William Ellis School Parent Portal - NEWS AT WES

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Summer Term - 1st May 2026

Welcome to our latest news update, including the exciting launch of our 2026 London Cavaliers Basketball Academy, a call for volunteers to support new and developing initiatives in the school, as well as details of the upcoming Key Stage 3 fun run and recent Drama and Music trips. There is also important information about exams for Year 11 and Year 9 families.

Year 11 Families - Supporting Your Child Through GCSE exams

With the start of the GCSE exams next week I wanted to share a few simple but important ways you can help your child perform at their very best.

Getting the basics right can make a real difference. A good night's sleep is essential — encourage your child to wind down early and avoid screens before bed. A healthy breakfast on the morning of an exam helps with concentration and energy levels, so please ensure they don't leave home on an empty stomach.

The night before each exam, it's worth helping your child pack their bag with all the equipment they need — pens, pencils, a ruler, a calculator, and their exam timetable. Please also ensure that your child comes to school in full school uniform, as this helps create a focused and professional atmosphere for everyone.

Finally, please aim to have your child at school in plenty of time before their exam begins. A calm, unhurried arrival sets the right tone for the day ahead.

We are incredibly proud of all our students and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck. You've got this!

We were delighted yesterday to welcome members of the London Cavaliers basketball team to a bespoke open event to launch a full time sixth form basketball academy for September 2026, hosted by William Ellis as part of the LaSWAP consortium. The London Cavaliers are a high performing team competing at national level, and partnering with them will support the development of basketball clubs and teams throughout the whole school.

Any current Year 11 students who may be interested in joining the Academy from September can find out more details and sign up for a trial at LONDON CAVS LAUNCH FULL-TIME ACADEMY AT LaSWAP 6TH FORM – London Basketball Network. They must also have applied to LaSWAP via the normal route and meet all academic entrance requirements for their chosen course of study.

VOLUNTEER WITH US - IT'S SUCH A REWARDING AND WORTHWHILE THING TO DO

Our vision is to build a vibrant and inclusive school community where volunteers play a vital role in enriching the educational experience of every student. We strive to create an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to contribute their time, skills, and passion. Several volunteers - current and former parents and former students - already volunteer in the school, as well as those who give their time and energy to WESPA and the governing body. Volunteering can provide a good opportunity for people of any age and background to gain and use new skills, and to strengthen a CV.

We would like to engage volunteers in meaningful opportunities such as:

- supporting student reading,

- assisting with school activities and trips

- helping to establish a Combined Cadet Force, which we hope to launch in Autumn 2026. More information about this can be found at Combined Cadet Force | Homepage

We envision a culture of collaboration where volunteers are empowered to make a positive difference, students benefit from additional support and encouragement, and staff are strengthened by the shared commitment to student success. Together, we aim to create a nurturing environment that promotes confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

To ensure you get the best opportunity and exposure of how the school works and to improve the experience of our students we ask that volunteers can commit for a minimum of 1 term.

If you would be interested in volunteering, please write to us with a CV and your area of interest at info@williamellis.camden.sch.uk

Year 9 Exams - 5th-15th May

A reminder to Year 9 families that assessments begin on Tuesday next week, as we return from the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Practical subjects will be completing assessments in lessons over the next two weeks.

For the duration of the assessment period students should attend school at normal times, in full school uniform.

KS3 Fun Run - Next Friday!

A reminder that the annual fun run for students in Years 7-9 takes place next week. Boys complete a 3km route starting from the school, going around Parliament Hill, and returning to the school for the finish. The run will take place from 2:00–3:00pm on 8th May. Parents are welcome to gather around the Parliament Hill Cafe area to cheer the boys on!

This is a fundraising event, with WESPA hoping to raise £3000 for the PE Department to purchase rowing machines and exercise bikes for the gym.

All donations can be made via the Givey website:

https://www.givey.com/williamellisschoolfunrunmay2026

Year 9 Music Trip to Pirate Studios

Mr Hansom writes:

Last week our Year 9 students went to Pirate Studios in Camden and worked on their Podcasting, Doing, Production, and performance skills in a professional studio with our Music tech students and DJ Teacher Youssef.

The boys did an amazing job and created some really great results in only a short time. We can’t wait to go back with more students!

Year 8 Drama Workshop with Donmar Warehouse

Ms Hughes writes:

On Friday 24th April some Year 8 students took part in a workshop with the Donmar Warehouse theatre. This was to help the company with their research and development for an upcoming touring schools performance called 'Hide', which is based on the novel Jekyll and Hyde.

The purpose of the workshop was for the playmakers to understand a little more about what happens in schools, and the opinions of our students on the rules we have here at school. Students played games, discussed their opinions and came up with improvised performances about their 'perfect school', including a free choice of subjects, Ronaldo as a PE teacher, no school uniform and Mini Eggs for lunch!

The workshop leaders were incredibly impressed by the quality of the work and the focus and thoughtfulness of all students.

All Year 7 and 8 students will have a chance to watch 'Hide', including the input from this workshop, on the 25th June!

Westminster Creatives - Opportunity for Year 10 Students

The University of Westminster are offering Year 10 students a chance to join Westminster Creatives 2026, a free three‑day, non-residential, summer school for those curious about creative subjects and future pathways in the arts.

Students can find out more information and apply by completing the sign-up form.

UCL Community Dance day - Free Event

UCL is marking its 200th birthday with a free, inclusive community dance event on Wednesday 3 June.

Drop-in workshops run throughout the afternoon, including Maypole sessions with live music at 3:30pm and 4:30pm. All ages and abilities welcome — no experience needed. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Get free tickets here

Opportunity Centre Sessions - Summer 2026

Camden Council is excited to share the Opportunity Centre Sessions - Summer 2026, which are after‑school summer term sessions open to students who attend secondary school in Camden and young people aged 11 to 18 who are Camden residents.

These sessions give young people the opportunity to gain extra skills, build confidence, and explore exciting new fields such as music, creative arts, textile making, business, finance, and more. It’s a great way for students to discover new interests, learn from industry professionals, and prepare for future pathways beyond the classroom. Please visit the Camden Rise website to learn more or find the schedule here. To register interest in any of the events complete this form.

Families for Life Champions Training - free for Camden residents

Do you want to volunteer to support local families and your community?

Take part in free volunteer training and become a Families for Life Champion. FFL Champions support families with children aged two to 11 and share information about healthy activities in Camden. You’ll learn new skills, gain confidence, meet new people and boost your CV, which will help you find paid work.

Travel and childcare costs are covered and refreshments provided. The next FFL Champions programme runs from 4 June to 9 July, weekly on Thursdays, 10am to 12.30pm, at the Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD.

To register your place click here or phone Syria on 07484 941962.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher