Newsquest’s Young Reporter Scheme returns with early bird price offer

To mark the milestone, new schools have the chance to benefit from special early bird pricing until June 30.

The offer, available from May 1 until June 30, gives new schools the opportunity to secure reduced costs while allocating the expense with the current academic year’s budget.

Alison Cotton, Head of English at Croydon High, who has been involved with the scheme for a number of years, said: “The Young Reporter programme has become a key component of our extra-curricular offer for KS4 & 5 and we have been delighted to celebrate numerous award winners over the years.

“Our pupils have found it both exciting and challenging; an illuminating insight into a career in news journalism.

“Generating ideas, managing their time and producing work of a publishable quality, to monthly deadlines, is no mean feat!

“However, the balance of independence/support enables participants to flourish as writers on this dynamic work experience programme.”

Over the years, the programme has grown significantly, with tens of thousands of students taking part in what schools describe as a unique and engaging opportunity.

The scheme gives students first-hand experience of working in the media industry, with participants writing monthly articles that are published across Newsquest’s wide network of national online newspapers.

Each student will have their work published over an eight-month period, helping them to develop key skills such as meeting deadlines and producing content to a professional standard.

This helps them prepare for university and life beyond school.

If this sounds like it might be of interest to your school or someone you know, spread the word or visit the website youngreporter.co.uk and fill in an information request form.

The scheme is open to all students in Years 10 to 13, regardless of academic ability or future career plans, and continues to be a popular extra-curricular activity for schools across the country.

Organisers say the programme is beneficial even for those not considering a career in journalism, as it encourages students to broaden their horizons, step outside their comfort zones and improve their writing abilities.

Victoria Whitwam from Hampton School said: “We are great fans of the scheme at Hampton School.

“It is well organised whilst also being realistic and understanding the pressures pupils and staff are under.

“Best of all, it fosters independent thinking and organisational skills in the pupils that take part.”