Boyhood

Championing positive masculinity and the many ways of being a boy

We are inspired by the work taking place at William Ellis to create positive, healthy and empowering experiences of boyhood. Building on the school’s ethos of “Today’s Boys, Tomorrow’s Leaders,” our aim is to help pupils explore the adults they want to become—and support them in taking confident steps toward that future.

One of our recent commitments has been funding the additional temporary salary costs required to appoint a dedicated lead for student voice and activism. This role is already strengthening opportunities for pupils to influence school life and engage with issues that matter to them and their communities.

Over the next twelve months we will be working with pupils, the school and a range of partners to create a series of pupil-led films exploring positive masculinity in action within the school - as well as what community means to them. More information on this will be shared in the coming months.

We recognise that growing up as a boy today can be challenging. Many young people encounter negative influences and narrow or unhelpful narratives about masculinity. Working closely with the school, we aim to champion the powerful work already underway and build new programmes that:

  • Place students at the centre, enabling them to shape our approach through meaningful engagement.

  • Celebrate the many ways of being a boy, reinforcing confidence, identity and belonging.

  • Create opportunities to meet men from diverse backgrounds, learning how their journeys and experiences of masculinity have shaped their lives.

  • Elevate the school’s leadership and expertise, contributing to important conversations about boys’ education at local, regional and national levels.

Together, these efforts help ensure that every boy at William Ellis can grow, thrive and step into adulthood with purpose and possibility.

The above video is an example of the thoughtful and caring nature of students at William Ellis and the importance placed on giving them the platform to work through and voice their beliefs. It forms part of a wider project undertaken with Middlesex University. You can read more about the school’s work on this area on the “Why Boys’ Education?” section of the school website. The expertise within the school is of great value in developing future successful men both through and outside of the school.

We know that supporting boys to develop into considerate and passionate men provides benefits to all in society.

Do you have a great idea for an opportunity or program that will deliver value to William Ellis and other Camden pupils? Are you an existing Camden organisation that would like to partner with the Trust on an initiative?

We are always open to new ideas and would love to hear from you with ideas you may have.

Please use the Contact Us feature to reach out and we will be in touch as soon as possible.