Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 8th May 2026

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Summer Term - 8th May 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including a sneak preview of a fabulous work experience opportunity for Year 10 students to create a podcast supported by Middlesex University. Meanwhile, we have been forging partnership work with a school in Chile, and celebrating the success of our Year 10 rugby players. 

As this newsletter is being written, Key Stage 3 students are returning from their 3k Fun Run. Well done to everyone who has taken part in this event and thank you to the families who have come out in support. See below for a reminder of how to support the boys' efforts with donations towards sports equipment for the gym. 

A reminder that, as in the dates below, there is an early close for staff professional development this Wednesday, 13th May, and our Year 9 residential camp is coming up in just over a week's time.

 The Half Term Attendance Raffle is Back!

Structured Exam Support Plan for Year 11 Students

During the upcoming exam period, we will be supporting Year 11 students in the following ways, with the aim of maximising their preparation, punctuality, and confidence on exam days:

  • We believe that a single, consistent space for Year 11 to gather on exam days helps to create a sense of camaraderie and collective motivation. Room 3 will be the designated base room for Year 11 on exam mornings. Any student with an exam that day should report there first. A member of staff will be present from 8.20am to supervise student revision. Light refreshments such as fruit and breakfast bars will be available.                  For afternoon exams, students will meet in Room 3 at 1.10pm, following the same process as above.
  • Students will receive a short, focused, briefing before each exam, with a member of subject staff for that exam providing key reminders and encouragement.
  • School staff will check registers before the exam begins and contact the families of any students who may be absent as soon as possible. Please help us to help your sons by reminding them of the importance of arriving at school in good time before exams.

Please see last week’s newsletter for a reminder of ways to support students at home as they enter the exam period.

We wish all of Year 11 the best of luck over the coming weeks.

 

Year 7 & 8 Assessments

The end of year assessments for Year 7 and 8 students will take place on the following dates.

Year 7: Wednesday 10th June – Friday 19th June

Year 8: Wednesday 3rd June – Friday 12th June

All assessments will take place in classrooms with the subject teacher.

An individual timetable will be available just before half term break.

Subject teachers will give students guidance on the assessments and provide access to revision materials via Satchel One.

Non Uniform Day, Friday 22nd May

Non Uniform Day at the end of this half term will support Unicef, an agency that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Students wishing to take part must make a £1 donation to this charity. This can be made via ParentPay. Students who do not make a donation are expected to come to school in full uniform.

On Non-Uniform Day, 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.
  • Not wear any head or face coverings that prevent identification or inhibit communication.
  • Not wear clothing, jewellery or shoes that are unsafe for the activities they are taking part in. 
  • Wear items that cover from their shoulders to mid-thigh.

Middlesex University launches podcast project with WES

William Ellis School has partnered with Middlesex University on an exciting new project giving Year 10 pupils a voice on what it means to be a teenage boy in 2026.

The From The Boys project launched with workshops exploring masculinity, online influence, and the 'manosphere'. In June, a group of pupils will undertake work experience at MDX Studios, learning interview techniques and audio production to create their own podcasts. The series will be released publicly in the autumn.

The value of our students' voices at the core of this project can't be underestimated. Their articulation of life as a teenage boy gives this project huge power — for the boys themselves, and for all those who recognise the importance of taking boys seriously.

The project is funded by the William Ellis Trust, The Hadley Trust, and The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust.

The WES Trust's First Annual Review 

We are delighted to present a first annual review of our work at the William Ellis Trust.

The William Ellis Trust is the foundational body of the school, ultimately responsible for supporting the school to achieve its vision and aims. Our Trust Director, Will Durham, has reflected on his first 18 months in post:

"It has been a pleasure becoming more public in the work we do, and working with our wonderful community.

We hope the review gives a sense our impact, and of the organisation we are becoming.

We look forward to building on this in the year ahead, and your continuing support."

Read the review in full via this link: https://www.williamellistrust.org.uk/news-and-updates/our-annual-review-for-2526

Virtual exchange with an International school in Chile

Ms Rodgers writes:

During March & April, Year 9 students from my and Ms Mercier Peart's groups have been learning about cultures and traditions in Chile, and have been learning about what life is like for young students in the country. We have established a link with Wenlock School in Santiago, and Year 9 students have prepared audio materials asking questions to the students there.

The school in Chile has received this audio and is in the process of sending their replies back. Students have also designed posters in Spanish describing their school life which have been shared with the students in Chile who are in the process of doing their own poster designs to send back.

WES Students' Rugby Success

Mr Levitt writes:

We would like to extend our congratulations to Hampstead Rugby Club U15's, who won the Isle of White Rugby Festival over the bank holiday weekend. The team is made of six William Ellis students, most of whom had their first experience of rugby in PE lessons at WES. All the boys made valuable contributions in the two-day tournament as they fought off 10 teams on the way to glory. JJ scored his first points for the team and Tony scored the winning try in the final to seal a well-deserved victory.

The PE department are very proud of the progress the boys have made over the last couple of years, and the work they have put in both in and out of PE lessons is starting to pay off.

William Ellis School has a strong link with Hampstead Rugby Club who provide coaches for rugby club in the winter. If anyone is interested in playing rugby outside of school, come and see the PE department for more information.

Year 10 Drama Trip to Central School of Speech & Drama

Ms Hughes writes:

Last Thursday Year 10 drama students visited Central School of Speech and Drama to attend their Design and Craft event. This event showcases the work of drama school students who study technical theatre (lighting, sound, visual effects) and design (prop design, set design and costume). Our students were able to view the exhibition and speak to third year students about their work and experiences of university. They also had a tour of the campus.

Here's hoping we see some of of Year 10s at Central in a few years' time!

Uniform Supplier Discount

Families may now be starting to think about buying new blazers and PE kit items for September. Our uniform supplier, SWI, has asked us to share details of an upcoming promotion that runs from 18th - 26th May, offering 15% off all orders during this period.

SWI are also extending their returns period to 11th September, giving families extra flexibility on early orders.

To place your orders for any new blazers or PE kit for Autumn term, please see SWI's website and use code SAVE15 to claim the discount.

Affordable Art Fair - Complimentary Tickets for WES families!

Don't forget that the Affordable Art Fair returns to Hampstead Heath this weekend. We are very grateful to Affordable Art Fair UK for offering complimentary tickets to our school community.

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

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher

This Week's WESPA Round-Up:

International Evening – 10th June 2026 - Keep the date in your diaries

(and register)!

If you have attended the event before, you will know this should not be missed! Expect an enjoyable evening of music, dance, poetry and delicious food, all shared in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Save the date and secure your place by registering via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/william-ellis-school-international-evening-tickets-1988670981439

The highlight of the evening is, of course, the wonderful food that fills our tables. Each year, we are fortunate to enjoy an incredible variety of dishes from around the world. To create another vibrant celebration of cultures, we rely on your generosity in contributing nut-free dishes that reflect your regional heritage.

Please let us know what you plan to bring, or whether you would like to contribute a cultural item such as a poem, costume or dance, by completing the form below:

https://forms.gle/CpNCtNjA3KWopJMLA

Finally, we are looking for volunteers to help run this busy event, from setting up tables to helping with the clear-up afterwards. If you are available and happy to lend a hand, please join our WhatsApp group:

 

It’s not too late to donate for the KS3 Fun Run!

By the time this newsletter reaches you, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will have taken on the challenge of running across Hampstead Heath, many of them setting impressive new personal records along the way, I am sure!

This year, the PE department is raising funds to expand WES’ indoor rowing provision, with the aim of purchasing two additional rowing machines and several second-hand exercise bikes for the gym. The rowing club, led by Hugh Matheson (one of our governors and a former Olympic rower) has gone from strength to strength. His leadership has inspired a growing number of students to get involved and commit to regular training.

As demand has increased, our current rowing machines are in constant use and often fully booked, meaning some enthusiastic students are unable to take part. Adding more machines will ensure that every interested pupil has the opportunity to train and benefit from this activity.

Rowing is an exceptional form of exercise, combining cardiovascular fitness with full-body strength and offering clear mental health benefits. Expanding our equipment will support students across both KS3 and KS4, helping them to stay active, focused and engaged.

Even if your son did not take part in today’s run, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please consider making a donation:

https://www.givey.com/williamellisschoolfunrunmay2026

Coming Up...

'Getting to Know You' admission meetings for new Year 7
All Day
09
May
Year 9 Assessments
All Day
from 04 May until 15 May
04
May
Year 13 Graphics Exam
All Day
from 11 May until 12 May
11
May
Year 10 Geography Field Trip
All Day
from 11 May until 12 May
11
May
Early close - students dismissed at 12 Noon
12:00pm – 12:00pm
13
May
Staff Professional Development Session
1:00pm – 4:00pm
13
May
Eco Club Rewilding Project Trip
All Day
15
May
Year 9 Camp Week
All Day
from 18 May until 22 May
18
May
Year 10 Drama Practical Exam
All Day
21
May
Last day of Half Term
All Day
22
May