Budding writers should act now to sign up to our Young Reporter scheme where they can see their own news stories published on our online papers.

Designed to encourage students to think independently and explore their community, while building up their confidence as young writers, this scheme is now in its tenth year and stretches writers beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Jenny Greenland, careers manager at Carshalton High School for Girls, who has been involved for many years, said: “This is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of being in the real world of work as a journalist by finding stories and meeting deadlines. The support provided is excellent.”

In a highly competitive industry, where work experience for school students is minimal, the Young Reporter Scheme offers that gap in the market.

Judith Forshaw an English teacher at Croydon High School, said: “We have been involved in this excellent scheme since 2009.

“Our students find researching good stores, adopting an appropriate tone and style, and meeting the tight deadlines, a challenge but also personally extremely

rewarding.”

The scheme is intense but worthwhile and enables students to see their articles published on our online papers, whilst building up a portfolio for use with their CVs and UCAS applications.

Diana Jarvis, who started the scheme in 2008, said: “I had no idea when I approached the editor, how successful it would be. Over the years, it has gone from strength to strength and

students who started the scheme with me nine years ago have gone on to become professional journalists.

“Schools worry that there will be a lot of extra work but that is not the case.

“Once the student names are given to Newsquest, we take over and they report directly to me.”

Every year, more and more students sign up to join this exciting and unique scheme. Those that are not considering a career in the media, still benefit as it is a good discipline and great experience.

Today universities are looking for more than just good grades; they want to see that students have pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and explored different avenues open to them, and this scheme fits that

criteria.

Schools that would like to take part in the scheme this coming year should contact Diana Jarvis djarvis@london.newsquest.co.uk