Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 16th October 2026

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Autumn Term - 16th October 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including highlights from our whole-school Black History Month celebrations and lessons, information about the upcoming Year 11 information evening and our new online careers platform. With the holidays coming up, there are also some highlights of local activities on offer during the half term break.

Honouring Communities: Black History Month at William Ellis

Black History Month, marked each October in the UK, is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people and to learn about histories that have too often been overlooked. At William Ellis, our boys have been asked to do more than learn that history: they have been asked to think about what it means to be a good citizen. In tutor time, three sessions have taken us from post-war Britain to colonial Ghana to the United States, with the same question running through each: what is our responsibility to one another?

We began on 5 October with migration to Britain after the Second World War. Boys studied a photograph of “KBW” graffiti, which stood for “Keep Britain White”. They asked what it showed and how a new arrival might have felt seeing it. They also asked what a historian would need to know before treating one photograph as proof of everyone’s views. We looked at the contribution migrants made to transport, manufacturing and the new NHS, and at the “colour bar” many of them faced in housing and work. We also made the point that Black British history did not begin with Windrush. The session ended with a practical challenge: if you heard a boy being targeted for his race or background, what would you do next?

On 12 October we met Yaa Asantewaa, the Asante Queen Mother who led resistance in 1900 when the British governor demanded the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of her people’s unity. Boys began by identifying famous figures from Martin Luther King Jr. to Marcus Rashford. They then examined why a woman of her age and position took responsibility when her community was under threat. They discussed whether courage is only shown in battle, and what quieter forms of courage look like in a school. 

On Monday 19 October, boys will study Greenwood in Tulsa, known as “Black Wall Street”. It was a prosperous Black community of businesses, churches, schools and homes, built despite segregation. In 1921 it was destroyed by a white mob in a massacre that followed a rumour, and as many as 300 people may have died. No one was successfully prosecuted, survivors received no meaningful compensation, and for decades the story was largely left out of public discussion. Yet the community rebuilt. The boys will consider how a rumour can become violence, and why they should ask “Is it true? What is the evidence? Could sharing it harm someone?” before passing on a claim in person or in a group chat.

Why does this matter? First, because our boys deserve the full story, including the difficult parts and the achievements. Second, because these sessions teach habits as well as history: weighing evidence, resisting prejudice and thinking before sharing. Third, because in an all-boys school we have a particular chance to show that courage is not about being tougher than someone else. It can be the boy who says, “That isn’t acceptable,” or “Come and sit with us.”

That brings us back to our motto, rather of use than fame. Yaa Asantewaa is remembered because she acted for her people, not because she sought celebrity. We want every boy to leave William Ellis understanding that you don’t need to be famous, powerful or an adult to make a useful difference.

Year 11 GCSE Information Evening, Tuesday 3 November 2026

We'd like to remind Year 11 families that we will be hosting an information session on 3rd November for parents and carers. This important session will provide information about December's mock exams and how to support your son's preparation for these and for his final GCSE exams.

We would like all Year 11 parents/carers to attend with their child. Please complete this short form to RSVP:

GCSE Information Evening, Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 5.30pm – Fill in form

The session will include:

  • a talk on why the mock exams matter
  • an overview of exam procedures and logistics 
  • hands-on workshops on supporting study and revision at home
  • revision materials to take away
  • information on applying to LaSWAP sixth form - remember to sign up for the November Open Evening at https://www.laswap.camden.sch.uk/
  • a calendar of key dates and a study planner
  • the chance to meet senior leaders to discuss individual queries

This information evening will have useful tips for all families to navigate this exciting but pressured period and we look forward to seeing you on 3rd November.

Introducing Unifrog at William Ellis School

 

Mr Parry writes:

We are delighted to announce that William Ellis School is launching Unifrog, an online careers and destinations platform, this academic year. Unifrog will support our students in exploring their interests, discovering future opportunities and making informed decisions about their education and career pathways.

