Grant awardees celebrated with the Mayor and Trust
£250K in grants has been awarded to residents through the Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust (THCWFET), to help cover the costs of pursuing further education and training opportunities.
A total of 75 residents have been awarded grants to support a range of qualifications, including further and higher education courses, postgraduate study, and professional and vocational training.
The grants are provided through the long-standing partnership between Tower Hamlets Council and CWG, which has helped more than 4,500 local residents access education and training opportunities since it was established in 1990.
Successful applicants were recognised at a special celebration event attended by recipients, their guests, trustees of THCWFET, and representatives from Tower Hamlets Council and CWG.
The event was opened by Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, and Shobi Khan, Chief Executive Officer of CWG. Guests also heard remarks from Deputy Mayor Maium Talukdar, Trustee of the Trust, and Neil Griffiths, Chairman of the Trust.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Council, said:
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for improving life chances. These grants are helping residents overcome financial barriers and pursue opportunities that can transform their futures.
“I am delighted to congratulate this year’s recipients and want to thank our partners at CWG for their continued commitment to supporting the aspirations of Tower Hamlets residents.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets and Trustee of the THCWFET, said:
“We know that financial pressures can prevent talented people from continuing their education. These grants provide practical support that enables residents to develop their skills, achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s successful applicants. I wish them every success in their studies.”
Shobi Khan, Chief Executive Officer of CWG, said:
“Education changes lives, and our partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets demonstrates the power of public and private sector collaboration. Through the THCWFET grant, we are supporting 75 students today and more than 4,500 since the programme began, helping local residents gain the skills and qualifications they need to access future employment opportunities.
“By investing in education and skills, we are helping create lasting pathways into work and supporting a positive impact that extends beyond Canary Wharf.”
The grants compliment the council’s broader financial support offer for children and young people, helping ensure they have the best possible opportunities in life.
Last year, the council introduced universal school uniform grants for families with children entering primary and secondary school, and this year it has expanded the scheme to include children moving into Years 3 and 10. Families with a household income of up to £60,000 can apply for support.
Tower Hamlets was also the first local authority in the country to provide universal free school meals for both primary and secondary school children, saving families on average £550 per child, per year.
It is also the only council to have restored the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) alongside providing university and college grants. The next round of funding will launch for applications later this month.
Posted on Wednesday 9th September 2026