Crack the code! Budding spies assigned festive mission by GCHQ

Budding spies have been assigned a festive mission straight from the UK’s national security agency this Christmas.

GCHQ is inviting children and adults alike to download its annual brain-teasing Christmas card, packed with puzzles designed to test problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Masterminded by a team of puzzling experts at the government communications headquarters, the card – sent by Director Anne Keast-Butler – features a series of seven brainteasers.

Ranging in difficulty, the puzzles challenge participants to uncover a final hidden message, with three additional secret elements for those seeking an extra test.

The 2024 theme highlights the surprising geography of GCHQ, which operates from several locations across the UK, including Manchester, London, Scarborough, Bude, and its iconic headquarters in Cheltenham.

Inspiring Problem-Solving and STEM Skills

Director Anne Keast-Butler emphasised the role puzzles play in GCHQ’s work and their potential to inspire young minds to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“Puzzles have always been at the heart of GCHQ, and the skills needed to solve them are just as relevant in 2024 as they were over 100 years ago,” she said.

“This year’s Challenge features seven puzzles, plus several hidden elements for those who want an extra test. The puzzles are aimed at teenagers and young people, but everyone is encouraged to give them a try – they might surprise you.”

She added: “The Challenge has been designed for a mix of minds to solve, so is best tackled in groups of classmates, families, or friends. Whether you have an analytical mind, a creative brain or prefer engineering, there’s something for everyone.”

A Team Effort for All Ages

The puzzles, which include codebreaking, mathematics, analysis, and lateral thinking, are designed to mirror the ingenuity and perseverance required at GCHQ.

Chief Puzzler Colin highlighted the importance of teamwork in solving the challenges:

“This year, as usual, we’re encouraging teams to work together to tackle the Challenge,” he said.

“You don’t have to be a genius or top of the class to solve them – you just have to be able to work in a team and embrace the mix of minds and approaches teamwork brings. This is exactly how we work at GCHQ.”

Colin also encouraged participants to embrace their creativity and share their experiences. “Thinking differently is a gift,” he added. “We’d love to see how you get on with the Challenge – happy puzzle-solving!”

Growing Popularity of the Christmas Challenge

Now in its ninth year, the GCHQ Christmas Challenge has become a popular tradition. Last year’s card was downloaded 138,000 times, with school groups, families, and friends working together to crack the puzzles.

This year, secondary school classes across the UK and Northern Ireland are once again being encouraged to try the puzzles, with students also invited to bring them home to challenge their families.

For the first time, GCHQ has launched a Top Secret Puzzle Club on Instagram, offering bonus puzzles, hints, and a platform to share progress using the hashtag #GCHQChristmasChallenge.

How to Take Part

To download this year’s Christmas card and try the puzzles for yourself, visit the GCHQ website. A British Sign Language video explaining the Challenge is also available.