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Spring Term - 13th February 2026
Welcome to our latest news update, including a brilliant careers visit to Canary Wharf and the launch of a research project about relationships and belonging. There is also important information below about the election of a new parent governor, and Year 9 options evening in March!
After a productive and positive half term, we wish you all a great break, and look forward to seeing students when they return to school on Monday 23rd February.
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Year 11: 45 days to do to exams, and looking towards LaSWAP
Year 11 students have been working increasingly hard this term in class and through independent revision. Following parents' evening at the end of January, after-school intervention sessions have already started and students have been issued with supporting revision materials across many subjects.
Priority interventions - where teachers have identified that students are in clear need of more support - have been added to students' timetables. Students and families can see these on the MCAS and SatchelOne timetables. They are also able to attend other interventions voluntarily, and these are shown on this timetable:
For the rest of the academic year, Year 11 students will have their Monday period 3 slot allocated to targeted revision, so you may see a change of teacher and room on their timetable for this. This will help them to build improved study skills as well as give them more time for independent study.
 On Saturday, all but a few Year 11s came for their 6th form guidance interviews and can now complete their LaSWAP applications, for which they have been sent an independent link. With over 40 A Level courses and a range of vocational options on offer, we hope to see as many of them as possible moving into the next phase of study with us in September.
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Why Good Attendance Matters
At William Ellis, we believe that being in school every day is key to doing well. The evidence is clear — students who attend 96% of the time or more get much better results than those who miss more school.
Students who come to school regularly are also happier. Taking part in clubs, events and activities helps boys make friends and feel they truly belong. We want all our boys to be WES HEROs: Here, Every day, Ready, On time!
What happens when students miss school?
Every lesson builds on the one before. Missing even a small amount of time can make it harder to keep up. Research shows that students who attend regularly do better in their exams. Those who miss a lot of school often fall behind, lose confidence, and feel more pressure when exams come around.
The table below shows the average GCSE grade achieved last summer for each attendance band.
Why 100% attendance matters
Coming to school every day gives students the best chance to succeed. They keep up with their learning, stay connected with friends, join in with class, and get help quickly when they need it. Being in school each day helps students build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need.
Building resilience
We all have days when we feel a bit unwell and want to stay at home. These are the moments when we need to think about the bigger picture and push through. Learning to keep going when things are tough is an important life skill — one that will help students at school, in their careers, and in life.
How you can help
As parents and carers, your support makes a real difference. By encouraging your child to come to school every day, you are helping them build good habits, do their best academically, and prepare for the future.
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Parent Governor Election 2026 Update
We were delighted to receive applications from three parents to stand for Parent Governor. Their personal statements and details of how to vote can be found in the attachments to this week's newsletter email. All parents/carers with a child on roll at William Ellis are eligible to vote and the successful candidate will be announced next month.
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Options Evening for Year 9
On Wednesday 4th March from 4:30pm we will be hosting Options Evening for students in Year 9 to begin the process of choosing their GCSE courses for next year.
Further information about this event will be sent to Year 9 families after half term, but please save the date. If you'd like to understand how the process works, last year's options information can be found at https://www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk/student-and-family-information/year-9 Please note that this is subject to minor changes for 2026.
Year 10 Parents' Evening
Parents and carers of students in Year10 will have received a letter today informing them that booking has opened for Parents' Evening on Thursday 5th March. Bookings for Parents' Evenings are made via your MCAS account.
Families are advised to make their bookings as soon as possible in order to secure the slots most convenient to you for meeting your son's teachers to discuss progress.
Guidance about appointment booking can be found on the Parents’ Evening webpage: www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk/parents-evenings
If you are having any problems with logging in to MCAS or making bookings, please contact Mr Khan, Information Systems Manager: akhan@williamellis.camden.sch.uk
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Year 11 Exam Preparations
Mr Pratt writes:
Targeted Tutor Interventions (TTI) begin for Year 11 during period 3 on the first Monday after half term. All students have been put in groups based on predicted grades. They will be working with the tutor team and others on very specific revision activities. These include:
- Making a revision plan
- Revision techniques
- Maths grade 2
- Maths grade 4
- English skills
- English grade 4
- English catch up
- Chasing the higher grades across all subjects
Please remember that subject-focused interventions continue every day and the staffed study support sessions continue in the library after school. Please do encourage your son to attend.
All students know about the "11JPR top tips for revision" and this is available to download from the Year 11 page of the school website in case you need it.
