Are you a determined journalist with a track record of delivering exclusive, agenda-setting journalism? Do you want to work on a leading education news outlets reporting on one of our country’s most vital public services?

Schools Week, a digital newspaper for the schools sector, is looking for a scoop-getting senior reporter to join our tight-knit team and continue our proud tradition of producing award-winning journalism.

The Role

The 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.

Since launching 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. We are read just as much for our investigations exposing the sector’s biggest issues as for our ability to keep readers updated on the latest from Westminster and Whitehall.

It’s an exciting time to join us with a new government introducing a raft of new policies in schools. Your job will be getting stuck into the weeds of this to find exclusive stories – as well as explain, analyse and investigate for our readers.

In exchange for a starting salary of up to £42,000, you’ll be expected to deliver cutting-edge investigations and policy deep-dives for our weekly digital newspaper, alongside clear and concise news stories for our website.

Who We Need

The ideal candidate will be an experienced reporter who has a portfolio full of hard-hitting exclusives, a strong track record in finding and breaking news stories and a passion for investigative journalism.

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.

Expertise in turning complex data into stories would also be welcome, with a basic understanding of how to use Excel or equivalent software.

You’ll also be able to demonstrate an ability to engage with readers and source and promote stories via social media.

You will have an NCTJ or equivalent qualification, including shorthand and an understanding of media law.

Prior experience covering education would be an advantage, but it is in no way essential because we expect our reporters to learn and grow on the job.

Our only deal-breaker is that you must have at least two years’ experience as a journalist.

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 all things schools policy in England, with a focus on investigative journalism.

The newspaper is published by Education Scape, which 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. And we are a small and social team with monthly company get-togethers and social occasions.

Where We Are Based

Our office is located a short walk from Aldgate East tube station. 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.

To Apply

You want to apply? Excellent. Here’s how…

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

Applications to be sent directly to john.dickens@schoolsweek.co.uk

The closing date is advertised as the 11^th of August 2024. However, we would like to appoint as soon as possible and plan to interview any promising candidates as soon as their applications are received.

Please do mention Journo Resources when you apply. It really helps us out!