Headteacher Izzy Jones with students at William Ellis Secondary School

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AN UPWARD trajectory with a focus on both academic excellence and nurturing good citizens, Ofsted inspectors have given William Ellis school a resounding seal of approval.

The all-boys comprehensive school in Highgate Road, Parliament Hill Fields, was visited in October by six Whitehall education experts – and came through with flying colours.

The school has been awarded a “good” rating in a host of areas, and the report details how the school has improved since its last visit in 2022.

Headteacher Izzy Jones took on the role four years ago and said staff had focused on fostering an academic and communal spirit within the school.

She said: “Inspectors looked closely at the areas in the report last time. The areas that improved – teaching and behaviour – demonstrates that they have been vigorously addressed. The report acknowledges this.”

The report said William Ellis has seen vast improvements across the board and a well developed plan for progress to continue.

This includes how the school has worked on the role a single-sex boys school can play in its community and the challenges of single sex education.

Ms Jones said the school has been part of a new network of boys’ comprehensives in London and the teachers put an emphasis on personal development, asking the boys to consider what it means to be a young man today, the challenges they face and issues over behaviour, misogyny and their responsibilities to others.

The strong pastoral element was noted by the inspectors, who praised the school for its balanced and thoughtful approach.

Ms Jones added: “It is a real privilege to work in such a positive place. I am happy the report reflects some of our strengths and distinctive features. It speaks of the positive role boys’ education plays in the holistic development for young men in the 21st century. We focus on the idea of what it means to be a successful young man and how we can help them develop into good citizens.

“The report recognises these strengths, and the way our curriculum challenges the boys to achieve academic excellence.”

The inspectors said: “There are many residential trips on offer. Most pupils attend some of the many clubs. Pupils are encouraged to become active citizens. Pupils enjoy coming to this school.

“Across the school, pupils and adults establish strong and respectful working relationships. [They] behave well in the classrooms and around the school at social times.”