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Sixth Form News
Ms Wilson writes:
The halfway point of the academic year is marked at LaSWAP by Year 12 Parents’ Evening, which was held yesterday. This is an ideal point in the year to look back at the successes that Year 12 have had in stepping up to the challenges of post 16 study. It is not just their academic successes we want to celebrate today, but also their achievements in their extra-curricular activities. Over the past two weekends, we have had students getting involved in two different competitions around public speaking. As Dr Smith writes elsewhere in this newsletter, Maleeka, Kaliyah and Maheesha all participated in the SPEAR Public Speaking Challenge on 1st February. A week later, Cadense, Felix, Hugh, Miriam and Tibor all took part in the Model United Nations conference – well done to all, but especially Hugh, who won a “Speaker Award” for his outstanding contributions.
As well as looking back to the achievements of our Year 12s, we have also been looking forward to our new students this week, with the Year 11 Transition Interviews taking place last week. It is always such a privilege to spend time with our Year 11 students at this point in the year, thinking about their future selves and what we can do to help them achieve their ambitions. Speaking of achieving ambitions, a reminder that the Sixth Form Centre is open to Year 13 students on Monday and Tuesday of the half term holiday, so they can really get stuck into their revision for the March mocks, but still have some time to relax before lessons start again on 24th February!
Year 12 A Level Art - Camden Biennale Arts Project
Ms Madsen writes:
The WES Art Department is very excited that the Camden Biennale will take place again this year on the 13th-26th of July. As part of the Biennale we have been lucky to receive funding for a project with Year 12 A level Art students in partnership with the Bomb Factory. This is an arts organisation that work in ceramics, and they have worked with the class to produce ceramic pieces for the show. The theme was ‘A seat at the table’ so students thought about who has ‘a seat at the table’ and how that affects who holds power and influence in society. They each designed a ceramic work and they are also going to develop a written text to accompany their work when it goes on display. The Biennale will be displayed in the window galleries at the University of the Arts in Granary Square so it will be seen by thousands of people!
Gwen Lee the Art lead from Camden Learning also attended the workshop and she said she was 'delighted to see the new experiences and techniques that students were learning.’
We look forward to sharing images of the final artworks and the exhibition. Well done to all the students who have worked hard this term on this project!
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WES Trust Update
Will Durham, Trust Director, writes:
The William Ellis Trust has hit the ground running in 2026. In January, trustees and the headteacher came together for a focused strategy session to shape our priorities for the months ahead.
We’re delighted to share an update with our school community on the projects we’re currently funding, and what’s coming up next.
Find out more about our work and priorities here:
https://www.williamellistrust.org.uk/news-and-updates/why-our-work-is-important
If you’d like to know more or have any questions about our work, please feel free to get in touch at wdurham@williamellis.camden.sch.uk
Loneliness Research Project
Our school is working in partnership with Neighbourly Lab on a project to strengthen students’ relationships with one another, to help everyone to feel they belong at school, and to reduce loneliness. The project is important since loneliness is linked to poorer attitudes to school, lower educational attainment, and worse physical and mental health.
All students in Year 8 are invited and encouraged to complete a questionnaire at school during the month of March. Parents can opt out by contacting the school office, but we hope that families will support this important research. To find out more about this project, and about sources of support at school, please see the attached information and the letter that has been sent out to Year 8 families directly.
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Careers Education Update: Inspiring Future Pathways
Mr Parry writes:
Our careers programme has been busy and exciting this term, offering students valuable opportunities to explore the world of work and develop key employability skills. On January 19th, Year 9 students took part in an engaging Enterprise Day, where they worked in teams to design and pitch their own business ideas. The day encouraged creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, while helping students build confidence in presenting their ideas. It was inspiring to see students think like entrepreneurs and gain insight into the skills needed to succeed in business.
On February 2nd, Year 7 students visited KPMG in Canary Wharf for a workplace experience trip. Students were given a tour of the professional office environment and learned about the wide range of careers available within a global organisation.
Through interactive activities and discussions with staff, they gained a better understanding of teamwork, communication and the importance of preparing for future career pathways. The visit helped students connect their classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
Looking ahead, Year 10 students will soon be taking part in two important preparation events for their future careers. On February 23rd, students will attend a Get Ready for Work Experience session, designed to help them understand workplace expectations and develop professional skills. This will be followed by mock interviews on March 9th, where students will practise interview techniques and receive feedback from professionals. These experiences will play a key role in preparing students for their upcoming work experience placements and future career journeys.
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Sovereign Minds SPEAR Oratory Prize Competition
Dr. Smith Writes:
Last week I had the privilege of judging the first stage of the Sovereign Minds SPEAR Oratory Prize Competition. Over 2,200 students signed-up to take part in the competition and over the coming weeks 1 talented speaker will be selected as the winner of the £10,000 prize.
Students from across the country and William Ellis took to the stage to speak with courage, clarity and conviction on one of the 10 SPEAR targets shaping our collective future:
Ending poverty • Improving health • Education for all • Eliminating hunger • The future of work • Protecting our planet • Peace and justice • Equality everywhere • Global cooperation • Responsible consumption.
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GCSE Art and Graphics
Ms Madsen writes:
On the 11th of February, Year 10 Graphics and Art students took part in their final workshop with Lauderdale house. They have worked responding to the gardens on the theme of ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’ with a Chinese heritage artist. In this workshop they made jelly prints using natural forms and used tools they had created from natural forms when they visited Lauderdale in January to draw with ink. They were experimental artwork inspired by Chinese scroll paintings and calligraphy.
They previously also worked using porcelain clay and bronze. All their work will go on display in the house and gardens as part of the prestigious Highgate Festival in the summer. Then it will be returned to school and go towards students GCSE coursework.
Year 9 Artworks
Ms Sinnott writes:
Year 9 have been following in the footsteps of Banksy:
Word Collages:
Year 7 French Trip to the BFI
Ms Rodgers writes:
On the 4th February, all of the Year 7 were able to attend a KS3 French film study day at the BFI Southbank. They were spoken at in French for the first two hours, and were shown three short films about different themes, and completed various activities between the clips on their workbook. They were very engaged and Mohammed & Cassius even went on the stage and performed their French dialogue in front of 450 people!
We had a stroll along the Southbank at lunchtime and even found a lovely book stall to explore!
After lunch, we watched the animated film of Le Petit Nicolas who is a character in books created by René Goscinny and illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé (a classic French children's series available in both French and English.)
Student comments:
"I loved how interactive the BFI experience was!"
"I loved the relatable questions."
"The French movie about the French book character & the authors was great."
KS3 Table Tennis Achievement
Mr Levitt writes:
Well done to Luca and Atif (Year 9), who made it to the last 16 in the U18 Central London qualifiers of the National Table Tennis Cup. They showed great resilience playing against boys much older and more experienced than themselves.
They qualified through a tough group stage to get to the last 16, taking their final defeats to deuce. Showing great courage and sportsmanship, we are really proud of their efforts playing in such a tough competition so young.
They will be back practising in table tennis club with our specialist table tennis coach on:
- Tuesday - Friday lunchtime in the main hall
- Wednesday after school in the sports hall.
Recent Drama Trips
Ms Hughes writes:
On Wednesday, 55 Key Stage 4 students watched ‘Lost Atoms’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. It was an impressive performance by Frantic Assembly, a practitioner we study in school.
Students will need to write about this performance in their upcoming exams.
Last week, 25 Year 8 students visited The Bridge Theatre to see a performance of 'Into The Woods'. This work complements our drama curriculum and was a fantastic experience of seeing live theatre in a modern setting.
Some reviews from our students:
Adam: I liked the first half best, and thought it was clever how they used shadows to create the giant.
Bowie - I enjoyed the giant because the shadowing and the animation worked very well to show how big she was without actually seeing her.
Abdullah - I liked the second half because of the witch character.
Matthew- I liked the second half because it was scarier and more dark.
Extra-Curricular Music Lessons
A reminder for all parents that individual music lessons are available for all students! Students can sign up throughout the year using this link.
We offer students eligible for Free School Meals instrumental tuition for just £2 per lesson! Please make a note of this on your application form. You can find out more on our website: https://www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk/extra-curricular-music
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Childrens' Mental Health Week
Parents and carers are often the first place young people go when they're struggling – whether that's relationships, school or their mental health.
However experienced you are, it can be hard to know the right thing to say when someone you love is hurting, or what next steps to take.
This Children's Mental Health Week, we want parents and carers to know that help’s out there.
Young Minds Parents Helpline advisors are just a click or phone call away with free, expert, confidential, 1-1 advice. And theyhave hundreds of online guides and real stories from parents who get it.
Some of the top concerns parents talk to us about include:
- School avoidance
- Talking to your child
- Anxiety
- Low mood
Nobody should feel alone when someone they love is struggling – and if you have used Young Minds advice or support in the past you can help other parents feel seen and understood by contacting Young Minds to share your story.
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CAMHS: Working together with Parents and Carers
The Anna Freud Organisation is currently recruiting members for a CAMHS parent/ carer advisory group. This group plays a vital role in shaping and improving CAMHS across North London. CAMHS decision-makers are present at every meeting to make sure the voice of parents/carers will make a real difference.
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Top tips for parents: Helping children prepare for exams
Taking exams can be very stressful for students – and for their parents!
