National Film and Television School Enhances Accessibility for Disabled Students

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Buckinghamshire, UK, is set to introduce nine fully accessible rooms in 2027, marking a significant step towards inclusivity for physically disabled students. Historically, these students faced challenges in accessing both accommodation and campus facilities, with a recent audit revealing 200 inaccessible areas on the site. Hamish Thompson, NFTS disability advocate, emphasized that this initiative will be "massively transformative," allowing disabled individuals to pursue education in a prestigious institution without compromising their living conditions.

The Guardian

The film and television industry has long struggled with representation, as only 12% of TV employees identify as disabled, compared to 18% in the broader labor market. Jack Thorne, a prominent writer, highlighted this disparity during his 2021 McTaggart lecture, describing disability as the "forgotten diversity." He noted that while there has been progress since his address—such as an increase in disabled writers and improved representation metrics—much work remains to achieve full inclusion by 2030. Thorne praised the NFTS for leading efforts in industry training and improving access for disabled students.

The Guardian

The NFTS has seen a notable increase in the enrollment of students with disabilities, rising from 15% in 2021 to 26% in 2025 for MA entrants. This growth is supported by a £10 million government investment, aimed at enhancing opportunities for diverse talent. The new Cubby Broccoli Building, named after the late James Bond producer, will expand the school's facilities by 25% and is expected to open in January 2027. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that this investment reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that "talent is everywhere in this country, opportunity is not."

The Guardian

Despite these advancements, concerns remain regarding the sustainability of inclusivity efforts in the face of industry pressures. Thorne acknowledged that while there is a commitment to diversity, it can become deprioritized during challenging economic times. He expressed hope that the NFTS's initiatives will inspire broader changes across the industry, which remains "horribly London-centric" and predominantly middle-class.

The Guardian

Jon Wardle, NFTS director, reiterated the importance of investing in diverse talent, noting that the school already surpasses industry standards for inclusion, with 33% of its graduates from underrepresented backgrounds. He aims to expand the NFTS's presence in regions like Scotland and Leeds, further enhancing access to training for aspiring filmmakers.

The Guardian

• “Often disabled people are having to choose between studying at a world class institution like this or not studying at all,” — Hamish Thompson, NFTS Disability Advocate

The Guardian

• “We still are nowhere near representative. Spaces need to change everywhere – and attitudes too. We want full inclusion by 2030, we hope it’ll happen.” — Jack Thorne, Writer

The Guardian

• “talent is everywhere in this country, opportunity is not” — Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary

The Guardian

• “It’s a numbers game. The industry is way behind in representation; the more the NFTS brings through, the more likely the industry can get close to parity.” — Jack Thorne, Writer

The Guardian

The NFTS's initiatives represent a crucial step toward fostering a more inclusive environment in the film and television industry, addressing long-standing barriers faced by disabled individuals.

The Guardian