Cotham School
Weekly Mailing
19 June 2026
Embedded Files
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 22 June 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 -19 June 2026 Headteacher’s Welcome-2.webmAchievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Achievement and Positive Feedback of the Week 👍
Email Received
"Dear Ms Butler
Over the past 8 years one or both of our children have been at Cotham School. Both very different personalities, with very different subject preferences.
Your school has been equally wonderful for both of them. It's very apparent that the teachers clearly enjoy their subjects and always encourage each individual to achieve their very best, it is obvious at Parents Evening, that the teachers really know our children.
Cotham has always been a safe, supportive and fun environment for them to learn in, exactly what you hope for as a parent. Your style of leadership has always been fantastic, communicating important information clearly and directly....celebrating the Schools and the childrens' successes.
Thank you to everyone at the School. Wishing you a very restful summer break."
With best wishes
Year 11 Parent
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Parent and Carer Calendar 🗓️
Announcements 📢
Announcements 📢
Year 6 Open Evening - 2026/2027
Year 6 Open Evening - 2026/2027
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Open Evening, a wonderful opportunity to experience our school community and learn more about what we offer.
Year 6 Main School - Thursday 24 September 2026
Cotham Refugee Week/Month 2026
Cotham Refugee Week/Month 2026
This week, we launched our celebration of Refugee Week at Cotham School. The celebrations will continue throughout the month, culminating on Friday 3 July with a non-uniform day to raise money for the School of Sanctuary Fund, which supports our refugee and asylum-seeking students. Students will have the opportunity to wear traditional clothing on that day and take part in a cultural catwalk as part of Culture Week.
Please see below the slides that all students have looked at and discussed during tutor time. Courage is the theme of this year's national Refugee Week. We also held a cake sale at break time and gave students the opportunity to share what courage means to them.
There are many more events planned throughout the month, and we will continue to keep you updated here.
Thank you for your support.
Miss Andouard and the EAL team
Refugee Week 1 2026.pptxYouth Voice Census 2026
Youth Voice Census 2026
West of England Combined Authority is proud to be supporting the Youth Voice Census because we want to better understand the experiences, ambitions and challenges facing young people across the West of England.
Parents, carers and trusted adults can play an important role in helping young people have their say.
Please encourage any 11-30 year olds to take part. Their views will help shape future opportunities, services and support across our region.
Closing on Monday 22 June, take part here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91044376/west-of-england
Year 11 Uniform Donations Needed
Year 11 Uniform Donations Needed
Please consider donating your child's pre-loved school uniform to support local families and promote sustainability. We are currently collecting clean, good-condition polo shirts, jumpers, trousers, skirts, and PE kits.
Drop-off point: Main Reception
Thank you for continuing to support our school community.
Anna Freud Webinar - Transition to Secondary School
Anna Freud Webinar - Transition to Secondary School
On Wednesday 24 June at 12.00pm -1.00pm, the Anna Freud Centre are running a webinar for parents and carers exploring the transition to secondary school and how to support young people's wellbeing through this time.
You can sign up through this link.
Year Group News 🏫
Year Group News 🏫
Year 7
Year 7
Paws for Celebration
Next week, we will be welcoming Winnie the guide dog for a very exciting visit. During the visit, we will be presenting a cheque for the money Year 7 has raised for the Guide Dogs Puppy Appeal.
It has been a fantastic year and we are delighted to have raised just over £900. Well done to everyone who supported our fundraising events throughout the year. Your generosity and enthusiasm have helped make this achievement possible.
Football
Football fever is strong in Year 7! First, we have been voting for the Tutor Football Player of the Year. With a few games still left to play, the title of winner is still up for grabs.
The World Cup is well underway, bringing lots of excitement and fun. As a year group, we have been celebrating the tournament and awarding prizes along the way. The first two prizes have already been won:
The first red card prize went to 7LN, who have South Africa.
The first hat-trick prize went to 7DSE, who have Argentina.
There are still more prizes to be won, including:
First team to win on penalties
The Golden Boot winner
The overall tournament winners
Good luck to everyone involved and we look forward to seeing who comes out on top.
