Receiving an offer from the University of Cambridge is a big deal for any student, but for Atal it means more than most.
Not only does it offer the chance to study at one of the UK’s most prestigious universities, but it brings with it the opportunity to plan for the future, a luxury the 18-year-old refugee has never had.
Having fled from Afghanistan with his family, for their safety, he said: “It’s not usual for me to be able to have stable or long-term plans.”
But after arriving in the UK at 16 without any qualifications, and having home-schooled himself for the previous two years, Atal has worked hard for every grade he now achieves.
Growing up, with his dad working as a senior diplomat, the family spent time living in Turkey where Atal’s ambition was always to go to university.
But back in Afghanistan the family were under constant threat, regularly feeling afraid to even leave the house.
“At one stage our house was the target of a terrorist attack, that was just how life was,” said Atal, until they fled the country in 2021.
Now living in Thornaby, life has changed dramatically for the teenager and his family.
Impossible to put the differences into words, he said: “When I think of Afghanistan now, fear is the first thing that comes to mind. It is a country ruled by a regime, where millions are denied their fundamental right to education. I am grateful to be free from the sound of bombs and able to pursue my dream of going to university.”
Studying A levels in maths, further maths and physics, at Bede Sixth Form College in Billingham, along with GCSE English, has helped give him some much-needed stability. And Atal quickly proved himself to be a talented student.
Encouraged by his college tutors to apply for a place at Cambridge, he said: “I am one of those people who likes academia and I like to study. I have very good teachers right now.”
After two years of learning at home, he has thrived being back in the classroom environment.
Modest about his achievements, with an offer to study engineering, he said: “I was shocked to get a Cambridge offer. I didn’t expect it at all.”
When he told his family, he said: “They couldn’t believe it either. It took a few minutes to sink in.” He added: “They are, of course, incredibly proud.”
As for his younger brothers, he hopes to be setting a good example for them too.
Hoping to go on to work in aeronautics, Atal said the plan is now to continue to work hard to make the grade with a top university place to aim for.
He said: “I do have to work hard for what I want to achieve, but I also have the determination.”
After so much upheaval and uncertainty, his biggest hope is that university will give him a place to call home, at least for a while.
