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Summer Term - 17th July 2026
Welcome to our end of year news update, including arrangements for the start of term in Autumn, our attendance raffle winners for this week, and extracts from our creative writing magazine, From The English Corridor.
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We'd like to extend a huge thank you to all the families who have brought in gifts for staff in the run up to the end of term. Every gesture is very much appreciated, as is your support throughout the year.
A further 'Thank you' goes to WESPA for their dedication in supporting events at school, particularly in the busy, hot (and World Cup-filled) Summer term! We are very lucky to have such a committed parental body.
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Arrangements for Start of Autumn Term
Year 12 will have an Induction Day programme on this day and Year 13 will come to school for Progress Review meetings. Please see the Sixth Form Information below and the information you have received from LaSWAP for further detail.
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Follow up information on mixed age tutoring for September 2026
Thank you to those parents and carers who attended the Q&A session last week to discuss these changes for next year. We had 20 responses to the parent and carer questionnaire and over 100 responses to the questionnaire to students. Here are a few snippets and key reminders from that session.
We spoke about the regular routines for tutor time 8:35-8:50 in the morning, which will look like this.
One of the questions from parents was about ensuring that younger students feel supported by older ones. We have run training sessions for staff about this, supported by staff from St John BOsco College (SJBC) where there is a long and successful history of mixed age tutoring.
Many students have been able to speak to their new tutors and Heads of House and we hope that this has provided some reassurance, especially those who have additional needs. The routines of the first day back - above - will also support this.
We have refined two important details based on the feedback that we have had from students and families:
- Students in years 8-11 will be taught PSHE next year in their 2025-6 tutor groups
- We will hold a progress review day in early October, where families and students will have a one-on-one meeting with the new tutor to meet them properly and learn about how they have settled into the new system and the new academic year.
We will take more feedback from students and families as next year progresses.
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Attendance Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the following students, who won prizes in the End of Term Attendance raffle for 100% attendance in one or more of the last 3 weeks.
Year 7 - Ahmed (7K)
Year 8 - Asudoba (8K)
Year 9 - Joshua (9K)
Year 10- Jack (10L)
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Important Changes to the Mobile Phone Policy
From September, the school's mobile phone policy will be strengthened to further support learning, wellbeing and positive behaviour, as we move to become a SMARTPHONE FREE SCHOOL. Students in Years 7, 8, 9 AND 10 may only bring a basic "brick phone" to school, which does not have access to social media or internet-based apps. Any smartphone or smart device brought onto the school site by a student in these year groups will be confiscated.
Across Years 7-11, any mobile device that is seen, heard or used during the school day will be confiscated. In addition, any confiscated smartphone will only be returned when a parent or appropriate adult, such as a grandparent or carer, attends school to collect it.
The confiscation period is as follows:
1st confiscation - 1 day - a parent or appropriate adult, such as a grandparent or carer, attends school the following day to collect it.
Any subsequent confiscation - 5 school days (this may include a weekend) a parent or appropriate adult attends school, five school days after it has been confiscated, to collect it.
Parents/Carers will always be notified by email when a smartphone has been confiscated.
The policy also continues to prohibit the use or wearing of headphones, earbuds or similar devices during the school day. These changes are designed to reduce distractions, promote positive social interaction, and ensure that students remain focused on learning and fully engaged in school life.
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School Photographs - 9th September
Students in Years 7 and 10 will have school photographs taken on Wednesday 9th September. Year 11 students will also have House Group photos taken on this day. These pictures can make a lovely keepsake for the future and will be available for families to purchase later in the term – families of these year groups will be sent a sample image and further details of how to place an order with the school photographer, Tempest, in due course.
Students who have joined us since last September will also have their 'profile' photo taken on this day. It is important that we have a photograph on record of every student for safeguarding reasons - these individual photos will not be shared beyond the school.
Families will be reminded again of this date at the start of next term in order to ensure that students are in full uniform, with smiles at the ready, on that day!
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Sixth Form Round-up!
Ms Wilson writes:
We have had such a busy few weeks, thinking about transitions to different phases of life, as well as celebrating the achievements of the last year or two!
At the end of June, it was the LaSWAP Prom, where we celebrate our Year 13 students and mark the end of their time with us with a party. As in most years, we were astounded at how grown up and glamorous they all looked - quite ready to go off and start their adult lives of adventure, both intellectual and actual, I am sure!
Hard on the heels of Prom was LaSWAP Taster Day, when over 600 Year 11 students came to LaSWAP from all over London to sample some of the 48 courses that we offer, and see which ones they might want to enrol onto, on GCSE Results Day in August. There was a real buzz to the day, with lots of people taking every advantage of meeting new students and new staff, asking questions not only about courses, but also about our extensive extra-curricular provision, including our new basketball academy, run with the prestigious London Cavaliers basketball team.
Taster Day was followed by Futures Day, where our current Year 12 students attended a number of sessions helping them to explore different options for their pathway after LaSWAP, whether this is an apprenticeship or a place at university. There were workshops helping students to think through how to choose a subject to study; how to complete an application form for their first job; and how to find out about the wealth of apprenticeships available.
This was followed for the students by work experience week, with our students going to very varied placements including Google HQ, UCH and SOAS.
This week, we have also held the LaSWAP Sports Day (WES won the tug-of-war and came a very close second in the rounders!) and also Culture Day, where many students chose to wear traditional dress.
As I say, a busy few weeks! We hope that our students have a relaxing and restorative few weeks, and come back recharged ready to face their next set of challenges with real vigour and tenacity!
Sixth Form Arrangements for Beginning of Autumn Term
Year 11 students are invited to attend an enrolment interview as soon as they have received their GCSE results! Interviews will be held in the Sixth Form Centre and students and families should make their way there at a point convenient to them between 9am and 1pm on Results Day (Thursday, 20th August). We will also be conducting remote interviews on the afternoon of Results Day - please email Mr Mangham if you need to arrange a remote interview. Places on certain courses go very quickly, and enrolment into LaSWAP is open to external students from 21st August so, to ensure you get the widest choice of courses, please do make sure you enrol on Results Day itself. Induction into our sixth form is on 3rd and 4th September, 8.30 to 1.30. Students should check the enrolment assignments page of the LaSWAP website here LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium - Enrolment Assignments, to make sure they have complete the preparatory work for their chosen courses.
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Year 10 Work Experience Achievements
Ms Lane and Mr Parry write:
We'd like to acknowledge the achievements of Year 10 on their work experience placements (29th June- 3rd July) In particular the following students had some very positive feedback and have received praise points as a reward; Edward, Alex, Riyad, Rayyan, Emir, William, Leon, Ali, Sidney, Fadil, Alfie, Ehsanul, Sacha, Colin, Lucian, Khoi, Musab, Joshua, Jorge, Andrii, Harry, Denzel, Mustafa, Frankie, Qayyum, Nawaaf, Toby, Kieran, and all of the students who attended the Middlesex University podcast placement! Well done everyone!
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'From The Boys' Podcast Latest News
At the end of last month sixteen Year 10 students spent their work experience placement at Middlesex University, learning professional podcasting and media skills — from storytelling and narrative construction to recording and editing. The result is 'From the Boys': a podcast series giving voice to how a generation of young men are navigating identity, pressure, and masculinity in the city today.
The project has already reached a wide audience, featured on BBC London News and in the local press, and is generating interest from educators and researchers nationally and has received high-profile support from BBC presenter Amol Rajan, multi-platinum songwriter and producer Jay Weathers, thought leader and campaigner Dr Alex Blower, and North London youth worker Jely Kikamba.
Read more about this latest step towards the podcast's launch here.
The Podcast series is Launching on 22nd October, with a special event here at school that evening.
We're delighted to invite alumni, parents, donors, and our trust and foundation partners to join us for the official launch which will include a live discussion with the boys behind the podcast, an open conversation on young masculinity in Camden today and the chance to hear more about the William Ellis Trust's wider work. Click here to reserve a spot at this event.
Trust Director Will Durham says: “Projects like this are why the Trust exists. This is the Trust's Boyhood and Community priorities in action: sixteen boys given the tools, and the trust, to speak for themselves and add their voices to an important conversation. We're proud to have been involved with it from the start. We hope to see you at our launch event at the school on 22nd October.”
To read more about this and the rest of the WES Trust's work you can read their latest newsletter here.
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'From The English Corridor' Magazine
Ms Damms writes:
The English Department have recently published the fourth edition of their 'From The English Corridor' Magazine.
This is a collection of creative and reflective writing that showcases what students have been doing in their English lessons this year.
Read and download the magazine in full here:
English Department Magazine Spring-Summer 2026
We hope you enjoy it.
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Music Taster Sessions
Ms Hughes writes:
At the start of this month Year 7 and 8 students took part in music taster sessions - a chance for them to try out the different instrument and musical disciplines offered here at WES. Students took part in hands-on sessions in piano, guitar, drums, DJing, brass, strings, woodwind and musical production. They were brilliant! All had a go at something they’d not tried before.
