Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 12th June 2026

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Summer Term - 12th June 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including pictures from International Evening, opportunities to work and volunteer at the school as part of our new Combined Cadet Force in 2027 and a celebration of the achievements of our Key Stage 5 students at the Talacre campus.

WESPA International Evening

What a brilliant celebration of our diverse and inclusive community at William Ellis, and what a rich and joyful experience this is! There was an abundance of delicious food from across the world, Ukranian poetry, Bengali music and a multi-lingual staff vs students sing-off at the end! Thank you all to those who organised, cooked, baked, ate, drank and performed - and everyone who cleared up at the end! We can't wait for 2027 already. Here are some photos for those of you who missed out.

 

Summer Open Mornings

Families with a son in Year 5 or Year 4 may now be starting to consider secondary school places.

We are hosting two Summer Open Mornings this term, one especially for children who have SEND requirements, and another more general event.

The SEND Open Morning takes place next Thursday, 18th June at 9am.

The next Open Morning will be on Wednesday 8th July at 9am.

Families can register their attendance at either of these events here.

Registration for our Autumn Term Programme of events, including Open Evening on 24th September, will open up later this month.

We will, of course, also be at Camden's 'Moving On' event at the London Irish Centre on 23rd June.

Families can book here to speak to staff and students about why our school is the best choice for boys' education in North London.

 

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities at School: Support Our New Cadet Force

In January 2027, we are planning to launch an army cadet force (often known as CCF). This will give our students opportunities to participate in team building and adventurous activities led by trained army personnel, resourced and supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Lord Mayor's Charity. We are looking to recruit a School Staff Instructor, a paid post one day per week to help establish and administrate the cadet force, and adult volunteers who can claim a small allowance for their involvement.

To find out more and apply for a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer role see: https://www.eteach.com/careers/williamellisschool 

Former WES Students Wow at the Talare Reopening

Ms Wilson writes:

We were delighted to be involved in the official opening of the newly refurbished Talacre Sports Centre this week. Many of you will already be familiar with the centre, but may not be among the 4000+ visitors that they have had in the first 6 weeks of the new facilities being operational. We strongly recommend a visit to see, among other things, the powerful Windrush memorial. Whilst our current students are now too big for the new soft play facilities, there are still many opportunities for them to get involved in different sports and other activities. The Right Honourable Steve Reed OBE, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, reminded us all that Camden has always been a borough which is famous as a place of innovation and creativity, due to the diversity of our population, and pointed out that the local community was heavily involved in the redesign of the centre. We are so proud to work with Talacre, on our Sports and Education Training programme – and as Liz West, Operations Manager, said, this place and this course inspires many young people – including Winner, who has recently gained an apprenticeship with Snow Camp, organising skiing and snowboarding experiences for young people, and Aaliyah, who performed at the opening and also regularly competes as part of Team GB!

Liz’s question to those at the opening – and now mine to you – was “Who next will be inspired here?”

 

Sports Education and Training Programme Taster Day 

Students aged 16 to 19 and looking to develop a career in sports education and training are invited to join a taster day at Talacre on 2 July to find out more.

If they want to be in full-time education from September 2026 and are interested in working with children and young people, then Camden's Sports Education and Training Programme could be for them.

The taster day is at Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3LN (map link) at 9.30am on Thursday 2 July - register here. The event is hosted jointly by LaSWAP and Camden Council's Sports and Physical Activity Team.

Students can also find out more about the programme, which is enrolling for this September, by emailing Lee.Davis@camden.gov.uk or Sophie.Fogarty2@camden.gov.uk


Camden SEND Surgery

This is a drop-in session for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, offering an opportunity to speak directly with SEND managers and specialist services for advice and support.

Event details:

  • Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
  • Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
  • Location: St Mary and St Pancras CE Primary School, 81 Werrington Street, London, NW1 1QP

The session is open to all Camden families, and no booking is required. The venue is accessible. If you have specific needs, please contact send.engagement@camden.gov.uk.

 

SEND Drop In for young people aged 14–25, Tuesday 7 July

This relaxed, youth‑friendly session is designed for young people with additional needs or disabilities (diagnosed or undiagnosed) who may want support, advice, or simply to explore what’s available locally.

