The Mill is a residential outdoor educational centre set in the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
For nearly 100 years, it has offered young people from inner London the chance to explore nature, build friendships and enjoy meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.
Originally purchased in 1929 by St Marylebone Grammar School, The Mill has played a central role in outdoor learning for generations. In the early 1980s it was adopted by William Ellis School and in 2029 will mark its centenary as a residential learning centre. It is a point of pride that all William Ellis pupils in Years 7 to 9 are given the opportunity to attend residential camps. For many, it’s a first experience of the countryside and a memorable part of their school journey.
We have made a £7,500 contribution this year to support access to the Mill from students whose families may struggle to meet the costs of their annual trip. If you would like to donate to ensure financial barriers do not prevent any students from attending please do donate via our website and send an email to wdurham@williamellis.camden.sch.uk highlighting you would like your donation to support this outstanding experience.
Older pupils also use the site for Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, subject-based fieldwork, music and drama rehearsals, and specialist support programs. You can learn more about the school’s approach to Outdoor Education here.
The Mill includes indoor accommodation for 40 and summer camping capacity for over 100. It offers an affordable option for residential trips, making it accessible to a wide range of schools. Facilities include a games room, a ropes course, and spaces for music, drama, and group activities, alongside open areas for outdoor play and exploration. In the last financial year, over 2,700 pupils spent time at The Mill, including many taking part in Duke of Edinburgh Award activities. Schools from across London and the South East make regular use of the centre for enriching, curriculum-linked visits.
A recent alum of the school, Robert Ngolo (attended 2017-2022), mentioned his memories of The Mill when joining the William Ellis Alumni network stating:
“One of my favourite experiences was going to the Mill to camp with fellow students in Years 7, 8 and 9. This allowed me to form connections and experience wildlife for the very first time.”
Governance and the role we play
The Mill is held in trust by a separate charity, the St Marylebone Camp of William Ellis School Trust (referred to here as The Mill Trust) which exists to safeguard the site and support its use for the benefit of pupils at William Ellis School..
Day-to-day running and maintenance of the site are delegated to the school. Donations made to The Mill Trust are used to fund improvements and ensure the continued use of the site as a valuable educational resource for current and future students.
While the William Ellis Trust has no formal governance role, it shares The Mill Trust’s drive to improve the educational experience and personal development of William Ellis and other Camden pupils.
We believe strongly in the value the Mill brings to the school, and it forms part of our own plans to support the school to develop initiatives that deepen the benefits that time spent at The Mill brings to our students. The William Ellis Trust has provided financial support to The Mill directly through the school and via The Mill Trust. In recent years, this has included:
A £50,000 donation to carry out improvement works including installing drainage in the upper fields to allow better year-round use of the site as a camping venue. This work was completed in August 2025.
Providing funding to the school to help ensure all students are able to visit the Mill regardless of personal circumstances
The Mill also benefits from the support of WESPA (the William Ellis School Parents’ Association), alumni, and volunteers, who play an active role in the life of the site.
The Mill and You
We know The Mill holds a special place in the memories of many William Ellis alumni, former staff and parents of the school. If you would like to share a memory of time spent at The Mill and how it has impacted your life please do email Will Durham, Director of the William Ellis Trust, at wdurham@williamellis.camden.sch.uk. Messages will be passed on to The Mill Trust and be collated as a part of plans to celebrate The Mill’s hundredth birthday in the years ahead.
Supporting The Mill
If you are interested in donating to support the future of The Mill, please similarly email Will Durham who will provide you with the relevant information. Every little helps fund improvements and ensures that all William Ellis pupils can continue to benefit from this valued resource.
