Led by Sheffield Hallam University and supported by partners in education, academia, and industry, the project has secured funding from Innovate UK, with co-funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Cyber Local Programme.
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) published figures in March 2025, which showed that women currently account for just 17% of the UK cyber workforce. This underrepresentation starts in school where girls are often held back by stereotypes, a lack of role models, and limited awareness of the diverse career paths available.
CyberRise Yorkshire seeks to change this narrative by equipping teachers with the subject knowledge, confidence, and inclusive strategies to make cybersecurity education inspiring, accessible, and career-focused for all students.
Myles Dempsey, Principal Investigator, and Senior Lecturer in Digital Forensics at Sheffield Hallam University, added: "This programme is about breaking barriers. By empowering teachers, engaging families, and inspiring girls with real-world connections, we are creating a future where cybersecurity is not only seen as a career for everyone, but one where girls feel they belong."
The programme, which will be piloted in Yorkshire schools, will combine professional coaching, inclusive curriculum design, enrichment clubs, and family engagement strategies.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy. As more of our lives move online, it has become both a vital skillset for individuals and a cornerstone of national security and economic growth.
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), found that 43% of businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack in the past year, highlighting the urgent demand for skilled professionals.
Teachers can now register their interest in coaching and resources via the CyberRise website, www.cyberriseclubs.co.uk