Young people will be able to:

  • Get advice and guidance on education, employment, and next steps
  • Speak directly with services in an informal setting, like SENDIASS, SEND & Inclusion Service, Connexions, Unity Works and Disability Job Hub
  • Find out about local opportunities and support
  • Take part in activities at the Sommers Town Youth Centre while they’re there.

The session takes place 4:00 – 7:00pm on 7th July at Somers Town Youth Centre, 125 Chalton Street, NW1 

To register please click here .

 

Young Professionals Summer Conference

Tickets are still available for the Young Professionals Summer Conference -Saturday 18th July at Friends House, Euston.

This event, for students currently in Years 11-13, includes high-impact workshops, talks from senior leaders across banking, tech, law and business, networking opportunities with employers including Google, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, support form LinkedIn and goodie bags with downloadable career resources.

Tickets cost £25 and can be booked here: Morning Session / Afternoon Session

Young Creatives & Technicians 2026: free five-day theatre course

A free hands-on theatre course is being run by the Donmar Warehouse and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama 10th-14th August.

Aimed at sixth formers interested in creative and technical theatre careers , the course covers Set & Costume Design, Lighting, Sound and Stage Management.  Visit donmarwarehouse.com/young-creatives-technicians to apply.

 

Windrush 2026 in Camden 

Camden is celebrating the culture, community and legacy of Camden’s Windrush generation through live events, powerful stories and inspiring content. This event takes place on Saturday 20 June, from 12noon to 6pm at Talacre Town Green for a Homecoming Celebration event, for a day of Caribbean rhythms, carnival costumes, arts, crafts, sports and delicious food. Find out more.

Meanwhile, the Annual Pitt Lecture is taking place on Monday 22 June, from 7pm to 9pm, at Camden Town Hall. Held in honour of Lord David Pitt, whose legacy underpins Camden’s commitment to equality and justice, this year’s lecture reflects on Carnival as a powerful space for cultural expression, protest and joy. Find out more and book your space.

Camden Blossoms, in Talacre Gardens, comprises four separate mixed-media artworks by Camden artist Matt Small, presenting stories from Caribbean communities while celebrating public service, activism, cultural identity and unity. Find out more.

Also check out Windrush Podcasts, featuring interviews with Windrush descendants, community leaders, activists and experts, exploring the history of the Windrush generation, the injustices they faced, and their ongoing struggles for justice. Find out more.

 

Free family activities at market events 

Camden’s markets are making the most of summer with two special days celebrating football and young market traders. Join them at Queen’s Crescent Market on Saturday, 27 June or Chalton Street Market on Saturday, 4 July, from 12noon to 6pm on each day, for family-friendly and football-themed fun activities, food, arts and crafts alongside all the regular market stalls.
Camden markets are also showcasing young talent as part of the NMTF Young Traders Market competition, with young Camden residents competing for the opportunity to appear in the regional finals in Greenwich later this summer. For more details, please email MarketsTeam@camden.gov.uk

 

Camden Summer University

The Camden Summer University is now open for students to register for FREE courses and activities.

These are accredited courses for Camden students aged 13+ to do over the Summer holiday. There is something for everyone, from creative and performing arts, to health and fitness, cookery, media and film to fashion and beauty. Courses are held at venues across the borough including the British Museum, the Central School of Speech and Drama and London Zoo.

CSU will be coming into school at lunchtime on Tuesday to promote the programme. Students can drop into the Library to speak to them and find out more.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher


Coming Up...

Year 7 Talent Foundry Workshop
11:00am – 1:30pm
15
June
SEND Open Morning
9:00am – 10:30am
18
June
Year 8 Talent Foundry Workshop
11:00am – 1:30pm
22
June
Early close - students dismissed at 12 Noon
12:00pm – 12:00pm
22
June
Staff Professional Development Session
1:30pm – 4:00pm
22
June
Camden Moving on Event at the London Irish Centre
4:00pm – 6:30pm
23
June
Year 7 & 8 Donmar Warehouse 'Jekyll & Hyde' Performance
9:00am – 1:15pm
25
June
Year 11 Presentation Evening
6:00pm – 6:30pm
25
June
Year 12 Futures Day
All Day
29
June
Year 8 Camp Week
All Day
from 29 Jun until 03 Jul
29
June