The Reason

The Reason was founded in September 2018 by a group of ambitious Sixth Formers and since then it has achieved considerable success, having either won or been highly commended for 30 national awards in just six years at the Shine School Media Awards, including winning Best Newspaper (2019, 2022 and 2023) and Best Podcast (2020).

The Reason offers pupils from all year groups the chance to write on a wide range of issues of their interest and see their work published in our professionally printed newspaper. Pupils can write for several sections, including: News, Comment & Opinion, Arts, Politics, Science & Technology, Features, Economics, Environmental, and Sport.

In Years 11, 12 and 13, students can be a part of the editorial team and take on roles such as Section Editors, with responsibility for putting together their section, or a business role such as the Managing Director, where they have responsibility for budget costs, fundraising and pitching advertising space to local businesses. Alternatively, they can take on roles as a Sub-Editor, Photographer or join the Podcast Team. At the end of Year 12, students have the opportunity to apply to the Senior Editorial Team where they will have the chance to take on the role of Editor or Deputy Editor and oversee the whole operation.

The Reason would suit any pupil of all abilities and backgrounds who wants to give writing a go or is passionate about any issue. In addition, there are excellent opportunities open to pupils that are considering possible careers in journalism, media, business or other fields and The Reason is well-connected to national newspapers, having hosted training events at school featuring journalists from The Guardian, The Observer, The Daily Mail and The Independent and boys from The Reason have completed work experience with The Times.

To get involved, please speak to Mr Barrett.