Fourteen of London’s most talented teenage journalists made the news in their own right after winning the Guardian’s 2013 Young Reporter Scheme.

Back in September, more than 750 schoolchildren from across London and the South East signed up for the annual project, which is run by the Guardian’s parent company, Newsquest.

Now in its fifth year, the scheme allows students the opportunity to try their hands at journalism
and see their work published by a commercial news organisation.

Those taking part were asked to produce one article per month for a period of eight months, each of which was published on the Guardian’s website.

A total of 360 young writers managed to stay the course, with each receiving a letter of recognition from a Newsquest editor congratulating them on their achievements. 

And the best 13 were invited to a glamorous awards ceremony at Newsquest’s headquarters in south London where they were presented with certificates marking their achievements.

Among those singled out was Miah Kaur, a year 13 student from Oaks Park High School in Newbury Park.

One of her stories dealt with local protests against sexual violence in India, and was read on the website by 2,771 people – more than any other story.

She said: “I have enjoyed being part of the Young Reporter Scheme, and I believe it to be an invaluable step towards a future career in journalism.”

Also among the winners was Sylvia Donhue-Hibberd, a year 11 student at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green.

She said: “At the outset I was worried I would not find enough topics to write about, but was pleasantly surprised to find that in the end I had more ideas than I could use.

“The aspect I found most valuable was keeping within a strict word limit. This made me understand that so many of the words we use are redundant.

“The scheme enabled me to develop my writing skills and gain useful experience of journalism.”

Guardian group editor, Tim Jones, said: “I was taken aback by the sheer range and quality of stories produced by the young people taking part in the scheme.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part, and congratulate the winners.

“I am sure that they have a bright future ahead of them.”

• The scheme is aimed at secondary school students in Years 10 to 13. If you think your school may be interested in taking part this coming September, please email the Editor at guardian@london.newsquest.co.uk