Over 50 school pupils from schools across Lancaster stepped onto Lancaster University’s campus for a deep dive into the world of cyber security. It was a day of practical hands-on activities designed to spark a passion for the skills and traits required in cyber roles and inspire pupils toward future careers in the field.

The event, a Cyber Girls First initiative, focused on widening participation for girls in Years 7 and 8. Through interactive workshops led by inspiring role models working in the cyber and technology field, the day aimed to demystify cyber security while beginning to cultivate the next generation of talent to address the evolving demands of the cyber and technology sectors.

From deciphering secret codes to defending virtual businesses from cyber threats, the pupils explored how technology shapes and secures our digital world. In one workshop, led by Lancaster University’s Anna Dyson, pupils tackled a Lego-based game called Invest & Defend. The challenge - to balance growing a business while deciding how much to invest in cyber protections—developing critical thinking, teamwork, and financial strategy along the way.

Anna Dyson said: “It was fantastic to run our Cyber Lego Game at the recent Cyber Girls First event here at Lancaster. Students were given a model business and budget, and had to make fast, strategic decisions to defend their company as cyber threats emerged.

Working with Lego brought the challenge to life and made complex concepts hands-on, visual, and approachable. This approach encourages a different kind of thinking, where creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world decisions come together in a tangible way students can connect with. It was amazing to see how quickly the room lit up with energy and even the teachers couldn’t resist joining in!

Alongside learning about technical cyber concepts, students developed soft skills like collaboration, communication, and leadership, all essential for the future cyber workforce. Seeing over 50 girls dive into the challenge with such energy, fun, and focus was genuinely inspiring! The future of cyber is bright, and events like this are a powerful reminder of our role in supporting and shaping it, one activity, one decision, or even one brick at a time.”

Another session led by Christine Lester, introduced students to cryptography using Caesar ciphers. Christine also used her own journey into technology to show that there’s no one ‘right’ background to succeed in this field.

Christine said: “It was lovely to be invited back to Lancaster University to take part in this event. Cyber Girls First events run with inspiring and committed partners like Lancaster University are a powerful tool for sparking curiosity and opening doors for the next generation of technologists. Seeing the students engage so enthusiastically with the activities was exciting and a clear sign of the potential we are hoping to nurture.”

The event was opened by Professor Dan Prince, Professor of Cyber Security, and Fred Binley, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Widening Participation at Lancaster University. Central to the event was Pat Ryan, founder of Cyber Girls First which sets out to encourage girls aged 11–14 to explore cyber security, coding, and STEM careers before they choose GCSE options. Lady Wendy Parmley, a distinguished Lancaster alumna who plays a pivotal role in the Cyber Girls First events was also in attendance.

The pupils from Fleetwood High School, Carnforth High School, Cartmel Priory C of E School, and The Lakes School alsotoured Lancaster University’s cutting-edge facilities and heard from ambassadors about what studying at university is really like.

The day underpinned Lancaster University’s role as a leader in cyber education and its commitment to growing the cyber talent and skills pipeline in the region. Lancaster University is recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre as a Gold Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education.

For more information on Cyber Girls First: https://cybergirlsfirst.com/