I would like to add my congratulations and best wishes for continuing future success to all the Newham young people who have worked so hard and achieved such excellent results at both GCSE and A levels.

It is so good to see so many young people going onto higher education and the increasing numbers securing places at the country’s top universities.

The transformation of education in Newham over the past 30 years is stunning and a credit to everyone who has contributed to the success. Newham young people now consistently perform and achieve at levels above the national average, when 30 years ago Newham was the bottom of every education attainment league and minimal numbers of young people went on to higher education.

Now our young people can achieve with the best and they have the ambition and aspirations to go on to future successful and fulfilled careers.

My hope is that, as Newham and East London continues to change as a result of the unprecedented and once in a generation opportunities that the areas regeneration is bringing, more Newham young people will wish to stay and be part of the areas regeneration, rather than moving away as soon as they have the resources and ability to do so.

Opportunities here will be second to none, but even better if those who have grown up here and know the area the best, contribute and help shape the areas regeneration.

All decision makers, developers, employers, agencies and organisations need to work together now to make it possible for our young people to live, stay and shape Newham’s future, because so many want to, but practically, feel it is impossible to do so.

Together we can make the change and make Newham an even better place for our young people today and tomorrow. More from Kevin