Parent/Carer Webinar - Exam Stress

Our school works alongside a Mental Health Support Team which is 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

I had the privilege of attending the Year 7 Poetry by Heart competition as a judge.

This oracy competition involves students performing one or two poems, either individually or as part of a group.  We begin with an in-school round, with winners progressing to the national competition.

A total of 17 students took part, and they were all absolutely fantastic—it was incredibly difficult to choose the winners.  Well done to everyone who participated!  Special congratulations to Matilda, Diya, Logan, Joseph, Oona, Rihanna and Abrar who were our winners.  

Thank you to Ms Grice for organising the event.

Spring Quiz

36 students represented their tutor groups, the tension was high as they battled it out to see who would be crowned the winners of the Spring Quiz.  Scores were close but a big well done to 7TE who won! 

More News!

Weekly Roundup

Just a reminder to all parents and carers that students need the following equipment in their pencil cases each day:

Pens, pencil, eraser, small ruler, calculator, sharpener, some coloured pencils and a highlighter pen.  Students regularly need a glue stick to stick information sheets in their books.  Each faculty only has a very small amount of glue sticks so it is helpful if students also have one of their own.  Please continue to book slots for open evening, the booking system will be open until the end of play on Tuesday.  

Congratulations to Linh Ngoc Khanh and Neve who were shortlisted for the National Young Poet Laureate Competition. Along with three others from Cotham they have been 'Highly Commended' for their entries. Well done!

Ms Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator

Parents' Evening - Wednesday 1 April 2026

We look forward to welcoming you all to school to meet your child's teachers on Wednesday 1 April.

Year 9 Go from Strength to Strength

Work Experience (WEX) Deadline - Thursday 2 April 2026

This week in Year 11

This week has been a positive and productive one for our Year 11 students.  We have successfully completed tutor group photos for the yearbook, and we were very fortunate with the weather, allowing the student photographers to capture some brilliant images.  Any students who missed their scheduled time will have another opportunity to take part after the upcoming holidays.

We have also successfully supported the launch of the DfE Education Record app, with Year 11 students now accessing and engaging with it.  This is an important step in supporting students as they prepare for their next stages beyond Year 11.

A massive well done to all students who completed their Drama GCSE exam this week.  It was fantastic to see the excitement, dedication, and preparation that went into their performances, an excellent achievement.

Finally, a reminder that Friday 27 March marks the first of two non-uniform days for Year 11.  This is a great opportunity for students to contribute towards raising funds for their end-of-year prom celebration.  We appreciate your continued support with this.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator

Reminder: DfE Education Record App

Please find the attached letter which has been to 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

Veterinary Taster Day at the University of Bristol Veterinary School on Saturday 28 March 2026, running from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the Langford Campus.

This is a great opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in animal care, veterinary science, veterinary nursing and related careers to explore the subject and meet staff and current students.  They will gain insight into careers within the veterinary profession, as well as the wide range of support that is available for students who wish to progress into a veterinary degree at university.

This event is entirely free and designed to give eligible students a first-hand experience of veterinary study, with taster activities and insights into veterinary-related subjects and student life.

This event is primarily aimed at Years 10 and 11, but all ages are welcome to apply.  More details on student eligibility criteria and how to sign-up can be found here.

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

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.