Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 13th November 2026

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Autumn Term - 13th November 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, which includes news I'm especially pleased to share: our new partnership with Aouint Ighoumane Middle School in Southern Morocco, through the British Council's UK-Morocco School Partnerships programme. One of our teachers the privilege of travelling to Agadir to launch it, and you can read more about the visit below.

Our school motto, rather of use than fame, reminds us that the purpose of an education is not to be noticed but to be useful: to our families, our community and the wider world. Links like this one put that motto into practice. Our boys live in one of the most diverse boroughs in the world, and they are growing up in a world that is more connected than ever. To be useful in it, they need to understand people whose lives, languages and traditions differ from their own, and to approach them with curiosity and respect. Real friendships and real exchanges, such as the letters our Year 7 students wrote about their favourite books, teach this far better than any textbook.

This is also why languages matter so much and why we make them a core part of our curriculum. Learning another language is more than acquiring a skill for an exam or a CV. It opens a door to another culture, builds the confidence to communicate across difference, and shows our boys that the world is bigger than their own postcode, and that they have something to offer it. Being a good global citizen starts with listening, and learning to listen in someone else's language is one of the best ways to do it. I'm excited that this partnership will give our students the chance to develop and lead activities themselves.

A few reminders for this week:

Year 11 families: Mock exams begin in three weeks. Please refer to last week's newsletter for important information about how to prepare, including how you can support your son at home.

Clubs and enrichment: The updated clubs timetable is published in this week's newsletter. Taking part in clubs enriches a student's time at school. It's where boys discover new talents, build friendships across year groups, develop resilience and teamwork, and find the sense of belonging that helps them thrive in the classroom too. I would encourage every student to find something that sparks their interest, and I'd be delighted if Year 11s found time for it alongside their revision.

Would you like to become a Parent Governor at William Ellis School?

We are looking for a new parent governor to join our governing board, and we would love for you to consider putting yourself forward for this important and rewarding role.

Joining the Governing Board as a Parent Governor offers you the opportunity to make a real contribution to the life and work of our school. The board is passionate about education and committed to continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for Ellis boys, and students at LASWAP.

Governors play a key role in the leadership of the school including the appointment of senior staff, overseeing the budget and monitoring progress in the curriculum.  Being a governor can be very rewarding and will provide you with the opportunity to work as part of a team and gain insights into how schools run. You do not need any specific qualifications or previous experience - you need enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making our school the best it can be. Training and support will be provided.

I am inviting you to consider standing in the election to become a parent governor.  As a governor, you’ll work with the board to make sure it effectively carries out the duties referred to above. You’ll also play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board. You are a representative parent, you are not there to represent the parent body.

A parent governor is equivalent to all the other governors and governors should have:

  • A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for students
  • Interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn
  • Confidentiality is important when a sensitive matter is discussed

At William Ellis the Governing Body meets once every half term on a Thursday at 5pm.  We meet in school, and joining online occasionally is an option if it isn’t possible to get to school. You would also choose which smaller subcommittee you would like to be on to explore the school’s work in more detail. The sub committees meet twice a term, the Personnel and Resources Committee meets at 8am on a Friday morning, online, and the School Improvement Committee meets at 4pm on a Thursday, online.

A nomination form and full details of who is eligible to be nominated and the election process is attached to the newsletter email this week. All nominations must be returned to the school by 4.00 p.m. on Friday 27th November.

Year 11 Revision

Mr Lane writes:

Mock exams for Year 11 begin in three weeks' time. We have copies of a revision planner available in school for students to collect, or it can be downloaded from the Year 11 page of the school website as a Word document or a PDF. Many students who are already using this resource after the information evening last week are finding this planner useful.

Literacy Partnership with Aouint Ighoumane Middle School in Morocco

Ms Guzy-Sprague writes:

We’re delighted to have set up a new partnership with a school in Morocco, offering our pupils the opportunity to connect with their Moroccan peers on a project that celebrates the joy of reading.

Through the British Council’s UK-Morocco School Partnerships programme, we’ve teamed up with Aouint Ighoumane Middle School in Southern Morocco to create an international space to share and learn about different cultures through the stories we tell and read. Together, we’ll explore how reading can broaden horizons, build confidence, and enhance wellbeing.

I had the opportunity to travel to Agadir, Morocco this week to launch the partnership, meet with our partner school's representative, connect with other teachers from across the UK and Morocco, and start to plan the initiative. I took letters written by year 7 students introducing themselves and sharing their favourite books and stories. We can't wait to see how our Moroccan peers respond! It was a wonderful two days that sparked an exciting range of potential activities and opportunities which students at WES will have the chance to develop and lead.

