THE principal of an east London sixth form has dismissed the “preconception” that disadvantaged students cannot attend prestigious institutions, as the college attempts to help pupils get into some of the best universities in America.
Newham Collegiate Sixth Form (NCS) sent a number of its students to the USA last Saturday (19) for a tour of Ivy League schools – including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia, Harvard, Princeton and Yale – as part of its Ivy League Preparation Programme (ILPP). Under the scheme, students are offered the chance to tour the high ranking schools in the US and also seek additional help with the application process if they wish to pursue higher education stateside.
NCS was set up in 2014 by Mouhssin Ismail, who left his high-flying job in finance law, with the hope that it would offer high-quality education for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since its inauguration, the East-Ham based sixth form has seen success – earlier this year, it was named one of the top one per cent sixth forms in the UK. According to reports, it has seen 95 per cent of its students go on to attend top Russell Group universities in the past two years.
Ismail, known as Mr Ismail to pupils, has become known for his efforts in driving students to reach great heights in their education and beyond.
Dismissing the notion that only a certain “type” of student can attend prestigious institutions, Ismail believes that NCS has “shattered” the perception that the schools are inaccessible to those from less privileged or underrepresented backgrounds.
“When I went round assemblies (after initially setting up NCS), I told students that they could go to Oxbridge, Ivy League schools or even become the prime minister if they wanted to, and you should have seen the looks on their faces – they thought I was talking nonsense,” he recalled. “But we’ve sent two students in three years to Ivy League schools, and it has demonstrated that you can do it – you just need a school that believes it is possible and teachers who can support you in the process.”
The head teacher, who was a winner of the GG2 Spirit in the Community Award in 2018 (hosted by Eastern Eye’s sister title, Garavi Gujarat newsweekly), said he wanted students to have high aspirations and added that offering the chance to apply for Ivy League schools was a way of conveying this.
“What better way to show aspiration than saying you could be a UK student going to an Ivy League School in the USA?” he told Eastern Eye. “It’s pretty much unheard of.”
As most of the NCS students come from families who earn less than £30,000 per year, Ismail was aware that it would mean that students’ would be offered scholarships by colleges in the US.
“If students manage to get in, then they will get their university fees paid for whereas in the UK, they’d have to pay £9,000 a year,” Ismail said. “It was a combination of trying to aspire and get our kids to go to Ivy League universities, and secondly, ensure they’d not pay anything for the school.”
The school supports students throughout the process, besides providing a SAT workshop with a special tutor, NCS also assists with any interview or application processes that the student may need to go through, in addition to helping out with fees.
“The whole cost of the American programme is paid for by us,” Ismail explained. “We want to remove any impediments to them applying as it is quite an expensive process.”
Former NSC student Mohammed Isuf Ahmed was accepted to study physics and aerospace engineering at MIT earlier this year. Ahmed, 17, was offered places at both MIT and Harvard University. The teenager, who lived in a tiny flat with his mother and two younger brothers in east London, accepted a £250,000 scholarship at MIT, a position he took up last month.
The path to MIT came after he attended the sixth form’s ILPP. It gave Ahmed an insight into university life overseas, as he had the chance to attend lectures and meet current students. He realised that the highly prestigious Ivy League schools “weren’t places for the super-rich kids of the world.”
“I met and learned about people who had come from similar backgrounds and realised that if they can succeed at MIT, then perhaps maybe I can too,” he said.
Prior to the tour, NCS also arranged for a specialised SAT tutor to travel to London and meet students for a week-long workshop. For Ahmed, meeting tutor Alan Sheptin played a large role in his success story. He recalled the experience with Sheptin as the “best thing” that NCS
offered.
“I need to mention Mr Ismail too,” he added. “He believed in me and my ability to get into these universities when I thought I had no chance, and he pushed me to do the best I could.” In 2017, another NCS student, Tafsia Shikdar, was accepted to study engineering and physics at MIT. It was Shikdar’s success that spurred Ahmed to choose NCS over other sixth forms.
“It’s nice to think that maybe other kids will now see both Tafsia’s and my story and be inspired to go to NCS and believe they can get into MIT or Harvard or any top universities too,” he said, adding that he had received a number of messages from people who were curious about his experiences.
Now that Ahmed has settled into MIT, he has described the experience as “sensational”. Calling it the “best decision he has ever made,” Ahmed has praised everything he has encountered, including the facilities and the people he has met along the way. He is feeling positive about his future.
He said: “I really feel like that in four years’ time I will be an expert in the fields I want to be an expert in.”
On what he would tell other students considering a move to the US, Ahmed emphasised that if “you get a chance to go, take it.”
