Middlesbrough teen, Abdul Bazina, has embarked on his post-16 journey at Eton College after receiving the Orwell Award, a full scholarship that provides full boarding while he studies for his A-Levels in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

Named after George Orwell, who was himself a recipient of a scholarship at Eton, the award is aimed at state school boys and offers a life-changing opportunity for those with academic potential. Applicants are means-tested, alongside considerations of other criteria such as being in receipt of Pupil Premium funding, being the first in the family with the potential to go to university, being a Looked After Child or having refugee status. The school has many notable alumni, including Princes William and Harry, and former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

Now settling into school life, Abdul, a former student of ���ϸ������� Academy Riverside, has been getting involved in many extracurricular activities, including playing football for both his house and school teams, chess, rowing, and fencing, as well as taking piano lessons and editing school scientific magazines. He said:

“Starting at Eton has been a big change. I’m already meeting new people, getting involved beyond the classroom and settling in well. I’m looking forward to making the most of what Eton offers over the next two years.

“The standards here are high, which I’ve found stimulating. Teachers are ready to support me in all my academic and extracurricular interests. I think that’s what makes Eton special: the fact that there is something for everyone. You’re valued for what makes you unique, and if you want to pursue something, it’s right at your doorstep.

“I never once imagined I’d have the chance to go to a place like Eton. Now, after securing the results I wanted, I feel ready for a new challenge.

“I’m immensely grateful for all the support I received at ���ϸ������� Academy Riverside that made this all possible. I’m excited for the path ahead, and I hope that my journey here will encourage others to aim high, no matter where they come from.”

Melissa Brant-Smith, principal at ���ϸ������� Academy Riverside, added:

“Abdul’s success in winning the Orwell Award for Eton is a source of immense pride for our entire school community at ���ϸ������� Academy Riverside. Since arriving, he has embraced every opportunity, and his continued involvement in so many activities is a testament to his drive and character.

“We are excited to see what he achieves next. It's a powerful reminder that with dedication, our students can achieve anything, no matter where they start their journey.”

���ϸ������� Academy Riverside opened in September 2020 and was rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted in June 2023. It is the first free school within the ���ϸ������� family of schools, which allows for flexibility in the curriculum.

Students at the school benefit from prestigious speech and drama qualifications delivered by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), participate in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) programme which gives all students classical instrument tuition and this summer, students joined others from across the ���ϸ������� family of schools to embark on an unforgettable, four-week trip to Cambodia with Camps International. The school also has a Combined Cadet Force programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, which engages students in activities which develop valuable life skills like first aid and navigation, and create a sense of responsibility and service to their community.