The Cheese Grater was named Best Publication in the UK at the 2026 Student Publication Association national awards.
The Graters turned out in numbers at the ceremony in Norwich where former editor Nick Miao was awarded Best Reporter and Elgin Edison was highly commended for Best Creative Piece.
This marks the first national wins by The Cheese Grater in seven years as well as the first time a magazine rather than newspaper won Best Publication in the award’s history.
Panel judge and CEO of the News Media Association Owen Meredith said: “An innovative outsider with an eye for engaging design, challenging the establishment with compelling and relevant stories that have found an audience.
“Their digital strategy and growth speaks for itself with a determination to reach readers where they are with a multi-platform approach while investing in the print product.
“Overall, they have shown commitment to delivering journalism that champions its readers and delivered impressive engagement and results.”
All 16 Cheese Grater delegates stormed the stage as the results were announced by panel judges Jem Collins of Journo Resources and Aubrey Allegretti of The Times.
Editors Rebekah Wright and Malvika Murkumbi said: “It means so much to us. We put so many hours in, the whole team is here and we are so delighted.”
They added: “I think we are the only alternative publication in the UK to be more popular than the mainstream,” noting the Graters’ origin as a “stupid little satirical magazine.
“We had a printing grant from the SU and a dream.”
They also twice gave Union Head of Communications Guy Stepney a “shout-out” for his continued support for the publication.
An ecstatic evening at the University of East Anglia also saw ex-editor Nick Miao named Best Reporter after being nominated for the category for the second year in a row.
Panel judge and deputy editor of The New Statesman Will Lloyd said: “Stand-out reporting on the UCL society that sent a drone to Ukraine.
“No surprise to see that the story [has had] a huge impact nationally.”
Nick’s story on the Ukraine Society’s ban over a legally contentious drone donation was named Best News Story at the SPA London regional awards last month.
Lloyd added: “Sharp, economical writing on sensitive subjects and stories that challenge vested interests.
“The portfolio demonstrates great news sense, balance, and an eye for a scoop.
“I loved the way each story was framed.”
Meanwhile, humour writer Elgin Edison’s satirical interview on UCL Provost Michael Spence was highly commended for Best Creative Piece.
Natasha Preskey, panel judge and senior journalist at BBC News, said: “Elgin’s absurdist humour had me chuckling to myself.
“Despite having zero knowledge of UCL or its staff, this satirical interview still felt inclusive and entertaining.
“This was a risky format that could easily have fallen flat but it was well executed.”
In total, The Cheese Grater was nominated in 13 categories in this year’s national awards – the most nominations in the paper’s history.
Epigram, of Bristol, was highly commended for Best Publication, whilst UCL’s Pi Media was nominated for four awards.
Some 250 people attended this year's national awards in Norwich where UCL's RUMS Review was shortlisted for Best Science Publication and Best Science Piece.
Last month The Cheese Grater was named Best Publication whilst Lola Davies was named Best Reporter at the London regional awards.
News editor and editor-elect James Balloqui said: “This was extremely unexpected but it really reflects the hard work of everyone involved.
“We hope to keep up the good work.”