What William Ellis School does

William Ellis School is a state-funded boys' secondary school located on Highgate Road in the London Borough of Camden, founded in 1862. It serves approximately 900 students across Years 7-13 (ages 11-18), providing a comprehensive GCSE curriculum (Years 7-11) and post-16 education through the LaSWAP Sixth Form consortium shared with three partner Camden schools (La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill, and Acland Burghley), offering 40+ A-Level courses and a vocational curriculum. The school is a founding member of the London Boys' Schools Network and positions itself as a centre of excellence for boys' education, with an explicit character-education framework built around the "5 Rs" (Responsible, Resourceful, Reflective, Resilient, Respectful). Outcomes materially exceed national averages for boys: 71% achieved standard GCSE pass in English and maths in 2023 (versus 63% nationally) and over 50% achieved the EBacc (versus under 25% nationally).

The school's product surface extends beyond core academics to include an unusually well-resourced music programme (a state-of-the-art recording studio opened October 2018, 25-iMac suite running Logic Pro X and Sibelius 8, a Steinway Model D concert grand piano, and the cross-school LaSWAP Orchestra), outdoor education at The Mill in Kent (Year 7 Autumn Camp, Duke of Edinburgh Award, fieldwork and rewilding), sports programmes, careers guidance (Morrisby platform, work experience), and learning support/SEN provision. Distribution is exclusively through the Camden coordinated admissions process; no tuition is charged, with only nominal voluntary contributions (e.g., £20 for Summer School) and WESPA parents' association fundraising supplementing government funding.

Operationally, the school is governed by a board (currently chaired by Sophie Jenkins as of November 2024) with Headteacher Izzy Jones, and operates under standard UK state-school regulatory oversight. In October 2024 Ofsted judged the school 'Good' across all five inspected areas, representing a notable recovery from a 2022 inspection that identified improvement points. Faculty headcount is in the 11-50 band, with an extended ecosystem of partnerships including Camden Music, Royal Opera House, Royal Academy of Music, National Orchestra For All, Camden Learning, and Future Men.

Name

William Ellis School

Legal name

William Ellis School

Website

https://williamellis.camden.sch.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1890

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

William Ellis School is a state-funded boys' secondary school in Camden, London, founded in 1862, serving approximately 900 students aged 11-18. It delivers GCSE and A-Level education (the latter via the LaSWAP consortium with three partner schools) alongside a distinguished music programme and outdoor education at The Mill.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ)

Keywords

• Secondary education
• Boys school
• GCSE preparation
• Sixth Form education
• Music education

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

William Ellis School provides state-funded secondary education for boys aged 11-18 in Camden, London, covering the national curriculum for Years 7-11 (GCSE preparation) and post-16 A-Level/vocational study through the LaSWAP Sixth Form consortium with three partner schools. The offering includes core academic subjects, an outstanding music programme with specialist facilities, outdoor education at The Mill centre in Kent, Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports, careers guidance, and learning support/SEN services.

Product overview

William Ellis School offers a comprehensive boys' secondary education program comprising a core curriculum for Years 7-11, the LaSWAP Sixth Form consortium for post-16 studies, and specialized add-on programs including music education (with instrumental lessons, ensembles, and Music Technology), outdoor education at The Mill, sports programs, careers guidance, and transition support. The school operates as a founding member of the London Boys' Schools Network and partners with local schools for the Sixth Form consortium.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LaSWAP: A sixth form consortium shared with La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill, and Acland Burghley schools, offering A-Level and vocational courses.