If your son enjoyed any of the taster sessions, please do sign him up for lessons! Students eligible for Free Schools Meals get tuition for only £2 per lesson! Year 7 and 8 families have been sent an email, and students took letters home explaining the process.
Year 9 Drama Events - 'A Winters Tale' Performance and Technical Skills Trip
Ms Hughes also writes:
On Friday 3rd July, Year 9 students watched Shakespeare’s ‘A Winter’s Tale’, performed by RADA acting and technical students. The students watched in awe! They also asked some thoughtful questions in a Q&A at the end.
I hope to forge further links with RADA to show students pathways to careers in the arts.
Last week Year 9 Drama students had the opportunity to take part in a technical skills workshops at the Criterion Theatre in the West End. They learn all about lighting, sound, stagecraft (set, props and costume) and stage management.
The students worked in groups to produce versions of scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, incorporating all disciplines. Students were excellent - with some particularly relishing being able to direct professional actors in their vision!
WES Fest
On Thursday 9th July we held our first ever festival - WES Fest! Students from Years 7-12 took part in musical and dramatic performances. We enjoyed bands, soloists, improvised drama pieces, monologues and a wonderful DJ set. Students did brilliantly, showing off exactly how much talent and dedication we have here at William Ellis!
Thank you to all the families who came to enjoy this event.
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Cette année en MFL
Dieses Jahr in MFL
Este año en MFL
Ms Rodgers writes:
It's been a busy year in MFL with extra-curricular activities to make language learning more authentic & exciting for our WES language learners - here is a summary of '25-'26 in MFL:
September ‘25 - assemblies & quizzes for European Week of Languages
October ‘25 - Year 8 & Year 9 residential trip to France
November ‘25 - Year 10 German drama workshop with The Goethe Institute & 'Where can languages take me?' online event for all KS3 & KS4 students
December ‘25 - Year 13 Study Days at the BFI
January ‘26 - Year 11 Spanish class day trip to Instituto Cervantes
February ‘26 - Year 7 French film study day at the BFI
March ‘26 - Year 9 cross cultural project with a school in Chile
April ‘26 - Year 12 Film study live webinars
May ‘26 - EU fair trip at Sinfonia Smith Square for Year 9
June ‘26 - German school visiting Year 8 & Year 10 students
July ‘26 - Great Language Summer Challenge
COMING UP in '26-'27...
German exchange in September '26 and another France trip in October '26!!
Visit from School Leaders from India
Ms Rodgers also writes:
On Monday 13th July, we had two members of staff from Rishikul Vidyapeeth Alipur School in India coming to visit William Ellis School. The aim of the visit was to increase international links and learn about each other’s education systems.
They visited some lessons and spoke to small groups of students outside of lessons. Below is some feedback from them – they were very impressed with our WES boys!:
“Thank you so much for your warm welcome and for giving us the opportunity to visit William Ellis School. It was a pleasure meeting you and experiencing the school’s inspiring learning environment.
I truly enjoyed facilitating the British Council activities on “Leaders: Inspiring Others” and “Digital Balance.” The enthusiasm, creativity, and thoughtful participation of the students made the sessions both engaging and memorable. It was wonderful to see them collaborate, share ideas, and reflect on the qualities of responsible leadership and positive digital citizenship.
I sincerely appreciate your support, hospitality, and the time you took to make the visit such a success. I hope this is the beginning of a meaningful partnership between our schools, with many opportunities for future collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared learning.”
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Camden Art Biennale
Ms Madsen writes:
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of visiting the Camden school’s art Biennale at UAL in Granary Square. The exhibition is on until 26th July and is open to the public. Our school has a significant amount of work in the exhibition.
If you walk up to Granary square from King's Cross station over the next two weeks, the first thing that you will see is artwork by William Ellis students! This is displayed on boards in the street where thousands of people will see it - one is near the 'birdcage' and the second one is outside a shop.
The full Biennale is on show at St Martins , University of the Arts London and features artwork from schools across Camden. William Ellis students and LaSWAP art students from William Ellis have made a significant contribution to the show. A large ceramic installation which was made by our Year 12 art A level class on the theme 'A seat, a table' is near the entrance. Students studied 'The last supper' by Leonardo da Vinci and considered how sharing a meal can reveal relationships and power structures. Many students chose food to suggest cultural influences or class divides, for example Oysters which are often very expensive but were originally very cheap in the UK.