Unifrog brings together a wide range of careers information and resources in one accessible place. Students will be able to explore different careers, research university and college courses, investigate apprenticeships, develop their understanding of the world of work and record their skills, achievements and experiences. The platform will also help students consider the different pathways available to them as they progress through school and beyond.

We want every student at William Ellis School to feel confident about their future and understand the opportunities open to them. Unifrog will form an important part of our careers education programme, helping students to reflect on their strengths, interests and ambitions while providing practical guidance to support their next steps.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people make decisions about their futures. We hope that Unifrog will provide a useful starting point for conversations at home about career ideas, subject choices, further and higher education, apprenticeships and the many possibilities available after school.

Further information about accessing and using the platform will be shared with students as the launch progresses.

We look forward to working with you to ensure that all our students are well informed, inspired and prepared to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them.

 

Year 9 Art Mural Project

Ms Madsen writes:

This week a group of Year 9 students worked to improve the playground by making a mural of our school motto 'Rather use than fame'. They used stencil graffiti in the style of the artist Ben Eine and extended the mural from last academic year.

The students really enjoyed the experience of working with an artist - the fantastic Wayne from On the Level Productions. The Art department are very grateful that we received funding for this project from the WES innovation fund. 


Relaxed events for children and families at the Postal Museum

Relaxed events at the Postal Museum, in King’s Cross, provide families with a more flexible museum experience, allowing them to explore in a way that best meets their individual needs. These are particularly aimed at families with neurodivergent children, and those who would benefit from a more relaxed visit. The next one is on Sunday 18 October, from 10am to 5pm. More details below:

  • The Postal Museum, WC1X 0DA (opens in Google Maps)
  • £3.50 per child, including a companion ticket.
  • Find out more information and book your place on the Postal Museum website.

Please contact their bookings support team if you require additional essential companion or carer tickets at bookings@postalmuseum.org.

 

Free and low-cost October half-term activities

 It's half-term week from 26 to 30 October and there are lots of free and low-cost activities for children, young people and families taking place across Camden. Find out more and book places.

 

Folk Education Development Day: Inclusive Music-Making 

Join this free lively and informal conference and practitioner development day, sharing practice in including disabled and neurodivergent people in folk music activity. You can join online via Zoom. It’s happening on Wednesday, 4 November, from 10am to 4pm. Book here

 

Upcoming SEND transition open afternoon -

employability courses for 18-25 and 25+

The Autism Project host events  aimed at neurodivergent young people, parents and professionals wishing to know more about employability.

Their next online session is Friday 30th October @ 1pm on Zoom. Please follow the link here to join at the time/date above: Link for Info Session

They also have an upcoming Open Afternoon-16th November 1-4pm at centre Larcom House, SE17 1RT- this is an opportunity to find out about TAP and to speak to other local providers- Roots & Shoots, Park College and Share Community (who will have their own stalls at the event)

There will also be information on their job-searching programme for those aged 25+/without an EHCP

 

SPEAR Oratory Prize – £10,000 prize for 16–18 year olds 

Sovereign Minds is running the SPEAR Oratory Prize. It is free to enter and open to all 16–18 year olds in the UK. Students give a 10-minute speech from memory on one of ten SPEAR target subjects, and the strongest speakers progress through semi-finals to a grand final. The winner receives £10,000 and a handcrafted spear with 24-carat gold inlay. Full details and how to enter are at sovereignminds.org.uk/spear.

 

British Exploring Society expeditions for young people – funded places, 2027 

British Exploring Society has 2027 expeditions and adventure programmes open to young people aged 14–25. Participants must be UK residents or British citizens. No one pays for a place, but each participant raises money towards their trip through a fundraising target based on their financial situation.

Find the programmes and dates at britishexploring.org/join-us/expeditions. Students can contact Joe Howes, CEO, at joehowes@britishexploring.org

 

North London Hopsice Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme

This winter the North London Hopsice is teaming up with Just Helping to bring a Christmas tree recycling service to selected postcodes in North London, including in Camden and Islington.

