Pupils at a school supported by Lehman Brothers today described how the bank's collapse had affected them.

Lehman had forged a 10-year partnership with Oaklands secondary in Tower Hamlets, with bosses buying and converting a new wing for the school, providing volunteers to help teach maths, French and science, and running competitions in public-speaking and art.

The firm also threw open the doors of its Canary Wharf offices for work experience and GCSE revision groups.

One group was even flown out to Lehman's New York headquarters for an educational visit.

Nadirah Begum, 15, said: "When I heard I was doing my work experience at Lehman Brothers I was really scared because I thought I would be discriminated against. It was a really big business but when I went there my supervisor, who was a director at the company, was really nice to me. It was the best experience I have ever had.

"It would be such a shame if they couldn't come any more... because of them I have gained so much confidence. It's changed me, definitely."

Najiah Yasmin, also 15, added: "I really want to work in a bank now."

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