Secondary schools across the UK are being invited to pitch ideas for a new Channel 4 TV programme as part of a nationwide competition.

The competition is part of Channel 4’s 4Schools initiative which aims to encourage students to consider the wide range of careers available to them in the world of broadcasting.

Open to secondary schools in the UK this summer term, students will be invited to imagine that Channel 4 is looking for a new show which based in a school, youth club or sports club.

Channel 4’s Managing Director, Nations and Regions, Sinead Rocks said: “Great TV ideas draw inspiration from all ages, all walks of life and all parts of the country. Setting this challenge to schools offers students unique insight into how programmes are chosen to be made, and the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

In groups, students will need to come up with a show premise, create a pitch and produce either a short teaser trailer or an advertising poster to convince a Channel 4 programme commissioner that theirs is the best idea. The national winning team will receive an all-expenses paid trip to a Channel 4 set to see how a real TV show gets made, and there are a range of runner-up prizes.

Matt Burton, the headteacher who became a household name after appearing on Channel 4’s hit series Educating Yorkshire, said: “Creative thinking and teamwork are hugely important skills which can help to bring out the best in students, giving them additional tools they can use in the world beyond school. This challenge gets those in Years 7-9 working together and develops focus and confidence. For children in this age group, linking learning experiences to real-world scenarios has many merits.”

A set of support materials to aid learning and guide students through the commissioning process is available to students and staff on the 4Schools website, along with the rules and the competition brief.

The entry is formed of two parts – a set of PowerPoint slides presenting the idea and a video trailer or poster which could be used to promote the show to viewers. Entries must be submitted through the 4Schools website by Friday 17th June to be considered.

Recently announced by the broadcaster, 4Schools will provide a range of assets to schools to give young people insight into career options across media industries. These will include workshops, quizzes and sessions from people already working in the industry.

Notes to Editors

4Schools is part of 4Skills, Channel 4’s nationwide training and development strategy which aims to create over 15,000 opportunities nationwide in 2022 with a particular focus on people from diverse and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who want a career in broadcasting. (https://careers.channel4.com/4skills)

The content of the 4Schools sessions is designed to support the curriculum, as well as helping schools achieve Gatsby standards by providing contact with employers and labour market information. Delivery is supported by social enterprise TheTalentPeople which also operates GetMyFirstJob.co.uk, the UK’s leading jobs site for young people.

School leaders and teachers interested in inviting 4Schools into their own secondary school can find out more at www.4-Schools.co.uk