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GCHQ's Christmas Card: Schoolkids Design Puzzles for Spies
10 Dec, 2025
Summary
- GCHQ Christmas card features seven brainteasers designed by spies.
- School pupils designed the covers of the intelligence agency's card.
- Puzzles test code-breaking, maths, and lateral thinking skills.
The British intelligence agency GCHQ has released its 2025 Christmas card, which includes seven challenging brainteasers devised by its own puzzlers. This year marks a first, as the card's covers were designed by UK schoolchildren through a competition. The puzzles are crafted to test various skills, including code-breaking, mathematics, and lateral thinking, encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
The initiative aims to engage the public and inspire the next generation, particularly in STEM subjects and potential careers within cybersecurity and intelligence. GCHQ's director, Anne Keast-Butler, expressed hope that the challenges would encourage talented young individuals to consider roles within the agency.
Over 500 pupils participated in the design competition, with three winning entries selected. The puzzles, which have been a tradition since 2015, are available for download, with answers to be published soon, promoting a festive spirit of intellectual engagement.
