Ella Owen
“The Careers Team played a major role in helping me understand my options. Head of Careers, Miss Harrowes, in particular, dedicated enormous time and care to helping us strengthen our personal statements. She never tired of our questions or redrafting — she was patient, focused, and genuinely invested in helping us succeed.”
Defining Real World Success
Real world success, to me, is deeply intertwined with happiness — loving what you do, feeling excited to start each day, and finding fulfilment in the opportunities around you. My time at Hammersmith Academy nurtured my creativity, curiosity, and confidence, helping me make crucial decisions that shaped the path I’m on today.
One of the defining experiences for me was taking part in the annual school musicals. Whether performing on stage or helping backstage, those productions gave me a real sense of purpose and joy. Collaborating on a creative project with such a dedicated group strengthened my confidence and made me feel capable of achieving something meaningful. It was one of the first times I thought, If I can do this, I can do anything.
Before Sixth Form, I hadn’t seriously considered university. But through open days, careers fairs, and conversations with the Careers Team, HA helped me realise that there was a place for me in higher education. I discovered a subject I loved — Politics and International Relations — and eventually found the perfect environment for me at the University of Manchester.
Preparation for University, Careers and Life
The skills I developed at HA have played a huge role in preparing me for both university and my career. Critical thinking was one of the most valuable. In my current role, I’m constantly problem-solving, adapting to shifting priorities and juggling responsibilities. That ability to think practically and respond quickly is essential — and those foundations were built at HA.
Small class sizes in Sixth Form meant more personalised guidance from teachers, who were incredibly supportive. Whenever I faced a dilemma or needed advice, there was always someone willing to share their experience and help me move forward. That consistent support made a lasting impact.
Those lessons not only strengthened my academic confidence but also prepared me for the expectations and pressures of the real world. When I started university and later transitioned into work, I felt “ahead of the game” because HA had already taught me how to manage deadlines, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively.
A Window into the World of Work
One of the most inspiring aspects of Sixth Form was the weekly Insight Programme. Each week, speakers from a wide range of professional backgrounds — law, journalism, politics, design, science, the arts — came to share their experiences. These talks opened my eyes to the variety of paths available and made different careers feel accessible and exciting.
The Careers Team played a major role in helping me understand my options. Head of Careers, Miss Harrowes, in particular, dedicated enormous time and care to helping us strengthen our personal statements. She never tired of our questions or redrafting — she was patient, focused, and genuinely invested in helping us succeed.
That personalised support not only helped me secure a place at Manchester but also gave me confidence navigating opportunities beyond school. HA encouraged us to ask questions, explore pathways and take our ambitions seriously.
Opportunities That Made the Difference
Looking back, the experiences beyond the classroom shaped me most. The school musicals gave me a huge boost in confidence, but so did sports teams, the Year 8 Battlefields trip to Belgium, and the Outward Bound expedition in Wales. Each one pushed me to grow in different ways.
In Sixth Form, I became a peer mentor for a younger student going through a difficult time. Supporting them helped me develop empathy, patience, and resilience — qualities that continue to guide me today.
Community was everything at HA. It’s where I made lifelong friends and where I was taught by incredible teachers who went above and beyond for us. Their belief in me helped shape who I am now.
The diversity of the Academy also prepared me for my career. Working for a Member of Parliament requires strong interpersonal skills — supporting constituents, engaging with stakeholders, and navigating complex conversations. The empathy and open-mindedness I developed at HA have proven invaluable in building positive working relationships with people from all backgrounds.
Attaining Success in The Real World
