"Hi Louise

Thank you for this, and for organising the trip! My son had a brilliant time - he came back a very tired but happy boy!

Hope you have a great summer."

Year 7 Parent

"Dear all - thank you so much for organising and running the Legoland trip.

I know Year 7 had a squeally great time! And had great fun hanging out with friends.

Hope those of you who went aren't too exhausted.

Thanks again"

Year 7 Parent

"Dear Louise

Thank you for all of your help this year and support for our daughter, she seems happy at Cotham and has had a good first year which is really fantastic. 

I should add that she had an *amazing* time on the trip to Legoland, she was still excited when she got home and was telling me about the rides and all of it in quite a lot of detail! Thank you for everything you did to make that possible.

Hope you have a wonderful summer break."

Year 7 Parent

Last Friday, the Lord Mayor of Bristol came to visit our students and discussed his experience in politics as well as his journey to become the Lord Mayor. Students such as the Student Prefects and the Unity Forum Group discussed their work and received advice on how to make their work in the school count the most. The students enjoyed asking the Lord Mayor questions about how his role has changed his life and if he is still able to just pop to the shops like he used to before. The Lord Mayor encouraged the students to sign up to the Bristol Youth Council as the school does not have a representative on the council yet. 

If you are interested and want to join then please find the link attached :

 Bristol City Youth Council

Well done to our students who represented Cotham School during the Lord Mayor visit. The Lord Mayor was very impressed by the work that is being done in the school as well as by the students. 

Ms Jama

To support a smooth and settled start to the school day, we would like to inform families of our updated procedures for students arriving late:

• Students must be on site by 08.30am.

• Any arrival between 08.30am and 08.50am results in an ‘L’ code and a 20‑minute same day after‑school detention. Parents will be notified by 2.30pm of the late detention.

• Arrivals between 08.50am and 09.00am result in an ‘L’ code and a 40‑minute same day after school detention. Parents will be notified by 2.30pm of the late detention.

• Arrivals after 09.00am result in a ‘U’ code, a 40‑minute same day after school detention and may lead to further action if lateness continues. Parents will be notified by 2.30pm of the late detention.

A prompt start helps students feel organised, calm and ready to learn. If your child is experiencing difficulties getting to school on time, please contact their Tutor so that we can offer support.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Our uniform supplier Monkhouse are running a free delivery promotion on school uniform and sportswear orders. 

From Monday 13 July to Sunday 19 July, parents can enjoy free standard delivery on orders over £50 by using the code FREEDEL at checkout. 

Offer details: 

• Free standard delivery on orders over £50  

• Promo code: FREEDEL  

• Valid: Monday 13 July –  Sunday 19 July (ends midnight)  

The SEND Awards Evening was a wonderful celebration of our pupils’ achievements. The event recognised the determination, resilience, progress and unique talents of our children and young people. Pupils received awards in front of family, friends and staff, creating a proud and uplifting atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the evening.

Congratulations to all award winners and nominees—we are incredibly proud of you and look forward to celebrating future successes.

We are delighted to share that, from 1 September 2026, our new catering provider, Innovate -  Impact Food Group, will be joining our school community.

We will be sharing more information about their launch, along with details of the exciting new menus, services, and enhancements that students and staff can look forward to.

As part of their preparations ahead of the September launch, Innovate is currently recruiting for a number of catering roles. If you, or someone you know, may be interested, please see the opportunities below for further information:

• Catering Assistant - 20 hours per week (2 positions available) - Further information

• Catering Assistant - 35 hours per week (1 position available) - Further information

Thank you

A huge thank you goes to our students for their enthusiasm, kindness and determination throughout the year. Thank you also to our families for your continued encouragement and support.

As we look ahead to September, I wish all of our Year 7 students and their families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer holiday. I hope you take the opportunity to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and return ready for the exciting challenges and opportunities that Year 8 will bring.

Have a wonderful summer!

Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator

Our Year 8 students have ended the year brilliantly, beginning with an exciting trip to Thorpe Park for nearly 200 of them. Many of them then took part in our Sports Awards presentation run by our fantastic PE department. We have so many talented athletes in Year 8, not only those who compete for school teams, but also students who take their skills and commitment beyond school in clubs and wider groups. We rounded off the week with a Learning Coordinator assembly, recognising students through Tutor and Learning Coordinator awards and also celebrating poetry written for Refugee week and also winners of Tutor football with a nice shiny trophy. Well done to the whole year group for finishing the year with positive energy. I hope you all have a well earned rest over the break. 

Mrs  Dickerson
Year 8 Learning Coordinator

As we embark on the summer holidays, I wanted to thank everyone for their support of the school over the last year. The students of Year 9 are in a fantastic position and this is in no small part due to the support and guidance they receive at home.

Year 10 is a real step up and to be successful, we will need to see the same level of maturity and work ethic from Year 9. Please remind your child that things like organisation and planning will be really important from having the right equipment to making sure that attendance and punctuality are where they need to be.

Please have a fantastic summer and whatever you have planned I hope that everyone returns in September safe, rested and ready to tackle the first year of GCSE courses.

Mr Knight
Year 9 Learning Coordinator

As we reflect on the journey of Year 10, it is important to recognise just how much progress our students have made. This has been a year of hard work, challenge and growth, and the achievements of the year group demonstrate the commitment, resilience and determination shown by students across a wide range of areas.

One of the biggest milestones for Year 10 this year has been the successful completion of their mock exams. These assessments provided students with their first real opportunity to experience the expectations, pressures and routines of GCSE-style exams. The preparation, revision and focus shown by many students was a credit to them. The mocks allowed students to celebrate their strengths, identify areas for improvement and develop the habits that will support them as they move towards their final examinations. The maturity shown during this period was a significant step forward and demonstrated that Year 10 students are increasingly taking ownership of their learning.

Outside of the classroom, Year 10 has also enjoyed success through sport. Students have represented the school with pride, demonstrating teamwork, determination and a positive attitude. Whether competing in fixtures, taking part in enrichment activities or supporting their peers, our students have shown the values that make a successful team. Their commitment and willingness to represent Cotham has been fantastic to see.

Another area where we have seen real improvement is behaviour. At the start of the year, we identified the need for Year 10 to develop greater consistency in their routines, focus and respect for the learning environment. Over time, students have responded positively to these expectations. We have seen improvements in lesson conduct, corridor behaviour and the way students interact with both staff and each other. This progress has come from students making better choices, understanding the importance of their actions and recognising the impact they have on the wider school community.

The strength of Year 10 has always been its potential. Across the year group, there are many examples of students pushing themselves, supporting others and striving to improve. We have seen students achieve personal milestones, overcome challenges and grow in confidence. These successes should be celebrated because they reflect the effort that students, staff and families have invested throughout the year.

Moving forward, there is one key area where we know Year 10 can continue to improve: attendance. Every lesson matters, and every minute in the classroom is an opportunity to learn, develop skills and make progress. Missing even small amounts of learning can have a significant impact over time, so our focus is on ensuring that every student is present, every day, ready to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

Year 10 has achieved a great deal this year, and there is still so much more to come. If students continue to show the same resilience, ambition and commitment, they will be in a fantastic position to achieve their goals as they move closer towards Year 11.

We are incredibly proud of the progress made so far and look forward to seeing Year 10 continue to thrive.

Mr  Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator

As we come to the end of an incredible year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a successful journey for our Year 11 students.

Throughout the year, students have approached every challenge with resilience, determination and maturity. Two successful mock examination periods provided invaluable opportunities for students to develop effective revision habits, strengthen their exam routines and build the confidence needed ahead of their GCSEs. It was fantastic to see the progress made between each set of mock periods, with students demonstrating a real commitment to their learning.

