Newsletters

From September, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 cannot bring smartphones into school. If we see or hear a smartphone, we will take it away and the student will need to return to see the member of staff who confiscated it at the end of the day, through a L2 10-minute detention.

The first time this happens, parents must collect the phone from school the next day. The second time, we will keep the phone for a full week (five school days) and parents must collect it when this time is up.

If a student will not give us their smartphone, parents must come to a meeting with a Senior Leader. The Senior Leader will take the phone during this meeting.

Students can bring a basic "brick" phone to school if they need one. If parents want to track their child's journey to and from school, we suggest using tracking devices like Airtags or Tiles instead. 

We know that we have a few students with a medical condition such as diabetes that is managed using smartphone functions. If this applies to your son, please contact his Head of Year about specific arrangements that might be made.

Why this change is being made

Research shows that smartphones can harm young people's health and wellbeing. Studies show that smartphone use can cause problems with paying attention, sleeping badly, mental health issues, online bullying, seeing harmful content, and feeling lonely.

We want our students to talk face-to-face with each other and build better social skills and friendships through real-life connections. Many schools in Camden and more widely already ban mobile phones, and we have seen how this helps students learn better and feel happier.

We hope you will support us in keeping your children happy and safe by keeping smartphones out of school. We will be providing more support for families and explaining this change to students in the coming school weeks.

International Evening

On Tuesday 1st July we hosted our annual International Evening and are very happy that some of you, our new Year 7 families, braved the 34 degree heat to gather with us in the Quad for delicious food and captivating perfomances!

Ms Balabhadra, EAL Co-ordinator,  writes:

Traditionally, the summer term is the time to recognise achievements and celebrate everything we stand for. As a diverse community, we gathered once again to acknowledge the many differences in cultural behaviours, beliefs and values which unite and make us stronger. Every year, International Evening allows us to see a different side of our community, we learn a tiny bit more and expand our horizons. Listening to what a native language sounds like, watching music performances or sampling delicious food, it all adds to a unique experience that roots deeply in our memories. This year we were treated to a lesson in Bengali, listened to songs in Mandarin and even learned a bit of Bulgarian line dancing. The communal food table brimmed with homemade traditional food representing various corners of the world. There was even a table with food for the mind, courtesy of the English department, offering world literature translated into English. I felt truly privileged to be part of the awesome WES community. Special thanks to all staff, students and our WESPA team who made International Evening 2025 such an incredible experience.

Mykyta in 7L writes:

"I think the WES International Evening was amazing! I had lots of great fun. I learned a lot about other countries and cultures. My favourite part was going around the tables and reading different facts about each country. I tried different types of food from different places. I also enjoyed sitting with my friends while we were sitting and watching other performances. 

I also read a poem in my home language. I shared lots of interesting facts about my country. It felt great to be part of something so special. I had a wonderful time!"

William in 9K writes:

“I think that international evening was an amazing experience. It brought culture from famous countries around the world. It is like going around the entire world, but it is just in a few hours, you spend it with school friends and everything is free. The music and dancing were impressive and a big part of culture around the world. The food was also a great part of it. I would recommend going as many times as possible!”

More photos from International Evening can be seen here.

We look forward to doing it all again next Summer and hope to see you all there!

Outdoor Spaces Planning

Ms Fraser, School Operations Manager, writes:

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the school environment, we were delighted to host a collaborative workshop this week involving both students and staff alongside a team of professional architects.

The session marked an important first step in the early design process for reimagining and improving our outdoor and dining spaces as well as our current SEND spaces. The aim is to create areas that better support learning, wellbeing, and social interaction – spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of our school community.

During the workshop, students from across year groups shared their experiences and ideas about how these areas are currently used and what they would like to see in the future. Staff contributed their insights from a teaching and pastoral perspective. Together, they explored themes such as outdoor learning, sustainability, inclusive design, and spaces for quiet reflection or active play.

The architects facilitated interactive activities and design thinking exercises, encouraging everyone to think creatively while considering practical challenges. Their feedback will directly inform the development of concept plans as we move forward in the planning stages.

We’re incredibly proud of the thoughtful input from our school community and look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

Year 7 Mental Health Awareness Workshop

Ms Smith, Assistant Headteacher & Safeguarding Lead, writes:

Last week Year 7 students took part in a presentation from Loudmouth Theatre, exploring the topics of low mood, anxiety and how we can all support each other in a challenging world.

Students engaged extremely well with the play and asked some really good questions to the characters at the end.

Their sensitive and thoughtful discussions were really impressive.

One student fed back ‘ It was good to listen to the stories of the characters and to know that lots of young people feel stressed sometimes but we can get help’.

Another shared ‘It made me think about being a good friend and looking after each other, or helping find someone else to help if I can’t’.

