Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
2 April 2026
2 April 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 20 April 2026 is Week B
Dear Parents and Carers,
We hope you enjoy this week's update and find the information helpful as we look ahead to the coming days.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead and a Happy Easter.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
French Success: Year 12 Student Published in University Magazine
Félicitations Evelyn! We are so proud to announce that Evelyn, one of our Year 12 French students, has won a competition organised by the University of Bristol and her submission has been published in the Spring edition of their magazine.
"J'ai le plaisir de vous annoncer qu'Evelyn Hayles a remporté notre concours et son illustration a été publiée dans notre édition de printemps"
Please check out Evelyn's incredible art work on page 23 by clicking here.
Reflection on Year 8 Parents' Evening
"It was great to see so many parents and carers at the parents' evening. I hope you all got a good insight into the progress your child is making and advice on how to support at home. It was lovely to meet many of you in person that we have spoken with on the phone and to touch base with many that have had little or no contact."
Diana Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Please be reminded that Monday 20 April 2026 is an in-service training day for staff (INSET). School will be closed to students.
Post 16 - This is also an INSET Day at RGS.
All students return to school on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
We would like to remind all parents and carers to turn off their engines while waiting for pick-up. Exhaust fumes pose a significant health risk to our students and local pedestrians.
If you arrive early, please park in a designated parking bay - please be mindful not to park in resident's parking areas - and take a 30-minute ticket from the meter rather than idling. This applies to all roads surrounding both the Primary and Secondary school sites. We appreciate your cooperation in supporting the City Council’s clean air initiative.
Need a few extra school uniform items? We have a selection of pre-loved uniform available now. Please reach out to Visitor Reception to browse our current stock and see if we have your child's size.
We are excited to announce a creative challenge for our Year 7 and Year 8 students. We are looking for a talented individual to design the front cover of next year's official school planner.
This is a fantastic chance for your child to leave their mark on the school and see their artwork used every single day.
We are excited to announce a mouthwatering upcoming theme day, with full menu available via the link below:
🌮 Nacho: Flavours of Mexico – Tuesday 21 April 2026
A vibrant Mexican-inspired menu packed with bold spices, cheesy nachos, and all your favourite Tex-Mex flavours.
We can’t wait to welcome you to these delicious theme days, come hungry and ready to enjoy!
Parent/Carer Webinar - Exam Stress
We work alongside a Mental Health Support Team delivered and funded by the NHS. This team are offering online webinars to give advice to parents and carers on how they can best support their child's wellbeing.
In April these webinars will focus on the topic of 'Exam Stress'. We have attached a poster with further information.
Use the link or QR code on the attached poster to sign up. Sessions will run each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 12-1pm.
Joshua Byworth
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
2026 is the NATIONAL YEAR OF READING so why not spend the break READING more! Reading for just 15 minutes a day can expose you to over a million words annually, boosting vocabulary, comprehension and knowledge. It enhances focus, reduces stress and can lead to reading over 20 books a year. During the break please go to our ePLATFORM and start reading eBooks and Audiobooks online for free.
The library can be found on our website main page under STUDENTS / LIBRARY or click below for more information.
We have a fantastic opportunity to offer piano and keyboard lessons to years 7-9 on our lovely grand piano at Cotham School with our very experienced piano teacher Christina Craig - Jones.
Limited spaces available for this term and in preparation for next year. Summer holiday lessons also available. For more details and to book a free taster lesson please contact her directly at chriscraigjones@hotmail.com.
Term 4 has been a busy and exciting one for Year 7! We have enjoyed a range of fantastic assemblies, including a visit from an author and celebrations linked to St Pauls Carnival. Some students also took part in an Adolescent Health Study, where visitors praised their excellent engagement and enthusiasm.
This positive feedback was echoed during the Future Brunel sessions. Organisers described it as one of the best sessions they had run this year, highlighting how well-behaved, polite, and enthusiastic our students were.
Poetry by Heart was another highlight, with Year 7 students learning and confidently performing poems in front of family and friends. The standard was incredibly high, and all participants should feel very proud.
There have also been plenty of fun activities, including the Spring Quiz, “Guess the Number of Easter Eggs,” and the Year 7 Bake Off. It’s been wonderful to see students getting involved and enjoying everything on offer. We have also welcomed some new students to Year 7 and it has been fantastic to see how warmly they have been received by their peers.
Tutor football continues to go from strength to strength. 7SME are currently the top goal scorers, but all teams are showing great commitment and team spirit. With more games still to play, the Year 7 Cup is still up for grabs!
Year 7 Parents’ Evening was a great success, and it was lovely to meet so many families. CUE also continues to thrive, with a large number of Year 7 students meeting weekly and showcasing their talents to family and friends each term, this term’s performance of Seven was outstanding.
Well done to all students who have taken part in activities this term. You are growing into strong, kind, and thoughtful young people, it is a real pleasure to be your LC.
Wishing you all a restful Easter holiday.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
What an excellent term Year 8 have had. We are so proud of how they have conducted themselves, particularly during the exams. Wishing you a wonderful break and hoping for some sunshine.
Ms Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator
Sound Track to Your Story Library Lesson
Celebrations for the National Year of Reading continue at Cotham. Year 8 participated in a creative writing workshop this week. Students watched an interactive workshop led by author Jeffrey Boakye. Based on the theme ‘Soundtrack your story’, the workshop inspired a love of story creation through music and rhythm. Drawing on his childhood experiences and musical inspirations demonstrated a range of writing techniques that Year 8 applied to their own creative writing process. Click for more info
Preparing for Year 10 Mocks
Year 10 return in Term 5 with their mock exams taking place straightaway. Timetables have been shared with students and parents, so please take time over the Easter break to plan ahead. Exams begin on Tuesday 21 April with English Language in the morning and Maths (non calculator) in the afternoon.
A calm, prepared and punctual start will make a real difference. We look forward to supporting them through this important time.
Mr Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
DfE Education Record App
Please find the attached letter which has been to all Year 11 parents about the new DfE Education Record App. This is an exciting development which will allow students in Year 11 to access and share their education record (qualifications, results, school history and needs) with Post 16, Higher Education, Further Education and Careers/Apprenticeship Providers. FAQs and contact details are included in the letter.
Ms Sainsbury
Assistant Headteacher
This week in Year 11
As we come to the end of Term 4, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy and positive term for Year 11, and to look toward the important weeks ahead.
This term has been filled with a number of highlights. Students have shown great enthusiasm and commitment through a variety of Prom fundraising activities.
Working together, they have raised money towards their end-of-year celebrations. It has been wonderful to see their teamwork and initiative on display. We have also had our yearbook photographs taken, with some excellent work from our student photographers, capturing lasting memories of their time at Cotham School.
A particular highlight this term has been the Art, Performing Arts, and Dance GCSE exams. Students demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, and resilience throughout, and it has been fantastic to see their hard work come to fruition in these important assessments.
This week, we held our end-of-term awards assembly, which provided a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate students who consistently work hard and exceed expectations.
Looking Ahead to Term 5!
Preparations for GCSE exams will be firmly underway. Easter revision sessions will take place over the holidays for selected students; details have been shared via letter and email. Students should now have received their summer examination timetable. Being familiar with exam dates, times, and seating arrangements will help reduce stress. Not having correct equipment was something I noticed during the mock exams, so please check to ensure students have everything they need. We are happy to support should any students require extra equipment.
We recommend that students are working through a revision timetable throughout the holidays to support their learning and build confidence ahead of their exams. Establishing a consistent routine now will make a significant difference in the weeks ahead.
I am very much looking forward to seeing students continue their hard work and determination as we move into this crucial final phase of Year 11.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
Year 12 Mock Exams
In our last week before the break, Year 12 undertook their Mock exams, an important learning experience in their first year of A Level study. Well done to all involved.
Final Stretch - Y13 + Foundation
Foundation students and Year 13 are both in their most important weeks of study to date, as they approach the end of courses.
Well done to everyone for their hard work this week and have a restful break when it arrives!
GCSE Art
A huge congratulations to our GCSE Art students who sat their exam this week!
Here we have some alumni GCSE sketchbook work from the Identity project. Both pieces are the first pages in their sketchbooks, which gives their projects a strong and positive start.
Career of the Week.....SET DESIGNER!
Could this be a career for you?
Do you marvel at the Avengers film sets and wonder how the Harry Potter aesthetic was created? If you have a passion for all things arts and crafts, a set design role in commercials, TV, theatre or film could be just for you.
Please enjoy the termly review of BEP activities, Wishing you a happy Easter and restful break!
Well Done Sigma
Well done Sigma for another amazing term!! We're currently in second place for the most House Points which is fantastic! Lets keep this up next term by continuing to work hard and always show Cotham Manners. Have a lovely break!
Mrs Ahmad
Staff vs Student Basketball
I would like to sincerely thank all the students and staff who took part in the Staff vs Student basketball event. It was a brilliant and highly successful occasion, full of energy, teamwork, and excellent sportsmanship throughout. Congratulations to the students on their well-deserved victory!
A huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported the event; your generosity played a key role in making it such a memorable success for all involved.
