Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
15 May 2026
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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 18 May 2026 is Week B
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
Headteacher's Welcome! 👩🏫
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.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler
Headteacher
Weekly Mailing -15 May 2026 Headteacher’s Welcome-1.webmAchievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Celebrating Student Excellence
A huge congratulations to Raghav, who competed in the Avon County Regatta last Saturday! Racing as part of a quad, Raghav and his crew put in a stellar performance to secure the Gold Medal. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and sportsmanship on the water. Well done, Raghav!
Spring Sharing success
"I attended the Cotham Spring Sharing last week to watch my son perform in the Dance Club routine. It was a joy to watch all of the performances during the event and I was blown away by the Guitar Club performing their version of Someone You Loved - it was brilliant!"
Year 8 Parent
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Monkhouse Uniform Offer
Monkhouse Uniform Offer
We are delighted to share some fantastic news from our uniform provider, Monkhouse. To help you get a head start on the back-to-school season and save on costs, they are offering a limited-time discount across their entire range.
The Offer
Enjoy 15% off all orders, whether you choose to shop online or visit their store in person (Bedminster).
Starts: Monday 18 May 2026
Ends: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Extended Returns: End Date: Friday 11 September
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Year 7 Legoland Trip
Thank you to all parents and carers who have already paid an instalment to secure a place for their child on the Legoland trip taking place on 15 July.
To allow more students the opportunity to attend, we have extended the deadline for the first payment. Please be advised that the new deadline for securing a place is Monday 18 May. To confirm your child’s participation, the first instalment must be paid and the consent form returned by this date.
Tickets can be purchased on WisePay.
Year 7 Bake Off
On Wednesday 13 May, we held our termly Year 7 Bake Off. Nine bakers took on the challenge of baking and presenting four decorated cookies each.
The outcome was fantastic, and the judges had a very difficult job choosing a winner because of the exceptionally high standard of the bakes. Well done to everyone who took part, your creativity was outstanding.
All students took their cookies home to enjoy with their families. Congratulations to Emma, who was crowned this term’s Bake Off winner!
Guess the Number in the Jar
Next week, we are excited to hold another “Guess the Number in the Jar” competition! Students will have the chance to guess how many sweet treats are in the jar, with the winning entry taking the prize for their tutor group.
Good luck to everyone taking part, we can’t wait to see who guesses closest!
Year 7 Exams
Year 7 exams will take place between 18 May and 5 June.
Please see the preparation booklet and exam timetable to support your child during this period. We encourage you to look through these with them so you can help them prepare effectively at home.
Please ensure your child comes to school fully equipped with:
Pens and pencils
Maths equipment
Any other essential stationery
It is also important that students take care of themselves during the exam period. Encourage them to:
Take regular breaks between revision sessions
Stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Make time to relax and recharge
Thank you for your support during the exam period.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 10
Year 10
Year 10 Family Consultation Day
Year 10 Family Consultation Day will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 between 08:30am to 4:45pm and the bookings are now open. All appointments will take place in the Main Hall.
Please click here to book your appointment.
Year 10 Family Consultation Day Full Details Letter Year 11
Year 11
Mental Health Awareness Week and Year 11 Guidance
GOOD LUCK to all the Year 11s who have started their GCSEs! The library is always here for you for help and guidance.
It is Mental Health Awareness week too this week and we have lots of great books. Non-fiction self-help books that offer tips, advice and emotional support OR just some wonderful fiction books full of hope and positivity to give you a boost.
We also have SO many REVISION GUIDES upstairs in the library in ALL SUBJECTS for you to borrow. Please take them out! Click for info below:
WM Year 11 Guidance and Mental Health Books 2026
A Reminder Regarding this Year's Prom
The Year 11 Leavers Prom is on Wednesday 24 June (evening) at The Bristol Hotel. Tickets are on sale NOW on WisePay.
Get your outfits ready and get your ticket to avoid disappointment!
Ticket price includes buffet, DJ and Photo Booth.
Only students with a valid ticket will be allowed entry.
A Huge Well Done: Resilience and Success in GCSEs So Far
As we reach the end of a long week of GCSE examinations, I wanted to say how proud I am of all of our students. The attitude, resilience and maturity shown throughout the exam period has been excellent. It has been fantastic to see so many students preparing thoroughly, supporting one another, and applying themselves so positively in every exam.
As we move into the next phase of exams, I would encourage students to continue maintaining healthy routines, revising consistently, and making time to rest and recharge over the weekend. Well done once again to all students for the effort and dedication you are showing. Keep going, you are doing brilliantly!
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Foundation Students Say Goodbye!
Year 13 have made a superb start to their exams this week, alongside several of our Year 12 and Foundation students who have also sat exams. We said goodbye to our Foundation cohort this week as they go on study leave ahead of their upcoming exams. We wish them every success in the future. Well done everyone!
