Due to popular demand and the half term break causing delays for schools signing up, the Young Reporter Scheme is extending the registration deadline until Friday 10 November.

This scheme, which offers real journalist experience on an international platform, is open to students in school years 10 to 13 and gives young people a voice to write about topics that are important to them in their local area.

Every article written by the students are published on the wide range of Newsquest Media Group’s online newspapers. This gives them, not only the experience of working in the media, but the opportunity to build their confidence and create a portfolio of published work for use with their CVs and UCAS applications.

Nothing out there compares to this scheme and it is such an amazing opportunity for students, some of which go onto do journalism through our four year degree apprenticeship scheme.

Helen-Claire Burt, who runs the scheme at Christ’s Hospital School in Sussex, said: “We have been delighted to work with the Young Reporter Scheme this year. Our pupils had first hand guidance, training and experience publishing articles and seeing first hand the work of journalism.”

Teachers are pushed to the limits with many commitments at the beginning of the Autumn term, which might have made it challenging to meet the initial sign up.

So, to enable as many students as possible to take advantage of this incredible and unique programme, the recruitment deadline is being extended.

Mel Avery from Keswick School in Cumbria, said: ““Our students set up and ran their own Young Reporter after school club, writing and compiling their articles independently. It was lovely for them to work independently and in the manner of real-life journalists, creating and adding to their portfolios, which are vital for their future career paths.

“They were very proud to see their articles online locally, so it was personal to them and the area in which we live as often, living so far north, we are left out of the national picture.”

Jack Mallinson, from Townley Grammar School in Kent, added: “The Young Reporter Scheme allows students to find their own voice, experience the importance of deadlines, and share the stories that speak to them in a manageable and professional manner.

“Organising this scheme for the first year, allowed me to build excellent relationships with my pupils outside of regular lessons as they grow in confidence and writing proficiency.

“At a time when news is becoming more and more polarising, it is imperative that we are encouraging the next generation to be a part of this sphere and a force for change.”

This scheme has been incredibly beneficial to thousands of students since 2008 and continues to grow as schools see the benefits and value for their students.

Victoria Gale from Kingdown School in Wiltshire, summed it up by saying: “The Young Reporter Scheme has been extremely rewarding for our students.

“Meeting the deadlines, whilst doing their school work has been the most challenging, but this has enabled them to get a ‘real life’ experience of the world of journalism, as well as the rewards of seeing their stories in an online newspaper. 

“They’ve definitely grown in confidence and developed so many skills throughout this process – we look forward to doing the Scheme again this year!” 

For more information about the scheme or to register your interest, go to  https://www.youngreporter.co.uk/registration