Journalism Scholarship

Do you want to become a journalist?

Have your training provided free of charge with the possibility of a job at one of the UK’s leading weekly papers at the end of it? The Louis Baylis Journalism Scholarship scheme provides just that. Funded by the Louis Baylis (Maidenhead Advertiser) Charitable Trust and named after the charismatic editor and proprietor of the Advertiser who shaped the modern newspaper, the scholarship offers a great opportunity for young people to take the first step into journalism. There are two scholarships a year – one in February and one in September. Successful candidates are sent on a 20-week journalism course at Highbury College, in Portsmouth, one of the most respected centres in the country for training reporters. The course, which is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), covers all the basic skills a reporter needs including newspaper law, government, journalism and shorthand. The scholarship covers all costs associated with the training – course and exam fees, books and accommodation and is worth more than £3,000. If the candidate passes the course and a vacancy exists at the Advertiser they will be employed as a trainee reporter. The newspaper will then take over their training and put them through their final professional NCTJ exams.

How to apply

The scholarship scheme is open to anyone living in the area covered by the Maidenhead or Twyford Advertiser. Applicants must have at least two A-levels or equivalent (one in English) and hold a full driving licence. The first stage of the process is to apply in writing. Send in your CV with a covering letter of no more than 150 words explaining why you should be awarded a Louis Baylis Journalism Scholarship. Applicants should also submit a Maidenhead-area news story of 250-300 words which they have researched and written themselves. In addition they must submit outline ideas for three other stories relevant to the Maidenhead area. Cuttings from work experience at the Advertiser or other newspapers should also be included. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview followed by a writing test and tests of local and general knowledge. Candidates who pass this stage will each be required to attend a week-long placement at the Advertiser from which a final choice will be made. Applications should be sent to: Louis Baylis Journalism Scholarship, Maidenhead Advertiser, Newspaper House, 48 Bell Street, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 1HX. The closing date for February scholarship applications is November 30. The closing date for September scholarships is June 30.

Sarah Crawley-Boevey, reporter Scholarship journalist
"Winning the scholarship straight after I graduated was fantastic because I was already in enough debt and in no position to fund myself through college. The course at Highbury is hard work but well worth it and a great first step into journalism."

Kristoffer Mullin, sub-editor Scholarship journalist
"The scholarship is a great way to get started in what is a really fascinating and varied career. You never know what is going to happen next in the media world. Anyone with an interest in people, news and writing should definitely have a go at applying – I’m glad I did."

Josh Saxon, reporter Scholarship journalist
"Journalism is a great job and I don't think I would have got into it if it wasn't for the scholarship. Not only do you learn a lot in a short amount of time, it is also a great opportunity to meet other trainee journalists and contacts in the business. It's a tough course but definitely worth the effort."