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Schools Week, Senior Reporter

Employer
Schools Week
Location
London (Liverpool St) & home working
Salary
£30,000 - £42,000 D.O.E
Closing date
Mar 21, 2023

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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.

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.

As a senior reporter in our team, you will get to the bottom of the various issues facing the schools community, focusing particularly on the world of academies.

One day you could be rooting through company accounts to investigate financial issues in academy trusts, and the next you could be travelling across the country to report on a speech by the education secretary.

In exchange for a starting salary of up to £42,500, you’ll be expected to produce cutting-edge investigative pieces 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.

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.

Experience delving into the finances and operations of large and complex organisations would be a distinct advantage. Expertise in turning complex data into stories would also be welcome.

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

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.

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' work experience as a journalist for a local or national paper or website.

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 Lsect Ltd, the custodians of the Annual Apprenticeship Conference and prestigious Festival of Education. Lsect 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 ten minutes from Liverpool St station. We have a lovely office and environment. We operate a hybrid working model, with team members expected in the office two days per week.

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)
  • 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/

The closing date is advertised as the end of Tuesday 21 March. However, we would like to appoint as soon as possible and plan to interview any promising candidates as soon as their applications are received.

 

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