At William Ellis School, we understand boys. Our specialised approach to boys' education creates a place where young men can truly be themselves, express their emotions freely, and explore different ways of being a boy without judgment. We address the unique challenges facing young men today, helping them develop healthy relationships and respect for everyone. Our academic results speak for themselves – our boys consistently outperform national averages in many subjects.

As one of a few all-boys comprehensive schools in London, we bring rare expertise to boys' education. Through our exceptional outdoor education program and supportive environment, we build resilience, responsibility and reflection – our attributes and essential skills for life. We're committed to laying strong foundations for adulthood, where boys develop into respectful, confident young men ready to succeed in a diverse world.

William Ellis: bringing out the best in boys

 

A Welcome from the School Community

Staff and students discuss the core values we hold.

Addressing challenges for boys in the 21st century: countering misogyny and hate

Recently, we have partnered with Middlesex University to build an education programme to tackle the rise of online attitudes and messages, especially those that are misogynistic and homophobic. We did this because our students told us that they wanted us to help them to make the world a better place: an embodiment of our motto, "rather use than fame". Here are some highlights of that work.

 

Our students also won an award for their design and co-production of this film, which won the Camden Youth Safety Award in 2023.

London Boys' Schools Network

We are a founding member of the London Boys' Schools Network, established to help maintained boys' schools in London share good practice around boys education, and to provide a network of students to support activities such as debating competitions, guest speaker authors and sporting fixtures. 

 

English Teaching for boys at William Ellis

Our English department has long been established as an important partner with UCL's Institute of Education. We were featured as a case study for best practice in teaching in mixed-attainment groups, and in an all-boys' context.