“It will not only help you grow as a person,” he said, “but you will experience things and do things that you would never be able to if you stay in your comfort zone.”
Uber Eats and Deliveroo will tighten ID checks, including facial verification, to curb illegal migrant work after UK government pressure. (Photo: Getty Images)
FOOD delivery companies Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat have agreed to strengthen security measures, including facial verification checks, to prevent irregular migrants from working through their platforms, following criticism from the UK government.
The announcement came after the Labour government summoned the three firms for a meeting in response to a report by The Sun which exposed how some migrants were bypassing rules and working illegally in the gig economy sector.
Although the companies already have controls to verify workers’ legal right to work in the UK, the Home Office said "there continues to be abuse in the sector" through account sharing.
Facial verification checks to be expanded
According to the government, many asylum seekers who cross the Channel and await decisions on their asylum claims are using verified delivery driver accounts rented from others to work illegally. These individuals do not have the legal right to work while their claims are pending.
The Home Office said the delivery platforms have “agreed to increase the use of facial verification checks” to ensure “only registered account holders can work off their platforms.” The companies also committed to “combat illegal working”.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal working across the board,” said Border Security and Asylum minister Angela Eagle.
Immigration pressure and proposed legislation
Prime minister Keir Starmer has faced pressure from the anti-immigration Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage to reduce irregular migration. A new immigration bill currently before parliament seeks to expand police powers against smuggling networks and tighten work eligibility controls.
Since January, over 19,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats to reach the UK from France, marking a record number for this point in the year despite efforts to deter such journeys.
French officials, including former interior minister Gerald Darmanin, have said that the availability of illegal work opportunities in the UK continues to act as a pull factor for migrants making the crossing.
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Joseph has chaired several BRIT Awards shows and was an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 documentary Amy.
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS (RSA) has announced the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its next chief executive officer. He will take over the role in September, succeeding Andy Haldane.
Joseph previously served as chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK for 17 years. During his time at the company, he oversaw its transformation into a global exporter of British music and worked with several major international artists.
He began his career in advertising before moving into music, where he held roles in artist development and label management. He became chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK in 2008.
Alongside his commercial career, Joseph has been involved in a number of social and cultural initiatives. In 2019, he launched Universal Music’s Creative Differences initiative, which produced the first industry handbook for supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. The handbook has been adopted by more than 200 organisations globally.
He is a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, a group focused on climate issues in the cultural sector, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years. In 2013, he collaborated with Baroness Doreen Lawrence to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder through the Unity project. He also serves as Chair of the Grenfell Foundation.
Joseph has chaired several BRIT Awards shows and was an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 documentary Amy.
RSA Chair Sir Loyd Grossman said: “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary.
“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world. These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
Commenting on his appointment, Joseph said: “The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential. At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change - uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global Fellowship to spark ideas that shape society. I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together.”
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People take part in a protest against disability welfare cuts on June 30, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
DOZENS of Labour MPs are expected to vote against the government’s welfare reforms despite recent concessions aimed at easing opposition.
The government had initially planned to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (Pip) but later said the stricter rules would only apply to new claimants from November 2025.
Ministers also promised a review of the Pip assessment process, in partnership with disability organisations, due to conclude by autumn 2026.
More than 120 Labour MPs had signed an amendment to block the legislation, though a revised amendment supported by 39 MPs and backed by disability charities remains active.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC her party would oppose the bill, saying, “The benefits bill is too high. It was £40bn just before Covid. It is now projected to be a £100bn by 2030. And what Labour is doing is not making any savings at all.”
Labour MP Olivia Blake, who opposes the reforms, told BBC Newsnight, “I strongly believe that these kind of punitive measures of cutting welfare are not going to have the outcomes that we've been told they will.”
According to Department for Work and Pensions modelling, the revised proposals could push 150,000 people into poverty by 2030, down from an earlier estimate of 250,000.
Sir Stephen Timms, who will lead the review, told BBC Newsnight the government’s measures would help reduce poverty and make Pip more sustainable.
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Sudha Murthy and Karan Johar
Image Credits: Barkha Dutt / We The Women / Mojo Story
The acclaimed women-led festival We The Women, curated by veteran journalist Barkha Dutt, made its powerful UK debut on June 29 at London’s Riverside Studios. Presented in partnership with Vedanta, the event brought together transformative voices from India and the British-Indian diaspora, showcasing unfiltered, emotional, and often raw storytelling.
Among the standout moments was Rashmika Mandanna’s candid discussion on her values-first approach to fame. The actor received thunderous applause when she shared, “I’ve said no to scripts because they required me to smoke. If I don’t feel good about something, I won’t do it.” Her firm stance echoed the festival’s core ethos, prioritising authenticity over popularity.
Sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar reflected emotionally on one of the most poignant chapters of her life, being Grammy-nominated alongside her legendary father, Pt. Ravi Shankar. Just weeks before the ceremony, he passed away, leaving Anoushka and her sister, Norah Jones, to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf, a moment marked by both immense pride and profound loss.
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared an intimate glimpse into the challenges of raising twins as a single father. He moved the audience to tears, recalling how online trolls questioned his parenting. “One night, I asked them, ‘Are you happy?’ They replied, ‘Yes, because you’re our dada.’ That gave me strength,” he revealed.
Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan opened up about her personal life, including a burglary incident involving her husband Saif Ali Khan and the pressures of being part of Bollywood royalty. “People expect perfection, but I’m learning to be okay with being just me,” she said with grace.
Karan Johar and Smriti Irani
Sudha Murthy, author, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP, shared insights from her multifaceted life rooted in simplicity. “I still carry my own utensils when travelling abroad,” she said, underscoring that true impact comes from empathy, not extravagance.
In his characteristic eloquence, Shashi Tharoor blended literature, diplomacy, and politics. He reflected on India’s recent anti-terror operation, describing “Operation Sindoor” as a culturally resonant yet measured response. Tharoor called for global unity against terrorism through accountability rather than aggression.
The evening concluded with Union Minister Smriti Irani recounting her extraordinary journey from selling perfumes on Delhi’s streets with ₹200 to holding a place in the Union Cabinet. “Resilience above all,” she declared, inspiring the audience with her story of grit and determination.
In Session 1, the changemakers featured were Prav Kaur, Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, and Souparnika Nair. TS Anil, Akash Mehta, and Rahi Chadda participated in a fireside chat with Mallika Kapur. Session 2 included Sindhu Vee, Meera Syal, and Priya Agarwal Hebbar. Last but certainly not least, the event was honoured by the special presence of Anil Agrawal, the visionary founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited.
From stories of parenting and politics to advocacy, authenticity, and resilience, We The Women proved more than just a festival, it was a celebration of real lives, struggles, and voices that matter. As Barkha Dutt aptly noted, “This isn’t about celebrities, it’s about courage.”
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Rescue workers look for survivors after an explosion and fire at a chemical factory, in Sangareddy, Telangana, India, June 30, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)
THE DEATH toll from the explosion and fire at the Sigachi Industries chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana, has risen to at least 39, officials said on Tuesday, as rescue teams continued clearing debris for a second day.
The explosion occurred on Monday and turned large parts of the building into rubble. State authorities confirmed the toll had risen to 39, Reuters reported. Thirty-four others were injured in the incident, according to officials.
Factory building collapsed completely, says fire official
Telangana state chief minister Revanth Reddy visited the site on Tuesday. A video released by his office showed twisted metal and wreckage at the factory site. Reddy’s office said a five-member committee had been formed to investigate the cause of the explosion. The company has not yet disclosed the cause.
GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana fire disaster response service, told Reuters, “We are still clearing the debris. Once we are all done with the clearing, only then we will be able to assess if any other body is still remaining under the debris or if it is all clear.” He confirmed that the building had completely collapsed.
District administrative official P Pravinya said more than 140 people were working at the factory when the incident occurred. Twenty-five of the deceased had not been identified.
Eyewitness account of blast and escape
Chandan Gound, 32, who had been working at the factory for six months, said he escaped after hearing a loud blast while outside the building.
“It sounded like a bomb blast. I came out and saw fire. A part of the fire also spread towards me. I jumped the wall and escaped,” he told Reuters. “Many of them managed to escape, but a large number were trapped and could not come out.”
Sigachi shuts plant for 90 days, stock falls 8 per cent
Sigachi Industries supplies microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and specialty chemical sectors, serving clients in countries including the United States and Australia. The Telangana plant contributes a little over a fourth of the company’s total production capacity of 21,700 million metric tons per annum.
In a statement, Sigachi said, “The incident has unfortunately resulted in the loss of human life.” The company said the plant had been shut for 90 days from Monday due to damage to equipment and structures. The facility is fully insured and claims are being initiated.
Shares of Sigachi dropped about 8 per cent on Tuesday and were on track for their sharpest two-day fall on record.
India’s industrial safety record under scrutiny
Industrial accidents are frequent in India, with experts citing poor planning and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people died and four others were injured in a fire at a fireworks factory in the Sivakasi manufacturing cluster in Tamil Nadu, a fire department official said.