More than 200 students from 24 schools and colleges across the borough were celebrated on Saturday 12 September at the Tower Hamlets Education Awards 2026.
The annual celebration, now in its third year since it was reintroduced in 2024, brought together around 900 guests including students, families, teachers, school leaders and community representatives. The awards recognised the achievement, character and contribution of young people who have demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Award recipients were nominated by their schools and colleges for a wide range of accomplishments, including academic achievement, leadership, creativity, resilience, kindness, and their contribution to school and community life.
Students from local authority-maintained schools, academies, special schools, independent schools and colleges were honoured during the ceremony, which also featured performances, speeches, and activities led by young people.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“I want to congratulate all the students who have won an Education Award this year. We want every young person in our borough to succeed and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them.
“Our Education Awards are just one of the ways we celebrate and show support for young people in our borough. Since reintroducing our Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary schemes, we have provided financial support to around 6,500 young people, helping them continue their education. At the same time, our universal free school meals and school uniform grants are helping to ease the cost pressures faced by families.
“Education remains one of our top priorities, and we’ll continue to invest in children, young people and families, so that everyone has the best opportunity to thrive.”
Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“The Education Awards are about celebrating the determination, ambition and achievements of young people from across our borough.
“These awards recognise much more than academic success. They celebrate students who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges, leadership in supporting others, creativity in expressing themselves, and commitment to making a positive difference in their schools and communities.
“Every student recognised today should be incredibly proud of their achievements. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Cllr Faysal Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, and Life Chances, said:
“These awards showcase the many different ways young people can succeed.
“Behind every award is a story of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and I’m proud of each and every student that has shown us what an incredibly talented young community we have here in Tower Hamlets.
“The Education Awards are also an opportunity to say thanks to all of our teachers and support staff at our schools, as well as parents and carers whose encouragement helps young people reach their full potential.”
Musa Noor, Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many students recognised for their achievements. The Education Award recipients have shown what young people in this borough can achieve when they work hard and believe in themselves.
“Everyone recognised today should feel proud of what they have accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Nominations reflected a broad set of criteria, capturing the many ways young people contribute to their school and wider community.
Alongside the award presentations, the day featured performances, videos, prizes, and speeches from event sponsors Riney and CWG, with young people taking centre stage in the planning and delivery of the event.
The Education Awards form part of the council’s wider commitment to supporting children and young people to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.
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 Tuesday 15th September 2026