Lincoln pupils win NCTJ Into Journalism competition

Pupils from Cleethorpes Academy and John Spendluffe Technology College, Alford, have been named winners of this year’s Into Journalism competition for a project delivered through the University of Lincoln as part of the NCTJ’s outreach initiative.

A highly commended award went to school pupils who took part in the Liverpool John Moores University outreach programme for their impressive work.

The NCTJ’s Into Journalism programme gives 15–19‑year‑olds the chance to experience journalism first‑hand with accredited training centres across the UK. This year, the NCTJ provided funding to five centres to run structured outreach projects helping participants develop practical journalism skills and media literacy, culminating in projects that put their learning into practice.

The winning team from Lincoln created a polished multimedia package featuring a video report, online article and podcast charting their learning journey. They interviewed members of the university rowing club, lecturers and representatives from the Canal and River Trust, gaining hands-on experience that brought their stories to life.

Will Gore, managing editor of The i Paper, judged the competition and praised the standard of work. He said: “It has been a pleasure to read, watch and listen to the work produced by these budding journalists. The quality of their output belied the lack of experience among those who created it.

“But the winning entry for me was that created by the students who took part in the programme at Lincoln University. Their news package examined flooding problems in Lincoln city centre and combined a nicely written, online article with a very well-presented video report and a great podcast which charted the group’s learning experience. Each element was polished in its own right, but the impact was heightened by the way they worked together effectively as a whole. I hope those involved will consider future careers in journalism.”

The judge praised the school pupils who took part in Liverpool John Moores University’s outreach programme for their Scousers Sustainable project, described by the judge as a ‘compelling package” which explored local environmental initiatives in a TV show.

Members of the winning group reflected on how the project inspired them. Abigail said: “Having this opportunity really boosted my confidence and showed me what goes on behind the scenes in journalism.”

Callum added: “It was a fantastic experience. The staff were brilliant and so welcoming. I was most inspired by creating the podcast and taking the photographs for the news article.”

Daisy-Mae reflected: “This made me consider studying journalism at Lincoln. The freedom we were given was great, and I felt very privileged to be able to take part.”

Molly agreed: “My time at the university showed me that journalism is something I’d like to do in the future.”

Launched in 2023, Into Journalism is part of the NCTJ’s commitment to diversity and widening access to journalism. The initiative supports accredited-course providers to give young people practical newsroom experience and build confidence through collaboration with industry professionals.

Samantha Pearson, teacher at Cleethorpes Academy, said: “To see them absorb skills from industry experts and come away with the desire to succeed is exactly what this was all about. Being recognised with this award is sensational and well deserved.”

Tim Greenfield, senior lecturer at the University of Lincoln, added: “We are delighted to have won. This is a tribute to our staff who volunteered their time to run the project, and to the enthusiasm and creativity of the students who produced an excellent package of journalism.”

The winning group received a trophy for their schools, while each student took home a microphone to continue practising their interviewing skills and developing their talents.

Head of qualifications at the NCTJ, Lyn Jones, said: “These pupils have achieved something really special. Our outreach programme is about giving young people the skills and confidence to tell the stories that matter. Their work is a showcase of talent, creativity and teamwork, and we are proud to support centres like the University of Lincoln in showing young people that journalism is an exciting and rewarding career.”