Calvin Hartley
“From Cambridge to my future career, HA provided the foundation, guidance and belief that helped me turn aspirations into achievement.”
Defining Real World Success
For me, real world success means discovering what brings you happiness and fulfilment, and having the courage to pursue it. Hammersmith Academy helped me understand this early on. I never felt boxed in or pushed toward a particular path. Instead, the Academy constantly opened my eyes to a wide range of careers, opportunities and interests. That exposure helped me see that my future was entirely within my control, as long as I was willing to dedicate myself and work hard.
HA also strengthened my self-confidence by consistently demonstrating its belief in me. Throughout my seven years at the school, I was given opportunities to step into roles of responsibility — from speaking in assemblies to parents in Year 7, to leading the debate team in Year 10, to representing the Academy in national competitions during Sixth Form. Every time HA put me in a position of trust, it signalled that I was capable. That belief made a lasting difference, shaping the confidence I now carry into every part of my life.
The Academy also reshaped how I viewed ambition. When I joined in Year 7, I wasn’t particularly ambitious, but HA helped me understand that ambition is not something to be ashamed of — as long as it’s accompanied by perseverance. Through both guidance and experience, I learned that pairing ambition with consistent effort and resilience was the most effective way to turn goals into reality. This combination became the foundation of how I approach challenges today.
Looking back, HA expanded my horizons in ways I could never have imagined. A clear example is my journey to Cambridge. I would never have applied without the encouragement of my teachers and the Careers Team, and I certainly wouldn’t have succeeded without their guidance throughout the process. HA not only raised my aspirations but also supported me every step of the way to reach them.
Preparation for University, Careers and Life
HA prepared me exceptionally well for life beyond school. I received constant guidance from teachers and the Careers Team, and the school connected me with sessions at local partner schools that mirrored university-style learning. These experiences helped me understand and adapt to the type of thinking, independence and discussion-based learning I would later encounter at university.
The Academy upheld high academic standards, and regular module exams trained me to maintain focus and consistency throughout the year. In Sixth Form, I was encouraged to go beyond the syllabus — to do extra reading, enter external competitions and explore topics independently. This mindset of stretching myself became invaluable at university, where self-direction and sustained high standards are essential.
The extra-curricular opportunities at HA also put me ahead of the game when I moved on. The combination of work experience, competitions and even organising my own after-school activities helped me develop confidence and leadership skills beyond academics. For instance, after I had organised before- and after-school basketball sessions in Sixth Form, I went on to found my college basketball team at university — an experience I often talked about in job interviews. HA didn’t just prepare me academically; it helped me build a well-rounded profile and the confidence to seize new opportunities.
Opening My Eyes to the World of Work
Hammersmith Academy offered a vast range of opportunities to explore careers. In Sixth Form especially, we were constantly presented with apprenticeships, internships and work experience programmes. I completed work experience at Ofgem, gaining insight into the energy sector, and visited the head office of The Economist, which gave me an insider’s look into journalism. These experiences broadened my understanding of the professional world and helped me see what might be possible for me.
The weekly Insight Programme was transformative. Hearing from professionals across a wide range of sectors expanded my perspective and made career pathways that once felt distant seem achievable. One of the highlights of Sixth Form was going live on LBC to discuss how Brexit was impacting young people — a unique opportunity I’ll never forget.
The Careers Team played a crucial role in supporting my development. They tapped into an extensive network of schools and industry professionals to provide opportunities and advice. Being proactive and engaging with them was key; if a speaker particularly interested me, I could join smaller lunchtime sessions to ask questions directly. These personal interactions helped me better understand specific industries and refine my interests.
One of the most practical forms of support came during my Cambridge application. The Careers Team arranged for a teacher at St Paul’s Girls’ School to mentor me for the admissions exam, and they sent me to St Paul’s School for workshops to prepare for the interview process. Combined with their guidance on my personal statement, the support I received was exceptional. I genuinely believe I would not have succeeded without the expertise and encouragement of the Careers Team.
Opportunities That Made the Difference
One experience that had a major impact on my confidence and direction was the Mercers’ Business Project in Year 12. Over three months, I developed creativity, leadership, business acumen and presentation skills through a challenging and rewarding real-world project. It boosted my confidence enormously and stands out as one of the most formative experiences of my school life.
More broadly, what made HA special was how deeply the teachers believed in me. Their enthusiasm for my ambitions — and their genuine happiness when I succeeded — fuelled my motivation and self-belief. I didn’t start secondary school with innate ambition, so having teachers and mentors who told me I could achieve something, encouraged me to set ambitious goals, and helped me take the practical steps to get there was transformative.
Being part of a school that valued experiences beyond the classroom made my time at HA unforgettable. I may not remember every lesson, but I will always remember meeting Prince William, speaking live on LBC, presenting at Guildhall, sitting in on an editorial meeting at The Economist, and watching a House of Commons debate. These were the moments that made my school experience richer, more meaningful and more memorable.
A Foundation for Real World Success
Hammersmith Academy transformed my view of what was possible for me. It nurtured my confidence, developed my ambition and gave me the tools, experiences and mindset to pursue opportunities I never would have imagined. From Cambridge to my future career, HA provided the foundation, guidance and belief that helped me turn aspirations into achievement.
Attaining Success in The Real World
