Cybersecurity ‘Champion of Champions’ title claimed by girls at Pencoed Comprehensive School

On 12 February the top 10 performing Welsh teams from this year's girls CyberFirst Schools Wales competition, a National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) initiative to inspire girls to pursue a career in cybersecurity, celebrated their success at the ICC Wales, Newport.

Showcasing industry leaders, the celebration entailed a ‘Champion of Champions’ competition which was triumphed by Year 8 pupils from Pencoed Comprehensive School who claimed the crown for the day’s contest, with Cardiff High being the overall winners of the CyberFirst Schools Wales challenge.

One Pencoed Comprehensive School pupil, Charlie, said: "Winning the ‘Champion of Champions’ competition was an unbelievable experience! We worked so hard, and seeing our efforts pay off was so rewarding. The best part was solving the toughest challenges as a team and proving that girls belong in cybersecurity!"

Another learner, Carys, added: "The competition was intense, but also so much fun! It showed me how exciting cybersecurity can be, and I hope more girls get involved. I’ll always remember this moment—it’s just the beginning for us!"

SudoCyber, a cybersecurity training company based in Brecon, organised and sponsored the ‘Champion of Champions’ competition held at the event, providing the Pencoed Comprehensive School winners with their prizes, certificates, as well as offering a visit for some of the learners to go to Brecon for a real-world experience.

Marc Del-Valle, Chief Executive of the company, said: “We would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the ‘Champion of Champions’ competition led by SudoCyber Ltd. It was truly a humbling experience to witness the next generation pave the way forward, with Pencoed Comprehensive School standing out as true trailblazers. Their team was exceptionally competent, competitive, organised, and professional — deserving champions in every sense. A huge well done to all involved!”

A collaboration between CyberFirst Schools Wales and ‘Women in Cyber Unlimited’, the celebratory event held at ICC Wales highlights girls’ achievement in cybersecurity against the backdrop of an industry in which there is a need for greater female representation - the latest ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study confirms that women hold just 22 percent of cybersecurity roles.

Since its founding in 2018, ‘Women in Cyber Unlimited’ has been dedicated to addressing the lack of females in cybersecurity.  Clare Johnson, Founder and Director of Women in Cyber Wales, said: “I set up Women in Cyber Unlimited because of a clear lack of visibility of women working in the cybersecurity sector.

“During my career I have had the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of cybersecurity networks and events, and whilst diversity is improving there is still a long way to go. Since the first meeting in 2018, which took place in Wales where the network was founded, we have grown the network to almost 500 individuals, and our reach is now across the UK and beyond. 

“I will always speak up for diversity in this sector, as it's a career that offers many wonderful opportunities, and there are very clear benefits to organisations that have a diverse workforce.”

Initiatives like the CyberFirst Girls competition run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) help to address the lack of females in the cybersecurity sector. 

Rachael Lloyd-Davies, who led the scheme at Pencoed Comprehensive School, said: “The cyber journey of Pencoed Comprehensive School is a shining example of passion, perseverance, and excellence in the field of cyber security.

“Our incredible CyberFirst girls—Charlie, Amelia, Naomi, and Carys—have demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication, tirelessly honing their skills in cryptography, problem-solving, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.

“Their unwavering team ethos was at the heart of their success. Supporting one another through setbacks, collaborating seamlessly under pressure, and maintaining a positive mindset, they epitomised the true spirit of resilience and leadership. 

“Their exceptional performance in the ‘Champion of Champions’ competition, where they dominated the leaderboard to claim victory, is a testament to their hard work and determination. Their journey is only just beginning, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.”

Cllr Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “Having a diverse workforce is so important.  In cybersecurity specifically, being able to draw upon a range of varying perspectives and knowledge can only help organisations to further identify and subsequently mitigate risks.

“We are so proud of our Pencoed Comprehensive School learners for their achievements in the CyberFirst Schools Wales competition in the first instance, and later for claiming the winning position in the ‘Champion of Champions’ contest. 

“I really hope that this experience inspires them and girls in the wider community to consider carving out a career in cybersecurity – your skills are recognised and needed!  Well done all!”

Images: The Pencoed Comprehensive School girls’ team at the ICC Wales, Newport.