Bursary recipients

Ayomide Asani, 23, moved from retail into writing before beginning the 19-week fast-track NCTJ diploma at PA Media Academy in September 2026. She has written for digital and print publications, beginning at her student newspaper before freelancing for online outlets. Ayomide is excited to build on her experience through teaching and mentoring from media professionals. Her undergraduate degree in social anthropology from the London School of Economics has given her a distinctive perspective, and she aims to increase newsroom diversity by amplifying underrepresented voices.

Blessing Nkama is a recent politics and international relations graduate interested in exploring untold stories within underrepresented communities. She began the Diploma in News Journalism at PA Media Academy in September 2026. From a working-class background and identifying as neurodivergent, Blessing is determined to increase diversity in the newsroom. She hopes to make news more accessible and representative, provide a platform for underrepresented communities and raise awareness of routes into journalism.

Chloe Thomas began the MA news journalism course at Cardiff University with support from the Journalism Diversity Fund. A BA English graduate from the University of Southampton, she was lifestyle and features editor of Wessex Scene and later worked as a press office assistant at the Royal Horticultural Society. This experience strengthened her understanding of the UK media industry and confirmed her ambition to become a journalist. From a working-class background, Chloe is committed to championing underrepresented and diverse voices in journalism and is deeply grateful to the NCTJ for making postgraduate study possible!

Supported by the JDF, Elisha Pearce began the fast-track multimedia journalism course at News Associates. Elisha is an arts journalist and regular contributor to Voice Magazine, extensively writing about theatre, regional communities and LGBTQIA+ issues. As a working-class lesbian, she is committed to increasing queer representation in newsrooms and challenging the concentration of middle-class voices in journalism. She hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and help create a media landscape that better reflects the diversity of modern Britain.

Freya Bird began the fast-track Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in September 2026. After three years of undergraduate study, she was keen to develop a broad range of practical and professional journalism skills. From a working-class background, Freya is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in the media. She is passionate about crime journalism, lifestyle journalism and opinion writing.

Leeds-based broadcast journalist Harry Ward began the NCTJ-accredited MA journalism course at Leeds Trinity University in autumn 2026. He is passionate about regional news and public interest journalism, particularly court and local government reporting. As a visually impaired journalist, Harry is committed to helping journalism reflect the communities it serves and demonstrating that disability is no barrier to broadcast news. He hopes to become an on-screen journalist at ITV News Calendar or a local democracy reporter in Leeds.

Iqbaal Abdi began fast-track multimedia journalism training at News Associates in September 2026. Her passion for journalism is driven by the power of storytelling to amplify marginalised voices. As a Black Muslim woman with lived experience in East Africa, she recognises how unchallenged media narratives can reinforce harmful stereotypes. With a first-class degree in politics and international relations, she focuses on Islamophobia and racism affecting underserved communities. Iqbaal writes for The Muslim News, covering Africa, the Middle East and the UK.

Jess Berry is a Manchester-based writer who began NCTJ training at the University of Salford in September 2026. She is editor-in-chief of The Manchester Tab. Having grown up in a working-class village, Jess is passionate about accessible news and amplifying underrepresented voices. She is particularly interested in investigative journalism and political accountability at a local level. After five years working in events, including managing Father Christmas, Jess enjoys understanding what matters to people. She credits her late diagnoses of ADHD and obsessive compulsive disorder with helping her develop valuable journalistic skills.

Lewis Murray is studying the MA multimedia journalism course at Glasgow Caledonian University. From a working-class, single-parent household and in recovery from substance misuse, Lewis has worked hard to pursue his ambition to become a film critic. He is drawing on his experiences for dissertation research into representations of substance misuse in post-heroin chic films. Lewis writes the Lewis Likes Films blog.

Martin Lee-Paterson began a full-time NCTJ course at PA Media Academy in London in autumn 2026. A trained linguist raised in Hong Kong, he wants to help British newsrooms cover an increasingly globalised world. He is preparing his zine, HOT POT, for print. Combining historical long reads, personal essays and exclusive interviews, the publication aims to make East Asian music culture accessible to British audiences. Martin also publishes his writing on Substack.

