A STATE schoolboy from Hartlepool is following in some of the world’s most famous footsteps after being handed a chance of a lifetime to study at Eton.

Kenny Morgan has just completed his first year at the prestigious college which has taught royalty, prime ministers and stars of screen and stage.

The 17-year-old has just completed his first year at Eton, where he is studying maths, further maths, physics and economics.

The former pupil at Manor Community Academy was the winner of the 2020 Orwell award, named after the famous author who is one of its most glittering old boys. The award is given to up to a dozen youngsters from less privileged backgrounds every year.

The award aims to give winners a transformative educational experience they otherwise would not have been able to access.

Kenny, who hopes to study economics at Oxford, said: “I don’t think too much of the fact that I’m from Hartlepool, it is just such an amazing opportunity.

“You fit right in, and it feels like I have been part of the family here since day one, they treat me like I have been here for a long time.

“The teaching is great because the teachers are really interested and invested in the subjects, this leads to a lot of further activities.

“If you think you can do it, then go for it, if you don’t think you can do it go for it as well, its better than never trying and regretting it.

“I was very hesitant when I signed up, but I visited the school and from then on I had my heart set on it.”

Simon Henderson, Headmaster at Eton, said: “We are looking for talented boys for whom the warmth, rigour and breadth of a residential Eton education will be invaluable.

“We particularly welcome applications from those whose personal circumstances have presented them with particular challenges.”

Applicants will be assessed both on academic potential and against specific criteria such as if a boy has refugee status or is a Looked After Child, if he is the first generation of his family to go to university, if he is in receipt of the Pupil Premium or if he currently attends a school Ofsted has identified as ‘requiring improvement’ or in ‘special measures’.

More on the application process can be found at: etoncollege.com/OrwellAward The deadline for applications is Friday, September 24 2021.