Journalism & Creative Writing charity partner to host media masterclass in Falmouth
09 February 2026
The John Schofield Trust, a national charity which partners with Falmouth University, provides mentoring, training and masterclass opportunities for budding journalists. The charity is now set to host its first event in Falmouth, an evening that features an exclusive Q&A with BBC journalist Ros Atkins.
The event, held at The Cornish Bank on Thursday 19 February, will bring together students from Falmouth’s writing, journalism and BA(Hons) Media Production courses and journalists from across the South West for a networking opportunity that is the latest event in the scheme that Falmouth’s journalism courses have been part of since 2023.
The charity, who support early-career journalists living outside of London to build a career in the industry, will be hosting an evening with Ros Atkins, a BBC News Analysis Editor who grew up in Stithians. Talking about the event, he shared: “The John Schofield Trust does brilliant work and I'm really excited to take part in this event, especially as it's so close to where I grew up.”
Ros has been mentoring BA(Hons) Journalism & Creative Writing graduate, Danielle Hutchinson, over the last year, a mentorship which started when Danielle was in her third year at Falmouth. Now, she is helping to create the local event. “I've really enjoyed working with Danielle this past year,” Ros says. “I can't wait to do this event with her. I'm sure she's going to keep me on my toes!”
Over the course of her mentoring, Danielle has graduated from her degree and started a business as a freelance journalist. Reflecting on her experience and how it has helped her to make a career in journalism, Danielle shared: “This mentoring scheme has given me an incredible insight into the industry, with the opportunity to visit the BBC and see for myself how the news reaches our screens. I’m incredibly grateful to my lecturers, Ros and the John Schofield Trust for giving me the confidence and encouragement to pursue a career in journalism.”
Course Leader for BA(Hons) Journalism & Creative Writing and BA(Hons) Media Production, Andy Chatfield, says he is delighted that the masterclass is coming to Falmouth. “It’s wonderful to have Ros coming back to his home county,” he says. “Ros Atkins’ celebrated style of ‘explainer journalism’ has been a feature of the university’s journalism teaching for a number of years.
“This is a special opportunity not only for our students but for anyone interested in the challenges facing journalism to hear insights from a very influential figure.”
Director of the charity, Howard Littler, says that they’re looking forward to bringing the event to Falmouth. “This is the first time the John Schofield Trust has hosted an event in Cornwall so we're really excited to make it happen.
“The event is part of our 'Regional Masterclass' series, recognising how concentrated opportunities are in London - and why it is possible to have a successful career outside of the capital.”
The Trust was founded in 1996 by Susie Schofield, widow of journalist John Schofield who died whilst reporting in Croatia. Over the past 30 years, the charity has supported thousands of early-career journalists to break into the sector, with a particular focus on those from underprivileged backgrounds and without pre-existing connections in the industry.
Outside of journalism, Ros also works as a DJ and recently had the chance to perform at Glastonbury 2025. While in Falmouth, Ros will be bringing his ‘Rave Machine’ show to The Cornish Bank on Saturday 21 February, which will feature a brilliant line-up of DJs. “When I was a teenager growing up in Stithians, I was enthusiastic about journalism and dance music in equal measure,” he says. “To be doing two events at The Cornish Bank, one talking about journalism, the other playing dance music, is quite something.
“I've heard such great things about it as a venue so to be appearing twice in three days is a real honour. Hopefully some people will come along to both!”
External links
Register your place at the John Schofield Trust networking event
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