He went from a comprehensive in Wales to one of the world's most elite schools which counts Princes William and Harry among former pupils. Amr Maher, 17, from Cardiff first learned about Eton watching TV soap The Crown during the 2020 lockdown and decided he wanted to go.
Fascinated by the institution, which charges up to £50,000 a year fees, the 16 year-old looked at its website and saw there was a scholarship he could apply for. With the backing of his state school teachers and parents Amr successfully won Eton's Orwell Award, beating more than 150 other applicants, to start in Eton's sixth form in September 2021.
He admits the massive difference between his old school, St Cyres in Penarth, and Boris Johnson’s alma mater was so huge “it hit me like a brick wall”. Not only had Amr left home for the first time to attend boarding school but lessons and activities at Eton go on from breakfast to bedtime and competition is fierce. You can get more education news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