Products and services

• Core Secondary Education Curriculum (Years 7-11) Comprehensive secondary education programme for boys in Years 7-11, offering GCSE preparation across core and elective subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, Humanities, Arts, and Technology. Delivered to approximately 900 students in Camden.
• LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium Partnership with La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill, and Acland Burghley schools offering over 40 A-Level courses and a vocational curriculum for post-16 students, including dedicated music ensembles (Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, LaSWAP Orchestra). Provides shared access to facilities and teaching across four Camden schools.
• Music Department and Extra-Curricular Music Programme Comprehensive music education including curriculum music, extra-curricular ensembles, instrumental lessons across 20+ instruments, Music Technology at A Level and GCSE, and partnerships with Camden Music and MusicTechGuru. Facilities include recording studio, Mac suite with Logic Pro X and Sibelius 8, and Steinway Model D concert grand piano. Ofsted-recognised outstanding music programme.
• Outdoor Education and The Mill Residential outdoor education centre in Kent offering Year 7 Autumn Camp, Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, and adventure activities supporting the school's character education values. Also used for environmental/ecology projects including rewilding activities.
• Sports Education and Training Programme Physical education programme including inter-form competitions, basketball, boxing, rugby, cross country, and partnership with Talacre sports facility. Includes annual ski trip and various sporting activities for students.
• Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Career guidance programme including Morrisby Careers platform, work experience placements for Year 10, apprenticeships support, and partnerships with employers for mock interviews and career trips.
• Summer School for New Year 7 Transition programme for incoming Year 7 students including induction activities, academic preparation materials, and orientation to secondary school life. Voluntary contributions requested (£20 or £5 per day).
• Learning Support and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support services for students with special educational needs, including dedicated SEND provision, EAL support, counselling service, and pastoral care through the House System and mixed-age tutoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• 71% GCSE pass rate in English and maths (vs 63% national average for boys)
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LaSWAP (London Schools West Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaSWAP is a consortium of four Camden schools (William Ellis, La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill, and Acland Burghley) offering shared Sixth Form provision with 40+ A-Level courses and vocational curriculum. Students benefit from facilities across all four schools.
• Camden MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Camden Music for instrumental and vocal tuition. Camden Music provides visiting specialist instrumental teachers, organizes borough ensembles (35 borough ensembles and choirs plus 2 Saturday music centres), instrument hire schemes, and helps prepare students for grade exams and Arts Awards.
• La Sainte Union, Parliament Hill, and Acland Burghley Schools (Music Departments)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly collaboration providing students opportunity to partake in high-quality large-ensemble music-making as part of the LaSWAP Orchestra. Includes Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.
• London Boys' Schools NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of boys' schools across London. William Ellis is a founding member. Schools collaborate on events including debating competitions.
• Elysians Club (Old Elysians)minorOthersAlumni association linking former students of William Ellis School.
• Future MenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization whose mission is to empower boys and men to become positive, responsible, and fulfilled individuals through community, mentoring, and education. Delivered workshop for students on International Women's Day.
• Camden LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Camden Learning (local education authority) for school improvement support. School has worked closely with Camden Learning throughout the improvement process since 2022.
• Fitzrovia Youth in ActionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal charity partnering with Year 10 Peer Educators to co-create assembly sessions and films on school attendance, and training Peer Attendance Mentors.
• Camden Music TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal charity working to help children and young people in Camden access music education. William Ellis collaborates with the trust for music education support and bursaries.
• Royal Opera HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Royal Opera House for music education workshops and masterclasses.
• National Orchestra For AllminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing orchestral opportunities for students.
• Royal Academy of MusicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Royal Academy of Music for music education workshops and masterclasses.
• Jamie Cullum & The RoundhouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic masterclasses and workshops with jazz musician Jamie Cullum at the Roundhouse venue.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• City of London School: An independent boys' day school in central London. Overlaps with William Ellis on the boys-only positioning and academic outcomes focus, but competes for a different fee-paying segment.
• Emanuel School: An independent co-educational day school in Battersea with a strong music and extracurricular offering. Comparable on enrichment breadth and London boys' education market positioning.
• Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet: A selective boys' grammar school in Barnet consistently ranked among England's top state schools. A useful comparator on academic stretch and boys-only state-school outcomes.
• Mossbourne Community Academy: A high-performing state secondary in Hackney that competes for the same London parents focused on academic outcomes; comparable as a broader London state-school incumbent in the high-attainment segment.

Regional players

• Highgate School: A prestigious independent day school in north London (adjacent to Camden) with strong music and extracurricular programmes. Competes for the same north-London parental pool, though as an independent fee-paying school.

Direct peers

• Westminster City School: A state boys' secondary school in central London of broadly similar size and intake profile. Directly comparable on boys-only admissions, GCSE outcomes focus, and Camden/co-urban London competitive set.
• Acland Burghley School: A co-educational Camden secondary and LaSWAP consortium partner. Shares Sixth Form provision and local admissions pool, making it the closest geographic and governance peer.
• Parliament Hill School: A co-educational Camden secondary and fellow LaSWAP consortium partner. Operates within the same borough admissions framework and shares Sixth Form delivery.
• Mill Hill County High School: A boys' state secondary school in north London with strong academic results and an extracurricular-led ethos, providing a benchmark for boys-only state schooling performance.
• Archbishop Tenison's School: A small co-educational Church of England secondary school in south London with a similar character-school ethos and comparable scale to William Ellis, making it a close operational peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WilliamEllisSch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/william-ellis-school

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about William Ellis School