The school newspaper is a vibrant and thriving aspect of secondary education in the UK, offering students invaluable skills and fostering a strong sense of community within schools. This is highlighted by the annual Shine School Media Awards, which celebrate the best in student-led media, including newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and multimedia projects. On June 30, 2025, the winners of the Shine awards will be announced at Stationers’ Hall in London, marking the culmination of a competition that showcases the creativity and talent of the next generation of media professionals. Despite concerns about budget cuts or declining interest, school newspapers continue to flourish, with many schools recognizing their essential role in student development.
The Shine Awards feature a wide range of categories, such as Best Newspaper Front Page, Writer of the Year, Best Sustainability Initiative, Editor of the Year, Scoop of the Year, and the prestigious Best Newspaper of the Year. The competition is free to enter and attracts hundreds of submissions annually, with industry leaders often speaking at the awards ceremony. In 2024, The Hummersknott Academical, the student-run newspaper of Hummersknott Academy in Darlington, won the Newspaper of the Year award, along with Best Front Page. It was also Highly Commended for its exclusive interview with then-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Nick Merifield, Head of School, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing the dedication and effort they put into the publication outside of regular school hours.
Participating in a school newspaper offers students a wealth of essential skills that extend beyond journalism. Writing and editing for publication teach clarity, conciseness, and attention to detail, while meeting deadlines builds time management and resilience. These skills are highly transferable to various professional fields. Additionally, students gain experience in areas such as photography, design, and digital media, enhancing their technical proficiency. Ben Dlugokecki, Assistant Headteacher at Osborne School in Winchester, highlights how their school magazine has helped students develop leadership abilities and engage with critical social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and climate change.
In addition to the educational benefits, school newspapers play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community within schools. They provide a platform for students to share their voices, celebrate achievements, and discuss important topics. For many students, being part of a school newspaper is a source of pride and accomplishment. The Shine School Media Awards serve not only to recognize excellence but also to inspire more schools to embrace the value of student-led media projects. By encouraging young people to explore journalism and media, these initiatives help shape the next generation of storytellers and changemakers.
For further details about the Shine Awards, visit shine-schoolawards.org.
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