Young Reporter Scheme gives students journalism experience

That is exactly the opportunity being offered to students across the UK through the Young Reporter Scheme, which is helping young people gain real-world experience and make their voices heard.

Xylia Wellinghoff said: “Participating in the Young Reporter Scheme has been a bridge from the classroom to the working world.

“It gave me the wonderful opportunity to experience hands-on journalism, and to see my work published in print was an incredibly proud moment.”

This eight-month programme gives youngsters aged 14 to 18 the chance to experience life as a journalist while developing their writing, communication and confidence.

Running from September to April, the scheme is open to students in Years 10 to 13.

Students are challenged to produce eight articles during the year, with every piece published on a Newsquest online newspaper.

This makes the scheme very different from a typical school writing assignment.

For many, it will be the first time they have seen their name attached to a published story.

But the scheme is about much more than putting pen to paper.

Students are encouraged to put down their phones, get out into the community and discover stories and experiences for themselves.

Along the way, they can win opportunities to attend press events, visit attractions, see theatre productions and interview people from a range of backgrounds.

They then take those experiences and turn them into stories for a real audience on one of Newsquest’s online newspapers.

For some students, approaching a stranger and asking questions can be daunting. For others, seeing their work published for the first time can feel like a huge step.

That is exactly where the value of the scheme lies.

With every article, students build their confidence while developing important skills such as interviewing, research, listening, forming opinions and communicating ideas clearly.

And those skills can prove invaluable, long after they leave the classroom.

Neve Ess, was one of the high achievers this past year. She said: "The Scheme has opened up so many opportunities for me, and I have enjoyed every second of it.

“It taught me my passion and hopefully my future career.

“I felt it gave me the ability to voice things that matter."

The scheme can also offer students an insight into university and the world of work, helping them become more independent while giving them genuine experience of writing for a real live audience.

There are prizes and recognition along the way, too.

Arran Sihota secured a recording contract for The Open University after being selected as one of the winners for the Young Reporter Scheme in 2025-26, marking an exciting milestone in a possible broadcasting journey.

He spoke of his experience doing the eight month programme: “I’ve absolutely enjoyed taking part in the Young Reporter Scheme: each month having to write an article has helped me connect with people and discover more about my community.

“Whether it’s interviewing people, hunting for a story or taking photos, the scheme has definitely made me consider a career in journalism!”

But while awards and recognition are an exciting part of the programme, the biggest prize may simply be confidence.

The Young Reporter Scheme gives them the chance to try something different, meet new people, discover new places and, perhaps most importantly, find their voice.

For some, it could even be the first step towards a future in journalism and seeing their name in print.

Becky Denyer, a teacher at Wimbledon High School, said. “Young Reporter is an exceptional scheme that has helped our students to hone their authorial voices and to gain invaluable experience of publication.

“Many of our girls attended the awards ceremony at Roehampton University and relished the opportunity to be surrounded by fellow budding journalists and established experts in the media field.”

The programme is now recruiting for the 2026-27 academic year and schools wishing to sign up should contact: djarvis@newsquest.co.uk