A sixth form student who was stabbed twice and homeless throughout his studies, has been given a place at one of the world's top accountancy firms. 

Benny Zahid, was reeling with excitement this morning as he picked up his A level results from Highams Park Sixth Form in Handsworth Avenue. 

The 19-year-old, who never saw himself achieving A levels, has transformed his life over the past two years while living at the YMCA in Forest Road, Walthamstow. 

He excelled beyond expectations and went from a predicted C grade in business studies to an A* and achieved a grade higher in both design and technology (D&T) and media studies. 

As a result of getting an A*, a B in D&T and C grade in media studies, he now has the opportunity to work towards becoming a chartered accountant at KPMG or study at London's Kings College or Queen Mary University. 

Since the age of 16 he has lived on his own after leaving his mother's home as a result of mixing with the wrong crowd in Chingford.

The same year he become homeless, he was stabbed in the abdomen as he prepared to leave Rushcroft School in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, and start at Highams Park Sixth Form. 

Despite making a full recovery, his turbulent lifestyle resulted in him dropping out in the first year and working 7 days a week in retail.

He said this was where he learnt that education was the way forward. 

At the start of his final year studies in September, he was then stabbed again but this time in the chest while living at the YMCA. 

He said: "The second time was more life-threatening. 

"I was in hospital for four days but two days after being discharged I went straight back to school. 

"I knew I had to get into university - my aspirations got higher and higher. 

"I never thought I would do A levels.

"It was quite difficult for me with the people around me, I got involved with things I shouldn't have. 

"Living at the YMCA made it hard to focus on studying, every day I got home there would be some sort of drama."

He thanked the staff and his family for their support.  

Adding: "The staff have all been amazing and so thoughtful. 

"I can't explain how supportive they have been. 

"My uncle always pushed me to be the best and get an education. 

"Over the past year, my dad has been really supportive and our relationship has got so much stronger.

"I've realised my previous lifestyle was pointless. 

"There are too many opportunities out there and too many people looking to impress - you have just got to get your head down and do it for yourself."

Mr Zahid beat off 3,000 hopefuls and endured a seven-stage recruitment process to be one of 147 candidates accepted onto the KPMG scheme.  

He moved out of the YMCA into his own flat two weeks after his final exam and has recently launched his own clothing brand- Style on Them.