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Isam Ilyas (Bn 24) and Shiloh Huriso (Hg 24) both Prince Albert Foundation Scholars at Wellington College are celebrating fantastic results in their A Levels.
Isam, who came to Wellington from Forest Gate Community School in East London achieved 1 A* and 3 As in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science and has accepted a place at Imperial College to study Electronic and Information Engineering.
Shiloh achieved 1 A* and 3 As in Geography, Maths, Art and Chemistry and is taking up an offer from Cambridge University’s Murray Edwards College to study Architecture. Previously she attended Cumberland Community School in East London. Both pupils were awarded Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) Scholarships in 2022 – fully-funded places for pupils whose families would not normally be able to access independent education.
Sarah Miller, Head of the Prince Albert Foundation at Wellington College, says “I’m absolutely thrilled by Isam and Shiloh’s results which will give them access to two of the most prestigious universities in the world. They are both the first in their families to attend a UK university, and their determination and hard work have paid off. They have been extraordinary role models, and I look forward to seeing these young people flourish into future leaders in their different spheres, which is what the Prince Albert Foundation is all about.”
After achieving his bachelor’s degree at Imperial, Isam hopes to apply to a US college for his Masters. On his experience at Wellington College, Isam said: “It has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life, filled with new experiences. I’ve really enjoyed learning about life from a different perspective and being surrounded by different people.” 
While at Wellington, Isam took part in the Care for Calais trip where he interacted with refugees and heard their stories. He says “It was eye-opening and made me realise how not everyone has the same journey in life. It is definitely something I would like to do again in the future.”
Azra, Isam’s mum says “I am so proud of Isam and all he has achieved during his 2 years at Wellington. He went to Wellington as a boy and has come out as a well-spoken and enriched young man. Isam’s time at Wellington is the best 2 years of his life and has made him want to achieve more and more! I am over the moon with Isam’s A Level results and can’t thank everyone enough. Isam always felt so welcome at Wellington and loved his boarding House which became his extended family! He has made firm friends and connections for life.”
The Prince Albert Foundation not only offers outstanding academic support but also a breadth of extra-curricular opportunities, alongside additional pastoral support until the age of 25 and access to Wellington Connect, Wellington College’s global professional and social network of nearly 6000+ alumni and parents.
Shiloh used a ‘Life Beyond Wellington’ careers speed networking event to secure work experience at Finchatton architecture firm with OW, Alex Jaggs (Hl 02) where she learned more about the practical and planning side of architecture. She says: “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Wellington, and despite it being only 2 years, it has been life changing. Before joining, there was always the fear that I would not fit in and I would be too different – but that was not the case. I felt so welcome and accepted into the Wellington Community. It has given me a chance to explore myself and grow in confidence.”
Shiloh has thrown herself into all aspects of college life, including taking part in the ensemble for Les Misérables and achieving a distinction in Grade 7 LAMDA. She has tried new sports including horse riding, shooting and squash. She has taken part in Cambridge’s Chemistry Olympiad, C3L6 Challenge and various UK Mathematics Trust competitions achieving Bronze, Silver and Silver respectively. She also used the Bevir Travel Fund (awarded by the OW Charitable Trust) to volunteer in Peru in July, helping with a community construction programme in Cusco and hiking the Inca Trail.
Shiloh’s eventual ambition is to use her architecture licence to design spaces which reflect both the needs of the client and the area they are located in. She has recommended the PAF Scholarship to many others at Cumberland Community School saying “A major benefit is the long lasting connections made once you become part of the Wellington Community – something which is for life. The support I get both in and out of the classroom has been so encouraging. Not only did I grow so much academically, but also personally to explore newfound interests.”
Wellington College offers 10 -15 PAF scholarships per academic year and there will be a combined total of 40 PAF scholars by September 2024.
To see the criteria and to apply for the Prince Albert Foundation please visit www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/admissions/bursaries/
The Prince Albert Foundation
The Prince Albert Foundation is a scholarship programme aimed at widening participation to families who would not normally consider or be able to access independent education, and for whom we can offer a genuine shift in opportunity. Currently there are 10-15 fully funded Prince Albert Scholarships awarded each year, predominantly at 16+.
Find out more about eligibility for the Prince Albert Scholarship.