Shout Outs
Shout Outs continue to come for students with over 880 so far this year. Well done Year 7!
We also receive some wonderful class shout-outs:
Ms Phillips gives a shoutout…….
7LN were brilliant today, both their work and their behaviour. I was very clear at the start about how amazing they are and that we always need to see this, and they delivered!
Ms Ashcroft gives a shoutout to 7KD for the excellent way they conducted themselves in the Performing Arts written exam. Perfect exam conditions. No reminders necessary. Well done!
Mr Elliot gives a shoutout to 7AT Just wanted to drop you an email to say what an amazing Spanish exam lesson we had Today! All students followed my instructions and met all my expectations. Super proud of them!
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Coordinator
Year 10
Year 10
Family Consultation Day
Year 10 Family Consultation Day will take place on Thursday 25 June 2026 between 8.30am 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 Mr Lawrence
Year 10 Learning Coordinator
Year 11
Year 11
Update
This week marks the end of an important chapter for Year 11 students, as they have now completed their final GCSE exams. We would like to extend a huge congratulations to every student for the hard work, resilience and determination they have shown throughout the exam period and across their time at Cotham School. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they move on to the next stage of their education.
On Monday, we had the pleasure of celebrating our fantastic Year 11 cohort at their Leavers' Assembly. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the many achievements and memories of the year group. Students received awards recognising their hard work and contributions over the past five years, alongside a range of awards where students voted for their classmates and teachers.
We also enjoyed a collection of tutor group videos, which captured many special moments and highlighted the strong sense of community that has made this year group so memorable. It was a fitting celebration of a wonderful cohort, and we thank all staff and students who helped make the event so special.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all parents and carers for the support you have given your children and our school over the past five years. Together, we have supported this cohort grow into resilient, hardworking and caring young people.
While their time in Year 11 has now come to an end, I look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future. On behalf of the Year 11 team, I wish every student and family a wonderful summer.
Year 11 Prom - 24 June 2026
A reminder of Year 11 Prom Celebration, which will take place on 24 June. This promises to be a fantastic evening and a wonderful opportunity for students to mark the end of their time with us alongside their friends.
If you have purchased a ticket, please look out for an email containing further details about the event. This information will be shared with attendees shortly.
Yearbook Collection Reminder
A reminder for any students who have purchased a Year 11 yearbook but have not yet collected it. Please arrange to collect your copy from school as soon as possible. The yearbook is a wonderful keepsake of your time at school and includes photographs, memories and messages celebrating your journey through the last five years.
North Bristol Post-16 Transition Day Reminder
If you are attending the Year 11 Transition Day for North Bristol Post-16, please log in to Applicaa and ensure that you have read all of the information provided and completed all pre-enrolment tasks.
All tasks must be completed by Wednesday 24 June.
If you have any questions or are having trouble accessing your account, please get in touch with the Post-16 Team as soon as possible. Contact details can be found on the North Bristol Post-16 website.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all parents and carers for the support you have given your children and our school over the past five years. Together, we have supported this cohort grow into resilient, hardworking and caring young people.
While their time in Year 11 has now come to an end, I look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future. On behalf of the Year 11 team, I wish every student and family a wonderful summer.
Mr Arnold
Year 11 Learning Coordinator
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
North Bristol Post 16 🚀
Well done Post 16!
Exams came to an end this week: well done to all involved. Year 12 had an assembly on the Science and Spirituality behind the Summer Solstice, igniting their curiosity about the natural world. The Year 12 RESPECT ambassadors also had active bystander training with the Girlhood Reclaimed Charity, as part of our ongoing work to tackle misogyny. Looking ahead, students will have their 2 day Futures Conference on Tuesday 30 June and 1st July respectively. Another busy week at Post 16!
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
Subject Announcements 📖 ✏️ 🔢 🧪 🌍 🏛️ 🖥️🧮 🎨 🎭 🎵 🔨 🧑🍳 🏃♂️
PERFORMING ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors tickets are now available on WisePay! Choose your price:
£6 Concession – Pay what you can.
£8 Standard – Helps fund future productions.
£15 Pay It Forward – Each ticket subsidizes two concession tickets.
All are welcome. Come enjoy live theatre!
