Two Cheltenham schools are among eight schools nationally awarded recognition by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

All Saints' Academy was upgraded to a gold award and Pate's Grammar School received silver from Cheltenham-based NCSC.

The schools received their awards from the CyberFirst Schools initiative, led by NCSC - part of GCHQ, for their work offering first-rate cyber security teaching in and out of the classroom.

All Saints' Academy was recognised for working with the cyber security team at IT and business process services firm CGI to host the organisation's Cyber Escape experience on their site, where hundreds of pupils took part in cyber challenges to escape the room.

Also recognised were three institutions in Wales, two in the North East of England and another in the South West.

Since the initiative was launched in 2020, 49 CyberFirst Schools and Colleges have been recognised, helping to develop cyber skills ecosystems around the country and addressing the industry's cyber skills gap.

Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for cyber growth, said: "Well done to all the schools and colleges across the UK that have been awarded CyberFirst Schools status for the high standard of cyber security education they provide.

"Offering young people opportunities to gain hands-on experience of cyber security is essential for inspiring the next generation of talent and keeping the UK secure online in the years to come.

"We welcome these institutions to our growing community of schools, colleges, local industry and universities who are playing a key role in helping cyber skills ecosystems thrive around the country."

The initiative's gold award recognises schools that show they deliver the highest standard of cyber security education; silver awards indicate the schools are meeting most of the judging criteria and offering good standards and bronze is for those working towards excellence.

Being a CyberFirst School comes with a number of benefits including recognition from the NCSC and opportunities to work with CyberFirst member organisations from a range of sectors on cyber related activities.

Schools and colleges in the South West are now invited to apply for the next round of recognition. They can find out more and apply here.