Stroud High School Achieves a Hat-Trick of Awards for Digital Excellence

Stroud High School has become one of only a small number of schools nationally to achieve three major accreditations for digital education, cybersecurity and online safety within a single year, underlining its commitment to preparing young people for life in an increasingly digital world. 

The school has been recognised by three of the UK's leading organisations in the field of technology and education, receiving the 360 Degree Safe Online Safety Mark, CyberFirst Gold School Status and the Computing Quality Mark during 2026. 

Together, the awards recognise excellence in online safety, cybersecurity education and computing provision, reflecting a whole-school commitment to ensuring students are not only skilled users of technology but also safe, responsible and discerning digital citizens.

The first recognition came in June when Stroud High School was awarded the 360 Degree Safe Online Safety Mark by SWGfL. The accreditation celebrates the school's strong culture of online safeguarding, robust filtering and monitoring systems, and comprehensive digital literacy programme. 

Just a month later, the school achieved CyberFirst Gold School Status, awarded by the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ. This prestigious recognition highlights the school's commitment to delivering a high-quality computer science curriculum, developing cybersecurity skills and inspiring students to explore future careers in technology. 

Completing the trio of awards in October, the school received the Computing Quality Mark from the National Centre for Computing Education. The award recognises the quality, ambition and inclusivity of the school's computing curriculum and validates the strong progression in digital learning across all key stages.

These achievements come as Stroud High School continues to invest in its digital strategy, including increased access to devices, the integration of technology across the curriculum, and the development of students' understanding of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital responsibility.

Mark McShane, Headteacher, said:

"There is sometimes a temptation to see technology only through the lens of risk. In reality, the best way to protect young people is to equip them to understand and navigate the digital world they already inhabit. By embracing technology in the classroom, we can have informed discussions about online safety, cyber security, misinformation, digital wellbeing and artificial intelligence, helping students to become both confident users of technology and thoughtful digital citizens." 

"These three national awards are recognition of that balanced approach. We want our students to leave Stroud High School not only with excellent qualifications, but with the knowledge, skills and judgement to thrive safely and successfully in an increasingly digital world."

For students, the impact extends far beyond computing lessons. The school's approach aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and critical thinking required for further study, future employment and everyday life in a society increasingly shaped by digital technology.

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