For a small donation, hospice volunteers will collect your tree between Saturday 9 and Thursday 14 January 2027, making sure it’s disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. 

You can book your collection from Saturday 14 November 2026 until midnight on Tuesday 5 January 2027. 

To find out more, check your postcode and book a collection or find out how to support the hospice, please see https://northlondonhospice.org/get-involved/our-events-and-challenges/christmas-tree-recycling-2027

 

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher


This Week's WESPA Round-Up:

WESPA General Meeting and  Annual General Meeting (AGM)* - IN PERSON
Wednesday 4th November in the WES Library at 6pm

 Come along to hear about the events and activities we organise, how we raise funds, and how these funds are used to support different departments and initiatives across the school. Ultimately, our fundraising helps enrich our boys’ learning and experiences, supporting both their academic and extracurricular activities and providing opportunities that benefit the whole school community.

Everyone is welcome — whether you would simply like to find out more, meet other parents and carers, or get involved in whatever way you can.

* We require minimal attendees of at least 20 parents/carers to elect our new trustee members. Please save the date in your diaries and come along.

WESPA Needs You! – Trustee Recruitment

WESPA has built a strong and stable foundation over the years, thanks to a dedicated group of trustees and volunteers who have worked together to support the school and enrich opportunities for all our boys.

However, many of our current trustees have been in their roles for several years, and several will be stepping down as their sons move on from WES to sixth form or college. At our upcoming AGM, we therefore need new parents and carers to step forward and join the WESPA trustee team.

Trustee positions currently available:

  • Chair or Co-Chair
  • Secretary

We are particularly keen to hear from parents and carers across all year groups, with new representation from Years 7 and 8 especially important. Ideally, we would have trustees representing Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, ensuring that WESPA reflects the whole school community.

What does being a trustee involve?

WESPA trustees work together as a team to make decisions, organise and support activities, and ensure that the association continues to run effectively. Although trustees have individual roles and responsibilities, no one is expected to do everything alone. We share the workload, support one another and involve the wider WESPA community.

Our current trustees will be there to provide guidance, share their experience and ensure a smooth handover. You do not need previous trustee experience — just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to get involved.

Why WESPA matters

WESPA is a registered charity and an integral part of the WES community. Through fundraising, events and other initiatives, we help provide additional opportunities and support across the school.

Our activities include Open Events, Meet the Parent sessions, Quiz Nights, WES Fest, International Evening, the 5K Fun Run, uniform exchange and much more. The funds we raise support school departments for equipment, extracurricular activities, educational opportunities and initiatives that benefit all our boys.

Could you get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, or simply want to find out more about what is involved, please get in touch — there is no obligation to commit at this stage.

📧 williamellispa@gmail.com
Or speak to us through the WESPA Team WhatsApp group.

And remember, you don't have to be a trustee to be part of WESPA!

We are incredibly grateful to the many parents and carers who already give their time to help with events and activities. Whether you can help regularly or just occasionally, every contribution makes a difference. Getting involved is also a great way to meet other parents, build connections and strengthen our relationship with the school community.

Come and be part of WESPA — we'd love to hear from you!

Coming Up...

Year 8 & 9 French Trip to Normandy
All Day
from 15 Oct until 19 Oct
15
October
Year 7 Musical Instrument Taster Event
11:15am – 1:00pm
22
October
'From The Boys' Podcast Launch Event
6:00pm – 9:00pm
22
October
Last day of Half Term
All Day
23
October
Non-Uniform Day - £1 donation to Magic Breakfast Charity to take part
All Day
23
October
English Bayeux Tapestry Trip
All Day
02
November
GCSE Preparation Parents' Information Evening (TBC)
5:00pm – 6:30pm
03
November
WESPA AGM (Time TBC)
5:00pm – 7:00pm
04
November
Year 10 Art Trip - Frida Kahlo Exhibition
9:00am – 1:00pm
05
November
Bayeux Tapestry Poetry Workshop
9:00am – 1:00pm
06
November