Academic who’s taught more British newspaper journalists than any other puts down pen after 35 years at leading Cardiff journalism school

A Cardiff University lecturer who's thought to have taught more British newspaper journalists than any other has officially put down his red pen after 35 years at the helm of one the UK's longest-running and most successful journalism courses

David English – whose alumni include many of the UK's journalistic elite at outlets including The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Daily Mirror and the BBC, as well as regional newspapers across the country - will this summer retire from his role as Newspaper Director at the University's School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.

During his time at the School – ranked the UK's top journalism school in the Guardian's University Guide for 2016 - David has overseen the training of more than 1000 journalists, many of whom now occupy the top roles in British newspaper journalism.

Over the past three decades, he has overseen the School's transition from a small editorial preparation centre to the internationally-renowned, multi-disciplinary media training ground that it is today.

During this time, the centre has adapted to position itself at the forefront of digital developments, while retaining its commitment to the core, steadfast values of good journalism.

Fondly known by alumni for his love of Cardiff Blues Rugby Club and notoriously direct feedback on students' work – always penned in red ink – David's no-nonsense, but humorous and fair, teaching style has earned him a fond reputation among students and colleagues.

A graduate of Modern History from Oxford University, he initially trained as a journalist with Thomson Regional Newspapers (now Trinity Mirror), on the Belfast Telegraph and then The Journal, Newcastle. In 1980, he then took up a role as Public Administration tutor at the Thomson Editorial Training Centre in Cardiff, before joining the (then) Centre for Journalism Studies at Cardiff University.

Professor Richard Sambrook, Director of Cardiff University's Centre for Journalism, said: "More British newspaper journalists are thought to have been trained by David English than by any other person. It's a remarkable track record and achievement. One of David's highest forms of praise is to call someone "a real journalist". David is a journalist's journalist.

"The vigour and strengthof British newspaper journalism is revered across the world and David's played a key role in upholding and instilling this reputation through all of the students who've passed through the School's doors.

"He's been an influential presence for many young journalists through what is one of the most formative years of their career and, as such, is held in extremely high regard."

David's replacement has been announced as Michael Hill, whose near 20-year career as a journalist includes time spent as Editor of the South Wales Echo and as Head of Multimedia for Trinity Mirror.