An Inspiring Glimpse into the World of Real-Life Spies
For the second consecutive year, our programme has made remarkable progress in inspiring and empowering students across the UK to explore careers in cybersecurity, intelligence, and STEM fields.

During Maths Week England and Scottish Careers Week, the GCHQ Virtual Assembly-Unlocking the Power of Maths provided students aged 11-16 with a unique opportunity to connect with professionals who work to safeguard the nation.
A standout moment was the hugely successful GCHQ Virtual Assembly, where over 2,500 students from 100+ schools joined us for an exclusive insight into the fascinating and vital work carried out at GCHQ. This was a staggering increase from the previous year’s turnout of 60 schools.
Students heard firsthand from three incredible GCHQ professionals, who shared:
- Their career journeys – from their own school days to solving real-world problems at GCHQ.
- How subjects like maths, physics, and problem-solving led to impactful careers.
- Insights into the flexibility, variety, and inclusivity of careers at GCHQ, which accommodate diverse talents, including neurodiverse individuals and those seeking work-life balance.
Key takeaways included the reassurance that while maths is valuable, it’s not essential for every role, broadening opportunities for students with a variety of skills and interests.
One speaker perfectly captured the essence: “It’s incredible to work on puzzles that make a difference, and every day brings new challenges.”
Diverse Opportunities for All
The event also spotlighted exciting programmes such as the CyberFirst Girls Competition for Years 8 and 9, encouraging more girls to explore careers in cybersecurity. For younger learners, tools like Numberblocks and coding games were highlighted as engaging ways to develop maths and analytical skills early on.
The 2024 GCHQ Christmas Challenge brought festive fun with seven puzzles testing codebreaking, maths, and creative thinking. Families, friends, and classrooms collaborated to solve the main challenge and uncover hidden bonus elements. Participants shared progress using #GCHQChristmasChallenge, with hints on Instagram @GCHQ, making it a seasonal hit that inspired teamwork and creativity!
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The overwhelming enthusiasm from teachers and students demonstrated the impact of events like this. Teachers noted how the assembly helped bring classroom subjects to life, sparking career conversations that could shape students’ futures.
Looking ahead, we aim to:
- Expand our outreach to engage more schools in areas of deprivation.
- Develop follow-up activities and mentorship programmes to maintain momentum.
- Prepare for more events showcasing real-world applications of STEM learning.
If you missed this year’s amazing event, don’t worry! Watch the recap here and sign up to our organiser platform to stay updated and ensure you’re part of the next exciting opportunity. 🌟 Don’t miss out!
Together, We Inspire Future Innovators
Our mission remains clear: to empower young minds with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to pursue careers they may never have considered. Events like the GCHQ Virtual Assembly demonstrate that with the right connections, a world of possibilities opens up for every student.
Thank you to our inspiring GCHQ speakers, moderators, and the incredible teachers and students who made this event such a success.
Stay connected for more opportunities to engage, inspire, and empower the next generation of problem-solvers!
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