Girls Amplified: Find your voice on the mic 🎤
Ms. Forbes, Ms. Lewis, Ms. Benedict, Ms. Iqbal and Ms. Strath all hosted a wonderful Karaoke Party for the gals for this year's International Women's Day!
We had so much fun and it was such a hit that Ms. Forbes will be launching a Karaoke Club every Friday Week B first lunch for year 8's and 9's!
Which are correct synonyms for source: a) Origin b) End
c) Beginning d) Middle
ANSWER: a) Origin and c) Beginning
What does it mean if you’re asked to estimate the number of sweets in a jar? Do you remember how many sweets are in the jar?
ANSWER: Estimate means to make an educated guess.
There are 741 sweets.
What does hypothesis mean and which subjects are you
likely to use the word in?
ANSWER: Science and Maths.
What was the Word of the Week for the picture?
ANSWER: Contradictory. When two or more things are very different or the opposite (adjective).
What does a substantial amount mean?
ANSWER: It means a large/ significant amount.
What are some synonyms for justify?
ANSWER: Prove, support, explain, back up…
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 Learning Lead
Email: AhmedF@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
The new Bristol City Youth Council was elected in February. Over the last month they have been working hard to find out the views of young people around their 3 priorities: Mental Health, Safety and Equality and Discrimination. We want to ensure that as many young people in Bristol have their say in these priorities, please see below a very short Microsoft form asking young people what they think are the issues surrounding these 3 priorities.
Please see below a link and QR code for this form.
If you have any questions or need any support please feel free to contact us.
📣 Have Your Say On BCYC Priorities 2026 📣 – Fill in the form.
We are pleased to support Empire Fighting Chance in their "1000 Youth Voices" research project. This survey aims to understand the experiences of young people (aged 13–21) growing up in Bristol, focusing on safety, mental health and how to make our city a better place.
The survey is completely anonymous, takes just 5 minutes, and the results will be shared with decision-makers to help shape the future of youth services in Bristol.
Please click here for the survey link.
We hope you are enjoying a wonderful start to the Easter break!
As part of our commitment to supporting the Cotham community, we are pleased to share that several Your Holiday Hub (YHH) activities across Bristol still have spaces available for the next two weeks.
These programs are a fantastic way for children and young people to build confidence, learn new skills, and stay active during the holidays. Best of all, they include a nutritious meal at every session.
North Bristol
Children's Play Session – Avonmouth (Ages 5–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/9987
Oasis North Bristol
Youth Activity Session – Lawrence Weston (Ages 10–18)
https://eequ.org/experience/9882
Oasis North Bristol
Premier Education – Horfield Camp – Horfield (Ages 5–12)
https://eequ.org/experience/7336
Premier Education
East & Central Bristol
Easter Baking with BHYC – St Paul’s (Ages 11–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/8969
Bristol Horn Youth Concern
OTR Holidays: Arts, Nature & Movement – SEND Session – Old Market (Ages 11–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/25784
Off the Record
Bristol Horn Youth at Ropewalk House – St Paul’s (Ages 6–14, 18+)
https://eequ.org/experience/7460
Bristol Horn Youth Concern
ACE Holiday Club – Redfield (Ages 8–13)
https://eequ.org/experience/7754
ACE Programme
Create a Play in Two Days – Bedminster (Ages 8–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/25191
acta Community Theatre
Bristol Horn Youth @ Redcliffe Community – Redcliffe (Ages 6–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/7927
Bristol Horn Youth Concern
South Bristol
Forest School HAF – Knowle West – Knowle West (Ages 5–15)
https://eequ.org/experience/16844
Natural Networks CIC
Spring Holiday Activities @ Mowcroft Rd Church – Hartcliffe (Ages 6–12)
https://eequ.org/experience/25415
Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership
Hartcliffe Club Open Access HAF Playscheme – Hartcliffe (Ages 8–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/25183
Hartcliffe Club for Young People
Family Breakfast: Food & Fun – Hartcliffe (Ages 0–18+)
https://eequ.org/experience/25436
Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership
Open Access Youth Group – Knowle West (Ages 8–14)
https://eequ.org/experience/24435
Oasis Hub South Bristol
Imayla Spring Play Event – St Paul’s (Ages 8–12)
https://eequ.org/experience/26180
Imayla
Spring Holiday with Oasis South Hub – Hartcliffe/Withywood (Ages 8–11)
https://eequ.org/experience/7340
Oasis Hub South Bristol
Holiday Camps – Merchants – Hartcliffe (Ages 7–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/8429
Bristol City Robins Foundation
Easter Party – Stockwood (Ages 5–16)
https://eequ.org/experience/25958
Fun 4 Families
Please click here for further information.
Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) is now booking for the summer term! We are inviting young people aged 10–17 in South Bristol to join our free sessions in:
Art and Design
Technology & Making
Music Production
Everything we offer is 100% free for families. Programmes start after the Easter holidays, but spaces are limited!
Please click here for more information and email: youngpeople@kwmc.org.uk for any queries.
Looking for a creative outlet for your child this Easter? acta Community Theatre in Bedminster is offering a fully funded two-day workshop for young people to build their own original performance from scratch.
Who: Ages 8–12 and 12–16.
Eligibility: Free for those on benefits-related Free School Meals or Young Carers.
The Experience: A high-energy, supportive environment focused on building confidence, storytelling, and making new friends.
Location: Gladstone Street, Bedminster.
Spaces are limited! Secure your child’s spot via the link below:
👉 Click here to book your free place
We are pleased to share that free bus travel for under-16s is returning this Easter break! Thanks to funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, students can travel on almost all local buses at no cost during the school holidays.
Key Details:
Dates: Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April 2026.
Eligibility: All school-age children from age 5 up to 15 (including secondary school students).
No booking, paperwork, or bus passes are required. Students can simply hop on the bus and go. Students do not need to be accompanied by a fare-paying adult, making this a great option for older children to meet friends or travel to activities independently.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to save on travel costs while encouraging students to explore the region during their time off.
For more information and to plan your journey, please visit travelwest.info.
Looking for an outdoor adventure for your child this summer? Applications are now open for the Action for Conservation Summer Camps in the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Who: Young people aged 12–16.
Dates: Monday 27 to Friday 31 July OR Monday 17 to Friday 21 August 2026.
The Experience: Hands-on conservation, wildlife discovery, stargazing, campfires, and beach visits while staying in a coastal bunkhouse.
How to Apply:
Review the application pack with your child and apply online at actionforconservation.org/camp. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Sunday 4 May 2026.
Looking for SEND advice or just a chance to chat with people who understand? Our Terms 4 and 5 Coffee Mornings are now open for booking.
These sessions connect you with peer support and "human navigators" who help you find the right local services. With 97% of parents reporting they felt better supported after attending, it’s a great way to simplify your journey.Navigating SEND support can be a challenge, but you don't have to do it alone. Join us for our upcoming coffee mornings—a friendly space to connect with other parents and find the right local support for your family.
Book Your Place: Click here to book for Terms 4 and 5
Stay Connected: Join the Bristol Parent Carers community
We are pleased to share the April "What’s On" guide from Bristol Parent Carers. This month’s poster includes a variety of free support sessions and services specifically designed for parent carers in our community.
To ensure everyone can access this information, the guide is available in English, Somali, and Polish. Please see the posters below for the full schedule of events.
Cotham School is pleased to share an opportunity for parents and carers to join the SFSC Programme, a supportive 13-week course starting Thursday, 30 April 2026.
This evidence-based programme helps families build stronger relationships, manage stress, and develop practical strategies for effective discipline and child safety.
When: Thursdays, 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM (Starting Thursday 30 April)
Where: Wellspring Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, BS5 0AX
Cost: FREE (Free bookable crèche available)
How to Join
Places are limited. It takes only two minutes to sign up using the links below:
Parents: Self-Referral Form
Professionals: Referral Form
Watch: Short Introduction Video
Enquiries: Call 0117 304 1400 (ext 155) or 07492 870 557.
Browse activities and book here:
Activities this summer – Your Holiday Hub Bristol – take a look at the map to see what activities are close by.
Help us spread the word! Share resources with your groups and contacts widely:
Our toolkit, includes flyers, posters and social media copy.
Your Holiday Hub Spring 2026 Booklet, also attached, lists all the organisations offering sessions this spring.
Understanding Benefits Related Free School Meal (BRFSM) eligibility
We are often asked what the criteria for being eligible for free school meals is; so we’ve put together this helpful factsheet.
Sparks Film Club Bristol Central Presents…
Alongside our weekly Saturday morning filmmaking classes at Cotham School, we’re also gearing up for our next holiday camp!
Operation Heist – Easter Holiday Filmmaking Camp
13–15 April 2026
9.00am – 3.00pm
Cotham School
Ages 7–14 (grouped by age in separate studios)
Make your own Heist Movie this Easter! Step into Operation Heist — a cinematic holiday camp where young filmmakers will devise daring plans, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat scenes as they work together to plan, shoot, and star in their own thrilling heist film. Students will:
Create clever plots, dramatic twists, and bold characters
Work as a film crew across directing, camera, and performance
Explore suspense and visual storytelling techniques
Complete a finished film over three action-packed days
No previous filmmaking experience required.
More information or to book our holiday camp or a free trial for our weekly classes please click here.
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
For 2026/27 Term Dates please see the school website.