The London & Southeast England Prestige Award in the education sector was awarded this year to the Young Reporter Scheme. This was a huge accolade to the scheme, which has been operating now for 14 years.

Schools from all over the South East have been running this programme in their schools for many years and some have been with the scheme since its inception in 2008.

Polly Harrison from Ursuline High School, the pilot school for the scheme back in 2008, said: “Our students learn so much from taking part in the Young Reporter Scheme. They learn how to create a news story, think of ideas of what makes good content for the reader, how to work to deadlines, how to share ideas and encourage others and finally they gain a great sense of achievement in seeing their work published.”

There were fifty different categories put forward for an award including, architects, law firms and charities.

A spokesperson for the Prestige Awards, said: “The judges were impressed with the Young Reporter’s personal touch, consistency of reviews and community feel.”

The scheme recognises students from all academic backgrounds and most flourish during the scheme, which is designed to build their confidence and hone their writing skills.

Staff working for the scheme are thrilled to have been recognised in this competition and know that the hard work and dedication has finally paid off.