At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to produce impactful investigative journalism in education.
- Company: Schools Week is a leading digital newspaper focused on education news in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a supportive, social team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through powerful storytelling and analysis.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent, with at least two years of journalism experience preferred.
- Other info: We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and offer flexible working requests.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you a determined journalist with a track record of delivering agenda-setting, investigative journalism? Do you want to work on one of England’s leading education news outlets and carry out longform reporting that changes the lives of children across the country? Schools Week, a digital newspaper for the schools sector, is looking for a senior reporter to join our tight-knit team and continue our proud tradition of producing award-winning journalism.
This role would particularly suit an experienced local newspaper reporter, or someone covering general news for the nationals who wants to specialise and become an expert in their field and get stuck into investigations. Since it launched in 2014, Schools Week has amassed a loyal and growing readership of school staff, policy-makers, politicians and others who want to be in the know. We’re proud of the impact our journalism delivers, and our team are always in the mix for the biggest journalism awards.
As a reporter in our team, you will get to the bottom of the various issues facing the schools community. You’ll be expected to produce cutting-edge investigative pieces and sharp analysis for our weekly digital newspaper and clear, concise news stories for our popular website.
Who We Need…
The ideal candidate will be an experienced reporter who has a passion for investigative journalism, an impressive portfolio of hard-hitting exclusives and can demonstrate a strong track record in finding and breaking news stories. You will also have a nose for finding your own scoops – be it by asking the tough questions, cultivating great contacts, or trawling through documents to find the details others miss. You’ll also be able to demonstrate an ability to engage with readers and source and promote stories via social media. Experience of turning complex data into stories would also be welcome. An understanding of SEO and familiarity with social media platforms would be great too. You will have an NCTJ or equivalent qualification, including shorthand and an understanding of media law. We would welcome at least two years’ work experience as a journalist for a local or national paper or website. But as mentioned, we are open to applications from less experienced journalists who have great potential.
Schools Week is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Who We Are…
Schools Week is a leading digital newspaper covering the Schools in England, focusing on investigative education journalism. The newspaper is published by Education Scape, the custodians of the Annual Apprenticeship Conference and prestigious Festival of Education. Education Scape also publishes FE Week, a digital newspaper covering the further education sector. Our two founders are the only shareholders in the company, so there are no loans or distant investors to keep happy. The editorial team can concentrate on writing quality news that keeps our community knowledgeable. We are apolitical: giving an equally tough time to all parties and ideas. We are a small and social team with monthly company get-togethers and social occasions.
Where We Are Based…
Our office is located in White City, west London. We have a lovely office and environment. We operate a hybrid working model, with team members expected in the office for two days per week during school term time.
You Want To Apply?
Excellent. Here’s how… Clearly, we think education providers are essential. But only because you learn in them. What you know and can do for our company is more important than where you learned it (or when). Along with your CV please include a letter to the editor, John Dickens, which includes:
- What you do currently
- What evidence suggests you’d be good at this job (the more links you can send showing us this, the better)
- Why you think Schools Week would be a good fit for you
- Provide an example of a Schools Week news story you think could be improved and how you’d improve it
- 2 people we can call for references (following interview)
Applications to be sent to john.dickens@schoolsweek.co.uk. The closing date for applications is by 9th May. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply too. It really helps us out!
Senior Reporter, Schools Week employer: Journo Resources Limited
Contact Detail:
Journo Resources Limited Recruiting Team
john.dickens@schoolsweek.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Reporter, Schools Week
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Schools Week's previous articles and their style. Understanding the tone and topics they cover will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former journalists from Schools Week or similar publications. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and the kind of stories that resonate with their audience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your investigative skills by preparing a pitch for a potential story relevant to the education sector. This will not only highlight your initiative but also your understanding of the issues facing schools today.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current events in education and be ready to discuss them during any interviews. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent developments will show your passion and commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Reporter, Schools Week
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Letter to the Editor: Your letter should clearly outline your current role, provide evidence of your journalistic skills with links to your work, and explain why you believe Schools Week is the right fit for you. Make sure to be concise yet impactful.
Showcase Your Investigative Skills: Highlight your experience in investigative journalism by including specific examples of hard-hitting stories you've covered. This will demonstrate your ability to find and break news stories, which is crucial for this role.
Engage with the Audience: Mention how you plan to engage with readers and promote stories via social media. This shows that you understand the importance of audience interaction and can leverage platforms to enhance visibility.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Select a Schools Week news story and suggest improvements. This not only shows your analytical skills but also your understanding of the publication's style and audience, making your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Journo Resources Limited
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous investigative work in detail. Bring examples of hard-hitting exclusives you've produced, and be ready to explain the process you followed to uncover those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education Journalism
Express your enthusiasm for education issues and how they impact children’s lives. Be prepared to discuss why you want to specialise in this field and what you hope to achieve at Schools Week.
✨Engage with the Audience
Think about how you can connect with Schools Week's readership. Prepare ideas on how to source and promote stories via social media, and be ready to discuss how you would engage with readers effectively.
✨Be Ready to Critique
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide an example of a Schools Week news story that could be improved. Come prepared with constructive feedback and specific suggestions on how you would enhance it.