Well done Year 7.

Time Out Textile Club

Ms White, School Counsellor, writes:

The Time Out Textile club is a fortnightly lunchtime club run by myself for students to come and sew, chat, find a new skill and be creative.  Contributions this year came from Year 9s, 10s and a former Year 11 student.

The display can currently be seen in the Library.

Year 10 Achievement in the London Youth Games Mr Levitt, Head of PE, writes: In June, Jake in 10L represented the Borough of Camden at the London Youth Games. Jake participated in the Indoor Rowing Competition, which took place at the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub on Saturday 8th June. Competing alongside hundreds of secondary school students from across London, Jake finished 8th in the Year 10 event, a fantastic result for someone who joined rowing club only this year. Indoor rowing club runs weekly after school in the fitness gym. Timetables for Autumn Term will be published in September        William Ellis Students representing Camden Athletics Mr Levitt also writes: Congratulations to the following students who represented Camden in the London School Athletics Championships last month. Year 7: 100m - Michael 7F 800m - Noar 7K Shot Putt and Discus - Theo 7L Year 8: 100m - Evan 8B* Discus - Bobby 8K *Evan was also selected to represent Camden at the London Youth Games Year 9: 100m and 200m - Joshua 9B 800m - Rowan 9K Long Jump - Zephania 9K High Jump and Triple Jump - Idriss 9K Year 11: Javelin and Triple Jump - Rufus 11K High Jump and Long Jump - Theo 11K

Athletes from 12 different London boroughs competed against one another in the inner London borough Championships. For Year 8, Evan raced in the 100m heats narrowly missing out on qualification for the final later that day. Noar in Year 7 competed in a difficult 800m race on what was the hottest day of the year. Despite this, he still managed to kick home with a sprint finish, overtaking several athletes in what was a straight final.

Year 7 Cricket

Congratulations to the Year 7 cricket team who came runners-up in the LSDN Cricket Shield last month.

Some of the team had only started playing cricket in their PE lessons this year and performed brilliantly on a very hot summer's day.

A special mention to Maiwand, Harry and Michael for their controlled, aggressive batting and Omar, Muhammad and Nabil for their outstanding bowing spells throughout the competition. All backed up by some excellent fielding from Albie, Mohamed and Rayan. Well done boys!
 

Lords Cricket Disability Inclusion Day

The PE department took a group of cricketers to the annual Lord's Disability Cricket Day on the 25th June. Students from schools all over London attended the event and were put through their paces by the coaching team at Lord's. The boys then got the very special opportunity to go onto the pitch before watching an international match between England and India, the first ever disability international to be played at Lord's.

The sun was shining, the boys were smiling a wonderful day for all the students involved.

We would like to extend a big thank you to Al Mobbs (WESPA) for facilitating our involvement in the day.

The English Department have recently published the third edition of their 'From The English Corridor' Magazine.

Thank you to all of the students who made creative contributions and to English department staff for compiling this collection of work.

In-School Performances from RADA and The Donmar Warehouse

Ms Hughes, Head of Drama, writes:

This term two touring theatre groups came to perform at school for Key Stage 3.

On the 20th June, a group came in from the Donmar Warehouse to perform a twisted version of Frankenstein, involving an AI monster, lots of dancing and a gorilla mask. The performance focused on the dangers of so-called 'men's rights' information online, and the rise of misogynistic content. It was performed to Years 7 and 8.

On the 3rd July, Year 9 watched Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, performed and directed by second year undergraduate students from the prestigious drama school RADA. The experience ended with a really informative Q&A session about getting into a career within the world of theatre - not just acting but stage management and lighting/sound design.

Wir sind alle Studenten von William Ellis! Ms Rodgers, Head of MFL, writes: On Thursday, 5th June, we welcomed four teachers and 33 students from Germany for a visit in school. They use an English language text book for German students that centres around a character who attends William Ellis and our school figures prominently in the book!    The German  students took a tour of the school with Mr Altman and Mr Parry and then joined our Year 9 students for a speaking carousel in their German lesson.

Here is what two students said about the event: "The German School Exchange was both educational and exiting. It was a great opportunity for me and my class to learn German while the other students learn English. We got to ask each other a set of questions in the language we were learning and translate the reply we got. The questions were familiar, and it tested our vocabulary. For example, we asked things like "What can you do in your town?" and "What are you doing on the weekend?" I learnt new words like activities that we don't do in England but they do in Germany. It extends my vocabulary and gives me more things to look forward to if I go there. We even got some time for us to come up with our own questions to push ourselves and learn more about German culture. For example, I asked, "What is your favourite food?" and "What is your favourite sport?" that taught me handball is very popular where they live, and most people like ice cream. Overall, it was very fun and exciting, a new experience for me. It made learning German even more interesting." - William, Year 9 "I think that the program is a great opportunity for students to see how useful learning a language is. It also boosts confidence knowing that you can speak to native speakers and they will understand." - Alfred, Year 9

Lunchtime Mandarin Club

Year 10 students have been working very hard at lunchtimes and after school on Wednesdays this term on their Mandarin! Special shout out to Joseph in 10B who has taken it on as a third foreign language, alongside his French and Spanish too!

