Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
9 January 2026
9 January 2026
Keep us posted - It would be great if parents/carers could let the school know of any student achievements outside of school. We would like to find out what students are doing in their own time and celebrate their achievements.
Email us: weeklymailing@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
Week commencing Monday 12 January 2026 is Week A
Dear Parents and Carers,
Happy New Year!
Please find our weekly mailing which I hope you will find both useful and interesting!
With very best wishes for a relaxing weekend.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
A Memorable Year 13 Parents’ Evening
A massive thank you to everyone who played a part in last night’s Year 13 Parents’ Evening. The weather was pretty brutal but that really didn't seem to dampen things (see what I did there?!)
There was a lovely sense of ease about the night. That's not an easy thing to achieve and comes from a careful balance of the phenomenal prep, set up and clear down efforts of the site, IT and admin teams alongside a bunch of pretty exceptional teachers and mentors.
Year 13 PES always carries a lot of nostalgia as well as the high stakes of the weeks ahead. You make our families feel so confident, epitomised by the parent who left saying "I really really love this place."
Aimi Potter
Director of Post 16 / Deputy Headteacher
Swimathon - Sunday 8 March 2026, Clifton High School swimming pool.
This is open to all year groups
Lanes booked for 9.30 - 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.
Instructions will be given at the start of each session and a klaxon will be sounded at the beginning and end of each session. Swimmers swim at their own pace; this is not a competitive race. Volunteers will count the number of lengths completed by each team so swimmers do not need to count lengths. If you are interested, please email Mrs Arnold: arnoldl@cotham.bristol.sch.uk or speak to her and collect a letter. Money raised will go towards 'The Guide Dog Puppy Appeal'.
There is still time to enter the YOUNG POET LAUREATE competition. (Year 7, 8 or 9 ONLY) The Young Poet Laureate programme provides young people with new and exciting opportunities to explore and discover poetry in their school and other communities. All you need to do is write a POEM on any topic and submit a statement about WHY you want to become a POET ambassador. Please encourage your budding POET to enter. All the information is included below. Deadline - Monday 19 January 2026.
Please see the catering update from 15 January 2026.
Update
It has been lovely to welcome Year 7 back to school after the holidays. They have been sharing many wonderful stories at break and lunchtime about what they have been up to and who they have visited. They are settling back into lessons well, and there was lots of excitement when they received their new timetables, including their maths sets.
In Science, this term Year 7 are learning about ecosystem processes including how plants make glucose to survive through photosynthesis, how animals rely on each other in food chains and food webs. They are also learning about sound and light including how sound is made through vibrations of particles and why you see lightning before you hear thunder.
We have lots to look forward to this term, including a Guide Dog visit next Wednesday 14 January, the Year 7 Bake Off on 11 February, and the Inter-Tutor Quiz later in the term.
Year 7 Disco
Wednesday 4 February 5.00pm -7.00pm
Tickets £2
Tuck shop - cash only
Tickets will be on sale from Wednesday 14 January via WisePay or by cash at lunch times in the HUB.
Year 7 Shout Outs
Lots of lovely shoutouts for year 7. Congratulations to:
Aditya, Abdullahi, Arthur M, Eli, Oscar, Ijah, Aroan, Amani, Imogen, Tamsin, Saeed, Joseph, Joonsoo and Yassin.
Mrs L Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Update
It was a real pleasure to welcome the Year 8 students back on Monday. They seem well rested and ready to learn this term. They will this week start Inter-tutor Football each Friday for both boys and girls. This is a tournament that will run through until June with a league table that will be updated each week and will culminate in a grand final between the top two teams. In tutor groups Year 8 will be encouraged during PSHE to reflect on their own wellbeing. They will consider their relationships with other students, how their lessons are going, how they are managing their online usage and how things outside of school are. It's always good to follow this up at home, it can lead to interesting discussions on how your child feels they are doing in all areas of life.
Ms D Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Year 9 Hit The Ground Running
It's great to see everyone back in school working to the same high standards they were pre Christmas.
This is going to be a busy but exciting term with GCSE options being discussed and parents/ carers events taking place over the next few weeks. Please keep an eye out for details of these.
In the last 6 school days, I have received 70 emails recognising Year 9 students for being amazing around school. Special mention for Sylvie from Ms Kennedy for composing an amazing musical revision guide.
Mr O Knight
Year 9 Learning Coordinator
KS4 Pathways Evening
The Year 9 KS4 Pathways Evening will take place on Wednesday 14 January, 5.30-7.30pm. There will be a presentation in the main hall at 5.45pm which will be repeated again at 6.45pm to explain the pathways process. Parents will also have the opportunity to visit different subject areas to learn more about the pathway subjects. Doors will open at 5pm, Please arrive via visitors reception, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT.
Mrs A Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Building Momentum in Year 10
Happy New Year to all our Year 10 parents.
2026 is a big and exciting year for our students. They will be building on key knowledge, starting revision, sitting mock exams and preparing for work experience. It is great to see how positively many of them have returned already.
As always, I am here to help with any questions or concerns. Let us keep working together and stay in touch.
Mr T Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
Update
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful break.
This week, students took part in two important assemblies. The first focused on the reminder of expectations and the support available as we move through this crucial stage of the academic year. The second assembly relaunched Period 6, reminding students of the excellent opportunity of an extra session to further their understanding of topics and prepare for their exams.
Across both assemblies, the Year 11 team and I were incredibly impressed with the level of respect, maturity and motivation shown by students following their return from the winter holidays. The positive attitude and readiness to engage has been extremely encouraging and reflects the determination from students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
In addition, this week saw the delivery of the first Year 11 revision workshop, which was attended by 80 students from the year group. During the session, students worked on creating their own revision timetables and explored the science behind effective revision strategies. Once again, students engaged brilliantly, asking insightful questions and offering thoughtful suggestions to support each others learning.
