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 real investigations that change 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. However, we are also open to considering applicants without this expertise, such as a junior reporter who has bags of potential.

Since it launched in 2014, Schools Week has amassed a large, loyal readership of school staff, policy-makers, politicians and others who want to be in the know.

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 breaking 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 (or the potential to).

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.

You’ll also have an understating of SEO and will be familiar with social media platforms.

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 welcome 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 Apprenticeships and Training 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 Aldgate East, at Runway East. We have a lovely office and environment. We operate a hybrid working model, with team members expected in the office at least two days per week.

You Want To Apply?

Excellent. Here’s how…

Applications to john.dickens@schoolsweek.co.uk. Closing date Friday 11th of October.

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)

If the letter piques our interest, we’ll follow up with an initial phone call and go from there. Our website can be found at https://schoolsweek.co.uk/