Little Shop Poster STEAM
STEAM
Work of the Week - Ceramic Pumpkins
The Year 10 Art students have been finishing their ceramic pumpkins this week as part of their coursework. They were sculpted using clay by hand, then after airdrying they were glazed, and finally, fired. Here are some finished results, they look amazing! Well done
Careers 💼
Careers 💼
Career of the Week............ is Investment Banker!
Could this be a career for you?
An investment banker acts as a financial matchmaker and advisor to their clients. They help large companies and governments raise money by selling stocks and bonds, and they guide businesses through complex mergers and acquisitions. It is a fast-paced, high-pressure career built on sharp math and problem-solving skills.
BEP
BEP
Student Leadership Programme 2026-2027
Applications are now open for next year's BEP Student Leadership Program, and 8 Cotham students have the opportunity to participate. In collaboration with a wide range of state and independent schools across Bristol they will develop leadership skills, and work together to plan a social impact project here at Cotham. Please click here for applying.
Deadline for applications: Monday 29 June 2026
Mock Medical Interviews- Year 12
Students applying to study medicine at university are warmly invited to this event hosted at Clifton College on Saturday 7 November.
Please click here for registration.
The morning will include a number of interview stations designed to replicate the MMI format used by many medical schools. It will also provide an opportunity for students to network with medical professionals and fellow aspiring medics. DEADLINE: 26 June 2026
House Announcement 🏠
House Announcement 🏠
Literacy 📖
Literacy 📖
KS3
KS3
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Impact
Impact
'Im-pakt'
Meaning:
To hit another object with force (verb).
To have a strong effect on someone or something (noun).
Example:
The impact of the hurricane could be seen from space.
The boxer felt the impact from the punch.
Unkind words about someone has a negative impact on their wellbeing.
Synonyms:
Affect, influence…
KS4
KS4
Word of the Week
Word of the Week
Catalyst
Catalyst
'ka-tuh-list'
Meaning:
A person or thing that causes an event (noun).
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, without any permanent chemical change to itself (noun).
Example:
The Witches and Lady Macbeth are a catalyst for Macbeth’s excessive ambition.
Synonyms:
Motivation, reason, cause…
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 🏘️
Beat the NHS Orthodontic Waiting List
Beat the NHS Orthodontic Waiting List
Did you know Bristol families face an average 24-month wait for an NHS orthodontic consultation, and another 18 months for treatment?
To help our Cotham community bypass these lengthy delays, WhiteTree Orthodontic Practice is offering two exclusive, limited-time incentives:
The "Back to School" Offer: Save £320 off private orthodontic treatment for your child.
The VIP (Very Important Parent) Offer: If your child starts treatment with us, you get a FREE consultation and £500 off your own treatment.
Get Started Today
Skip the 3.5-year wait and secure your family's smiles. Mention the Cotham Community Offer when contacting us:
Call: 0117 9739397 | 07899013255
Email: reception@whitetreedental.co.uk | treatmentcoordinator@whitetreedental.co.uk
Golden Hill Sonics U14s – Football Players Wanted!
Golden Hill Sonics U14s – Football Players Wanted!
Golden Hill Sonics U14s are looking for new players for the upcoming 2026/2027 season.
If your child is a current Year 9 student (moving into Year 10 in September) and wants to play regular football in a supportive, team-focused environment, this is the perfect opportunity.
Please click here for further information or to arrange a trial, please contact Coach James MacDonald at jamesmacdonald16@hotmail.com
South Asian Heritage Month - Friday 1 July to Friday 31 July 2026
South Asian Heritage Month - Friday 1 July to Friday 31 July 2026
We are thrilled to share that Bristol is hosting its very first month-long South Asian Heritage Month!
The programme is packed with vibrant, family-friendly events across the city —including arts, culture, food, and workshops perfect for all ages. Because the celebration is growing every day, new activities are being added all the time. Please click here for further information.
Free Employability Skills Webinars for Years 8–13
Free Employability Skills Webinars for Years 8–13
This summer term, students in Years 8–13 have the opportunity to join a free, 45-minute virtual Employability Skills Workshop hosted by IGD.
