Year 7-11 Careers Guidance
Building Ambition from the Start
At Hammersmith Academy, careers education begins the moment students arrive in Year 7.
We believe that planning for the future should be woven into everyday school life – helping students make informed choices, see the relevance of their studies, and develop the confidence and skills to thrive in the world beyond school.
Our dedicated Careers Team, led by Ms Sophie Harrowes (Head of Careers & Cultural Connections) and supported by a full time Careers Coordinator, provides expert guidance and meaningful opportunities to help every student explore their potential. This provision reflects our commitment to ensuring every student leaves the Academy prepared for real world success – academically, professionally, and personally.
A Proven Careers Programme
A successful careers programme does more than prepare students for their next step – it shapes their ambitions and helps them find purpose.
At Hammersmith Academy, our provision is modelled on best practice and built around the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring a structured and impactful programme across every year group.
Our strong partnerships with leading employers, universities and independent schools – including St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Girls’ School – give students access to workshops, mentoring, and insight sessions that out them a step ahead of their peers.
Careers Education from Year 7
From their very first year, students begin exploring the connection between school and future careers.
Highlights include:
- Year 7 Careers Conference and Careers Awareness Days, introducing students to alumni and professionals from industries including law, finance, creative arts, medicine, and STEM.
- Year 8 & 9 Networking events and employer insight days, helping students practise professional communication and discover emerging industries.
- Year 10 Work Experience for all students which is a week long to give a full sense of the workplace and professional life.
- Year 11 Next Steps Event and College & Apprenticeship Fair providing individual guidance sessions to prepare for Sixth Form, college, or alternative pathways.
View the full Careers Programme
Year 7
- Starting Your Career Journey
- Setting Goals
- Launch of HA Passport
- Summer Careers Conference
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
Year 8
- Building your employability skills
- HA Passport
- Speed Networking
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
- GCSE Choices Evening
Year 9
- Communication & teamwork
- Planning for the future
- Speed Networking
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
Year 10
- CVs & interview skills, including mock interviews
- Problem-solving and negotiating
- Work experience
- Early Med Soc
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
- STEAM Careers Fair
Year 11
- Careers insights & money management
- Post-16 Choices Evening
- Personal statements
- Sixth Form & FE Fair
- Taster event
- FE Visit
- National Apprenticeship Fair
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
- STEAM Careers Fair
- National Citizen Service
- Open evening
- 1:1 Interviews
- GCSE Results Day support + FE & Apprenticeship Advice
Year 12
- CV, cover letters & interviews
- Tailored work experience
- Insight Programme
- Twitter account & personal mailings
- University outreach programmes
- Med Soc
- Apprenticeship & UCAS Parents Event
- UCAS Fair
- Careers Drop Down Day
- National Careers Week activities
- Employer engagement opportunities
- STEAM Careers Fair
- National Citizen Service & British Exploring Society
- Future Planning Week
Year 13
- Tailored work experience
- Insight Programme
- Twitter account & personal mailings
- Into University or SPGS Personal Statement Clinic
- Intensive 1:1 UCAS support
- 1:1 Portfolio work
- Intensive 1:1 Apprenticeship support
- Employer engagement opportunities
- STEAM Careers Fair
- Bridging the Gap Pre-Uni Conference
- Clearing support & post-Clearing programme
These experiences build ambition and social capital – helping students imagine possibilities beyond their immediate world.
Meaningful Encounters and Impact
Every student is entitled to multiple meaningful encounters with employers and the world of work throughout their time at the Academy.
Our calendar is rich with opportunities including our STEAM Careers Fair, Apprenticeship Weeks, and IntoUniversity workshops for every year group.
We measure success through student and parent feedback, destination data, and alumni engagement – and our outcomes speak for themselves.
Our students go on to secure Sixth Form places, university offers, apprenticeships, and successful careers across competitive sectors, demonstrating the strength of the foundation built in these early years.
“Department for Education Statutory Guidance May 2025“High-quality careers guidance helps young people make informed choices about their futures, so they can develop their interests and potential, and follow the path that is right for them to progress into work. [It also helps] break down barriers to opportunity and improve skills needed for success in work
Resources and Support
Our Careers programme is supported by a wealth of resources designed to help students and families navigate their options. Parents are encouraged to request support or guidance from the Careers Team at any time.
Unifrog
Every student has a personal account, enabling them to research careers, log skills, and explore pathways from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. Students can access a hub of resources, event calendars, and guidance for students and parents.
There are also reading materials in the online library for students to explore in-depth.
Click here to visit the Unifrog Website
Drop-In Careers Office
Our Drop-In Careers Office is open to students across all year groups, providing easy access to personalised advice and guidance. Whether students have a quick question or need more in-depth support, they can speak directly with our dedicated Careers Team or book a one-to-one appointment. This ensures every student receives tailored support at the right time, helping them make informed decisions and take confident steps towards their future pathways and real world success.