The revision workshops will continue next week for Year 11. We are very much looking forward to building on this strong start.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
If you have any questions or concerns and would like to get in touch, please do not hesitate.
Best wishes
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
Year 11 Revision Workshops Dates
The next Year 11 revision workshops will take place in school on Monday 12 January and Wednesday 14 January. All students will have the opportunity to attend one of these workshops in place of their usual PE lessons. Parents are not required to attend. These workshops are designed to support students with creating a revision timetable and developing effective revision strategies.
Mrs A Khan
Assistant Headteacher
Welcome Back Post 16
Post 16 students have settled back in this week, with many Year 13s undertaking BTEC examinations at the moment. Year 13 Mocks start on Monday 19 January. Thank you to all families who attended a very successful Year 13 Parent's Evening on Thursday 8 January.
Wellbeing Week is happening next week. Both Year 12 & Year 13 have a range of activities available, including craft making and meeting Jade, our therapy dog. We know the link between wellbeing and attainment is very strong, and hope that students take up these opportunities.
Mr G Buchanan
Deputy Director of Post 16
Happy new year from Mrs Griffin and the BEP. We are embarking on an exciting year with visits to Clifton High and Badminton Schools planned later this term and social action projects well underway. The first Student Partnership Board meeting is next week where students will be contributing to the BEP development plan and roadmap.
Career of the Week.....is K9 - POLICE HANDER!
Could this be a career for your child?
Is your child a natural with languages? Do they love learning about other cultures? A career as a K9 - POLICE HANDLER might be a perfect fit!
WildEd workshop
Next Monday 12 January sees the return of the WildEd workshop, where 24 Year 9 students will get to work with experts in the field of conservation and sustainability from the external company Action For Conservation. This is the third year of the project running with our students and it has always been a great success.
Sigma Shoebox Appeal
Thank you to everyone who donated towards the Shoebox Appeal. The shoeboxes were delivered to Help Bristol's Homeless just before Christmas, who really appreciated our generosity.
Student Leaders needed for Grand Iftar
Happy New Year! We are seeking student leaders to volunteer at our upcoming free Grand Iftar during Ramadan on Thursday 26 February, 4.45–7.00pm. Students can help welcome families, direct parents and support with serving food. Ms Khan will be emailing home shortly with permission slips - please look out for this and return it promptly if your child would like to be involved. All faiths are welcome, and more details will follow.
'Kuhn - vins'
Meaning:
To persuade someone of something (verb).
Example:
Can you convince me that you deserve to win the reward?
You have convinced me of your innocence.
Synonyms:
Persuade, satisfy, reassure…
'Aw-ton - uh - mee'
Meaning:
Independence and freedom from external control (noun).
Example:
You have less autonomy in school because there are rules to follow.
Some countries that were colonised now have greater autonomy.
Synonyms:
Choice, independence, free will…
Please find our latest online safety newsletter attached.
Important Notice:
This newsletter is intended for adults and includes discussions on online safety, including sensitive topics such as the online exploitation of children. Some of this content may be upsetting to both adults and children.
We strongly encourage parents and carers to prepare themselves before reading and to carefully consider which information to share with their child, based on their age and cognitive ability. The language and explanations used may not always be suitable for younger children, so please use your discretion when deciding what is appropriate for your child.
Your awareness and thoughtful approach is vital in ensuring a safe and informed discussion about online safety.
Kind regards
Farhan Ahmed
Digital Strategy Lead
Email: AhmedF@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
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.
The Ardagh Youth Nature Project is looking for young people aged 11-16 to join a free, 8-session program at The Ardagh on Horfield Common.
This collaboration between Off The Record (OTR) and Action for Conservation offers a low-pressure, supportive space where participants can:
Boost Wellbeing: Explore how nature connection supports mental health.
Get Creative: Try nature-based crafts, games, and outdoor activities.
Lead Change: Design and build a real-life conservation project within the Ardagh grounds.
Key Details:
Dates: Starting Thursday 22nd January (running roughly fortnightly until May).
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
Cost: Completely free.
Location: The Ardagh (sessions will be indoors during colder weather).
How to join: Spaces are limited! For more information or to sign up, please visit The Ardagh Youth Nature Project - OTR or contact Nicky at nicky.s@otrbristol.org.uk with any questions.
Please see the Christmas 2025 newsletter attached from Friends of Alalay
As part of our local community partnership with Young Bristol, we are pleased to share their schedule for the start of the 2026 term.
Reopened Monday 5 January: Ashton Vale Club, Avon Youth Club, BS14 Stockwood, Hartcliffe Club, and The Grove (Bedminster Down).
Reopened Tuesday 6 January: Sea Mills Boys' and Girls' Club and Youth Clubs On Wheels.
Reopened Thursday 8 January: Outdoor Employment Programme.
The Young Bristol team looks forward to welcoming back returning members and seeing new faces! Thank you for your continued support of these vital community spaces for our young people.
Sparks Film School Bristol Central starts this Saturday the 10 January with an exciting new theme! ‘Raising the Stakes’ will see our young film makers make tense, thrilling films with edge-of-your-seat action! Why not get in on the action and book a Free Trial class today!
Saturdays 10.00am to 12pm
Cotham School, Bristol, BS6
Ages 7-14
To book a free trial filmmaking class please visit.
Please inform the school by 9.00am on the first and subsequent days of absence.
School procedure is as follows:
absence message sent if absences have not been reported.
if no response to the absence message, a follow up letter requesting reason for absence will be sent.
If you haven’t already, please download the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website, and use it to tell us whenever your child is ill and unable to attend school.
Get the app or register now by clicking here.
Thank you
Cotham School
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