William Ellis School
London, NW5 1RN · Camden · secondary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 10 secondary schools in Camden we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.1/10 against 201 of them, against 4.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.4 · 63 | 46% | 2.92 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.17 · 37 | 38% | 1.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.8 · 38 | 15% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
William Ellis School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.6% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.17 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Arabic, Drama, Homework, Chess, Band, Drumming, Latin, and Lego clubs. Music options include the LaSWAP, Concert, and Chamber Orchestras, plus instrumental lessons. Language practice is available in French, Spanish, and German. A ski trip is offered, and an after-school club exists.
Getting in
The published school roll is 771 pupils against a stated capacity of 895. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about William Ellis School
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this school, which fosters a strong sense of community where “difference is accepted and equality valued.” The inspection confirms that the school provides a high-quality education with robust support for pupils’ safety, welfare, and personal development. Leaders and governors share a clear vision to enable all pupils to succeed and become “upright citizens.”
Strengths
- The school has developed an “ambitious curriculum” with high aspirations, ensuring almost nine out of 10 pupils are entered for the English Baccalaureate.
- There is a “strong, inclusive culture” that provides well for the high proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to their learning,” engaging well in discussions and respecting each other’s views.
- The sixth-form provision is extensive, offering a “very wide choice of A-level and vocational courses” alongside supportive foundational options.
- Staff effectively check on pupils’ learning to identify knowledge gaps, and the school offers many enrichment activities, including sports and charity initiatives.
Areas to improve
- Some teaching does not routinely use assessment information to address identified knowledge gaps, leaving barriers to future learning unrectified.
- The school lacks a clear strategy to identify and support pupils who are not yet fully proficient in using phonics knowledge to read accurately and fluently.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.8 |
| 2024/25 | 48.2 |
| 2025/26 | 43.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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