Miranda Sheard is a Journalism Diversity Fund recipient and an aspiring creative journalist with a passion for mental health, disability and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. She is studying for a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Brighton. As a neurodivergent, disabled member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Miranda brings lived experience and a diverse perspective to the newsroom. She hopes the course will help her raise awareness of discrimination, abuse and stigma affecting disabled and neurodivergent people.

Orla McAndrew began a 22-week, fast-track NCTJ course at News Associates in February 2026, building on the journalism career she started in 2020. She co-founded Empoword Journalism, a platform where underrepresented voices can publish their work. She later began freelancing before attending the University of York, where she edited the student newspaper. A proud northerner, Orla wants to bring her Yorkshire voice and spirit to the newsroom and champion regional perspectives.

Peter Wilson began the MA journalism course at Ulster University in September 2026. Peter brings perspectives shaped by his working-class background, his experience of living in an area of Northern Ireland affected by paramilitary influence and his experience of autism. He is learning Irish and is a committed Christian. Peter is particularly interested in sports and political journalism and has written football match reports for the Belfast Telegraph and Larne Times as well as his own political blog.

Ruqayyah Fombo is a Muslim Londoner of mixed African and Caribbean heritage and an SJA-nominated emerging talent. She has reported on the Premier League, Women’s Super League and Super League Basketball. In September 2026, she began the full-time, NCTJ-accredited Diploma in Sports Journalism in London. A sports media internship at BCOMS confirmed her ambition to become a qualified sports journalist. Ruqayyah is grateful to the Journalism Diversity Fund and is passionate about stories at the intersection of sport and social justice.

Ruth Cullen began the NCTJ-accredited Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in London in September 2026. Ruth graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a first-class MA in history and Italian in 2025. During their year abroad, they completed an internship at a news and culture publication in Italy. On returning to Edinburgh, they became involved in student media as a writer and editor. As a queer and gender non-conforming person, Ruth aims to ensure underrepresented and misrepresented communities are portrayed accurately and faithfully.

Stephanie Kamale is a sports media creator and media professional with a passion for storytelling, particularly in boxing and other sports. Through her own media platform, she produces video journalism and interviews athletes, including world champion Shakur Stevenson. Stephanie began the NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Sports Journalism with the aim of building a career in sports reporting and broadcasting. Drawing on her experience in media production and grassroots community work, she hopes to increase representation and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Rosalie Ademoroti is an aspiring sports journalist who began the NCTJ-accredited sports journalism course at PA Media Academy. Passionate about the intersection of sport, culture and community, she aims to tell stories that reflect the people and experiences shaping the sporting world. Rosalie hopes to bring fresh perspectives to the newsroom by championing underrepresented voices and producing journalism that resonates with a wide range of audiences, using sport to foster connection and shared understanding.

Amberly Wright is a BSc psychology and sport science graduate from the University of Exeter and an MA journalism student at the University of Sheffield. She was deputy editor of the university newspaper, Exeposé, and founded its mental health magazine. She also has experience as a medical editor and research assistant. Amberly has ADHD and hopes to bring neurodivergent perspectives to newsrooms and improve accessibility, drawing on her experiences of growing up in a working-class family in a small Norfolk town. She hopes to report on mental health and climate change and become a science correspondent.

After completing an undergraduate degree in fashion journalism at London College of Fashion, Callum McKenzie began the NCTJ-accredited MA journalism course at the University of Salford, supported by the Journalism Diversity Fund. Callum explores queer identity and underrepresented subcultures in his work. He has interned at Gay Times and worked on projects including Maggie Zine and Tied Collective. During his master’s degree, he hopes to continue telling stories about culture, art and politics, with a focus on broadcast journalism.

Calvin Burton is a football journalist who began the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at News Associates in September 2026. A recent participant in The Guardian’s Positive Action Scheme, he has written for a range of football publications and is particularly interested in long-form features and analysis. Having moved into journalism following a career change, he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to sports journalism and make the industry more accessible to people entering through non-traditional routes.

