Registration closes before the challenge begins
Teachers can register teams for the 2026 TechFirst Girls’ Competition until 10 November. The challenge then runs from 11 to 20 November, with regional celebration events for winning teams and schools planned for spring 2027.
This distinction matters: registration is currently open, but the competition has not started yet. A pupil or parent interested in taking part should contact the school promptly because teachers complete the registration.
Who is eligible
The free competition is open to girls aged 12 to 13: Year 8 pupils in England and Wales, S2 pupils in Scotland and Year 9 pupils in Northern Ireland. No previous coding or technical knowledge is required.
It is a UK-wide programme delivered by IBM under TechFirst. The expanded format builds on the former CyberFirst Girls’ Competition and introduces interactive challenges spanning cyber security, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology.
What a school can check now
Before registering, staff should identify the eligible year group, confirm which teacher will coordinate the team and make sure pupils know the 11–20 November competition window. Families can help by checking availability, but the school remains responsible for registration.
The government guidance is the reference point for eligibility and dates. Separate TechFirst programmes have different audiences and timetables, so schools should not confuse this girls’ competition with scholarships, apprenticeships or other technology initiatives listed on the same page.
