The NCTJ has published its Annual Report for 2024-25. This year’s Annual Report underscores the NCTJ’s dedication to attracting,
qualifying, and developing outstanding journalists from all walks of life during a period of significant change for the industry.
Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, says the charity’s reach, influence and impact have grown, reflecting the vital role it plays in supporting and strengthening UK journalism.
She said: “In a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, pressure on journalism education and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, we have shown that the industry can rely on us to uphold high standards and support its changing needs. We are proud of what we have achieved together and encouraged by the growing recognition of the NCTJ as an organisation that strengthens journalism at every level.”
This year, enrolments rose by 13 per cent, with 1,406 students joining accredited courses, while demand for apprenticeships continues to increase. The Journalism Skills Academy has grown in both scale and value, offering 28 e-learning courses built on flexible learning models that widen access to professional development throughout journalists’ careers.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, Sue Brooks, NCTJ chair, highlights completing her first year in the role. She says: “The standout moment for me in 2024 was the Awards for Excellence lunch in Manchester. There was a record number of entries, and scores of young journalists were recognised for work ranging from investigations into important social issues to multimedia storytelling using cutting-edge techniques.”
Sue acknowledged that the core skills of journalism remain as vital as ever, even as the industry undergoes rapid change. She said: “Since I started my career more than four decades ago, everything has changed—except the core skills of being a journalist: accuracy, accountability and the search for clarity,” she explains. “These skills remain at the heart of the NCTJ. We will continue to support the sector by equipping journalists with the skills, knowledge and resilience they need, promoting diversity and inclusion, and reinforcing the importance of journalism as a public good.”
Read the NCTJ’s Annual Report 2024-25
Read and download previous NCTJ annual reports below:
Quality assurance and standards reports
The quality assurance and standards committee was set up to provide independent scrutiny of quality, parity and fairness across NCTJ qualifications and services. The committee produces a report on their work which is published in December each year.
Recent reports can be downloaded below:
NCTJ Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report 2023-24
NCTJ Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report 2022-23
NCTJ Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report 2021-22
NCTJ Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report 2020-21
NCTJ Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report 2019-20
