STUDENT journalists at Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton, have had a stellar year, scooping the biggest prizes at the national final of the Shine School Media Awards.

The final, held in London, saw greater competition than ever before, with 150 schools registering for the competition and 60 taking part in the final.

Ermysted’s The Reason came away with more prizes than any other school, reclaiming the prize of best newspaper from Abingdon School, and also winning best newspaper design, best sustainability initiative and best newspaper front page

The Reason, which has been going for just four years, was also highly commended in best audio/podcast and best business and marketing strategy.

Judges praised The Reason’s 'furious raw passion and whipsmart creativity' with a 'message that was clearly written and created in Yorkshire' and made for a ‘complete publication’ and worthy winner' of multiple awards.

Judges added that 'the idea of framing national issues within the writer’s own experience' created a winning formula, with The Reason’s leading story discussing the impact of the ‘Levelling Up Programme’ on the school’s students.

Editor Josh Lloyd, year 13, deputy editor Jacob Newby, year 12, and teacher George Barrett travelled down to London for the final held at The Royal Over-Seas League, Mayfair.

The morning consisted of workshops run by industry leaders including journalists from The Daily Mail, Hearst UK, ELLE UK, and Dr Glenda Cooper, programme director for BA Journalism at City University in London. There was also a formal sit-down lunch with other schools, teachers, and journalists.

Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE gave the keynote speech about how school student journalism had given him the initial passion upon which built a successful career as a journalist, later becoming editorial director of Condé Nast Britain, publisher of Vogue, Tatler, GQ and The New Yorker.

Editor, Josh, who now plans to take a gap year, said the success of the paper was a 'just reward for all the hard work everyone has put in this year.'

He added: "The experience of dining with professional journalists has been really helpful as I consider how to get more professional experience this year.”

Deputy editor Sam Eaglesham, who was not able to attend the final, said: “The Reason has been a big part of my Ermysted’s experience. I wrote an article for its first ever edition four years ago and so being a part of the senior editorial team that has won these awards is very special. I’ve learnt so much and The Reason has fuelled my passion for getting involved in student journalism in the future.”

Deputy editor Jacob said: "I can’t wait to take over the overall editorship from Josh as we try to evolve our newspaper into its next exciting phase.”

Mr Barrett added, “The Reason has either won or been highly commended for 22 national awards in four years. No school newspaper in the country has won as many national prizes as The Reason in this time. To dominate a competition like Shine, which historically has been consistently won by high profile independent schools, illustrates just how driven and talented the boys at our school are.”