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]. For junior journalist reports, we require 150-200 words and a few hi-res photos of your experience. We welcome reports from everyone, regardless of ability!
We update this page regularly with new opportunities. Last updated: 01/09/26.
Invite to the preview of Two Centuries Here
What? A First News reader is invited to the press day to visit two of London’s best kept secrets, The Grant Museum of Zoology and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology in Bloomsbury, London which are celebrating 200 years in 2026.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology is home to one of the largest and most important collections of Egyptian archaeology globally, including the world’s oldest woven garment, the Tarkhan dress, the oldest medical text on women’s health and some of the earliest known hieroglyphics.
The UCL Grant Museum of Zoology is home to 100,000 specimens from every continent, ocean, and animal group, many of them donated by London Zoo over the past 200 years for anatomical study and specimen collection. A miniature “Natural History Museum”, specimens including a Quagga skeleton, Tasmanian tiger, Dodo Bones, Seychelles Frogs.
They form part of UCL’s new Two Centuries Here exhibition. Get in touch to go along and write a report for First News!
When? Press view is Tuesday 15 September from 10am-1pm.
Where? Octagon Gallery, Wilkins Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT.
Find out more at ucl.ac.uk/about/ucls-bicentenary/ucl200-exhibition-two-centuries-here.
Invite to Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience
What? This festive season, First News junior journalists are invited to a magical ball as National Trust’s historic house, East Riddlesden Hall, is transformed into a festive wonderland for the brand-new show, Cinderella: An Immersive Pantomime Experience.
Set within the beautiful 17th century house and grounds, audiences can journey through the beloved fairytale story, meeting the characters, discovering hidden corners and becoming part of the magic.
Get in touch to go along and write a report for First News!
When? Press night is 4 December 2026.
Where? East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, BD205EL.
Find out more about the show at tinyurl.com/cinderellapantoexperience.
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.