFirst at IN4
The CyberFirst Schools & Colleges initiative recognises schools and colleges across the UK that are committed to encouraging young people to develop cyber skills, with the NCSC awarding them with a gold, silver or bronze status.
A major objective of the initiative in the North West is to encourage girls to take an interest in technology during their school years. It aims to engage over 500 schools from across the region in the next two years.
“Recognition for Kingsway Park High School is a great step forward for us and reinforces our motto of ‘We co-operate – We Pioneer – We Belong.’ We feel this recognition is part of our pioneering spirit. It allows us to give our students opportunities we would not be able to offer otherwise.”
Kingsway Park High School
“Seeing everybody, seeing the number of females here, and just seeing the girls come to life outside of a classroom. You try and teach them as much as you can in the classroom but bringing them to an event like this, you can see that spark happen and even if only two or three of them go into a tech career then we’ve done our job.”
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
“Gaining cyber college status will allow us to highlight our current work in this area to parents and future students but also create new links with industry partners to offer further experiences for our learners. Our students join us by wanting to work in cyber security, but will hopefully leave with an understanding of what is required, a skillset to begin that journey and knowing the next steps in their journey.”
Winstanley College
Read our Social Impact report
£1.57m of value has been created through IN4 and HOST’s CyberFirst activity, giving a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £2.57 for every £1 invested.
Find out moreLearn about CyberFirst futures
In partnership with the NCSC, we deliver CyberFirst programmes to young people across the NorthWest, making careers in technology more accessible.
Find out moreApply now to become a CyberFirst School
Get in touch and we’ll support you throughout your application for Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation.
Please note that SEND schools are welcome to apply for the scheme.
For more information please contact lauren.monks@cyberfirstschools.co.uk