Outstanding journalists honoured for top results in NQJ exams
The NCTJ has announced the winners of this year’s National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding journalists who excelled in the 2023-24 exams.
This year, 203 candidates sat the exams across three sittings, with a 66 per cent pass rate.
The NQJ examiners’ report, published today, names all the journalists who achieved the qualification across sittings in November 2023, March 2024 and July 2024.
The candidates who gained the highest marks in each exam have been awarded prizes of £750.
Thomas Hardwick, a journalist at the Derbyshire Times, earned the media law and ethics in practice award, supported by IPSO, with an impressive 88 per cent. He was praised for his performance across all sections, as well as his clear understanding of complex legal scenarios and excellent application of ethical principles.
Thomas said: “It’s amazing to have won this award. A lot of hard work went into making sure I was prepared, with no shortage of help from my tutor. It is incredibly rewarding to be recognised for that, especially in such an important area for journalists.”
Charlotte Dewar, chief executive of IPSO said: “Congratulations to Thomas Hardwick for his success in the exam and for winning this award, which we are proud to support. Regulation plays a significant part in fostering credible and robust journalism. His understanding of the regulatory landscape should serve Thomas well throughout his career. We wish him the best for the future.”
Daniel Hordon from The Northern Echo won this year’s practical journalism skills award, supported by Newsquest, with 83 per cent. His ability to craft a clear, engaging story and his sharp news sense stood out.
Daniel said: “I am thrilled to have received this award. It is definitely the cherry on top of the cake after completing my NQJ and becoming a senior reporter. I have been honing my skills in newsgathering and writing since starting at The Northern Echo two years ago, so it is a real honour to have my work recognised in this way.”
The logbook award, supported by Iliffe Media, is this year presented to Hayley Clarke from the BBC, who achieved an exceptional 89 per cent. Hayley’s logbook impressed examiners with its depth and variety, covering a wide range of subjects, from disability rights to child poverty.
Hayley completed the NQJ as a senior apprentice and was recently named an NCTJ ambassador. She said: “I am so happy to have won the logbook prize! My stories focused on underserved audiences, ensuring those often not heard from in the media had their voices amplified. I’m absolutely delighted and excited to see what my future career brings – hopefully in investigative reporting.”
The NCTJ’s annual examiners’ report provides insights into the performance of all candidates across the three NQJ exam sittings in 2023-24.
Commenting on this year’s results, NCTJ chief examiner Andy Martin said: “The results in 2023-24 have been excellent, reflecting a superb standard of journalism in newsrooms up and down the country. Congratulations to everyone who has passed this rigorous, professional qualification and my encouragement to those who were not quite able to get over the line. It will come!”
He also highlighted the crucial role of trusted journalism in combating misinformation: “It is even more important that the digital and printed voice of trusted, professional, trained journalists and mainstream media outlets is heard above all the other noise and distraction.”
He added: “The NQJ qualification is the professional standard for our industry and rightly so.”