Evie Glen is currently studying a six-month, fast-track NCTJ course at Glasgow Clyde College, supported by the JDF. Before starting the course, Evie worked as a freelance journalist for Scottish newspapers including The Herald, The National and the Glasgow Bell, as well as arts and culture publications including The Skinny, The List and The Bottle Imp. Based in Glasgow, she wants to revitalise regional news beyond the churn of press releases and give a platform to stories often overlooked by national publications.

James Green graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a bachelor’s degree in English and multimedia journalism and began an NCTJ-accredited master’s degree in journalism at Liverpool John Moores University in September 2026. James is building a career focused on social justice and solutions journalism. During his undergraduate degree, he covered issues affecting local communities while working part-time as a content creator. As a queer person with late-diagnosed ADHD and a family background in a former mining community in east Durham, he aspires to foster community, equality and understanding through journalism.

Madeleine Whitaker began the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at PA Media Academy in September 2026, aiming to become a multimedia journalist. While studying History and French at Durham University, she built a portfolio of editorial and multimedia work. After graduating, she worked in financial services before pursuing journalism full-time. Having undergone major spinal surgery as a teenager and living with ADHD, Madeleine brings resilience, empathy and curiosity to her reporting. She is particularly interested in investigative and documentary journalism.

Margot Leys Johnson is building a career in audio and online journalism. After completing a degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in history, she established two live shows at community radio stations in Glasgow. She also produces and edits podcast episodes for UNESCO RIELA and interns at Greater Govanhill magazine. Margot is interested in local news and stories that explore communities, social affairs and people’s lives in depth. Drawing on her experience of neurodivergence, she wants to bring overlooked stories into the newsroom.

Ramana Ganger is committed to a career in investigative journalism. She aims to diversify newsrooms by challenging stereotypes and narratives surrounding marginalised communities and disabled journalists. Ramana is developing a specialism in the links between geopolitics, organised crime and illicit activity in conflict zones and unstable regions. She publishes independent research through her Substack, UN-filter, and volunteers at Action on Armed Violence. Ramana began the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in September 2026.

Libby Ward is a criminology and sociology graduate with a passion for journalism that advocates for social change. She began a part-time, NCTJ-accredited Diploma in Journalism course at Darlington College in September 2026. From a working-class background and having grown up on a council estate, Libby is committed to amplifying underrepresented communities. She has a particular interest in gender-related issues and experience working for a specialist domestic abuse charity to promote greater understanding of gender-based violence.

Eve Ford is an English literature and language graduate who recently returned from almost two years of living and travelling in Australia. She began the MA journalism course at the University of Sheffield, aiming to pursue a career in multimedia journalism. While travelling, Eve started a blog documenting the people, places and experiences she encountered. Having grown up in a working-class family in Barnsley and being the first in her family to attend university, she brings a perspective shaped by communities often overlooked in the media and wants to tell their stories with authenticity and empathy.

Lara Lippin is a 24-year-old English graduate from Hastings with experience in freelance writing and production, the arts and charity work. Growing up in one of Britain’s most socioeconomically deprived towns shaped her ambition to pursue journalism and challenge barriers to entering the industry. Writing for Get Hastings developed her interest in storytelling, while her role as assistant producer at The Bright Foundation strengthened her production skills. Supported by the NCTJ, Lara is completing her qualification part-time at News Associates and hopes to work in documentaries and champion diverse voices throughout her career.

Maryam Qutbuddin is a multilingual writer and researcher with a background in history, politics and economics. She completed an MA in history at SOAS University of London, where she contributed to The SOAS Spirit and Anima. Her writing has explored corruption, inequality, poverty alleviation and access to education. As a Muslim woman who has lived in the UK, India and Egypt, Maryam hopes to bring a multilingual and cross-cultural perspective to investigative journalism. She began the part-time NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at PA Media Academy in September 2026.

