W e are thrilled to announce that our team has been crowned cyber security champions of the CyberFirst Girls competition, a prestigious event which puts cyber security skills to the test.
Our team, ‘It_aint_Rocket_Science’ was announced as the top team in the independent schools category and the top performing team overall, securing victory against 3608 teams across the UK, and 750 schools.
In this year’s competition, the winning team which included Aneesa, Alicia and Avani from Year 8, tested their cyber skills in cracking codes, decrypting messages, and solving coding puzzles which showcased their understanding of cyber security and demonstrated their problem solving proficiency and analytical skills.
The contest is designed to encourage girls to explore the world of cyber and technology, helping to address the lack of diversity in the UK cyber workforce, where women currently make up just 17%.
More than 12,500 girls across the UK took part in the 2023/2024 CyberFirst Girls Competition, which is run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
The 2023/24 CyberFirst Girls Competition, which is run by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, saw the largest number of girls taking part since its inception. This year saw 3608 teams consisting of 12,500 girls across the UK taking part in the competition, the largest number of girls since it began seven years ago.
We have entered the competition since it was first launched in 2016 and have often reached the regional and grand finals which has given the teams opportunities to celebrate in exciting places such as Lancaster House, overlooking Buckingham Palace and the Great Hall in Edinburgh Castle.
The competition aims to encourage girls aged 12-13 to take an interest in technology and introduce them to the idea of a career in cyber.
“Every year we have individuals who discover a passion for researching and solving the puzzles and challenges set. The process gives girls an insight into areas they may not have come across before.” Mr Watts, Assistant Head of Innovation and Learning
“We are delighted for all of our girls who participated, but for Oxford High to be announced as the top school out of so many schools and participants is a huge achievement!” Mrs Gardiner Legge, Head
“A special mention to the respective winners, whose success is not just a triumph in the competition but a great demonstration of breaking barriers and addressing the need for greater female representation in the cyber security industry.” Mr Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth
