Students celebrate their achievements
248 students from across the borough were celebrated at the weekend at the Tower Hamlets Education Awards 2025.
The event, which was held on Saturday 27 September at Mile End Stadium, acknowledged the dedication, talent and resilience of pupils in Tower Hamlets.
The ceremony brought together students, families, schools, and community leaders to honour young people, who had been nominated by their school for their achievements both in and beyond the classroom.
Students receiving an Education Award were presented with a certificate by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, and gifted with a £50 voucher.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“Now in their second year, the Education Awards are quickly becoming one of my favourite moments in our borough’s calendar. Today we recognise not only academic achievement, but also the resilience, creativity, and kindness that make our young people truly inspiring.
“Every student nominated is a credit to their school, their family, and Tower Hamlets as a whole.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, said:
“These awards reflect the diverse strengths of our students – from leadership and teamwork to integrity and innovation. It is wonderful to see their hard work celebrated and to acknowledge the role schools and families play in nurturing their potential. Together, we are helping to shape the future of Tower Hamlets.”
Rochelle Lewis-Geary, Deputy Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and co-host of this year’s Education Awards, said:
“Tower Hamlets is proud to celebrate the achievements of our young people in academics, creativity, leadership, and positive action. As Deputy Young Mayor, I’m honoured to represent a generation ready to lead change, bring fresh ideas, and help make our borough an even better place to live and learn”.
Each local authority-maintained, independent, and special school or college in the borough was invited to nominate up to ten learners, with nominations open to those preparing to sit their GCSEs, A-levels, or equivalent qualifications.
Tower Hamlets Education Awardees
Harry Watson, from Bow School, said:
“I’m really excited to be here. I was nominated for my hard work towards my A-levels, where I achieved three A*s. I’m off to Cambridge University next week to study medicine – I’m feeling a bit nervous but looking forward to getting started. It will definitely be a challenge, but it’s always been a dream of mine to go to Cambridge.”
Hasin Abdul, also from Bow School, said:
“I feel proud that I’ve been recognised by the council for my school achievements. I’m off to UCL to study history and politics of the Americas – I’m feeling really positive about starting the next step in my education, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Amina Drici, from Stepney All Saints School, said:
“I’m very grateful for this event and for my school who got me here. This event has been really well organised, and the decoration looks great. I’ve just started sixth form and am really enjoying it so far, I’m hoping to study medicine in the future.”
Celebrating achievement in its fullest sense
Nominations reflected a broad set of criteria, capturing the many ways young people contribute to their school and wider community. The awards highlight not only academic excellence, but also:
- Personal and Academic Excellence: Academic achievement, academic curiosity, resilience
- Leadership and Collaboration: Leadership, teamwork, integrity
- Creative and Social Contribution: Creativity, social engagement, school contribution
Alongside the award presentation, the day featured speeches, performances, a video and interactive activities, with young people taking centre stage in the planning and delivery of the event.
Ongoing investment in children and young people
The Education Awards are part of a wider support and investment into the educational journeys of children and young people in Tower Hamlets.
The council has invested £13.7million in its youth service, Young Tower Hamlets, which provides over 100 free activities across youth centres and community settings.
It was also the first local authority in the country to introduce universal free school meals for all primary and secondary school pupils, saving families and average of £550 per child, per year.
Since the scheme began in September 2023, around two million extra free meals have been provided to secondary pupils.
This year, the council has also introduced School Clothing Grants, where families with a household income of up to £50,350 can claim £50 per child entering primary school at reception year, and £150 per child entering secondary school at year 7.
Posted on Tuesday 30th September 2025