Students who achieved outstanding grades in their GCSE exams have been acknowledged at the annual Colin Pond Trust Scholarship Awards. 

In a glamorous ceremony held at The Broadway Theatre, 52 young people, from 11 schools across the borough, were recognised with a £500 grant each for them to spend during the duration of their A-level studies. 

Now in its third year, the scholarship awards recognise the top GCSE pupils who have chosen to remain in the borough to continue their education after finishing Year 11. 

The evening kicked off with an amazing speech from Paralympian gold medallist Lauren Rowles MBE who told her inspirational and life changing story.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “A child’s future shouldn’t have to be decided based on their background, but on their potential. That is why the Colin Pond Trust Scholarship Awards are so vital for the young people of our borough – not just to give them some financial support but to acknowledge their hard work and commitment.

“We have marvellous sixth forms and colleges in Barking and Dagenham, and I am pleased that so many bright minds choose to continue their learning here.”

One of last year’s winners, Joshua Wood, formerly of Sydney Russell School, said the scholarship was about more than just money for him. 

He said: “It also gave me the validation that I am able to achieve anything that I put my mind to. This award has enabled me to pay for my study resources, relieving the stress that has burdened me for a long time.”

Colin Pond was a councillor in Barking and Dagenham, between 1998 and 2001, who had a lifelong interest in education. Before his death in 2001, he left money in a trust fund to help the young people of the borough continue into further education.

Nine out of ten schools in Barking and Dagenham are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.