Newsletters

Summer Term - 18th July 2025

Welcome to our latest news update, with highlights from the past few weeks at school and a look ahead to September. As always, it is brilliant to work in partnership with families to support the students in our care and we wish you a happy, healthy and restorative summer. We look forward to seeing Year 13 students on 14th August and Year 11 on 21st August for their results, followed immediately by LaSWAP enrollment. More details can be found at LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium - Home

Pastoral arrangements for next year

Year 7 students were very sad today to say farewell to Mr Parry as their Head of Year. Mr Parry has been a Head of Year at William Ellis for 15 years and also a Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and Head of Careers in the school. We are very lucky that he will be continuing to work with us part time from September, while also taking a chance to spend more time with his family. From September, the arrangements for year 7 and 8 pastoral leadership will be as follows.

Mr Dennis: Head of Year 7 and 8 (Mr Dennis was previously Head of Year 11)

Ms Saponia: Student Development Officer, Year 7

Mr Amenhem: Student Development Officer, year 8

Older year groups will continue to be led by their existing Heads of Year. Today we said goodbye to Ms Lawson, who was previously Head of Year for the current Year 8. She has relocated out of London and we wish her well in her new role and adventures.

International Evening

Ms Balabhadra 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!”

Design Technology Projects 

Mr Gunter 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.

Food Growing Project

Ms Sinnott writes:

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

In-School Performances from RADA and The Donmar Warehouse

Ms Hughes 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.

UKMT Maths Challenge

Ms Solea 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.

‘’ 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.

Year 12 Business and Economics Marketing Project

Ms Mallick writes:

Six Year 12 students were recently invited to a 'Winner's Day' event at the head offices of marketing agency, Publicis Pro, after previously winning the in-school marketing pitch challenge run by Publicis Pro earlier in the year in school.

Students had networking opportunities with professionals in the marketing industry, a tour of the offices and a second marketing challenge. The winning team of the second challenge had Aiyla and Anastasia from Year 12 Economics at WES in it, making them double winners!

School Governors' 'Away Day' at The Mill

Ian Stanlake, School Governor, writes:

For our final governors meeting of the year we headed to The Mill in the beautiful English countryside. Alongside our usual business we took time to celebrate some of the achievements of the last year, to recognise some of its challenges, and to look forward to next year. We were blessed by fantastic weather, made to feel very welcome by the resident staff, and got a real insight into how this unique facility is used by WES. As a first time visitor to The Mill, but hopefully not my last, what was my highlight? Well it has to be seeing (and hearing) the Year 8 boys return from their full day hike full of energy, excitement and joy.  What a special place.

Year 7 Mental Health Awareness Workshop

Ms Smith 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 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.

ShiftED Young Makers Summer Holiday Project

ShiftED runs free creative sessions for children aged 10-14. Please see their website for further details.

Over 400 Camden year 12 students take part in STEAM work experience week

Camden have asked us to share their delight in celebrating the success of this year’s STEAM work experience week, which saw over 400 year 12 students participate with all Camden schools taking part and accessing these incredible opportunities. Every young person who took part was impressive, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism, and curiosity as they engaged with real-world STEAM careers and business challenges, connecting with valuable opportunities to learn from industry professionals across diverse sectors. Read a summary of the week here and see LinkedIn post here celebrating the week. 

Celebrating South Asian Heritage in Camden

From Friday 18 July to Sunday 17 August, Camden are celebrating the rich contributions and legacy of South Asian cultures across the UK with a fantastic programme of events. Explore an interactive art exhibition curated by PAPRIKA Collective, enjoy a family day out at the Regent’s Roots Festival with circus theatre, creative workshops, and delicious food or sit back and watch films at The Garden Cinema. For more information and the full programme visit: lovecamden.org/picks/south-asian-heritage-month.

Free parenting classes for Camden parents and carers

Camden Children’s Centres and Family Hubs are offering free parenting classes for Camden parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19. Families can choose to join classes either online or in person, including at some primary schools. Courses cover everything from preparing for a new baby and the early years to raising teens and supporting children with additional needs. Crèche facilities are available at some locations and other languages are available. For details visit https://families.camden.gov.uk/parents-and-carers/parenting-classes/

Summer in Camden: Free and low-cost activities 

Summer in Camden is Camden Council’s guide to free and low-cost activities over the summer, including for children and young people.

A printed guide is available in the summer edition of the Camden magazine, which is being distributed to homes and libraries in the borough. 

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher