Home to the Government Code and Cypher School, Bletchley Park brought together brilliant minds such as Alan Turing, Gordon Welchman and Joan Clarke, whose work deciphering enemy communications — including the notorious German Enigma code — produced intelligence known as Ultra. This vital work is widely credited with significantly shortening the war and shaping the Allied victory.

Pupils enjoyed a guided tour of the site, exploring the original huts and learning about the secrecy, collaboration and ingenuity that defined daily life for the wartime codebreakers. They also discovered how early computing developments at Bletchley led to the creation of Colossus, the world’s first programmable electronic digital computer.

A particular highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop focusing on D-Day. Working with an Enigma machine, pupils decoded German intelligence relating to the Allied landings, gaining a fascinating insight into how intercepted messages informed crucial strategic decisions. This immersive experience brought the challenges and urgency of wartime codebreaking vividly to life.

The visit offered a compelling link between history, mathematics and technology, encouraging pupils to think critically about problem-solving, teamwork and innovation. Pupils and staff alike found the day both inspiring and memorable, providing a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary individuals whose work at Bletchley Park helped change the course of history.