The partnership will take place over the next four months, with an opportunity to extend the relationship further. It's supported by the National Literacy Trust. Watch this space for more exciting updates from our new Moroccan friends!

 

Night at The Royal Veterinary College

Donnie in Year 10 writes:

I have always loved animals, which is one of the reasons why a vet is my dream profession, so the opportunity to visit Royal College London gave me great excitement. After arriving I was able to explore the college with my friend and we learnt many interesting facts about household pets and how to care for them, even in an emergency. We also saw the stages of a zebra finch's life (which grows up really quickly), got to interact with real plastinated dissected  animlas and even extract DNA from a strawberry!

For me, however, the highlight has to be the dissection of a real white lion! We were incredibly lucky to be able to explore the fascinating biology of this beautiful creature, and it truly felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity! There was so much to do and see, and I highly recommend going!

 

Extra Curricular Club Participation Update

A list of extra-curricular clubs for students to take part in is available on the school website: https://www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk/student-and-family-information/extra-curricular 

Camden Parent Carer Forum Events

Camden PCF have some exciting activities for SEND families coming up at the Forum in the coming weeks.

Tuesday 17th November - 'Movement, Rest and Relaxation' 12-2pm - Kelly Street Congregational Church, NW1 

A gentle movement and relaxation class for all abilities, led by a qualified instructor, followed by a freshly prepared group lunch. A chance to relax, connect, and recharge in a calm, supportive space.

Wednesday 18th November - 'Total Communication Workshop' 12.30-2pm - Harmood Best Start Family Hub 

This workshop will provide an introduction to a ‘Total Communication approach’ often used to support children who communicate in a variety of ways. The workshop will explore how the use of signs, visual supports and practical strategies can support children to understand, express themselves & connect with others using different strategies and tools across a range of everyday situations. The workshop is primarily aimed at parents/carers of children who are pre school or primary school aged

Tuesday 24th November - Forum Meeting 10.30-12.30pm 

A chance to connect with other parent carers, share your experiences and help shape more effective services. Guest speakers Crina Popa - Interim Head of the SEND & Inclusion Team, Louise Brown - Operational Manager for SEND & Inclusion Team, Michelle O’Regan - Interim Head of the Children & Young People with Disabilities Team (known as CYPDS),  Short Breaks Commissioning Team. 

 

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher

This Week's WESPA Round-Up:

Dear families, 

It was brilliant to see many parents at this year's AGM last week. The AGM is when parents gather and elect new Trustees for the new year. It is also a moment to express our gratitude to Trustees who are stepping down. This year Galit (elected in 2022/23), Sibylle (elected in 23/24), Vicky (elected in 23/24) and Fatima (elected in 24/25) stood down. On behalf of the WES parents, we express a huge amount of thanks for the time, energy, gifts of professional skills and most of all enthusiasm and dedication given over their time as Trustees. They leave behind an incredible legacy of support and some wonderful parent initiatives.

Excitingly, we welcome three new Trustees: Graham (Y8 dad), Syeda (Y8 mum) and Qudratullah (Y7 dad). Graham, Syeda and Quadrat will be joined by Year 11 parents Caroline and Fairouz who were both re-elected to the board of Trustees.

We'd also like to express our thanks to all the parents who have helped over the years - whether it be at events, financially, with professional support or by just simply being there. It is all incredibly important and is what makes WESPA so special. We will share news of all the events and initiatives soon and will look forward to seeing many parents then. For now, have a great weekend and welcome Graham, Syeda and Quadrat.

The WESPA team

Coming Up...

MFL Mock Speaking Exams
All Day
from 16 Nov until 20 Nov
16
November
Year 11 Careers Carousel
11:15am – 12:15pm
16
November
Year 11 Art & Graphics Exam Prep. Session
9:00am – 1:30pm
21
November
Nasal Flu Vaccinations for Year 7-11
All Day
23
November
Year 11 Drama Theatre Trip - 'Operation Mincemeat'
1:00pm – 5:30pm
24
November
Year 11 Music GCSE Recordings
All Day
25
November
Early close for Open Evening - Students dismissed at lunchtime
1:15pm – 1:45pm
26
November
LaSWAP Open Evening
5:00pm – 8:00pm
26
November
Staff Professional Development day - school closed to students
All Day
27
November
Year 10 MFL Trip to the BFI
All Day
30
November