 

Art and Graphics End of Year Show

Ms Kendall, Art Teacher, writes:

On Wednesday 25th June, Year 11 & 13 Art & Graphics students came to see their incredible work displayed in our annual exhibition. It was a wonderful event with many parents, carers & staff also attending to celebrate the students' hard work and dedication. Many students are now going on to continue their education on a creative pathway.

This is a quote by Year 11 parent: "A big thank you to you and the whole art department for supporting Elijah’s progress and for his amazing award!! As you know Art is one of his great passions and I’m certain it will be a significant influence in his future life/work."

Year 10 'Cabinet of Curiosities' Project

Year 10 Art & Graphics students have been lucky enough to take part in a creative project at Lauderdale House this year. The students worked with renowned artist and educator Alison Lam.

The project was about experimenting with natural materials to create a range of outcomes. The students worked with Indian inks, clay, porcelain & wax. Their incredible work is currently on display in the gallery at Lauderdale House as well as on the front lawn and in the exotic sunken garden.

 

Design Technology Projects 

Mr Gunter, Head of DT, writes:

We have had a very positive year in Design Technology. The quality of the boys' work has been high. I have enjoyed watching them become more independent as the year went on. Watching them use the skills we have taught them and learning as they developed their ideas has been amazing. I would like to congratulate them on their attitude and the fact that they never gave up. That resilience will serve them well in the future. Well done.

 

 

Year 10 Food Technology

Ms Sinnott, Food Technology teacher, writes:

Year 10 students have been making dessert this half term and are realising the importance of making smooth custard!

Finally the vegetables are ready after months of watering and sunshine.

 

Year 12 Chemistry Trip to Oxford University

Ms Rowland, Science Teacher, writes:

Our Year 12 Chemistry A-level students visited the University of Oxford’s Chemistry Department for a hands-on day in their undergraduate teaching labs last month.

They had the opportunity to synthesise hydrazone compounds with potential antibiotic properties using a range of advanced techniques.

During the session, students worked with equipment and methods including reflux, vacuum filtration, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It was a great chance to apply what they’ve been learning in class to real laboratory work, and to get a feel for university-level science.

After the lab, the group toured Hertford College and learned more about what it’s like to study at Oxford. The visit gave students a taste of university life and an inspiring look at where chemistry could take them. 

UKMT Maths Challenge

Ms Solea, Maths teacher, writes:

This year, students from Years 7 to 13 proudly represented our school in the UKMT Junior, Intermediate and Senior  Maths Challenges—prestigious national competitions that stretch the brightest young minds in mathematical thinking, logic and problem-solving.

Across all tiers of the challenge, our students demonstrated not only problem-solving skills, but also perseverance, creativity and a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom.

Their success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our school community—from the curiosity and commitment of our students, to the encouragement of our dedicated teachers and the unwavering support of families at home. We are incredibly proud of all those who took part across Years 7 to 13. Your effort, resilience, and achievements truly deserve to be celebrated. Well done to each and every one of you!

Here are testimonies of some of our students who have competed in the challenge.

 

‘’My name is Joseph, and I am in Year 7 at William Ellis School. Recently, I partook in a Maths Competition called the Junior Mathematics Challenge. This was a difficult quiz designed to make you think outside of the box (sometimes literally) and to test your skills as a mathematician. Only a select few of us took part, and so, on a Thursday morning we were in room 3 to do the challenge. I found the questions tough but doable, and so I worked my way through the paper. As I left the room, I thought about the questions and how simple, yet challenging, some of them were.

A couple of weeks later, the results have arrived. One afternoon, during my Maths lesson, when I heard that I have got a gold certificate and qualified for the Junior Kangaroo, I leapt out and cried out with happiness. It was an amazing feeling!’’ (Joseph, Year 7)

 

‘’Taking part in the Junior Mathematics Challenge was a challenge yet rewarding experience. Some of the questions really made me think hard, but I enjoyed the problem -solving aspect and the satisfaction of figuring out tricky problems. It pushed me to think in new ways and made Maths feel more exciting and fun. Overall, it was a great opportunity to test my skills and enjoy the challenge. I had a good result by getting silver, but I am looking forward to next year to hope qualify for the next round.’’ (Tom, Year 8)

Our Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10 winners are pictured below.