The project was run in partnership with The Bomb Factory who supported students in making their ceramics with artist Noah. Students also took part in a writing workshop and produced an anthology which includes a written piece which goes with each artwork. The anthology can be read here.
There is also work on show from Years 7, 8,10 and 12 in the portraits section, and there is a large Year 13 A level painting in the window galleries at the entrance to the show.
Congratulations go to Duke and Tao in Year 7, Elias and Riaz in Year 8, Colin and Sacha in Year 10, and Zoe, Scarlet and the whole Year 12 A Level Art Class.
The Biennale is on until the 26th of July and is full of fantastic artwork so we recommend that you go and visit over the first week of the summer holidays.
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Year 7 Geography Case Study
Mr Pomeyie writes:
Year 7 Geographers finished their curriculum by conducting a geographical investigation, which focuses on the hypothesis: ‘Swains Lane does not need more independent shops.’ Students gather primary data by categorising the shops and then go on to present, analyse and evaluate the data. The Year 7 students were diligent in their data gathering and surprised to hear about how the shops have changed over the years.
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FREE SUMMER CRICKET CAMP
Mr Levitt writes:
Cricket is becoming a popular sport at WES this summer, with both our KS3 and KS4 cricket teams playing in local and regional competitions.
This summer camp is an excellent opportunity for the boys to continue playing though the summer holiday. On the cricket pitch next to school. It is FREE for WES boys.
Limited spaces, please sign up ASAP by clicking here.
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WildGen William Ellis Eco Club Update
Mr Mangham and Year 10 parent Jane, who organised the project, write:
The first 6 weeks of summer term at Eco Club were filled with discovery. Students learnt all about soil microorganism, with the soil scientist Kelly Moss who came to visit our club at William Ellis School. We took soil samples from the school grounds and discovered its health by looking at it through lab microscopes. The samples surprisingly revealed it had low plastic content and had some of the beneficial organisms that help drive a thriving ecosystem beneath our feet. We will store and use this data to inform future works.
We had Rory from Heath Hands join us for a pond dipping session. The pond is full of life, from the impressive dragonfly larvae (likely southern Hawker), to Great Ramshorn snails, water woodlouse, daphnia, large red damselflies and frogs to name a few of the species we discovered on the day. Around the pond on our pond plants we found Buff tailed Bumblebees on the Marsh Marigold and common Carder Bee on the Ragged Robin flowers, all species that would not be there without our beautiful pond.
As newts were previously discovered in the pond, we created a smaller pond for our frogs in the second half of summer term. Frogs are happy for any water body to breed in, while newts prefer a more complex pond full of plants to lay their eggs, which they lay individually and wrap in a broad leaf. Newts will eat frog spawn so we hope the less fussy frogs can make use of the new pond away from hungry newts!
We have also carried out an insect survey using sweep nets; brushing the nets through the long grass (which we will not cut until autumn to keep in more moisture, making it more resilient to drought and a perfect habitat for many insects).
We found so many wonderful coloured little beings, including red clover mite, candy striped spiders, crickets and lots of beetles, showing that the grasses are full of life.
Throughout the Summer we have seeded the wildflower meadow and we have also had a few bushcraft days, making food and stick pencils and wooden pencil holders.
Eco Club have also been back to the rewilding site in Kent where we have been helping to enhance a degraded, overgrazed, field by boosting the soil life and creating feeding stations for birds, the droppings of which should help with seeding and adding to biodiversity.
We also visited a farm in Peterborough to learn all about an alternative dairy farming system. All of the cows here live out their whole lives (up to 20 years) in natural family herds and all calves stay with their mothers and are naturally weaned. Here the cows are treated more like family pets than they would be on intensively managed dairy farms.
We all had a go at hand milking (and cuddling!!) It was a truly magical day. We learnt so much and the milk was delicious!
With special thanks to Sabzgaman Beski, who generously fund WildGen Eco Club.
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Year 12 Maths Trip to LSE
Ms Goryczka writes:
On Monday the 13th of June our Year 12 class went to the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) for a lecture on game theory and a university tour.
They learnt about different application of maths and how it can help to solve real-life problems, like the modelling of congestion and therefore building infrastructure. The lecturer linked it to real-life examples where game theory helped to solve such problems.
Afterwards, there was a short introduction about life at LSE and application processes. A student ambassador took the group through the campus showing off its facilities and reporting on what it is like to study at a competitive university like LSE.
