From Seoul to Eton: Matthew's journey to King’s Scholar
By Felix Lahiff
Matthew’s mentor
Matthew grew up and studied in Seoul, attending British Education Korea, where he was part of a small, tight knit community.
While he valued the support and familiarity of this environment, Matthew was always drawn towards a greater academic challenge. Since beginning school, he aspired to study in the UK, motivated by a deep love for the English language, the breadth of opportunity and the academic culture that the UK school system offers.
Matthew found that English came naturally to him in a way that Korean did not. A keen reader with a voracious appetite for literature, philosophy and history, he dreamed of becoming a writer. His love of ideas, discussion and expression fuelled a desire to immerse himself in an environment that would stretch him intellectually and surround him with peers from all over the world. For Matthew, Eton represented not only academic excellence, but also the opportunity to refine his thinking, challenge his assumptions, and develop as a scholar surrounded by other likeminded individuals.
I worked closely with Matthew for nearly two years in preparation for the Eton King’s Scholarship, one of the most demanding examinations anywhere in the world. Our work together was broad and multifaceted, beginning with Latin, a subject Matthew had never previously studied, and extending into essay writing, interview preparation, history, philosophy and theology. The aim was not simply to prepare him for an exam, but to help him develop habits of consistency outside the classroom, alongside the depth of thought required to engage confidently with unfamiliar ideas and complex questions.
What stood out to me most was Matthew’s curiosity and his desire for excellence. He approached learning with genuine enthusiasm, seeing each session as an opportunity to explore rather than a task to complete. That curiosity, combined with a clear long-term goal, gave him the internal motivation that allowed him to grow rapidly - developing the confidence to range across topics in interview, produce essays that were original, and engage deeply with Latin. My role was to harness this passion and curiosity and guide it into disciplined skill, allowing Matthew to turn originality and creativity into well-structured essays, precise Latin prose and elegant, articulate speech that showcased the very best of his ability.
Matthew ultimately secured the Eton King’s Scholarship as one of only a small number of successful candidates and notably, the only recipient studying outside the UK at the time. While other students were already beginning preparation within British prep schools, Matthew achieved this while studying in Korea, supported by Oppidan Korea.
His journey reflects the power of curiosity when nurtured by the right mentor and driven by a clear goal. Matthew’s success is not only a testament to his academic ability, but also to the importance of passion, ownership, and joy in learning. With the right guidance, a student’s natural curiosity and creativity can be shaped into powerful academic skills, enabling them to reach their full potential and perform at the highest level.