Key Points
- 248 students from Tower Hamlets recognised at the Education Awards 2025
- Event held at Mile End Stadium on 27 September 2025
- Mayor Lutfur Rahman and Deputy Mayor Maium Talukdar presented awards
- Awards celebrate academic, leadership, creativity, and social contributions
- Award winners receive certificates and £50 vouchers
- Notable students Harry Watson and Hasin Abdul highlighted for academic excellence
- Tower Hamlets Council’s ongoing investment in youth education and support programmes
- Schools across the borough nominated students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels, or equivalents
What Happened at the Tower Hamlets Education Awards 2025?
As reported by Andrew Brookes of the East London Advertiser, 248 students from across Tower Hamlets were celebrated at the Tower Hamlets Education Awards 2025, held at Mile End Stadium on Saturday, 27 September 2025. The event honoured the dedication, talent, and resilience of pupils nominated by their schools for outstanding achievements both in and beyond the classroom.
The lively ceremony brought together students, families, school representatives, and community leaders in recognition of young people’s accomplishments across various domains.
Who Presented the Awards and What Did They Say?
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, presented the certificates and congratulated the students. As quoted by the Tower Hamlets Council news release, Rahman stated:
“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”.
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Maium Talukdar, emphasised the diverse strengths of the students:
“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, who co-hosted the event, added:
“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”.
Who Were Some of the Awardees and What Are Their Future Plans?
Among the students highlighted, Harry Watson from Bow School was recognised for his hard work towards his A-levels. He achieved three A grades and is preparing to study medicine at Cambridge University. Watson shared his excitement and nervousness about the next chapter: “I’m really excited to be here… 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, was commended for academic excellence and is off to University College London (UCL) to study history and politics of the Americas. He expressed pride and positivity about his education journey: “I feel proud that I’ve been recognised by the council for my school achievements… I’m excited for what’s to come”.
Amina Drici from Stepney All Saints School voiced her gratitude for the event and her school’s support. Amina has recently started sixth form studies and aspires to study medicine in the future.
What Criteria Were Used for Nominations and Awards?
The awards programme captures a broad spectrum of student contributions beyond just academic success. As detailed in Tower Hamlets Council’s official release, nomination criteria included:
- Personal and Academic Excellence: encompassing academic achievement, curiosity, and resilience
- Leadership and Collaboration: including leadership skills, teamwork, and integrity
- Creative and Social Contribution: covering creativity, social engagement, and school/community involvement
These categories underline how the awards celebrate achievement in its fullest sense, acknowledging various forms of student excellence.
What Activities Took Place During the Event?
The Education Awards day featured a range of engaging elements. Students took centre stage in planning and delivering the event, which incorporated speeches, performances, a video presentation, and interactive activities.
The ceremony’s lively atmosphere underscored the collective pride in fostering young people’s development in academic and creative areas alike.
How Is Tower Hamlets Council Supporting Youth Education Beyond the Awards?
The Education Awards are part of a wider strategy by Tower Hamlets Council to invest robustly in the educational journeys of its youth. The council has invested £13.7 million into the youth service programme, Young Tower Hamlets, which offers over 100 free activities across youth centres and community settings.
Notably, Tower Hamlets was the first local authority in the UK to introduce universal free school meals for all primary and secondary pupils, saving families an average of £550 per child annually. Since launching in September 2023, the scheme has provided nearly two million extra free meals to secondary school pupils.
This year, the council also introduced School Clothing Grants to families with household incomes up to £50,350, offering financial support for school clothing expenses.
Which Schools Participated and How Were Students Chosen?
All local authority-maintained, independent, and special schools or colleges in the borough were invited to nominate a maximum of ten learners each, targeting those preparing to sit their GCSEs, A-levels, or equivalent qualifications. This inclusive approach ensures the diversity of student achievements is recognised throughout Tower Hamlets.
What Does This Event Mean for Tower Hamlets and Its Young People?
These awards underscore Tower Hamlets’ commitment to recognising and cultivating young talent, reflecting the borough’s rich cultural diversity and resilience. By celebrating academic achievement alongside character and community contributions, the borough fosters well-rounded growth in its future leaders.
This event, now in its second year, marks an important highlight in Tower Hamlets’ calendar, inspiring schools, families, and young people alike to strive for excellence and positive impact.