Abena Oppon is a recent graduate in English Literature, who is starting her NCTJ training in February 2026 through the News Associates fast-track multimedia course. Passionate about and dedicated to music, arts, and culture journalism, she brings diversity into any newsroom through her rigorous commitment to alternative and intriguing perspectives informed by her Black Britishness and literary education.

She is also firmly entrenched in local news in order to uncover stories that are significant to her community

Amina Fardus is set to begin her NCTJ fast track diploma with PA Media Academy in February.  Having graduated from the University of Manchester in Arabic studies and lived experience in the Middle East, her background as a middle class Bangladeshi Muslim woman from East London brings a unique perspective to the journalistic world.

She aspires to delve into investigative and geo-political journalism in hopes to amplify narratives and voices of marginalised groups and bring to light world issues she has experienced and witnessed. Amina is thrilled to have received the funding and mentorship from NCTJ in order to help guide her passion and establish a career in journalism

Barty Roberts is an aspiring journalist from South West England set to begin a post graduate diploma in Multimedia Journalism with News Associates in Twickenham. 

For his undergraduate degree Barty read Politics and International Relations at SOAS, University of London where he was also Editor-in-Chief of the SOAS Spirit. During his time as Editor, the Spirit launched a magazine supplement and as a result of his campaigning also became one of the first British student newspapers to have a paid, non-sabbatical Editorial team. 

Barty is passionate about increasing access to journalism for state-educated and low-income students who are often prohibited from entering the media sector by the frequent early-career financial barriers.

Cameron-Daisy is excited to begin the NCTJ Fast-Track Diploma in Journalism at Glasgow Clyde College in January.

After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2023, Cameron has spent the last three years volunteering with her local radio station, Lomond Radio. This has given her valuable experience and a keen interest in the medium.

Coming from a working-class traveller background, Cameron-Daisy aims to utilise the experience and knowledge gained from the NCTJ diploma to tell stories that represent misunderstood and underrepresented minority groups.

Caragh-Rose is excited to start the NCTJ Fast-Track Diploma at Glasgow Clyde College in January!

Alongside her MA in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, she was Deputy Culture Editor of The Glasgow Guardian, a frequent QMUnicate culture writer, and the Social & Political editor for Noctua.

Hailing from a working-class town, she is very gay and very excited to use her passion for writing, culture journalism and the arts to bring new, unique and underrepresented voices to the foreground

Cristina Trujillo graduated from Queen Mary University of London with a degree in English Literature and Hispanic Studies, having written for student newspapers and magazines including The Arrow and CUB.

With a spoken word passion, they had poetry published in magazines like nthposition, before journalism took centre stage. A journalism internship at Guestlist turned into an Online Editor role.

Cristina went on to be a film and TV journalist at Screen Rant and an environmental and democratic campaigner. Cristina is undertaking an NCTJ to ensure that others from low-income, Latin backgrounds have a voice in the media too.

https://www.instagram.com/cristinaxxt/

David Forrest is a 36 year old sports writer and podcaster from Glasgow starting his NCTJ training at Glasgow Clyde College in January on their fast-track course for 19 weeks.

In 2024, David quit his contact centre job to retrain as a Journalist, enrolling as a HNc student at Glasgow Clyde. Since then, David was nominated for the Herald Student Scoop of the Year for his story revealing the reason behind Lord Willie Haughey’s sudden exit from his role as benefactor of Queen’s Park Football Club, which made the back page of the Daily Record in his debut story.

David is the creator, editor, and regular contributor of Draw, Lose or Draw, an award nominated podcast covering the trials and tribulations of Partick Thistle Football Club. For the last six years, David has created over 300 episodes in a wide array of formats, covering the past, present and future of the club, with guests including former MP Mhairi Black.

David also volunteers for Partick Thistle’s media team, writing match reports for every and contributing articles for their matchday programme as well as pieces Newsquest’s Thistle substack, whilst also championing the club’s #HerGameToo initiative and Proud Jags LGBTQIA+ organisation.

