Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 20th March 2026

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Spring Term - 20th March 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, with best wishes for Eid for all our families who are celebrating today and this weekend. We look forward to sharing celebrations with students in school this coming week.

Happy Eid ul-Fitr 2026: 125+ Eid Mubarak Wishes, Images, WhatsApp ...

This week's newsletter contains important updated information about Year 11 and 13 revision sessions, photos of the winning entries from our volcano competition and details of holiday activities for young people for the upcoming Easter break.

End of Term Arrangements 

Friday 27th March will be the last day of Spring Term. Students will be dismissed at the end of period 4 on that day.

The last day of term will be Non-Uniform Day, helping to fundraise in aid of good causes supported by Scouts UK on behalf of Year 10 student Patrick, who is raising money for the .

Students wishing to participate in Non-Uniform Day must make a £1 donation to the charity, which can be made through ParentPay or by card at the school office.

Please remember that on Non-Uniform Days, students must not:

  • wear any items that display slogans, insignia, logos or symbols which could cause offence or could be associated with gangs, or indicate political affiliation.
  • wear any head or face coverings that prevent identification or inhibit communication.
  • wear clothing, jewellery or shoes that are unsafe for the activities they are taking part in.

Clothing must cover from shoulders to mid-thigh.

Students not wishing to contribute to this cause are expected to wear full school uniform next Friday.

Year 11 Easter Revision

Year 11 students have been sent the timetable for revision sessions here at school over the holiday, and details of how to sign up for sessions. We hope to see as many of them as possible attending sessions for their GCSE subjects.

 Students will not need to wear school uniform, but will need to bring drinks and a snack as the kitchen won't be open during the holiday.

 

Year 13 Easter Revision

The following sessions will be taking place here at William Ellis between 30th March and 8th April.

For the full schedule of revision sessions across the LaSWAP schools, please see the LaSWAP website.

Students should only be on site when they are in revision sessions or working in their base school’s designated study area.  

Please contact subject teachers directly with any questions about revision sessions.

Easter Revision Routines and Resources

With more daylight hours, nicer weather, and more options for outdoor fun in the Easter break (which should, of course, be enjoyed) it's really important for exam students to dedicate some time to planning their revision carefully.

This is not only about attending revision sessions at school - it also includes making sure that the following things are in place at home:

  • Good routines around sleep - going to bed and getting up at a normal time, and maintaining 7-8 hours sleep per night
  • Having a maximum amount of screen time each day, including using screens for revision, and then being away from a screen before bedtime
  • Eating three meals a day, and eating fruit and vegetables as a healthy snack in between
  • Getting some regular exercise outdoors each day

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Also, we wanted to share a student-friendly revision calendar for the Easter break.

It includes:

  • A simple daily structure that students can personalise
  • Light-touch guidance on planning short revision sessions
  • Prompts to help them choose subjects, topics, and techniques
  • Encouragement to keep up their Read → Transform → Recall approach
  • A healthy balance of Rest, Reflect, Rejoice, Revise and Recharge
Download the Calendar here.

Catch-up Vaccinations for Year 9

Catch-up booster DTP/Meningitis vaccinations for Year 9 students take place on Wednesday 25th March. If your son missed the immunisations earlier in the year, please ensure you have returned his consent form to the Camden Nursing Team for him to have this vaccination.

The recent meningitis outbreak in Kent remains under investigation by the  UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The risk to the wider population currently remains low, but please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of meningitis as getting prompt medical help and treatment is important.

Donations to the Camden Foodbank

A reminder that we are supporting Camden Foodbank's Easter appeal for donations to local families in need.

If you feel able to help this cause you can donate food and toiletries from the following list, or make a contribution via the Foodbank's Just Giving page (please donate Gift Aid if you can as this increases donations by 25%).

Donated items from the list can be dropped off at the school office weekdays 8am-4pm until Thursday.

Smartphone guidance for parents and carers

Camden's health and wellbeing department have shared a new smartphone guide designed to support parents and carers to help children and young people use mobile phones safely and responsibly. 

The practical guide offers clear advice on managing smartphone use, setting healthy boundaries, and supporting digital wellbeing.

Volcanic Activity in NW5

Last week the Year 7 Quad was cordoned off after school after reports of volcanic activity in the area.

It turned out to be the culmination of the Year 7 Volcano competition, which saw the fantastic volcano models made by students over the last few weeks erupt!

  

Congratulations to the winners: George from 7B, Teo and Milo from 7K, Diar, Micah and Mohammed of 7L and 7W's Wilfrid and Rocco.  

SEND Notice: 

Affordable Art Fair 7th-10th May - Complimentary Tickets for WES families!

We are very grateful to Affordable Art Fair UK for offering complimentary tickets for our school community to the Affordable Art Fair taking place on Hampstead Heath in May.

To book your free tickets, and find out more about the event please click here.


National Consultation: Preparing Children for a Changing Digital World 

The government is seeking views about new measures to help children navigate technology safely. The consultation invites views from pupils, staff, parents/carers, other stakeholders, and partners. It offers a good opportunity for schools engage with their parents and pupils on a very topical issue.

Proposals include:

  • Introducing a minimum age for social media use
  • Restricting addictive or risky design features (e.g., infinite scroll, autoplay)
  • Considering changes to the digital age of consent
  • Strengthening age verification and assurance
  • Potential statutory guidance on mobile phone use in schools
  • Improved support and clearer guidance for parents and simpler parental controls

This builds on the Online Safety Act 2023 and aims to ensure children’s online experiences are safe, healthy, and enriching. The consultation is open to everyone and includes dedicated consultation versions for children and young people (aged 10 to 21 years) and for parents/carers. Views will also be gathered through national events over the next three months.

For further information and to take part, please visit: National Consultation: Growing up in the Online World- Pupils, Staff & Parents

Consultation closes: 11:59pm, 26 May 2026

 

Fair Futures for Young Carers

The theme of Young Carers Action Day 2026 on 11 March was 'fair futures for young carers' - a call to ensure every young carer has the same chances to learn, grow and thrive as their peers.

In Camden Council has been highlighting the support young carers need to reach their potential, from recognition in school and access to training and employment, to meaningful breaks, wellbeing support and opportunities that help them build brighter futures. Find out more on Camden Rise website.

 

Fire Cadet Offer – Opportunities for Students 

The London Fire Brigade’s Fire Cadets programme offers young people aged 13–17 a free, fun and challenging way to build confidence, develop life skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications. Cadets meet weekly at a local fire station, taking part in team‑building activities, learning practical skills such as using firefighting equipment, and exploring fire safety in the community.  To find out more and sign up, please visit the Fire Cadets application page on the LFB website.

Nine candidates standing to be Camden's next Youth MP 

Young people go to the polls from 20 April to 1 May 2026 to elect a new Camden Youth MP and two Deputy Youth MPs. There are nine candidates, with six of Camden’s state secondary schools represented, as well as Capital City College and a local independent school.

Eleven to 19 year-olds who live in Camden, go to school or college in the borough or work here can vote in their secondary school or youth centre. All the candidates are listed on Camden Rise website and you can also watch their campaign videos there. More videos and manifestos will be added closer to the date of the election.

The Camden Youth MP Election 2026 is run by the children and young people’s participation service within Children and Learning at Camden Council. If you have any questions, please email rashid.ali@camden.gov.uk.

Free Arsenal Community Football Sessions 

Over Easter, Arsenal in the Community will be running free holiday camps at Cantalowes for children age 8 – 12. Please click here to sign up.

In term time they run free after-school sessions at the Peckwater Estate Pitch:

Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme - bookings now open

Young Camden Foundation is excited to welcome children and young people back for another fantastic Camden Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Funded by the Department for Education and Camden Council, Camden HAF offers free holiday activities, enriching experiences and healthy meals for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Across the Easter holiday (30 March to 10 April), there will be a wide range of activities to choose from - including sports, creative arts and hands-on learning opportunities delivered by trusted local providers in safe and supportive environments.

Visit the website to find out more and book places

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher


Coming Up...

DofE Silver Qualifying Expedition
All Day
from 20 Mar until 23 Mar
20
March
UCAS Discovery Day - No Year 12 Lessons
All Day
23
March
Year 11 Careers Carousel
11:15am – 12:15pm
23
March
Camden Biennale Art & Design session with Eleanor Palmer students
2:00pm – 3:00pm
23
March
Year 9 Vaccinations catch-up
All Day
25
March
Student Finance Webinar for Year 13 Families
6:00pm – 7:00pm
25
March
Last Day of Spring Term
All Day
27
March
Non-Uniform Day
All Day
27
March
Early close - Students dismissed at 1.10pm
1:10pm – 1:15pm
27
March
First day of Spring Term - Registration at 8.35am
8:35am – 8:35am
13
April