Celebrating CyberFirst Success at Lionheart
We’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible achievement from two of our schools – Judgemeadow Community College and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College – who have both secured places among the top 10 schools in the East Midlands in the prestigious CyberFirst Girls Competition 2025/26.
This national competition – open to Year 8 girls across England and Wales – aims to spark curiosity and inspire future careers in the exciting world of cyber security. Working in teams of up to four, students tackled a series of brain-teasing challenges covering cryptography, AI, networking, and logic puzzles. All these teasers were designed to test technical knowledge and problem-solving skills and were closely aligned with the Computer Science curriculum.
Students channelled their enthusiasm and rose to the challenge admirably, completing tasks at home and during lunchtime Computer Club sessions, supported by dedicated staff every step of the way.
This was the first year that Lionheart schools have entered the CyberFirst Girls Competition, making the top 10 regional placing an even more impressive achievement; Sir Jonathan North’s ‘CodeSquad’ narrowly missed out on the top spot, finishing a commendable second, while the ‘Chatpati baddies’ from Judgemeadow finished comfortably in the top 10. In recognition of their success, participants from both teams received a certificate from the competition organisers.
The competition has strengthened interest in Computer Science across both schools and has encouraged more girls to consider pathways in technology and cyber security. With a focus on increasing GCSE Computer Science uptake and engagement among girls, we are exploring opportunities to take part in similar events in the future.
Congratulations to all students involved for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the competition.