Junior journalist opportunities
Explore the press opportunities for children and young people in the UK. From press events and festivals to book reviews and competitions, First News helps aspiring reporters gain real journalism experience.
If you are interested in any of the current opportunities below, please email [email protected].
We update this page regularly with new opportunities. Last updated: 28/04/26.
Visit to the Gunpowder Mills in Lee Valley
What? Would you like to visit a place with 300 years of curious history and forgotten nature? The Gunpowder Mills in Lee Valley, just outside London, are ready to welcome you for a family day out. You’ll be able to learn about gunpowder production and secret rocket research, and your report from the day will be featured in First News!
When? From 11.30am on any days between 16-23 May, or 16 June.
Where? The Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY
Find out more about the events at the Gunpowder Mills at www.gunpowdermills.com/whats-on-events.
Visit to Ty Mawr Farm, Wales
What? A visit to Ty Mawr Farm in Wales, which is at the centre of the ‘Beacons Connecting Nature’ project. This aims to restore 500 hectares of habitats at the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
A junior journalist would write a report of the day, checking out the area’s diverse wildlife, meadow restoration, conservation grazing (herd of Hereford cattle) and lots more!
When? Any time. This opportunity won’t be available for long though, so get in touch!
Where? National Trust Ty Mawr Farm, Libanus, Brecon, LD3 8NH
Find out more about Ty Mawr Farm at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/ty-mawr-wybrnant
Visit the National Trust’s Wicken Fen
What? Visit Wicked Fen, the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, and write a report of the day. There will also be the opportunity to interview Ajay Tegala, who is a wildlife expert at Wicken Fen, to discover some fun facts about the nature reserve!
When? During the Easter holidays. This opportunity won’t be available for long, so get in touch!
Where? Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
Win a spot at SuperSprint Blenheim Palace
What? The countdown is well and truly on for the return of the Supertri Blenheim Palace. The popular swim-bike-run event will take place on 6-7 June at Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Woodstock.
As well as the adult event, there is a special event for 14 to 15-year-olds on Sunday 7 June. The SuperSprint is a 400m swim/13.3km bike ride/2.9km run. To win a spot in the event and write a report for our Your News pages, ask a trusted adult to get in touch at [email protected]! Good luck!
Find out more at supertri.com.
When? Sunday 7 June
Where? Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL
Visit the Brunel Museum in London
What? The Brunel Museum has extended its display and events season related to the French Revolution!
It will host a season of activity relating to the Brunel family’s connection to the French Revolution. A brand-new display will bring together the oldest objects in the Museum’s collection – some on display for the first time.
When? Any day
Where? The Brunel Museum, Railway Ave, London SE16 4LF
Feature in Your News!
If you want to be a junior journalist for First News and go to cool press events or write about something that you’re passionate about, get in touch by asking a trusted adult to email us at [email protected].
Write a book review and have it featured in First News!
Do you have thoughts on a book you have read recently that you want to share with others? Why not write a book review for us? Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Write 100-120 words on any type of book – chapter books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction… even audiobooks are all welcome! No person, reader type, format or genre is excluded
- Tell us what the book is about, what you most enjoyed about it, how the book made you feel and if you had any favourite parts
- Suggest which type of reader would enjoy it
- A picture of the reader holding the book is welcome, too, but not essential
- You could even submit a review as a whole class
Send all book reviews in to [email protected] or by clicking the button below.