These interactive webinars give students a real-world look into the diverse career pathways within the food and consumer goods industry—from food science and sustainability to technology and business.
Key Benefits:
Skill Building: Learn the core skills modern employers look for.
Expert Advice: Hear directly from working industry professionals.
Interactive: Includes live quizzes, polls, and Q&A sessions.
Specialist Sessions:
Healthy Eating Week (Friday 12 June) – Focusing on nutrition and food sustainability.
Learning Disability Week (Tuesday 16 June) – Suitably paced sessions tailored for SEND students.
Youth Employment Week (Thursday 9 July) – Focusing on entering the world of work.
How to Book:
Sessions run via Zoom and require only a pen and paper. To view available dates and secure a free place, please click here.
Opportunity: Join Ditch the Label’s Youth Advisory Board
Ditch the Label, a leading UK youth charity, is looking for passionate young people aged 14–25 to join their Youth Advisory Board (YAB). This is a fantastic voluntary leadership opportunity for students to share their voices and help shape vital services regarding mental health, relationships, bullying, and identity.
The Role: A one-year minimum commitment involving monthly 1.5-hour online meetings.
The Benefits: Develop leadership, communication, and advocacy skills while driving positive change.
Please click here to apply. For any questions, please contact the team at yab@ditchthelabel.org
Get ready for new adventures this summer with Your Holiday Hub
Children and young people in Bristol who receive benefits-related free school meals, can book lots of fun activity sessions taking place during the school holidays from 23 July to 2 September. Your Holiday Hub sessions are fully funded and include a healthy meal as part of the day. There's lots to choose from with activities ranging from sports to crafts and drama to baking and cooking, plus so much more. Join in and stay active with fun new things to see and do.
Go to www.yourholidayhubbristol.co.uk to find out more and book your place today.
BD18382 - Holiday Hub A4 Poster.pdfYHH Summer Booklet 2026.pdfShine Netball Training Camp – Summer Holidays
Is your child keen to keep up their netball skills over the summer break? Shine Netball is hosting a half-day training camp designed for players from any club who want to continue playing through the summer holidays.
Here are the key details:
Who it's for: Netballers aged 11 to 14
When: Friday 14 August | 10:00 – 13:00
Where: Bradley Stoke Community School
It is a fantastic opportunity for students to stay active, refine their skills and socialise with players from other clubs.
Please click here for further informaion.
The Royals - Musical Theatre - 5 day Summer School.
The Royals - Musical Theatre - 5 day Summer School.
Monday 10 - Friday 14 August | Cotham School | 10am - 4pm
£250 | | Sibling discount - £25 off second child booking. SAVE £10 discount code by quoting COTHAM on the booking form.
A musical theatre and drama experience.
Step into a world of crowns, castles, and show-stopping songs at The Royals – our 2026 summer school celebrating all things ROYAL on stage!
Across five fun-packed days, students will sing, dance, act, and create while exploring legendary royal-themed musicals and plays like Six, Hamilton, Frozen, Aladdin, Cinderella and many more regal sensations.
From powerful pop anthems to epic ensemble numbers, dramatic scenes to magical movement, performers will build skills in musical theatre, drama, and performance technique while learning exciting routines, songs, and scenes inspired by kings, queens, princes, princesses, and revolutionaries.
This summer, claim your crown and join us at THE ROYALS.
Please click here to book.
Sparks Film School Bristol Central presents…
Sparks Film School Bristol Central presents…
Summer Shoots - Filmmaking and Animation Camps🎬
This summer, children aged 7–14 in Bristol can create their own exciting short films and animations in a fun-filled week of creativity, action and imagination!
Across five exciting days, they’ll learn filmmaking, acting, directing, special effects or animation while building confidence, making new friends and bringing their ideas to life on screen.
Available dates:
🗓 20–24 July 2026 – Filmmaking Camp
🗓 27–31 July 2026 – Filmmaking & Animation Camps
🗓 3–7 August 2026 – Filmmaking & Animation Camps
📍 Cotham School, Bristol
👧 Ages 7–14 (animation age 7-11)
💳 Childcare Vouchers & Tax-Free Childcare Accepted
To book please visit here.
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.pdfKey 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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