Hamza El-Bakkali
“Success now isn’t just about what I achieve, but how I achieve it, and that’s something HA helped me understand early on.”
Defining Real World Success
Real world success for me now looks a lot less like exam results and a lot more like hitting quarterly targets, signing new work, and building strong, long-term relationships with clients. It’s about consistency, trust, and showing up as someone people want to work with—not just once, but repeatedly.
Hammersmith Academy played a part in shaping that mindset. It kept me in check (sometimes very firmly!) and pushed me to always aim to be the best version of myself. It taught me the importance of levelling up—improving skills, attitude, and work ethic—while still staying true to who I am. That balance has stuck with me and honestly shows up in my work every day. Success now isn’t just about what I achieve, but how I achieve it, and that’s something HA helped me understand early on.
Careers Guidance That Made the Difference
I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the support of the Careers Team, especially Ms Harrowes, during my Sixth Form years. They went above and beyond to help me understand my options and figure out the right path for me. I still remember staying in school well past the time Ms Harrowes was probably getting paid for, applying for my apprenticeship and working through my UCAS application together.
That level of commitment made a huge difference. They didn’t just give advice and send me on my way—they genuinely invested their time and energy in making sure I was set up for the next step. Knowing someone believed in me enough to stay late and put that work in gave me real confidence, and it’s something I’m still grateful for today.
Opportunities That Opened My Eyes
There were specific moments at HA that really opened my eyes to new possibilities. When the British Exploring Society came into school, it genuinely changed my life. That opportunity led to me travelling to the Amazon rainforest in Peru—something I never imagined I’d be doing at the time.
The experience completely pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a new level of confidence and perspective. It showed me that opportunities don’t always look obvious at first, but saying yes to them can be life-changing.
Preparation for Life Beyond School
My experience at Hammersmith Academy prepared me for life beyond school in ways that went far beyond academics. The level of discipline that was instilled in me from early on was crucial in getting me to where I am now. Things like getting to school on time, dressing smartly, and holding yourself to a certain standard might seem small at the time, but they’ve followed me straight into my working life.
Those habits shaped how I show up professionally—being reliable, presentable, and consistent. Beyond academics, HA helped me build structure, discipline, and pride in how I carry myself, which has made a real difference in my career and day-to-day work.
Attaining Success in The Real World
