Last night saw the fourth Newsquest Young Reporter Awards at Quadrant House in Sutton.
Almost 80 people attended the event, made up of winning students, parents and teachers.
There were 15 prizes awarded in total, two of which were for best overall reporters.
Nicola Evans, from Surbiton High, and Katie Harris, from Croydon High, both won the top reporter award in their age group, beating almost 700 students.
Katie said: "Winning the best reporter for years 12/13 is such an honour.
“There were so many outstanding articles entered in the competition. It is a great achievement and one of which I am very proud."
Katie Harris (left) and Nicola Evans
As part of their prize, all the winning students spent a day at Kingston University experiencing life as an undergraduate journalist student.
Sydenham High, which signed up for the first time, entered four students, three of whom made it to the final.
Dr Colin Laverick, acting headteacher at Sydenham High, said: "We are absolutely delighted for our students and for the school.
“To have scooped four awards in the first year we have taken part, including one for most-read article, is fantastic.
“The girls are to be congratulated not only on their excellent writing but also on successfully juggling the programme's deadlines with the demands of their intensive GCSE studies."
The Young Reporter scheme has been running for seven years and is open to all secondary school students from Year 10 and above.
This year, students from 66 schools across south-west and south-east London took part.
Starting up again in September, the scheme will be extended into all high schools in Greater London, within the M25 area.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity, offering work experience for a real live online newspaper.
For more information, contact djarvis@london.newsquest.co.uk
