Just dropping you all a line to say thank you for the Year 9 Pathways evening yesterday- "it was so informative for me as a parent.  The videos on your website are also really helpful and provide a personal touch from your staff. Well done! "

Best wishes
Year 9 Parent

Charity Swimathon - Sunday 8 March 2026, Clifton Pool.

Open to all year groups

Lanes booked for 9.30am - 10.30am

Please arrive at 9.15 am to allow time to change for the swim and a prompt start for 9.30am.

There are secure changing rooms on site and there will be volunteer helpers to direct you and a registration desk at the pool entrance.  Mrs Arnold will be there to meet you.

If you are interested, please email Mrs Arnold: arnoldl@cotham.bristol.sch.uk or speak to her and collect a letter. 

It has been another busy week for Year 7.  Our assembly this week focused on Martin Luther King Jr., as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day.  Ms Kelly delivered some important messages during the assembly, and Year 7 showed great respect as they listened attentively and took in all the information shared.

On Wednesday, we welcomed our Guide Dog visitor, Pat, along with her Guide Dog, Winnie.  Pat shared her powerful and inspiring story of being born partially sighted, growing up blind, and having an eye removed at the age of 14.  She spoke about her journey into adulthood, working life, and eventually receiving her first Guide Dog.

Students listened attentively and laughed along as Pat shared some wonderful and funny stories about her dogs. There was also plenty of time for questions, as well as the chance to meet and gently pat Winnie. It was a memorable and engaging experience for everyone involved.

• Tickets £2

• Tuck shop - cash only

Tickets will be on sale NOW through via wisepay and cash at lunch times in the HUB 

It has been wonderful to see so many students receiving the Cotham Student Shout Out in recognition of their hard work and contributions to Cotham School.  Well done to the following:

Rowa, Alana, Sam,  Jolyon, Elsa, Coco, Rhia, Jemelia, Lorna, Daksh, Ben, Eva, Diya, Yassin, Muhammad, Akram, Azaan, Elsa, Naia, Ijah, Amani, Lenna, Balqees, Alexandra, Idha, Amirah, Ferdos, Ayesha, Ariana, Gene, Emma, Arun, Addy, Fredi, Alieu, Luis, Adam,  Finn,  Emily, Elijah, Finlay China, Edie,  D'Vonte, Harry, Willow and  Ryena.

Mrs L Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator

Congratulations to tutor group 8CTE for having read the most books this academic year so far.  They have won a box of sweets to share as a reward for the 151 books that have been read.

Also, congratulations to 8CC who were the first winners of our Inter-tutor football that will take place each Friday morning.  It's wonderful to get all the notifications of students in Year 8 that are receiving a 'Cotham Shout Out' from teachers for work, help and enthusiasm they are showing in class. Well done!

Ms D Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator

It was lovely to see so many of you at the Pathways evening on Wednesday.  This event marks the launch of our Key Stage 4 Pathways and I hope that you found the information given on the evening useful. 

If you were not able to attend the evening, there will plenty of opportunities to discuss the next steps in the options process, starting with Parents Evening on 21 January.  I look forward to seeing you all there.

Mr O Knight
Year 9 Learning Coordinator

This week has been wellbeing week at Post 16 with a range of activities available for students to take part in.  Mx Sciubba led a great assembly over the last fortnight on this.  Students have been treated to craft sessions, fidget toy making sessions, a lunchtime walk and of course meeting the lovely Jade, our therapy dog.  A workshop on managing stress and anxiety is coming next tern.  The link between attainment and wellbeing is strong and it has been great to see  students get involved.

Mr G Buchanan
Deputy Director of Post 16

We are delighted to share that our school recently hosted a workshop led by The Turing Institute, focusing on careers in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Students from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 in Computer Science took part, gaining valuable insights into emerging career pathways.  We are proud to be the only school in Bristol to offer this opportunity, enabling our students to build connections with government‑backed employers working at the forefront of technology.

We are especially pleased that our Year 12 and 13 students will also have the chance to apply for The Turing Institute’s Summer Experience, taking place in August 2026.

Thank you for your continued support as we create exciting opportunities for our learners.

A reminder that it is essential that Year 11 students have the correct equipment for their GCSE Maths mock exams (starting on Monday 2 February).  They will need a pen, pencil, ruler, protractor, compass and (for Paper 2) a scientific calculator.  These can be bought from larger supermarkets or stationery shops.  Students should NOT expect to borrow equipment on the day.

Free webinar for parents (and students) from Apprenticeship West next Thursday 22 January 2026.

There are two apprentices (a level 3 and a degree apprentice) speaking about their experiences prior to getting one and their experience in their apprenticeship.

Please click here more more information and to book.

We are delighted to share the upcoming season for Cotham Club, a monthly live global music club right here in the heart of our community.  Known for its "epic gigs and grassroots vibes", the club celebrates the diverse sounds that unite us.

Upcoming Event: Friday 30 January Cotham Club Presents: Eastern Strings 

Tango/Klezmer Quintet Join us for a transcendent evening of Argentinian Tango and Eastern European Klezmer. Featuring a world-class quintet, this performance blends oud, double bass, and strings into a mesmerizing musical journey.

• Venue: Cotham Parish Church, BS6 6DR

• Tickets: Under-18s £2 | Concessions £5 | Standard £14 (advance)

Please click here for further information.

Young Bristol is celebrating 98 years of creating safe spaces and life-changing opportunities for local children. We invite our school community to support their upcoming events:

Dinner for Young Futures: Join local supporters on Thursday 26 March at The Pony, Chew Magna for a three-course dinner and wine pairing. Tickets are £98, with all proceeds supporting vital youth work in our city.

Celebrating Achievements: On Wednesday 28 January, Young Bristol will host their Awards Evening to celebrate their 'Young Person of the Year' finalists—12 inspiring individuals from clubs across Bristol (including Hartcliffe, BS14, and Ashton Vale).

Why support? Your contribution ensures Bristol’s youth workers can continue to mentor and support children navigating poverty, isolation, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Find out more and book tickets here.

• Term 1 Monday 1 September 2025 to Friday 24 October 2025

• Term 2 Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 19 December 2025

• Term 3 Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 13 February 2026

• Term 4 Monday 23 February 2026 to Thursday 2 April 2026

• Term 5 Monday 20 April 2026 to Friday 22 May 2026

• Term 6 Monday 1 June 2026 to Friday 17 July 2026

• Monday 1 September 2025

• Friday 26 September 2025

• Friday 14 November 2025

• Monday 30 March 2026

• Monday 20 April 2026