Newsletters

Autumn Term - 12th September 2025

 Welcome to our latest news update, including highlights of the year so far, information about our praise and reward system and an upcoming Personal Development information evening for families.

Expectations, praise and achievement at William Ellis

From the start of the year, students should feel that school is a positive and focused environment. Receiving regular, specific praise when they are doing well is an important part of that. These charts show you the ways that students will be praised at school, and how they will be rewarded across the year.

Personal Development at WES: Information Evening for all Year 7-11 Parents and Carers, 22nd September 

On Monday 22nd September we will be hosting an Information Evening for parents and carers of all Year 7-11 students. The key theme of this session will be Personal Development, and we will be discussing our new mobile phone policy, responsible use of phones and social media and our Outdoor Learning programme. This session will begin at 5pm in the Hall. We hope you will join us. Use this form to let us know that you are attending.

Extra-Curricular Music Lessons

Extra-curricular music lessons at William Ellis School will be starting on 22nd September. 

Lessons will take place here at school during the school day, on a rotation basis and with specialist tutors, as usual but the way that these music lessons are applied and paid for is changing this term, with applications and payments now going direct to Camden Music.

Your child can learn to play acoustic or classical guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, violin, cello, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone, euphonium, French Horn, tenor horn, trombone, trumpet, drum kit, piano, Music Technology, or to sing.

To sign up, go to the Camden Music registration page then select your chosen instrument and follow the instructions to join the waiting list.

Camden Music will contact you when a space is available on the timetable for your chosen instrument.

Students who are eligible for Free School Meals may be eligible for a discount on lessons. Please ensure that you indicate this in your application.

Early finish for Students on Thursday 25th September

Our Open Evening, for families with a son due to move to secondary school in 2026, will be held on Thursday 25th September.

School will close early on this day so that the site can be prepared for this event.

Students will be registered by their Form Tutor at 1pm on this day and will be able to get a grab-and-go lunch from the canteen before leaving at 1.10pm.

Autumnal Activities at Lauderdale House

Our school is proud to work in partnership with Lauderdale House on a number of creative projects in Art and English.

Lauderdale House have asked us to share news of their Autumn programme of events and activities for the community: 

We are excited to kick off September with a range of amazing arts including our Jazz in the House series, youth collective Highgate Haven and our Young Photographers Competition Exhibition. As well as this we have a whole host of activities for students and families to get involved with. Whether you're a music lover, a creative, or a history enthusiast there's something for everyone this autumn at Lauderdale House. 

Opportunities for young people include

Highgate Haven Youth Collective, Thursdays 4-6pm

Weekly creative sessions for 13-19 year olds, which are held partnership with Camden Youth Services and focus on a range of art forms, from photography and painting to clay and comics. 

LYRIC: Lauderdale's Young Research & Interpretation Collective - Opportunity for Year 12 Students from Camden Schools

Year 12 students studying History or related subjects who want to get prepared for university and gain experience for their personal statements are invited to apply to be part of LYRIC!

Successful applicants will spend 8 weeks working with Researcher & Podcaster Jonathan Goddard developing research skills, learning how to use historical information & archives and compiling findings into a podcast episode and exhibition in our Courtyard Gallery.

Click here to find out what else is on in the coming weeks.

Information from the local community

Families for Life Champions - free volunteer training for Camden residents 

Parents and carers who are interested in making a difference in the community are invited to join Camden's Champions team and help create positive change in the borough. Sign-up for a free six-week training programme (just once a week) and gain valuable knowledge and skills to become an inspirational Families for Life Champion with Camden’s Early Years, Schools and Families team. Support is provided (refreshments, travel costs, and childcare expenses covered).

Sessions take place at Kingsgate Primary School, NW6 4LB, on Mondays, from 13 October to 24 November, 9.30am to 12noon.

For further information you can phone 07484 941962 or email syria.chowdhury@camden.gov.uk

Parent engagement opportunity - help develop young carers services in Camden

The Council are creating a new strategy to improve support and services for young carers. They want to hear the thoughts and views of parents and carers to help create a picture of strengths and needs in how young carers are supported. You can either:

• Complete this survey before the end of September to be entered into a prize draw for a voucher of your choosing worth £20. See an easy-read version here

• Email ParticipationUnit@camden.org.uk or WhatsApp 07971 747444 to sign up for a one-to-one confidential conversation or focus group about your views. This can be in-person, online or over the phone at a time that works for you.

If you’d like additional support to make participating possible for you, such as arranging an interpreter, please get in touch by email or WhatsApp using the contact details above.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher