Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 15th May 2026

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Summer Term - 15th May 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including the winners of last week's Key Stage 3 fun run, a visit to the European Union London exhibition by some of our Languages students and the launch of an exciting student-led podcast project with Middlesex University.

The podcasts are so exciting, that BBC London came in today to film some of the workshop discussions with Year 10 students. The content was fascinating, so do look out for William Ellis students on BBC London television news tonight and on the radio next week!

International Evening, 10th June at 5pm

Preparations are underway for our annual celebration of the cultures that make up our school community and we can't wait for another lovely Summer evening of food, performance and activities for all ages. 

We hope as many of you as possible will join us on 10th June. If you've attended before you'll know what a wonderful atmosphere the event generates and if you haven't it's time to come along and find out!

Book your family's free tickets here.

If you feel able to contribute to the event by bringing food or a cultural item or activity, or by offering some time to help on the day, please complete this short form or contact WESPA.

Attendance Raffle - Be in it to win it!

Last week 373 students attended school every day, meaning they have one entry into the raffle. There are still 2 more chances to be entered into the raffle to win one of ten £10 gift cards.

Most improved attendance in each year group will also get a prize.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is attend school every day!

Year 9 Camp

Next week is Year 9 Camp; a key feature of our personal development curriculum. This is a great opportunity for the students at the end of Key Stage 3, as they complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, spend time at The Mill and enjoy a water sport day. 

Students who do not attend camp must attend school each day for an alternative timetable.

Fun Run

A big 'Well Done' to all the Key Stage 3 students who took part in Friday's Fun Run.

The team results were:

Year 7

  1. 7L
  2. 7W
  3. 7K
  4. 7B

Year 8

  1. 8L
  2. 8F
  3. 8K
  4. 8W

Year 9

  1. 9L
  2. 9F
  3. 9B
  4. 9K
     

A special mention goes to Harry in 8W, Otis in 9B and Bowie in 8F, who all completed the circuit in under 15 minutes, (as did Mr Fuller)!

There is still time to support the boys' efforts with a donation to bring the funds raised by this event to the target of £3000 for equipment for the PE Department.

Year 12 Trip to UCL

Dr Smith writes:

On the 6th May Year 12 students participated in an event at UCL's Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Deans Research Prize. The day included a talk by Professor Irving Taylor and Michelle Galloway in the Cruciform Library about the Past, Present and Future of Medical Education at UCL and the UCL Doctor.

A student said: "The day was fun and interesting, we went around the campus and learnt more about the history of UCL and their medical school. The 3MT sessions were really good and showed how students work under pressure with time and an audience judging them".

Middlesex University podcast project with WES

Last week's newsletter featured the launch of a joint podcast being created by our students and Middlesex University.

The William Ellis Trust has published an article about this, which can be read here: www.williamellistrust.org.uk/news-and-updates/from-the-boys-podcast-project-launches 

More about this project has also appeared in local press this week. The article from The Barnet Post can be read in full here.

The Ham and High have also published an article, which can be read here.

We're very proud of the students involved for sharing their views and experiences in this way and are excited to hear the podcast when it's recorded next month. We will of course share details of how to listen when the series is launched publicly later in the year.

Alumni Voices

The latest in a series of alumni articles was published by the Trust this week. Former pupil Breno Borges reflects on the school motto, and how it continues to help shape his sense of self on the next steps in his journey. A great article for current pupils to read, with some great advice given.”

Read Breno's piece here: Rather Use Than Fame: What the walls of William Ellis taught me

EU Fair Trip

Ms Rodgers writes:

On Tuesday 5th May,  Ms Eaves and I took 15 very lucky Year 9 students to Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster to celebrate Europe Day, hosted by the EU Delegation, the European Parliament Liaison Office, and EU Member States.

The event ‘Visit Europe in One Day’ offered school groups the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of Europe within the beautiful setting of Sinfonia Smith Square and Europe House.

Students interacted so politely and responsibly with representatives of participating Member States, and gained a valuable insight into the different cultures, languages, and traditions through a range of informative and interactive activities. This included filling in a ‘passport’ and getting a stamp and a prize for answering a question or a riddle about that country (and most importantly, some lovely food specific to that country!)

Shout out to Luca in 9K who visited every single stall and fully completed the ‘passport’, as well as winning a prize for me!

Each country presented a distinct experience, contributing to a dynamic and educational programme highlighting Europe’s cultural diversity, shared values, and unity; we were delighted to be part of this special day!

Students said:

"Today was so much fun. I found it very interesting to learn about different cultures and life outside London. It was very cool, and I’d love to go again." - Luka, 9K

"It was a great experience that really interested me. I got a free T-Shirt from the German stand. Best trip ever!" - Otis, 9B

We hope you'll come to our own celebration of Cultures - from Europe and beyond - when we host the annual International Evening on 10th June. 

Year 9 Artwork

Ms Sinnott writes:

Too strange to be real. Year 9’s detachment from reality:


Camden Music's free Taster Day at Saturday music centres 

Camden Music is hosting a free taster day at their Saturday Music Centres tomorrow, Saturday 16 May, for children and young people who attend Camden schools or live in the borough.

This is a great opportunity for children and young people to try playing or singing in an out-of-school group.


Free tasters are available for children and young people in Year 3 up to Year 13, offering something for those who have just started their musical journey to more advanced players and singers.


Camden Music's Junior Centre (up to Year 5) takes place at Brecknock Primary School, Cliff Villas, NW1 9AL, while their Senior Centre (Years 6 to 13) takes place at Camden School for Girls, Sandall Road, NW5 2DB.


To join the taster day, fill in the online form. To find out more about Camden Music, visit the Camden Music website.

 

Opportunity to join paid focus group on anti-social behaviour 

Camden Council’s Communications Team is looking to recruit a diverse group of young people aged between 16 and 25 to take part in a focus group which will help to shape a campaign about anti‑social behaviour and how it affects people in our community. There's also a chance to get involved in creating the campaign's content — like videos, posters and other visuals.

The session will take place in King’s Cross at the Council’s offices, 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG, on Tuesday 26 May, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. A £15 gift voucher will be given to each participant and there will also be light food and drinks provided.

For more information and to register, please email Simone.Enning@Camden.gov.uk by Thursday 21 May.

 

Brandon Centre's Parenting Support Groups

The next virtual Love and Limits Parenting Support Programme will be running in June 2026. The programme is designed for parents and carers of teenagers (aged 12–16) who may be experiencing challenging behaviour. 

The next virtual ADHD Parenting Support Programme will begin in June 2026. This online programme is open to parents and carers in Camden and Islington who have children aged 5–12 years with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis or who are currently on the waiting list for assessment.

Programme details:

  • Delivered online via Microsoft Teams
  • Morning sessions: 10:00 – 11:30am
  • Up to 6 weekly sessions
  • For parents/carers only (children do not attend)
  • Participants are asked to have their camera on and audio enabled during sessions.

Self-referrals to this programme are welcome. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: Tel: 07939 833 069 or familyservice@brandoncentre.org.uk

 

New Beginner-friendly Cycle Track in Camden 

A brand new, free-to-use cycle track has been built in Harrington Square Gardens, near Mornington Crescent, NW1, and the Council is hosting an opening event on Saturday 30 May, from 10am to 1pm.

The new cycling facility comprises a fun circuit that proves you don’t need a huge area to build a top quality, professional-grade track. Riders can complete numerous short, sharp laps, while also developing their basic cycling skills.

The new cycle track has been designed mainly for primary-aged children. It’s very beginner-friendly and the opening event on Saturday 30 May, to which all are welcome, will be a great chance to celebrate this new facility.

Free and low-cost May half-term activities for children and young people 

Half-term week is approaching and there are lots of free and low-cost activities for children and young people of all ages taking place across Camden between 2t5h-29th May. Visit Camden Rise website to find out more.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher


Coming Up...

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
Non-Uniform Day - £1 donation to Unicef charity to take part
All Day
22
May
First day of Summer Term 2 - Registration at 8.35am
All Day
01
June
Year 7 Camp
All Day
from 03 Jun until 05 Jun
03
June
Year 8 Careers Carousel
All Day
08
June
Year 7 and Year 13 Science Trip to London Zoo
All Day
09
June
International Evening
5:00pm – 7:00pm
10
June