David is keen to get going with the qualification and gain further journalism experience under the mentoring and practical opportunities offered by NCTJ.

Demi is a passionate and committed investigative journalist with a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology and an MA in Digital Documentaries from Cardiff University.
The JDF have given Demi a second chance to achieve the highly distinguished NCTJ qualification after an unfortunate set of circumstances saw her complete a non-accredited postgraduate course.

Demi has worked with both the South Wales Argus and BBC Wales, producing high-quality news in a variety of formats.

As a descendant of the Windrush with a hidden disability, Demi is committed to highlighting underserved voices and producing news which is diverse and serves all communities

Katie is a recent Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (with Intercalated Year) graduate from the University of Warwick. In February 2026, with the support of the Journalism Diversity Fund, she will embark upon her NCTJ in Multimedia Journalism with the News Associates on their fast-track programme in London.

Growing up working-class in the Black Country, one of the most deprived areas in England, Katie is committed to widening representation in newsrooms, using her experiences to deliver fresh angles and tell powerful stories. With wide-ranging interests traversing politics, culture, and more, she has bylines in The Times and Dazed. She has previously served as Editor-in-Chief, Chief Subeditor, and Features Editor at The Boar

Molly is a recent recipient of the Journalism Diversity Fund, set to begin her fast-track training at News Associates in Twickenham this February. Having studied History at the University of Bristol, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of contexts that shape current affairs, she is excited to take the next step into journalism.

Living with ADHD and dyslexia, Molly challenged traditional academic approaches and gravitated towards visual sources, developing a critical awareness of how imagery shapes narratives. Since graduating, she has applied these insights to her work using photojournalism and interviews to seek out stories that challenge the conventional.

Recognising that visuals have become one of the strongest currencies in a modern newsroom, Molly is keen to be at the forefront of this. She is developing her skills in multimedia journalism with the aspiration of becoming an investigative or documentary journalist. Coming from a working- class background, she is committed to reporting on overlooked voices and empowering others with her work.

Oliver Povey will be studying the NCTJ fast-track diploma with PA as he seeks to professionalise his journalism skills.
After graduating with a history degree from UEA, he lived in Madrid from 2020 until 2025. During his time in Spain, he worked for sport paper Diario AS, focusing on football and international news. He has since written freelance for English and Spanish-language publications after moving back to the UK.

Oliver is aiming for a career in sports journalism, blending stories with history and politics. He aims to increase representation for neurodivergent journalists and bring their viewpoints to the forefront.

https://www.olabolob.co.uk/

https://substack.com/@olabolob

Puntid will begin the part-time NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in London in March 2026.

Originally from Hong Kong, Puntid completed her high school education in Manchester and has spent the past five years in Bangkok. She graduated with a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature from The University of Hong Kong.She worked for two years as a writer on the English news team at The Thaiger.

Fluent in Chinese and English, with conversational Thai, Puntid believes her multicultural background and experience will help connect diverse communities, which is essential to inclusive journalism.

https://thethaiger.com/author/puntid

Sadia Shahid will be completing the NCTJ Full-time Diploma in News Journalism at PA Media in early 2026.

Having decided to pursue a career in journalism, she has dedicated her time as a freelance journalist outside of a degree. Having previous experience as a Media Director in Zanzibar to a Social Media Executive at FT Live; Sadia has continued to grow in her career as an aspiring journalist.

Being a British Muslim who grew up in South London with mixed heritage and of working class, Sadia wishes to change the current Media landscape, to create change and share the voices of those around the world.

Shineze Henry Wallace is an aspiring journalist at Sky News, passionate about storytelling across multiple platforms and engaging diverse audiences. In 2024, during her internship, she successfully pitched her first story to the Sky News Entertainment team, leading to a published piece on the viral reality show Badderz UK.

She began her career as a news researcher on Jason Farrell’s team, gaining valuable newsroom experience before progressing to script assistant and assistant floor manager roles. Shineze has developed strong skills in reporting, video production, and digital storytelling.

Now undertaking her NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism, she is focused on producing impactful, inclusive content.