William Ellis School Parent Portal - NEWS AT WES

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Summer Term - 3rd July 2026

Welcome to our latest news update, including photos from Year 8 camp, and details of the upcoming Camden Art Biennale – an annual exhibition of the best artwork by students of all ages in Camden schools, including many students at William Ellis.

As at the end of each term, this week and next week students' attendance will count towards an attendance raffle - each week of 100% attendance will count as an automatic entry into the end of term raffle. Attendance remains important right up to the final day of term, and will ensure that students get to take a full part in end of term assemblies and events such as our end of term performances, WESFest, and Sports Day.

Mixed age tutoring follow up

We wrote to you last week about new arrangements for tutoring next year, and it has been great to talk more to students and parents about what that means - how they will be able to be a good role model and leader for younger boys, and how it can support friendships across year groups as well as with students in their own year. As a reminder, this is a summary of what the practical changes mean as they were shared with students in assembly.

There are no radical changes to uniform or the House names, as all students who need one will be able to get the right House tie or badge on their first day back in September. Please do contact us if you would like to discuss this further, and we will be speaking to new Year 7 parents about what it will mean for their sons at the New Parents' Transition Information Evening on Monday 6th July at 5:50pm.

WESFest - Thursday 9th July at 5pm

Sixth Form General Message

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Year 8 Camp

This afternoon the first half of Year 8 returned from their four-day camp at The Mill. Building on the success of other camps this year, their trip was packed with activities on site at The Mill and at Sayer's Croft, a local activity centre. William Ellis camp weeks at The Mill are always about giving students new experiences that build their independence and resilience, that enable them to demonstrate responsibility for themselves and each other and build stronger relationships with staff and their peers, with a different rhythm and set of routines to being in school.

We know that families were eager to find out about what they have been up to and see some photos - here they are!

Seeing London from the top of Leith Hill

Cooling off at the end of a busy day

Walking in the countryside

Den building

Playing Capture The Flag

Enjoying the World Cup

High Ropes course at Sayers Croft

The Great Language Challenge is On!

Ms Rodgers writes:

The MFL department are launching The Great Language Challenge starting this month and carrying on into the summer holidays!

We challenge students and families at home to complete as many of the challenges as possible before September and send in your evidence (in note or photo form) so prizes can be awarded! You can choose French, Spanish, German or any other language you are interested in or already speak at home!

Click here to see the challenges. Evidence of completed challenges should be sent to urodgers@williamellis.camden.sch.uk

Good luck! Buena suerte! Bonne chance! Vielen Gluck! Sretno vam!

Free Events During the Camden Schools Art Biennale

The Camden Schools Art Biennale is fast approaching. As well as the main exhibition there will be art activities for families and young people happening on Saturdays and during the second week (during school holidays).

Drop-In Family Workshops
Saturdays 18 and 25 July 12pm-3pm
Join these hands-on family workshops each weekend of the Camden Schools Art Biennale. Led by our team of school outreach artists, these workshops invite families to explore their creativity in response to the exciting artwork.
These workshops are open to families of all ages. Click here to sign up.

Think, Make, Do Fair
Tuesday 21 July, 2-5pm
Central Saint Martins is alive with different ways of thinking, making and doing across art, design and performance. Come and spend an afternoon playfully exploring and finding out more about art school through a series of workshops and happenings brought to you by the staff and students from the Central Saint Martins’ Schools.
Collect a wristband on the day to access all the free workshops and activities.
This event is suitable for young people and their families and is particularly suitable for 11-18 year olds. Click here to sign up.

The Dome Youth Club - Summer Activities for Young People

The Dome Youth Club. We are located close to Queen's Crescent, just 15 minutes from William Ellis, offers free youth services to local young people aged 8-18 (or 21 with SEND).

This summer, they are running lots of free and fun activities that they have asked us to share with you.

The Summer Holiday Camp will be on for 5 weeks during the school holiday. The programme is free, fun and open to all young people aged 8-15. It runs from 10:30-3:30pm every weekday, but spaces are limited to 50 per day, so must be booked in advance on Plinth.

There will be trips once a week, plus sports and creative activities every day. Breakfast and a healthy, hot, halal lunch is included!

Bookings are now open: https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/4Cb2dpVOyIFXEccqS0hN

Bookings open for Holiday Activities and Food Programme

Bookings are now open for Camden's Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

The programme runs from Tuesday 21 July to Tuesday 1 September for 5 to 16 year-olds who live in Camden and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Camden HAF offers free, fun activities and nutritional education - from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities and sports. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities.

There's something for everyone, with more than 30 HAF providers bringing you go-karting, bowling, boxing, football, dance, music production, DJing, cooking, photography and more. Book your places here.

Camden Summer University

A reminder too that young people aged 13 to 19 living or studying in Camden can attend free courses in arts, media, fashion, sport, cookery, work and life skills with Camden Summer University at venues across the borough during the Summer break.

The programme runs from Wednesday 22 July to Friday 21 August 2026.

Please note that there is currently an issue with the usual CSU website, so please view courses and book your places on Camden Rise.

The National Conversation: Next Generation

The National Conversation is the major UK-wide listening exercise at the heart of the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion. A core part of this is ensuring that children and young people’s voices are central to the conversation about the country they want to see, not just included.

The National Conversation: Next Generation asks children and young people aged 16 and under to share their views on what brings people together, what divides us, where they feel they belong, and what could make their communities stronger. Please visit https://www.thenationalconversation.org.uk/young-people/ for more information.

South Asian Heritage Month in Camden

The Borough of Camden is celebrating South Asian culture this month through film, food, dance, theatre and community celebrations.

Some of the highlights include The Garden Cinema, offering the chance to watch newly-restored classics and critically-acclaimed new titles, Camden Mela on 12 July, a free celebration of South Asian culture featuring live music, dance and family activities and an art exhibition exploring community shared stories of cultural heritage and the importance of sharing food, family, language and kindness. Find out more and explore the full programme.

School Nursing Service survey

Camden Council is carrying out a review of the School Nursing Service, which is offered to all Camden state schools with children aged 4 to 19. The purpose of this review is to ensure the service remains effective in improving children’s health outcomes and provides schools with appropriate support, including training on medical conditions such as asthma, epilepsy and diabetes, or drop-in support for children and young people on school premises.

As part of this review, we would like to hear directly from children and young people who attend a Camden school, and parents and carers engaging with the service.

Children, young people and parents / carers are invited to take part in a short survey on the Camden School Nursing Service. If you have used the service, your feedback is valuable and will help Camden evaluate and improve support for children, young people, and families. Thank you for your participation.