2026 Cambs Cipher

The 2026 CambsCipher is a national competition for Secondary School pupils Third Form and above.

The competition blends history, mathematics, computer science and cryptology together into a series of problem-solving and thought-provoking tasks. 

It is particularly suited to Computer Scientists, Mathematicians, Scholars and Political History enthusiasts, but is open to anyone who enjoys challenges and competitions!

The competition takes place over the Spring and Summer terms, beginning on 3rd March 16:30, with new challenges posted each week.

You can enter solo or in pairs and would meet each time a new challenge is posted and attempt to solve it.

The CambsCipher homepage is here, where you can find information about some of the ciphers used in the competition- Caesar, Vignere, Substitution, Playfair and Transposition!

On the homepage is a link to register to compete in the competition. If you enter as a pair, choose one person to register on behalf of the team. 

On the homepage is also a link (finding it is the first challenge) to 12 taster challenges. Only the Introduction is available until the competition window opens. Once registered, you can attempt it and submit your answer. The rules to the competition are also there.

The 2026 CambsCipher is an introductory competition for the 2026 National Cipher Challenge which takes place in September. 

If you want to compete either as a solo or duo, please register your team and email mr@ to say you are taking part. You are welcome to use the Computer Science classroom any lunchtime to do this challenge- please do email me first.