PA Media Academy has topped the league tables of apprenticeship delivery success in journalism and public relations, according to Department for Education figures.
The overall Qualification Achievement Rate, a combination of retention and achievement data, for 2023/24 is officially 89%. The national average for all apprenticeships is 65%.
The pass rate for apprentices who complete their programmes at PA is 100%. The Distinction rate is 41%.

PA Media Academy is now the leading Training Provider for both the L5 Journalist and L4 Public Relations and Communications apprentices.
L5 Journalist has a QAR of 89% while the next best provider is 78%. For the PR and Comms apprenticeship, PA Media Academy leads the way with a QAR of 90%, compared with the closest provider at 88%.
Results for apprentices requiring SEN support is 75%, while the national average is 57%.
Apprentices tend to stay with the same employer, with 96% of completers progressing to roles within their organisations.
Head of Apprenticeship Training, Roz McKenzie, says: “These are the best results ever achieved at the academy, demonstrating the dedication of our hard-working apprentices, their employers and our talented team of trainers. High retention levels on the course and ultimately with employers show that apprentices are benefiting from high-quality training and support in an industry that is tough to break into.”
If you’re looking to build a career in journalism or communications through a proven, industry-leading programme, PA Media Academy can help you take the next step.
👉 Find out more about our apprenticeships and how to apply