Dr Amanda Hipkiss is an expert in how students can prepare for examinations. She was a SENCO and teacher in a mainstream secondary school for many years, where she organised student skills support for students taking examinations as well as organising access arrangements for students with SEND. Dr Hipkiss has produced a guide for parents of students who are preparing for upcoming examinations, answering common questions, such as:
- How parents can encourage their children to revise
- How long children should spend on revision
- Different revision techniques to try
- Ways to promote well-being during the stressful exam period
Download the guide here.
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Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum - September 2026 to July 2027
The world-famous Bayeux Tapestry is to be displayed at the British Museum later this year in an historic loan agreement between the UK and France.
The 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings, and is due to go on display in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027.
The museum will draw on its own collection as well as other loans in order to tell a rich story about this period of history.
This will be the first time that the tapestry has been shown in the UK since it was made, almost 1,000 years ago – and is expected to be one of the British Museum’s most popular exhibitions ever.
Sign up to the British Museum newsletter to be the first to hear about ticket releases.
Pulped Furniture: Free After School Design Club for 14–18s
‘Pulped Furniture’ is a free after-school club in Camden hosted by STORE, Camden. Explore furniture design, casting, 3D printing, hydraulic pressing mould making. This is an exciting opportunity for young people aged 14-18 with a creative flair or who are interested to learn more in this space!
When: Tuesdays or Thursdays from 17th Feb – 12th March, 5-7.30pm
Where: STORE, Coal Drops Yard, Camden
Sign up: email school@storeprojects.org
Cost: free to attend
Creative Health Camden Youth Hub
Camden Opportunity Centre - February Half Term Sessions
Camden's Opportunity Centre revision sessions in English and Maths will be running throughout the February half term holiday.
The Financial literacy session and Rebel Business School are walk-in sessions. To attend the English and Maths revision sign up is necessary via these links:
English Revision
Maths Revision
Free and low-cost February half-term activities
It's half-term next week (16 to 20 February). Find free and low-cost activities for children and young people of all ages near you – including sports, arts, youth projects and play schemes - on Camden Rise website
Read, Write, Share – Meet Julie Day
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Meet Julie Day, author of 'Billy and the Sparkling Socks' at Pancras Square Library on Wednesday, 18 February at 3:30 pm.There will be a reading from the book, followed by fun writing activities and an opportunity to ask Julie all your questions about writing. This event is for children aged 8 and over.
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Chinese New Year of the Horse Celebration on 21st February
This one-day celebration at Hawley Wharf brings together tradition, creativity, and community - turning Camden Market into a joyful cultural destination for all ages.
The celebration take splace on Saturday 21st February 2026, 1pm-6pm and entry is free.
Celebrate, explore, and welcome the new year with Lion Dancing, face-changing performance, dance, opera, hands-on craft workshops, festive market & food stalls, a costume parade and immersive New Year decorations & art installations.
Our small celebration of Chinese New Year in school will be after half term, on February 25th.
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Yours faithfully,
Izzy Jones
Headteacher
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This Week's WESPA Round-Up:
WESPA General Meeting - Online - Thursday 26 February 7.30pm
Save the date and join us at our next WESPA General meeting on the 26th of February at 19.30pm which will be taking place online (link to follow soon via WhatsApp Year groups). This will be our first meeting as co-chairs and we are both very excited to update you on what the WESPA team has been up to since we last met in November. We hope to see many of you then, but for now wish everyone a restful half-term.
WES-WESPA CAREERS events for Year 10 & 11 in March!
✨CAN YOU VOLUNTEER?✨
‼️9th of March - Year 10 mock interviews event at school, 8:30am-1:15pm.
The Year 10 event involves interviewing on a 1-2-1 basis. A series of questions will be provided, (but there is always the opportunity to go off piste in case one of the students asks the interviewer a question!)
N.B There will be a 20-minute online guidance session for this event at 10am on Wednesday 4th March. Meeting link to follow.
‼️23rd March - Year 11 careers carousel event at school, 10:30am-12:30pm .
The Year 11 careers carousel provides students with the opportunity to meet professionals from a wide range of industries, learn about different job roles, and hear first-hand how people have built their careers; whether through university, apprenticeships, or other routes into work.
N.B There will be a 20-minute online guidance session for this event at 10am on Wednesday 18th March. Meeting link to follow.
✨How it works:
Professionals meet small groups of students in a “carousel” format, giving a brief overview of their career journey and / or current role. Students then ask questions before the professionals move on to the next group.
Both events are energetic and rewarding. And both events play a key role in supporting our students as they begin to consider work experience, their key stage 5 options and explore possible career pathways.
We are seeking volunteers from all sectors — including education, healthcare, business, creative industries, engineering, technology, law, and beyond — to help inspire the next generation.
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To express your interest, please sign up to the WESPA - WoW WhatsApp chat:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ini6eWm49ss5FC4uEpAaXS
or email Alex Booij via williamellispa@gmail.com
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