Newsquest Young Reporter Scheme wins prestigious award

This prestigious accolade recognises the exceptional efforts and dedication of the staff, led by Diana Jarvis, who have driven the scheme forward over the past 16 years.

The award, presented by SME News as part of AI Global Media Limited’s UK Enterprise Awards, celebrates companies and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding skill, innovation, and performance, contributing to significant growth and success for their clients.

Diana, who created the scheme in 2008, said: “I never imagined that it would be so successful. We started with two schools in South London and during that year, word got out and schools were contacting me, eager to get involved.

Diana Jarvis (Image: Newsquest)

“Since those early days, tens of thousands of students have taken part, some of whom are now working in the media, whilst others have gone onto work in completely different industries. Whatever their career choice has been, many have said how much the scheme helped them with their writing skills and confidence.”

Anthony Fitzgerald, director of careers at Kingston Grammar School has been a key figure in the scheme’s development, running it in four different schools including one of the two Young Reporter pilots.

He said: “Back in 2008 my first Young Reporter at Tiffin Boys was blown away by the number of hits his article received about Twitter, as he predicted its spread across the globe with readers in New Zealand responding to his article.

“So exciting for a young person to see the impact of their journalism beyond our borders, as well as reporting on local stories that so often do not reach the outside world.”

Tessa Bartholomew, a teacher who has organised the course in two different schools, said: “I cannot recommend the Young Reporter Scheme highly enough; I have thoroughly enjoyed it, as have all the Young Reporters I have supported.”

For more information about the Young Reporter Scheme visit youngreporter.co.uk.

As Newsquest enters its 17th year with the Young Reporter Scheme, it continues to offer new cohorts of students valuable training and real-life media experience.

These students will join the ranks of tens of thousands of Year 10 and above pupils, who have had the excitement of having their articles published on Newsquest’s online news sites across the country such as Bournemouth Echo, the Northern Echo and The Argus in Brighton.

The Young Reporter Scheme not only prepares students for potential careers in journalism but also equips them with essential life skills.

Participants cover press events, attractions, theatre previews, and interviews, helping them grow in confidence and competence.

Some continue through to the reporter apprenticeship degree programme at Newsquest, such as Ezekiel Bertrand currently at the News Shopper in London, while notable alumni include Jonelle Awomoyi, currently a broadcast journalist and producer for the BBC; Lucy O’Brien, junior platforms and social media journalist at The Times; Marianna Spring, the BBC’s disinformation & social media correspondent, and Monica Charsley, a news reporter at The Mirror.