Secondary pupils from across South Ayrshire descended on Girvan Academy recently, as the school hosted the CyberFirst Schools Awards. 

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has been working with their regional partner, Education Scotland, to bring their CyberFirst Schools Awards to Scotland.   

The flagship awards, which have been piloted in South Ayrshire, recognise pupils' outstanding performance and innovative project work.   

As proud hosts of the event, Girvan Academy pupils and staff were keen to show off their brand new 'cyber lab', which forms part of the school's recently refurbished Computing Science department.   

Girvan Academy has been pioneering in its approach to education around cyber security and the impressive makeover of the department is testament to this. 

Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills said: 'The Cyber First School Awards recognise the outstanding and innovative project work that pupils are doing in the field of computer science. Computer science is playing an increasingly important role in education and in Scotland's ambition to be a digital nation. The Scottish Government has provided significant support to increase the number of pupils taking up Computing Science.

'Areas like cyber security are vital for our future. The ability to use digital technology safely and securely is a fundamental skill for learning and for future life, and this state-of-the-art facility should set the children up well to be digital global citizens of the future.'

Councillor Stephen Ferry, Education Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: 'Our refurbishment of Girvan Academy's Computing Science department shows our commitment to investing in this academic area. We want to give young people who are interested in cyber security the best opportunities to pursue a future career in this sector. These awards are a brilliant way of achieving this, and they also reinforce the importance of cyber security in the modern world.'

Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland, Gillian Hamilton said: 'It is fantastic to see teachers and young people from across South Ayrshire come together for the CyberFirst Schools Awards. I am pleased that Education Scotland is now a regional partner with the National Cyber Security Centre.  Cyber skills are crucial for the future success of our children and young people who face a rapidly evolving digital world.  This partnership will bring lots of benefits to the education system that will help to inspire the next generation of cyber security experts. Congratulations to the CyberFirst Schools Award winners and thank you to Girvan Academy for hosting the awards and demonstrating a strong commitment to cyber security with its excellent new cyber lab.