"You and your colleagues have done so much to support my child.  Please know I am grateful for all the effort you and your colleagues have made.  And if people ask me I always say Cotham is a really great school who do everything they can to help students succeed."

Post 16 Parent

We are excited to be hosting our first Cotham School Open Mic night.  We would like to extend the invite for parents/carers to perform with their child.  The event will be held in the main hall on Thursday 26 March from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.  If you would like to apply for a slot, please fill out the form by clicking here and we'll be in touch!

• Thursday 5 February 

• Break time in the HUB

• Cookies £1 cash only

In aid of Year 7 Guide Dog Puppy Appeal

Cotham student Shout Outs continue to come in daily for the Year 7 students, 175 in total since we launched it.  Well done to all that receive one.

Drama Stars of the Week!

• Lukas

• Shani

• Mavis

Ms Howfield gives a Shout Out to 7CG for focus and hard work writing an article about the printing press.  A fantastic effort from everyone! 

Well done everyone!!

Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator

It is amazing as I sit at my desk to see so many 'Cotham Shout Outs' coming through on a daily basis for the Year 8 students, highlighting something they have done well in lessons.

A reminder to students to use the library and change their books on a regular basis. Ms Payne, Librarian is very dedicated and is always enthusiastic to help students find a book they will enjoy. If your Year 8 needs a bit of inspiration please do encourage them along.

Ms D Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator

All students now have access to their own area in SIMS online where they can complete the GCSE options process.  These conversations are still going on in school and the deadline for subject choices is Friday 13 February 2026.  Your child can log on at home should you wish to see the portal and how this process will look in terms of the subjects available.

Don't forget, should you have any questions, please email KS4Pathways@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.

Kind regards

Mr O Knight
Year 9 Learning Coordinator

Half term is fast approaching, and this is a reminder that work experience placements should ideally be confirmed before the break.  Many students have secured placements independently, which is great to see.  If your child has not yet been able to arrange one, we encourage parents and carers to support them by contacting local businesses or personal contacts.  Work experience is a valuable opportunity, and your help can make a real difference.

Mr T Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator

This week Year 11 have been preparing for the upcoming final mock exams beginning next week.  On Thursday morning an additional assembly was held to provide further support and guidance ahead of the exams.  All students will now have received their exam timetables. Arriving on time and ready to go will ensure a successful start to the exam. 

I am aware exam periods can be a stressful time with lots of feelings of pressure and expectations.  If any students are concerned or have any worries, please reach out to the Year Team.  Additionally YoungMinds have fantastic articles providing detailed advice written by young people who have similar experiences. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/

A massive well done to the Year 11 students who supported with the World Hijab Day Assembly.  Students represented the year group brilliantly and displayed a fantastic sense of community and leadership within the school. 

Mr H Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator

This week we had our relaunch of our fantastic Enrichment offer, coordinated by Ms Din.  She delivered an excellent assembly to Year 12 on Wednesday, outlining the array of activities on offer throughout the week, including Sports, First Aid, Chess Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Film Club, Origami club and more.  Ms Din explained the link between enrichment and improved wellbeing, more effective future applications and better academic achievement. We would love to see even more students take part!

Mr G Buchanan
Deputy Director of Post 16

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 French linguists, who recently competed in the city-wide KS5 French Debates hosted at Bristol Grammar School. In a challenging field featuring schools from across the city, students were tasked with debating the motion: « Les jeunes Français ont perdu les valeurs traditionnelles. »

Our three French superstars rose to the occasion, delivering sophisticated arguments and impressive linguistic flair to secure 1st Place. Bravo to the team!

A reminder that it is essential that Y11 students have the correct equipment for their GCSE Maths mock exams (starting 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 stationary shops. Students should NOT expect to borrow equipment on the day.

On Monday 2 February, we will be celebrating World Hijab Day and the theme this year is 'What It Means To Me'.  To recognise this day, we have had assemblies run by Mrs Ahmad and Mrs Khan and next week students will be allowed to wear any colour hijab they like.  Anyone who does not wear the hijab is invited to try one on for the day.  There will also be a station set up in the Hub at break time where students can write on a comment card what the Hijab means to them.  

We are pleased to share a unique opportunity from Channel 4's BAFTA-nominated series, The Dog House.  The show is currently looking for kind-hearted local families who are considering adopting a rescue dog and would be willing to share their journey.

This is wonderful way to explore themes of compassion and responsibility as a family.  If you have been thinking about welcoming a new four legged member to your home, you can find out more and apply at c4thedoghousetakepart.co.uk or by emailing thedoghouse@fivemilefilms.co.uk.

Cotham School is sharing an opportunity for parents to join the Strengthening Families 13-week course at Wellspring Settlement. This popular program helps you build positive relationships, manage stress, and gain practical discipline strategies.

• Deadline: Course closes to new attendees on Thursday 5 February.

• When: Thursdays, 9:15 am – 12:15 pm

• Incentives: Free to attend + free bookable crèche.

Ready to join? It takes 2 minutes to sign up via the Parent Self-Referral Form.

If you would like further information or would like to discuss a referral do get in contact with Sally or Laura on 0117 3041400  ext 155 or 07492 870 557.

• 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