A BRIGHT schoolboy who cares for his disabled mum in their council flat has won a scholarship to Eton.
Ilyan Benamor, 15, will rub shoulders with the elite at the world’s most prestigious school which educated Prince William and PM Boris Johnson.
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Ilyan bagged the ￡80,000 scholarship after completing a gruelling three-day assessment, which included three entrance exams and multiple intense interviews Credit: SWNS 5
While his new classmates will have enjoyed lives of luxury and privilege, Ilyan’s has been full of heartache and struggle Credit: SWNS
Ilyan bagged the ￡80,000 scholarship after completing a gruelling three-day assessment, which included three entrance exams and multiple intense interviews.
But while his new classmates will have enjoyed lives of luxury and privilege, Ilyan’s has been full of heartache and struggle.
His mum Lalia, 49, fled war-torn Algeria just before he was born, leaving behind his dad, who was later left in a permanent vegetative state after a hit-and-run accident.
Lalia suffers from a debilitating condition called Functioning Neurological Disorder, which means she struggles with her mobility and has been confined to a wheelchair.
Since the age of 11, Ilyan has been her sole carer in Newham, East London.
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Now his uncle is coming to the UK to help, so he can attend Eton.
Ilyan said: “I am so excited about Eton.
“It feels almost like a dream that I will be going there.”
Ilyan is a graduate of the Community Schools Trust which helps disadvantaged pupils win places at top schools.
Boss Simon Elliott said: “Ilyan is exceptional not just in his intellect but also in his character. He is truly a role model.”
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Ilyan is a graduate of the Community Schools Trust which helps disadvantaged pupils win places at top schools Credit: SWNS 5
Ilyan's mum, Lalia, fled war-torn Algeria just before he was born, leaving behind his dad, who was later left in a permanent vegetative state after a hit-and-run accident Credit: SWNS 5
Lalia suffers from a debilitating condition called Functioning Neurological Disorder, which means she struggles with her mobility and has been confined to a wheelchair Credit: SWNS
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