The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a programme in the North East of England to enhance and expand the region’s cyber skills at every level, including through a world-class and diverse cyber profession that inspires and equips future talent.

Delivered in collaboration with The North East STEM Hub, Kings Priory School and CyberNorth the team has been awarded the North East contract following a successful pilot delivered in the South West.

The programme encourages partnerships between local schools, the NCSC, which is a part of GCHQ, and national and local companies and organisations that share the aim of encouraging young people to engage with computer science and the application of cyber security in everyday technology.

The NCSC is increasing the scale and ambition of the scheme to formally recognise more schools and colleges across the country who are committed to providing a structured approach to excellence in cyber security education.

The North East STEM Hub will manage the assessment and evaluation of CyberFirst School applications; the growth of the CyberFirst Schools community in the area and help facilitate engagement between industry and schools in the region to enable e-mentoring and work experience. Stem Contracts Manager Janine Marshall said:

“As a team of regional delivery partners, we are delighted to bring the CyberFirst programme to the North East. As the North East STEM Hub delivered by RTC North, CyberNorth the Cyber Industry Cluster for the NE and Kings Priory School one of the highly successful regional NCCE Hub schools, we recognise the importance of expanding cyber skills at all levels.

“Working with the National Cyber Security Centre we are excited to roll out a programme that inspires and equips our young people and future workforce for a career in a vital sector for our region.”