Twelve and 13-year-olds from seven schools - Bridge of Don Academy in Aberdeen; Hillhead High and Shawlands Academy in Glasgow; Paible School in the Western Isles; Plockton High and Inverness Royal Academy in Highland; and Kelso High in the Borders - made the news on TV, radio or online.

Emulating BBC journalists, students covered local news stories from their schools and communities as well as national stories. Some linked up with partner schools in other countries to report international news.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader David Cameron, Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell, Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones were all interviewed by school reporters.

Since September 2006, students have been training to become school reporters. With support from BBC staff and resources on the School Report website, teachers have helped them develop journalistic skills.

Huw Edwards, who presents on BBC News 24 and BBC One, has been imparting his reporting advice via a series of online videos embedded into lesson plans on the School Report website. Mr Edwards, a former teacher, said:

“The project allows students to develop literacy and editorial skills through all kinds of new approaches.”