“All the many journalists who interviewed me after the horrifying event of his murder wanted to know how ‘good’ he was as a student.” said headmaster Chris Dunne of Langdon Park School, Poplar.

“I was able to say without hesitation that he was very able, looking forward to GCSE results at a very high level and very capable of going on to achieve the kind of grades which would have secured him a place at any one of our best universities.”

Dunne praised the youngster for his generosity and perseverance: “He regularly attended the extra classes and revision sessions run by his teachers, even when he probably didn’t need their help any longer. His friends could rely on him for help if they needed it, not for arrogance or scorn.”

“Our school, our community, our country has just lost one of its brightest prospects and we are all rightly shocked and depressed by it. The best comfort we can take from it is that, for however a short a time, those of us that knew Ajmol knew a very splendid young man and a fine citizen.”

School friend Tareque Alom, 16, told The Telegragh: “He was humble, he was never arrogant with his all his grades and was always willing to help others who didn’t understand.” 

Ajmol Alom, 16, known as AJ, was stabbed in the thigh by a gang on August 12. His friend Azime Rob escaped with injuries to his face.

Aminur Nazir Khan, 19, from Poplar has been charged with Alom’s murder and the attempted murder of Rob, according to Sky News.