The GCSE exam period itself has been a particular highlight. I was incredibly proud of the outstanding attendance and dedication shown by our students throughout the exam season. Their positive attitude and perseverance created a calm atmosphere each day, and they represented both themselves and the school exceptionally well.

Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to make us proud. On numerous occasions, Year 11 students have represented not only their year group but the wider school by delivering speeches in assemblies, contributing to extracurricular events and acting as excellent role models for younger students. Their confidence, leadership and willingness to step forward have been a credit to themselves and our school community.

One of the highlights of the year was the excellent engagement shown by our students during the sessions delivered by the Girlhood Reclaimed team. Year 11 embraced these opportunities with maturity, openness and respect, demonstrating a genuine willingness to reflect, learn and support one another.

The production of the Year 11 Yearbook was another special moment. It was wonderful to see students come together to create lasting memories reflecting the strong sense of belonging that has characterised this year group. These moments captured the relationships that have made their time together so memorable.

Our Leavers' Prom was a truly unforgettable evening and a perfect celebration of everything our students have achieved. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the occasion together, marking the end of their secondary school journey in such a positive way. This event was only made possible through the incredible dedication and hard work of our parent Prom Committee. I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the time, effort and commitment you gave to making the evening such a success. Your support created memories that our students will cherish for years to come.

The year concluded with a fantastic Leavers' Assembly, which provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements and memories that have defined this cohort. It was a joyful and emotional occasion, filled with laughter, reflection and well-deserved recognition of all that our students have accomplished.

These achievements would not have been possible without the continued support of our parents and carers. Your encouragement, guidance and partnership with the school have played a vital role in helping our young people reach this important milestone. Thank you for everything you have done throughout the years.

It has been an absolute privilege to be Learning Coordinator for this exceptional group of students. I have watched them grow into resilient, thoughtful and ambitious young people who have consistently supported one another and embraced every opportunity available to them. I am immensely proud of all they have achieved and have every confidence that they will continue to thrive as they move on to the next stage of their education and beyond. On behalf wish them every success as they await their GCSE results and begin their exciting new chapters.

Have a lovely summer. 

Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator

Students have been working hard in their last week of Year 12, with many working on personal statements and considering their future options.  We wish all of our Post 16 students and their families a restful summer break and look forward to seeing them in September as Year 13 students.

We have been super busy here in the food rooms I've not had time to take photos but despite the high temperatures recently, we have continued to chop, mix, saute and bake up some wonderful dishes. 

We had Year 7 making their own homemade pizzas from scratch, Year 8 making a traditional South African dish called Bobotie and our Year 9s making a generous sized portion of lasagne. 

It has been very warm here but Year 7 have also been learning how to make their very own hydration water drinks too. 

We hope you all have a lovely summer break and continue to stay cool by keeping yourself hydrated!

 
Miss Burt 👩‍🍳
Food Technology Technician

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, the Government is temporarily cutting VAT from 20% to 5% on children's meals in restaurants, children and family tickets to cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to a wide range of attractions. Combined with free bus travel during August for children aged 5 to 15 in England, families and young people will be able to enjoy experiences that make summer special, including visits to the kinds of cultural and educational attractions that enrich children's lives outside the classroom.

The government has launched an attraction finder website which allows families to type in their postcode and find participating venues near them to make the most of summer savings. To use the attraction finder, please visit https://summersavings.gov.uk.

Keen to avoid the "summer slide"? Bookings are now open for Ace Group Tuition’s summer programme, running from 21st July to 14th August. They offer targeted booster sessions for Key Stage 3, GCSE, and Intro to A-Level.

They are also welcoming all new students for weekly online Maths, English, and Science tutoring to give your child a confident head start for the new academic year. All sessions are led by qualified, experienced, and inspiring teachers.

• Summer Bookings: Register here for Summer Camps

• Weekly Online Tuition: acegrouptuition.classforkids.io or www.acetuition.online

• Contact: Call/text 07917 727 555

• 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