The children put up ideas for issues like tackling food waste, water safety and human rights.
The awards were part of a programme by UK Social Enterprise Academy that teaches young people how to handle the issues that they care about, while developing their employability skills when they are older.
Primary schools took to the stage at Barking’s Boathouse Studios on the first day, with Hunters Hall in Dagenham winning the best pitch prize of £100.
Other awards went to Dorothy Barley Academy in Dagenham, Manor Junior in Barking, Eastbury Community in Upney and James Cambell in Rippleside.
Secondary schools presented their ideas on the second day, with Eastbury taking home the best pitch £100 award, and Barking Abbey as runner-up.
Other awards went to Barking Riverside, Greatfields in Barking and All Saints in Becontree Heath.
Judges praised the pupils’ “commitment to making a difference” to society.
