Six fantastic grads win at NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2025
Six News Associates graduates scooped top prizes at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2025.
Our grads won across sports journalism, top scoop, features, data and equality, diversity and inclusion – from a record 550 entries.
The awards recognise journalism trainees and graduates on NCTJ-accredited courses who are making their mark in the industry.
Remote course trainee and freelance journalist Sharon Browne-Peter won the equality, diversity and inclusion award (individual) for her storytelling informed by her experience living with sickle cell disease.
Her documentary ‘The Lifeline Conversations’ explores what living with sickle cell is like, the power of lived experience, and the need for blood donation.
The award, sponsored by the Financial Times, celebrates journalists making newsrooms more diverse and inclusive.
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Sharon said: “I had no idea that my interest in social media, video editing, writing, and raising awareness for causes would be the perfect foundation for my journey into journalism, which began in 2022.
“It’s a deeply vulnerable position to report on a condition you personally live with. At the same time, that lived experience gives you an understanding of its nuances that no one else can quite replicate. There’s a depth, a sensitivity, and a truth that comes from telling a story you know from the inside.
“So my biggest takeaway is this: your story carries weight, even when it feels difficult to share. There is purpose in your perspective, power in your voice, and impact in your honesty. And sometimes, the very thing that feels most personal is the thing that connects most widely.”
Another News Associates graduate, Jasmine Trapnell, was commended in the same category.
Elsewhere, freelance journalist and sports journalism course graduate Alexander Lancaster-Lennox won the student sports journalism prize.
Alex said: “I’m hugely grateful to have been awarded the student sports journalism award at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.
“I want to congratulate all the other winners and nominees – there was some fierce opposition! I want to thank News Associates for opening the door to opportunities such as The i Paper, whose guidance during placement allowed me to write an (award-winning) portfolio that I am incredibly proud of.”
You can read Alex’s winning pieces below:
‘I’m a 99-year-old Swansea City fan – this is the worst I’ve seen us in decades’
‘Attempted manslaughter’: Why do idiots keep throwing things at pro cyclists?’
‘We want to enjoy the jersey again’: The new era for Welsh women’s rugby’
Fellow sports journalism course alumni and freelance sports journalist Jasmine Trapnell was commended in the student sports journalism category. You can read her work here:
‘Almost half of sportswomen experience breast injuries but few report them’
Blaise Cloran, The Telegraph, won the student top scoop award with her article ‘Groomer’s paradise. Pervs bombarded my girl, 12, with over 1,000 sexts after she joined Tinder-style kids’ app… it’s a haven for paedos.’
Before the awards, she said: “I am so delighted to be nominated and recognised for the Top Scoop award. I could never have kickstarted my journalism career without the help of News Associates and all the tutors there.”
Freelance journalist Jodie Yettram won the corresponding trainee top scoop award, making it a clean sweep for News Associates graduates.
Jodie’s winning entry was titled, FOCUS: Expectant mums “devastated” over home birth service suspension
Nia Price was highly commended for her scoop, “I was a shopping addict – it needs to be taken more seriously”
All three of the shortlisted journalists for the data award trained at News Associates, and it was part-time course graduate Adam Termote who clinched the top prize.
Speaking of his shortlisting, Adam said: “I’m usually getting the quotes rather than giving them! It’s nice to be in the story for a moment and acknowledge everyone’s achievements – well done to everyone shortlisted.”
Adam’s winning data journalism story can be read here – Thousands of tonnes of plastic waste leave London ports each year
Alongside Adam, The Times journalist Yennah Smart was highly commended for her piece, Why age isn’t just a number when it comes to the ideal partner.
And freelance journalist Tacita Quinn was commended for her article, National Theatre has made strides in improving gender diversity – but is it enough?
The student feature writer category was also dominated by News Associates alumni from our undergraduate, in-person full-time and remote part-time courses.
The School of Journalism graduate Emma Butterworth was awarded the prestigious title – which was won by News Associates grad Elysia Taylor-Hearn in 2024.
Emma, a journalist at Reach, said: “It feels reassuring to be reminded that hard work does pay off!
“This also goes to show just how important the constant guidance and support offered to me at News Associates and The School of Journalism was. Top notch training from the best in the business!”
You can read Emma’s winning stories here:
‘I always thought vaping couldn’t hurt me’: Are e-cigarettes really a safer alternative?
Hidden barriers: Analysing inequalities in further education from personal anecdotes
Yennah Smart’s highly commended features can be read here:
My boyfriend gave me his Hinge data — I was amazed by what I found
How barn dance is helping Gen Z to beat loneliness
And you can see Owen Thomas’ commended features here:
‘A euphoric experience’: What I learned at the first-ever Manchester Fetish Weekend
“I saw their life in music”: Bolton Cancer Voices choir
News Associates course director Graham Moody said: “I am delighted to see so many of our trainees being recognised for their hard work.
“It’s great to see a range of journalism being celebrated.”
News Associates course leader Tom Holmes said: “Massive congratulations to all our trainees and grads.
“This is a testament to the News Associates team’s dedication to journalism training.”
The NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2025 ceremony, sponsored by Reuters, took place at the Brighton Dome on Tuesday March 24, 2026.