Page 2 | William Ellis — what's it like?

Pinkglobelamp · 2023-09-17T17:02:55+00:00

I'm asking about all the schools on my list, really. William Ellis sounds interesting because it seems parents say good things about it, yet it had the recent Ofsted downgrading. How is it for behaviour, bullying, noise, etc.? Pastoral care? Academically not so good?

Pentlebay · 28/09/2023 22:32

I also really rate the headmistress - she’s great and very open and responsive. So when there are issues (as there will be in any school), the school seems to respond and intervene swiftly. The school is smaller than others and that means that the teachers really do know all the kids.

The parents association is v welcoming and active and building a stronger school community.

Verite1 · 18/09/2023 13:47

Because it is quite a small school, I think the idea is that they mix them up as much as possible so all the boys get to know each other. To widen friendship pool I suppose. They are set in maths and languages from Year 8 (with top sets studying an extra language).

Original poster

Pinkglobelamp · 18/09/2023 13:39

Verite1 · 18/09/2023 12:24

Sounds similar to my DS! I haven’t heard of any bullying, but then you often don’t, unless your child is involved. However school has always been very responsive with me in respect of any individual concerns I raised. The school tends to mix all the classes around. So my DS has his form, then four different classes for lessons, with different boys in each. I got impression that one of those classes was more disruptive than the others last year. But they have mixed them up again this year and I think it’s better now.

That's interesting, the mixing classes. How does that work wrt friendships etc.?
And are they streamed/in sets?

OP posts:

Verite1 · 18/09/2023 12:24

Sounds similar to my DS! I haven’t heard of any bullying, but then you often don’t, unless your child is involved. However school has always been very responsive with me in respect of any individual concerns I raised. The school tends to mix all the classes around. So my DS has his form, then four different classes for lessons, with different boys in each. I got impression that one of those classes was more disruptive than the others last year. But they have mixed them up again this year and I think it’s better now.

Original poster

Pinkglobelamp · 18/09/2023 12:08

Verite1 · 18/09/2023 12:02

I have a DS there.
Plus points:
Very warm friendly atmosphere
Kids generally seem supportive of each other
Great pastoral care
Most teachers seem to really care about the pupils (and really “get” them).
Individual teachers have always been very responsive.

Amazing location on the Heath (which they use a lot)
The school does a lot of work around toxic masculinity, everyday sexism etc.
I really like the new headmistress.

Minus points:
Academics not the strongest, though are improving. They are above average nationally and (I think) for Camden. But if academics is the most important, it’s probably not for you.
Think quiet kids in the middle can get a bit lost (but perhaps same in most comps). You just have to be alert to that I think.
School communication with parents (particularly with assessments, how kids doing academically etc) was poor. But they know that and are improving. We now get more regular feedback etc.

I am not sure behaviour wise. I think there could be some low level disruption in certain classes, but I know my DS feels safe there and he hasn’t observed any bullying. Fights are very rare (according to my DS). I thought the Ofsted report was unfair about the behaviour issue. They may have a point about the lack of assessments etc and that is being worked on. Parents generally seem happy and supportive of school. I don’t have regrets. Happy to answer more questions here or via PM.

Thank you, that's really helpful and it's great to hear positives. We met the head last year at a secondary school event and she seemed excellent. We're just concerned about disruptive behaviour/bullying etc. as yes, quiet son, good academically if he gets the encouragement, but not confident without it.

OP posts:

Verite1 · 18/09/2023 12:02

I have a DS there.
Plus points:
Very warm friendly atmosphere
Kids generally seem supportive of each other
Great pastoral care
Most teachers seem to really care about the pupils (and really “get” them).
Individual teachers have always been very responsive.

Amazing location on the Heath (which they use a lot)
The school does a lot of work around toxic masculinity, everyday sexism etc.
I really like the new headmistress.

Minus points:
Academics not the strongest, though are improving. They are above average nationally and (I think) for Camden. But if academics is the most important, it’s probably not for you.
Think quiet kids in the middle can get a bit lost (but perhaps same in most comps). You just have to be alert to that I think.
School communication with parents (particularly with assessments, how kids doing academically etc) was poor. But they know that and are improving. We now get more regular feedback etc.

I am not sure behaviour wise. I think there could be some low level disruption in certain classes, but I know my DS feels safe there and he hasn’t observed any bullying. Fights are very rare (according to my DS). I thought the Ofsted report was unfair about the behaviour issue. They may have a point about the lack of assessments etc and that is being worked on. Parents generally seem happy and supportive of school. I don’t have regrets. Happy to answer more questions here or via PM.