Question 1

How old do you have to be to take part in the scheme?

Accepted Answer

Students must be in year 10 to 13, so from 14 years old and up.

Question 2

I'm 14 and in year 9, can I take part?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately you can only do the scheme if you are in year 10 and above.

Question 3

I'm not very confident with writing, will I still be able to do the scheme?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The scheme is designed to help students with their writing skills and give them more confidence to write in different styles.

Question 4

Why does it cost to take part?

Accepted Answer

The costs we charge are purely to cover the running of the scheme. There is an enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the Young Reporter Scheme going and we charge a minimal amount to the students and school in order to facilitate this.

Question 5

I have no interest in journalism. Why should I do the scheme?

Accepted Answer

All of our ex Young Reporters that we have spoken to have said that the scheme helped them with a multitude of skills. Many said it improved their time management, got them used to working to a deadline and improved their confidence to speak to people they didn't know. Equally some of our Alumni told us that they developed a love for journalism and since considered it as a future career. 
 
Either way, you don't need to have a passion for journalism, as the scheme will offer you so much more than that. 
 
Nowadays universities and employers expect to see more than just grades, so completing any type of extracurricular activity or work experience will be extremely valuable to you.

Question 6

What will I gain from being a Young Reporter?

Accepted Answer

A huge amount! Alongside the ability to see your name published on our online newspapers which reach millions each month, you will learn to stick to deadlines, be given the opportunity to take part in press events, build your confidence in your writing and interviewing people and you are guaranteed to receive a Letter of Recognition if you complete all your eight articles, which is a fantastic addition to any CV or UCAS application.

Question 7

How many articles do I have to write?

Accepted Answer

The minimum is eight, one per month for eight months with deadlines to keep to along the way. However, as long as you make the deadlines you are free to write as many as you wish. One student wrote a whopping 19 articles, as they fell in love with journalism and wanted to get their name out there.

Question 8

I'm worried about my school work load, is it easy to complete the scheme alongside this?

Accepted Answer

We can't answer how easy it will be, but what we can say is that we have taken thousands of students through this scheme since 2008 and the vast proportion of them have completed all the deadlines alongside GCSEs and A Levels. It can be tough at times, but you will gain so many extra skills that we cannot recommend it enough.

Question 9

Can I drop out halfway through?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. We'll be sorry to see you go, but there is no requirement to complete the scheme once you sign up. However, you will only receive the Letter of Recognition from the Editor if you complete all eight articles.

Question 10

Can I do the scheme as part of my Duke of Edinburgh?

Accepted Answer

You certainly can! We can sign off Bronze and Silver skillset as standard, but you will need to seek permission from your DofE leader if you are completing Gold.

Question 11

Can I put this scheme as work experience on my CV?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We thoroughly recommend you mention to future employers that you have completed this work experience.

Question 12

Where are my articles published?

Accepted Answer

Your articles will be published on the Newsquest Media Group online newspaper, which is the most local to you. You can see a list of the titles here: https://www.newsquest.co.uk/news-brands

Question 13

Can I do the scheme more than once?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! We really recommend this, as previous students have said how their writing has improved across all the years they completed it. Our 2019 Top Reporter Josh Bartholomew did the scheme three years running and said how he improved different skills every time he completed it.

Question 14

What happens at the end of the scheme?

Accepted Answer

If you have completed all eight articles you will receive a Letter of Recognition from the Editor. However, if all eight articles have been completed within the deadlines, then you are eligible to enter the final competition at the end. 
 
This is a competition for all Young Reporters from any school or year group to enter and there are prizes awarded in five categories, alongside crowning two Top Reporters, one for year 10/11 and one for year 12/13.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions