With many students still keen to get involved in the Young Reporter Scheme, we have extended the deadline for signing up for this year until mid November.

This is good news for many schools who have struggled to recruit, due to the disruption that the pandemic is still causing.

Amy Smith, School Librarian at St. Catherine’s School, said: “Our pupils grow in confidence so much during the course of the scheme. They enjoy developing their own writing styles, and it is great to watch them discover just how many news stories are all around them.”

Unlike anything else out there, the Young Reporter Scheme allows students from years 10 and above, the opportunity to write for a real newspaper group.

They write eight articles from now until April of next year and upload these directly onto the online newspaper.

What better way to build up a portfolio of published work for use with their CVs and UCAS applications.

Tessa Bartholomew who teaches English at Hampton School, said: “Every year the Young Reporter scheme offers a brilliant opportunity for young people to work independently and to complete online work experience. It teaches them important life skills such as coming up with their own ideas, communicating effectively with others and meeting deadlines.

“It is extremely well organised, with clear guidance and plenty of support for those who need it.

Some of the pupils at my school have done it year after year – because they find it interesting and beneficial, and because they enjoy the experience!”

Students and schools still keen to get involved for 2021/22 should email djarvis@newsquest.co.uk for more information.