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
STEAM
STEAM
Work of the Week
Our Year 7 students have been learning about patterns like Zentangles and mandalas. They used these ideas to design their own Islamic tiles. After carving their patterns into polytiles, they made prints with ink to layer over their colourful watercolour backgrounds.
MATHS
MATHS
Year 11 Maths GCSE - Past Paper Revision
All Year 11s should be regularly completing past papers as part of their revision for GCSE Maths.
After the first and second Maths GCSE paper, the students will be given (on Google Classrooms) links to a practice paper that focus on the topics not yet covered, ie. it will help them to focus on the topics most likely to come up in the remaining exams. This is essential preparation that should not be missed. Please can you remind your child to look out for these.
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Career of the Week...MUSEUM CURATOR!
Career of the week_ Museum Curator House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
WildEd
This week, The year 9 WildEd group started working on the Community Garden.
We managed to plant a range of different herbs and dig up a space for our container pond.
We also decorated some bird boxes and bug hotels which will be hung up next week. It was an incredibly successful morning and we are looking forward to continuing our work next week.
Mrs Ahmad
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Crucial
Crucial
'Kroo - shuhl'
Meaning:
Important, especially in the success or failure of something (adjective)
Example:
The lesson was at a crucial stage before the exams.
This game is crucial to our survival in the league.
It is crucial to check the facts before believing what you’re told online.
Synonyms:
Important, critical, essential, necessary…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week Quiz
Word of the Week Quiz
Plausible
Plausible
'Plaw - Zuh - Buhl'
Meaning:
When an argument or statement seems reasonable and believable (adjective).
Example:
Claiming that her dog ate her homework was not a plausible excuse for not doing it.
He expressed a plausible argument.
Synonyms:
Likely, reasonable, believable…
Digital Literacy Corner 💻
Digital Literacy Corner 💻
Online Safety Newsletter
Online Safety Newsletter
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
_Online_Saftey_Newsletter_18.pdfCommunity 🏘️
Community 🏘️
Exciting Weekly Youth Sessions at Full Circle
Exciting Weekly Youth Sessions at Full Circle
We are thrilled to highlight some fantastic local opportunities for our students. Full Circle, based in the Docklands (St Pauls), is running weekly sessions designed to give young people a safe, engaging space to hang out, learn new skills, and connect with peers.
Whether they are looking for a place to relax after school or want to get involved in community activities, these sessions are a great fit:
Our Featured Sessions:
Wednesday - Olderz - 6:00 to 8:00pm - Ages 12 to 16
Thursday - Boyz Club - 5:30 to 7:30pm - Ages 11 to 18
Make a Difference: Foster with Bristol City Council
Children in Bristol urgently need safe, welcoming homes. By fostering locally, you help a child stay connected to their community, friends, and school—providing the stability they need to thrive.
Why Foster?
Inclusivity: No "typical" family—we welcome all backgrounds, regardless of marital status or home ownership.
Financial Support: Weekly allowances and payments.
Benefits: Dedicated support, carer networks, and free Bristol City Council gym access.
"Fostering brings us joy and fun every single day." — BCC Foster Carer
Are you interested?
Please contact:
Call: 0117 353 4200
Email: fostering@bristol.gov.uk
BCC Fostering - poster 1.pdfFree Support for Parent/Carers this May
Free Support for Parent/Carers this May
Bristol Parent Carers has released their "What's On" guide for May, featuring a range of free support sessions and workshops for families of children with SEND. To ensure our community is supported, the programme is available in English, Somali and Polish. Whether you need practical advice or a chance to connect with other parent/carers, these sessions are here for you.
Cost: Free
Please see the below posters for further information and share this with anyone who will benefit.
Parenting Programme: Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities
Parenting Programme: Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities
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.
A4 FOLDED LEAFLET SFSC APRIL 2026_ (1).pptxBookings are now open this Spring with Your Holiday Hub!
Bookings are now open this Spring with Your Holiday Hub!
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:
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.
Eligibility-Factsheet-2026.pdfHoliday-Hub-A4-Poster.pdfSummer Film Making at Cotham School
Summer Film Making at Cotham School
Sparks Film School Bristol Central is now enrolling for the Summer Term. This season, students will collaborate on their most ambitious projects yet: The Summer Shoots.
Inspired by the creativity of the Academy Awards and BAFTA, this hands-on program allows children to explore every aspect of cinema. From the initial pitch to the final "cut," students take full creative lead.
Summer Term Film Making Classes 21 April 26.pdf
Reminders 🔔
Reminders 🔔
Reporting Student Absence - Studybugs
Reporting Student Absence - Studybugs
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
Poster with Additional Info.pdf
Key Dates - Term Dates 2025/2026
Key Dates - Term Dates 2025/2026
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
INSET Days - 2025/2026
INSET Days - 2025/2026
Monday 1 September 2025
Friday 26 September 2025
Friday 14 November 2025
Monday 30 March 2026
Monday 20 April 2026
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