Newsletters

NEWS AT WES - 16th October 2026

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Autumn Term - 16th October 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including.............

Attendance and Behaviour Updates

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HT/General Message

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Sixth Form General Message

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WES Trust News

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Introducing Unifrog at William Ellis School

 

Mr Parry writes:

We are delighted to announce that William Ellis School is launching Unifrog, an online careers and destinations platform, this academic year. Unifrog will support our students in exploring their interests, discovering future opportunities and making informed decisions about their education and career pathways.

Unifrog brings together a wide range of careers information and resources in one accessible place. Students will be able to explore different careers, research university and college courses, investigate apprenticeships, develop their understanding of the world of work and record their skills, achievements and experiences. The platform will also help students consider the different pathways available to them as they progress through school and beyond.

We want every student at William Ellis School to feel confident about their future and understand the opportunities open to them. Unifrog will form an important part of our careers education programme, helping students to reflect on their strengths, interests and ambitions while providing practical guidance to support their next steps.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people make decisions about their futures. We hope that Unifrog will provide a useful starting point for conversations at home about career ideas, subject choices, further and higher education, apprenticeships and the many possibilities available after school.

Further information about accessing and using the platform will be shared with students as the launch progresses.

We look forward to working with you to ensure that all our students are well informed, inspired and prepared to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them.

 

Year 9 Art Mural Project

Ms Madsen writes:

This week a group of Year 9 students worked to improve the playground by making a mural of our school motto 'Rather use than fame'. They used stencil graffiti in the style of the artist Ben Eine and extended the mural from last academic year.

The students really enjoyed the experience of working with an artist - the fantastic Wayne from On the Level Productions. The Art department are very grateful that we received funding for this project from the WES innovation fund. 


Upcoming SEND transition open afternoon -

employability courses for 18-25 and 25+

The Autism Project host events  aimed at neurodivergent young people, parents and professionals wishing to know more about employability.

Their next online session is Friday 30th October @ 1pm on Zoom. Please follow the link here to join at the time/date above: Link for Info Session

They also have an upcoming Open Afternoon-16th November 1-4pm at centre Larcom House, SE17 1RT- this is an opportunity to find out about TAP and to speak to other local providers- Roots & Shoots, Park College and Share Community (who will have their own stalls at the event)

There will also be information on their job-searching programme for those aged 25+/without an EHCP

 

North London Hopsice Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme

This winter the North London Hopsice is teaming up with Just Helping to bring a Christmas tree recycling service to selected postcodes in North London, including in Camden and Islington.

For a small donation, hospice volunteers will collect your tree between Saturday 9 and Thursday 14 January 2027, making sure it’s disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. 

You can book your collection from Saturday 14 November 2026 until midnight on Tuesday 5 January 2027. 

To find out more, check your postcode and book a collection or find out how to support the hospice, please see https://northlondonhospice.org/get-involved/our-events-and-challenges/christmas-tree-recycling-2027

 

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher


This Week's WESPA Round-Up:

WESPA General Meeting and  Annual General Meeting (AGM)* - IN PERSON
Wednesday 4th November in the WES Library at 6pm

 Come along to hear about the events and activities we organise, how we raise funds, and how these funds are used to support different departments and initiatives across the school. Ultimately, our fundraising helps enrich our boys’ learning and experiences, supporting both their academic and extracurricular activities and providing opportunities that benefit the whole school community.

Everyone is welcome — whether you would simply like to find out more, meet other parents and carers, or get involved in whatever way you can.

* We require minimal attendees of at least 20 parents/carers to elect our new trustee members. Please save the date in your diaries and come along.

WESPA Needs You! – Trustee Recruitment

WESPA has built a strong and stable foundation over the years, thanks to a dedicated group of trustees and volunteers who have worked together to support the school and enrich opportunities for all our boys.

However, many of our current trustees have been in their roles for several years, and several will be stepping down as their sons move on from WES to sixth form or college. At our upcoming AGM, we therefore need new parents and carers to step forward and join the WESPA trustee team.

Trustee positions currently available:

  • Chair or Co-Chair
  • Secretary

We are particularly keen to hear from parents and carers across all year groups, with new representation from Years 7 and 8 especially important. Ideally, we would have trustees representing Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, ensuring that WESPA reflects the whole school community.

What does being a trustee involve?

WESPA trustees work together as a team to make decisions, organise and support activities, and ensure that the association continues to run effectively. Although trustees have individual roles and responsibilities, no one is expected to do everything alone. We share the workload, support one another and involve the wider WESPA community.

Our current trustees will be there to provide guidance, share their experience and ensure a smooth handover. You do not need previous trustee experience — just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to get involved.

Why WESPA matters

WESPA is a registered charity and an integral part of the WES community. Through fundraising, events and other initiatives, we help provide additional opportunities and support across the school.

Our activities include Open Events, Meet the Parent sessions, Quiz Nights, WES Fest, International Evening, the 5K Fun Run, uniform exchange and much more. The funds we raise support school departments for equipment, extracurricular activities, educational opportunities and initiatives that benefit all our boys.

Could you get involved?

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, or simply want to find out more about what is involved, please get in touch — there is no obligation to commit at this stage.

📧 williamellispa@gmail.com
Or speak to us through the WESPA Team WhatsApp group.

And remember, you don't have to be a trustee to be part of WESPA!

We are incredibly grateful to the many parents and carers who already give their time to help with events and activities. Whether you can help regularly or just occasionally, every contribution makes a difference. Getting involved is also a great way to meet other parents, build connections and strengthen our relationship with the school community.

Come and be part of WESPA — we'd love to hear from you!

Coming Up...

Year 8 & 9 French Trip to Normandy
All Day
from 15 Oct until 19 Oct
15
October
Year 7 Musical Instrument Taster Event
11:15am – 1:00pm
22
October
'From The Boys' Podcast Launch Event
6:00pm – 9:00pm
22
October
Last day of Half Term
All Day
23
October
Non-Uniform Day - £1 donation to Magic Breakfast Charity to take part
All Day
23
October
English Bayeux Tapestry Trip
All Day
02
November
GCSE Preparation Parents' Information Evening (TBC)
5:00pm – 6:30pm
03
November
WESPA AGM (Time TBC)
5:00pm – 7:00pm
04
November
Year 10 Art Trip - Frida Kahlo Exhibition
9:00am – 1:00pm
05
November
Bayeux Tapestry Poetry Workshop
9:00am – 1:00pm
06
November