Building Digital Futures: Itec Learners Excel in Bebras Challenge

Itec are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of learners in the 2025 Bebras Coding Challenge, a national initiative designed to introduce young people to the fundamentals of computational thinking. The challenge, held between Monday, 24th March and Friday, 4th April, tested problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through a series of engaging and time-pressured tasks.

Learners from Itec’s Jobs Growth Wales+ centres in Port Talbot, Barry, Neath, Cwmbran, and Newport stepped up to the challenge — and their results speak for themselves:

🏆 4 learners achieved Best in School status with a perfect score of 48/48
🥇 7 learners placed in the Top 10% nationally, earning prestigious Gold Awards
🎖️ Many others received Distinctions and Merits in recognition of their strong performance
👏 All participants demonstrated outstanding effort, determination, and resilience
Special recognition goes to the following learners who achieved Gold Awards and top scores:

• Lewis Collum (Novices, Port Talbot) – 48/48 – Best in School Gold
• Kairan-James Cummins-Free (Novices, Barry) – 48/48 – Best in School 🎖 Gold
• Nathaniel Kyne-Phillips (Novices, Neath) – 48/48 – Best in School Gold
• Morgan Mitchell (Novices, Barry) – 48/48 – Best in School Gold
• Darren Fedrick (Novices, Port Talbot) – 44/48 – Distinction Gold
• Katie Norman (Novices, Neath) – 44/48 – Distinction Gold
• Berian Owen (Novices, Neath) – 44/48 – Distinction Gold

Sian Wain, one of Itec’s Lead Tutor in the Jobs Growth Wales+ provision commented, “The Bebras Coding Challenge is more than just a competition. It introduces our learners to the core principles of computational thinking — including logic, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking — all essential skills for future success in coding, technology, engineering, and a wide range of modern careers. Participation builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and inspires learners to think critically and creatively, key traits in our rapidly evolving digital world.”

The learners shared their thoughts on taking part in the challenge:

• “I found it a little easy, but it felt satisfying to do.” — Berian Owen (Neath)
• “Thanks for the certificates for the coding challenge. I found it engaging and I’m happy to receive these awards as recognition of my efforts and skills.” — Morgan Mitchell (Barry)
• “I love how we had to draw circles using Scratch code and make a turtle move — it was so splendid and fulfilling! It was an amazing brain kicker to kick off the day! The award boosted my ego 10x — I felt amazing when I got 48/48!” — Kairan-James Cummins-Free (Barry)
• “I found the challenge really fun but also stressful at times due to the time running out.” — Nathan Coop (Barry)
• “I found some parts challenging, but I enjoyed it.” — Lewis Collum (Port Talbot).

Everyone at Itec is passionate about helping learners develop the digital and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. The Bebras Coding Challenge is a fantastic example of how structured, hands-on experiences can inspire confidence, build knowledge, and open doors to exciting future opportunities.
Itec looks forward to seeing even more learners get involved next year — and to celebrating even more successes!