Schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland have joined our schools mentoring programme for the first time.

Hot on the heels of our successful fundraising round in December, we are continuing to expand our mentoring programme for school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds. Joining the scheme this year are Mount Lourdes Grammar School in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland and Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney, Scotland. They represent the first time the Trust has ventured into Scotland and Northern Ireland for its schools programme.

Kirkwall headteacher Claire Meakin said, “We are really proud that Kirkwall Grammar School pupils have been chosen for this exciting opportunity and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Following the programme, pupils become Junior Fellows of the John Schofield Trust and this is guaranteed to add a very special touch to any future CVs or personal statements.”

Fellowship Manager at the Trust, Howard Littler said, “this is only possible thanks to our growing volunteer network of journalists. They are a group not known for having lots of spare time nonetheless they generously offer their time to the Trust and support young people who aspire to join their industry. We’re excited to grow our schools programme even more next year and can now happily say the John Schofield Trust schools programme covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

The scheme matches school or college students with experienced journalists from across the sector for ten weeks of mentoring and activities. 2022 e-mentors include Senior Fellows such as Editor of 5 News Cait FitzSimons and Foreign Correspondent Shamim Chowdhury.

If you are a teacher or know a school who would be interested in joining the scheme contact Howard Littler howard@johnschofieldtrust.org.uk for a chat. We’re also always looking for mentors for this scheme!