𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Alan Turing and his team famously cracked the Enigma Code to give the Allied Forces a crucial advantage in the Second World War.

Alongside fellow code-breaker Gordon Welchman, he built a machine known as the Bombe, allowing signals intelligence officers to read communications to and from the German Air Force.

Now, GCHQ is hoping the nation’s children will try to seize the initiative against their own family members and solve “seven fiendish brainteasers” in the intelligence agency’s annual Christmas Challenge.

**** CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GCHQ CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE ****

The chief ‘puzzler’, Colin, said they are designed “to test everything from codebreaking and mathematical analysis to lateral thinking and creativity”.

The cyber spies want “groups of classmates, families and friends working together, combining their different strengths to reveal the final festive message”.

Director GCHQ, Anne Keast-Butler, said: ”Puzzles are at the heart of GCHQ’s work to keep the country safe from hostile states, terrorists and criminals; challenging our teams to think creatively and analytically every day.  

“I’m delighted that this year’s Christmas Challenge combines puzzles created by our own experts with brilliant designs from schoolchildren across the country.

“It was a pleasure to judge the competition alongside Colin, GCHQ’s Chief Puzzler. The winning designs beautifully captured what they thought GCHQ looks like on Christmas Day and incorporated some clever codes and ciphers.

“I hope this challenge inspires the next generation to explore STEM subjects and consider the rewarding careers available in cybersecurity and intelligence.”

Over 500 schoolchildren took part in a competition this year to design the cover of the Director of GCHQ’s Christmas card. 

Students were asked ‘What do you think GCHQ looks like on Christmas Day?’  They were asked to include hidden codes, puzzles, and to use their imagination. 

It is the first time designs from children have been included alongside the puzzles set by spies.

The three winning card designs came from Haoran, who attends Wilson’s School in London, Mariia from the Henry Beaufort School in Winchester and Amelie who studies at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury.

Puzzles have been included in Christmas cards sent by GCHQ’s Director since 2015.

GCHQ’s Chief Puzzler, Colin, said: “This year’s Christmas Challenge features seven puzzles designed to test everything from codebreaking and mathematical analysis to lateral thinking and creativity – the same blend of skills our teams use every day to keep the country safe.

“We’ve designed the puzzles to suit different skill sets. Some will suit analytical minds; others require creative leaps of perseverance. That’s entirely intentional – we want groups of classmates, families and friends working together, combining their different strengths to reveal the final festive message.

“With over 140,000 downloads last year, we know these puzzles bring people together over the festive period. All ages are encouraged to give them a go and remember puzzle-solving is often better as a team effort and more fun too.”