Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

New Cyber Schools Programme launched for secondary students

Date posted : 27 July 2017

The government has announced the launch of a new cyber security schools programme to provide secondary students with key skills that businesses require.

The £20 million Cyber Schools Programme is set to launch in the autumn and is designed to help train almost 6,000 teenagers in cutting-edge cyber security skills by taking part in a nationwide network of extracurricular clubs, activities and an online game alongside their school studies.

Youngsters will be able to take a comprehensive cyber curriculum, incorporating expert, instructor-led classroom and online teaching with real-world challenges, online tasks and hands-on work experience, with students selected for the programme via a pre-entry assessment.

This scheme will provide children with clear pathways into the cyber security industry via direct contact with industry experts, with hundreds of hours of extracurricular content designed to fill a four-year programme.

Applications will be open to students aged 14 to 18, allowing those interested to join at any time, providing they meet the right criteria. Since the programme is modular, it allows older students, for example, to work through the content and challenges at a faster pace.

A website has been launched to allow students, teachers and industry partners to register their interest in the scheme, with SANS, BT, FutureLearn and Cyber Security Challenge UK named as delivery partners. The purpose of the project is to head off the risk of a future skills shortage in this key area.

Digital minister Matt Hancock said: "Our Cyber Schools Programme aims to inspire the talent of tomorrow and give thousands of the brightest young minds the chance to learn cutting-edge cyber security skills alongside their secondary school studies.

"I encourage all those with the aptitude, enthusiasm and passion for a cyber security career to register for what will be a challenging and rewarding scheme."

List #1

Related posts

Teaching interview questions: what to expect and how to prepare

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser

Teaching interviews can feel daunting, but the right preparation makes all the difference. From common questions to safeguarding, behaviour management, and career development, here’s how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the best impression.

Read more
Teacher pay scales 2025–26: what you need to know

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser

Teacher pay scales for 2025–26 are changing, with a confirmed 4% rise across the board. From new starter salaries to leadership pay, discover what the updated scales mean for teachers, schools, and career planning.

Read more
Back To School: How To Set Up The Year For Success

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser

The start of term sets the tone for the whole year. From staff onboarding to curriculum planning and wellbeing, discover practical ways to prepare your school for success this September and beyond.

Read more
Inclusive classrooms start with Thrive-trained educators

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser

Need skilled staff for today’s complex classrooms? Thrive-trained educators from Teaching Personnel are ready to reduce disruption and support every learner.

Read more
Thrive in every classroom: How CPD with impact can boost your career

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser

Struggling with behaviour or emotional needs in the classroom? Thrive CPD gives you practical tools to support every learner, especially those with SEND or SEMH.

Read more
The future of SEND support

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

Read more
Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

 How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26    As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
company logo
Search