A Plaistow college principal has been recognised for his work with an honorary doctorate in education from the University of East London.

Eddie Playfair, who is in charge of Newham Sixth Form College, or NewVIc, said he was “deeply honoured” to receive the award.

“It’s coming from a great east London institution,” he said. “This is a university that’s deeply rooted in its community.

“It reflects and celebrates that community while also having a national and global reach.”

Mr Playfair, who grew up in London, started his career as a science teacher at a secondary school in Walthamstow.

He moved into further education in 1996 when he became head of science at Tower Hamlets College, and was appointed principal of NewVIc in 2008.

Mr Playfair said he hopes that he’s helped create a culture of ambition, achievement and inclusivity at the Prince Regent Lane college which, with 2,500 students, is one the largest sixth forms in the country.

This year, it saw 72 of its students progress to study at UEL.

The former Waltham Forest councillor, who served between 1986 and 1990, has a keen interest in politics and is a former chair of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association.

He told students graduating at indigo at the O2: ““On occasions like this it’s a moment to be proud. So be proud of what you have achieved. Be proud of your culture, your family, your language, your beliefs, your educational achievements, your wider achievements.

“Be proud of everything you’ve done, everything you’ve achieved so far. But don’t stop there. Become what you’re capable of becoming, which is so much more.”