Following a successful pilot project last year, Progress Publishing is launching a unique and exciting work experience programme for the 2026 summer term.
In partnership with Kimberley College in Stewartby, the publishers of the Bedford Independent and the Bedford Clanger are hosting a week-long immersive newsroom experience open to all Y12 students across Bedford Borough.
In the dynamic surroundings of Kimberley College, the Y12 group will have the opportunity to spend a week working alongside the editorial teams of the Bedford Independent and the Bedford Clanger in a newsroom setting.
The week is a valuable opportunity to build skills, boost confidence, gain real newsroom experience, and publish stories on a live, regulated, professional news website. Perfect for your UCAS statement and portfolio.
“The Progress Publishing Sixth Form Newsroom is the ideal stepping stone for anyone with a passion for writing and an ambition to work in journalism,” said Bedford Clanger editor, Erica Roffe.
“Throughout the week, you will learn new skills, grow in confidence, publish stories, gather news, arrange interviews and work collaboratively and independently.
“The programme will give you real-world experience, meaningful content for your UCAS personal statement and published articles for your portfolio.”
Make your application count
“Places are limited, so you need to make sure your application stands out,” added Bedford Independent editor, Paul Hutchinson.
“News is about people, so we’re looking for strong writers with a passion for their local area and the issues that matter to them. This is your chance to represent your community and give a voice to the stories around you.”
Previous work experience attendees have gone on to write for the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger, two of the area’s most popular newspapers, secure places with top journalism degrees, and launch successful careers.
Millie, a student who took part in the 2025 pilot programme, said: “Following my week’s work experience at the Bedford Independent, I have gone on to apply to a journalism course at the University of Sheffield.
“During the application process, I could reference that I had published works, which set me apart from other candidates.
“Even during my offer holder day, the skills I had learnt through this were reflected in the activities we did. Additionally, the week helped me with transferable skills that I could use within my coursework, allowing me to write more fluidly and feel more confident in the essays I was submitting.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity and the career path it has opened up for me.”
There is a maximum of eight places available on the Progress Publishing Sixth Form Newsroom, running 29 June – 3 July 2026. Apply by filling in the application form here.
