Senior reporter – Schools Week

Location: London, hybrid working (two days in office)

Salary details: £30,000-£42,000, DoE

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 long-form reporting 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 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 will 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 will 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 understating 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 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 EducationScape, the custodians of the Apprenticeships and Training Conference and prestigious Festival of Education. EducationScape 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). Please email your CV with 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
• Two people we can call for references (following interview)

The closing date for applications is by 10 May.