On Friday 19 August 2016, over 150 young people who were high risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) celebrated amazing academic and vocational achievements at a graduation ceremony hosted by the investment bank Nomura, at its headquarters in the City of London.

YouTube celebrity comedian, TV presenter, London Hughes hosted the event at Nomura, inviting young people up to the stage to celebrate their achievements.

The graduation coincided with the release of A Level results the previous day, giving many of ThinkForward’s young people double cause for celebration.

Amariah El-Bashary, 19, from Islington said: “Thanks to my Coach I’ve become more confident and open minded, which has made me more comfortable talking to people. I’ve also learnt that if you are focused you can achieve anything.”

Fatima Begum, 18, said: ‘Being on ThinkForward has been an amazing experience and my Coach helped me to become the person I am today. I’ve learnt that no matter what to never give up.”