Cracking code breaker search begins in Oldham schools

The hunt is on for the next Alan Turing as Oldham children are being invited to become goldeneye superspies and crack the kinds of riddles usually seen in a James Bond movie.

Security service GCHQ has teamed up with social enterprise Upturn to launch a Christmas Challenge packed with fiendish puzzles that can only be solved together.

Apart from giving the brain a much-needed festive workout, the challenge promotes teamwork and creativity – just some of the essentials required to become a codebreaker or spy.

But if being on His Majesty’s Secret Service isn’t your thing, the challenge also teaches the kind of skills – such as Maths and Languages – that are exactly what bosses are looking for.

Director and co-founder of Upturn Maria Williams said: “Problem-solving, collaboration, and knowledge of technology, are key qualities and indeed, are what anyone working at GCHQ would possess.

"And believe me, GCHQ along with other major employers will be taking a keen interest in the results of the challenge – to see if a brilliant mind happens to live in Oldham.”

The tasks are actually set by code breakers there and aim to solve the impossible through teamwork.

Students from schools will be helped in their quest by teachers, who will receive lesson plans and other materials to embed into sessions.

The most famous codebreaker of all Alan Turing spent most of his adult life in the north west.

He helped develop Manchester’s first computers during a stint at the city’s university and played a pivotal role in cracking the Enigma Code, which historians believe turned the tide of World War Two in Britain’s favour.

Upturn will be inviting all the schools in the borough – including the alternative providers it works with every day to find work experience and work placements to take part.

“What an opportunity this is! There are not many chances to work for GCHQ on offer and if the field of espionage and protecting your country is for you, then get involved,” added Maria.

“Even if it isn’t, this is a fun way of stretching your mind this Christmas and improving your CV immeasurably and eventually entering a successful, high-powered position!”

To enter the Christmas Challenge, simply click here

It is open to 11-18-year-olds attending school and its public launch is on December 10.

There will even be fun challenges set on Christmas Day!

A special national event is in the offing for the winners of the Christmas Challenge in 2026.

Upturn is a social enterprise connecting people, communities, and enterprise.

It does this by unlocking potential, supporting businesses, and enabling social mobility.

Its new business hub The Hive is located on the second floor of the Spindles Shopping Centre.

This is a space dedicated to organisations determined to help Oldham.

To book a meeting or even co-work there, email: info@upturn.org.uk

Learn more about Upturn by visiting: www.upturn.org.uk/en/

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.