A STUDENT who was brought up in a Bangkok slum has taken a vital step towards his dream of becoming a human rights lawyer after securing a place at Cambridge University.
Elliot Fletcher, of Shrewsbury, studied biology, American history, English literature and language during his four years at Concord College, Acton Burnell, near Shrewsbury. After gaining three A*s and an A* EPQ, he will now read law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University.
The 18-year-old’s parents were working in Shrewsbury, his father as a GP, before deciding to sell up and move to work in Khlong Toei, Thailand, one of the oldest and largest slums in the world.
Elliot lived there with them from the age of six to 14, attending an international school on a full bursary during the day before returning home to the slum in the evenings.
“It went from being completely privileged at school to huge poverty at home,” said Elliot.
“Our home was a typical wooden shanty house, on stilts, with a tin roof and walkways between them. I remember having to jump out of the way of motorbikes trying to ride down them and also having a pet beetle. But I grew up there, made friends, became semi-fluent in street Thai and I can’t imagine where I’d be today without the experience.”
Elliot returned to England with his family when his nanna was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and given just months to live. Five years later she is now cancer-free and he continues to live with her.
“I applied to Concord College for a bursary and was surprised by its generosity which has allowed me to have an amazing time there,” he said.
“My passion for law stems from my upbringing in a Thai slum as the legal system there isn’t fair to these people. They can’t afford representation and can end up in prison for things they haven’t done, which upsets me.
“There are a huge number of orphanages in Thailand which is incredibly hard for child development. I saw kids being removed from their families because they are poor not because the children are not loved. This is an area where I can really use my talents. I have the drive to do what I think is right.”
At school, Elliot was also able to develop his love for music – he plays guitar, trumpet and Japanese harp, as well as sings – and he has just recorded his second album of experimental folk music.
He also enjoyed performing in college productions including as Belle’s father in Beauty and the Beast.
Principal Dr Michael Truss said: “We are delighted to congratulate our class of 2026 who have all worked so hard to excel and who have achieved truly superb results at A Level. Young people face many challenges and pressures and we hope they will take a moment to enjoy their well-deserved success.”
Thirty-six students this year achieved three A* grades or better and 38 per cent of all grades were A*. Nearly 100 students achieved three As or better.
Dr Truss said: “This is a remarkable testament to the dedication of our students to their studies.”
Among a host of impressive university destinations, nine students have confirmed offers to study at Oxford or Cambridge in the autumn.