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WES Fantasy Football League
Mr Levitt writes:
A huge 'Congratulations' to Noah in 11W who won the William Ellis Fantasy Football League this year, ending my 3 year winning streak as champion. The Year 11 GCSE PE student put together a great set of results at the end of the season to pip Toby in 10K to the title. Toby (a year 10 GCSE PE student) was leading the league for most of the season, but Noah made some inspiring transfers and captain picks in the final weeks to take top spot, winning the league by just 13 points.
If you would like to join the WES FPL league next season, invites will be sent out to students via satchel one in August. So keep an eye out and pick your team.
Good luck to everyone that takes part next year, Toby is out for revenge and I want my title back!
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Wellbeing Support for Young People over the Summer Break
If you need urgent support, Good Thinking have some information and 24hr phone numbers here:
The Kooth team provide free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling for young people.
Mind is a mental health charity which provides support to everyone who has experienced a mental health problem. If you are concerned about your own mental health or about someone you know, you can contact Mind for advice t: 0300 1233393 or text 86463.
YoungMinds offers information and advice about children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health. They have lots of advice for young people about coping with mental health issues. They also have a helpline for parents and carers t: 0808 8025544.
Samaritans are available, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. You can call free on 116 123.
Digital / On-Line Saftey
We believe everyone has the right to learn and to teach in a supportive and caring environment without fear of being bullied. Our teachers are trained by National Online Safety to help everyone in school benefit from computing and online technologies, while understanding its risks and using it safely and responsibly.
If you would like advice about how to stay safe online visit thinkyouknow.co.uk They also have information about online blackmailing and how to access help if you need it.
Camden Learning and LGfL (London Grid for Learning) have created a comprehensive visual guide for parents and carers, to help you keep your children safe online. You can download this guide at the base of this section. There's also lots of advice for parents on parentsafe.lgfl.net
Common Sense Media has useful reviews and advice by parents and children of all the latest games, apps and films.
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) offers advice on online safety. If you have been a victim of sexual online abuse or you're worried this is happening to someone you know, you can let CEOP know safely and securely on their website.
Getting out & About Over Summer - Free & Discounted
Healthy Travel Options
Families can access free and discounted travel offers, including bike loans and rewards for choosing sustainable travel, via Camden's Healthy Travel Choices website . Find out more.
Family-friendly and inclusive early evening activities
Camden Council is supporting local businesses, venues and organisations to create more evening family-friendly and inclusive events for the summer holidays.
This summer, families and young people can explore Camden’s vibrant evening calendar of activities and events. From family cooking sessions, film making workshops, cinema nights, K-pop dance workshops, family play sessions to outdoor campfire evenings.
Events and activities will start at various times from 5pm to 9pm and will take place across Camden from 20 July to 1 September. All events and activities are free or low cost. View the full programme here.
Free Castlehaven Summer Holiday Programme
Castlehaven Community Association is running a Free Summer Holiday Programme for children and young people aged 8–17 years throughout the summer holidays.
The programme includes:
- Free lunch and snacks
- Sports and games
- Creative activities
- Fun workshops
- Exciting trips, including a day at the seaside
- A safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Book here:
HAF Activ8 and Rebound sessions - Castlehaven Community Association - Activ8
It's Castlehaven's 40th Anniversary on Saturday 1 August 2026 and they would love for local families to join in with a day of live music, performances, food, activities and fun for all.
Summer Youth Hub day at Creative Health Camden
To kick off the summer break, the CHC Youth Hub are holding a one off summer creative afternoon on Friday July 24th 3pm - 6pm at Kentish Town Health Centre, Bartholomew Road NW5 2BX.
There'll be plenty of different materials to work with - printmaking, foil embossing, tote bags, canvas painting, beanbags to lounge on, books and graphic novels.
Complimentary refreshments are provided.
For further information about activities available to young people in Camden over the holiday, please see last week's newsletter.
After-School Design & Making Projects Next Term
Save the date: D/deaf accessible Family Festival at the British Library
Enjoy an exciting free, fun day inspired by books and stories at Family Festival: Stories, Sign and Shine on Saturday 17 October, from 12noon to 4pm at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB.
Failies can enjoy many wonderful and interactive family learning activities, performances and workshops based on the International Year of Reading. It will be a fun and creative day celebrating the joy of sharing stories and exploring together, with activities signed in British Sign Language.
The full programme will be available in September through the British Library’s website.
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Yours faithfully,
Izzy Jones
Headteacher
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