Achievement | Diversity | Respect
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 3 November 2025 is Week A
Standing Items are located at the bottom of the mailing
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please find our weekly mailing which I hope you will find both useful and interesting!
With very best wishes for a relaxing weekend and for the end of Term 1 break.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Email received
"I think Cotham is a really special school that celebrates its diversity and works very hard to make sure that identities are celebrated and all children belong. I am so grateful and this is why I chose this school for my precious daughter."
Cotham Parent
Thank you
Please note that Term 3 starts on Monday 3 November and is a normal school day for all students.
Dear parents and carers,
Thank you for all your messages of support for the work we have been doing to get back to using the school playing fields at Stoke lodge.
The fence is now virtually complete and after half term we will begin marking the fields ready for sports use.
I am sending you a link to the Information Statement we published this week.
This week we also welcomed the City Council Public Rights of Way and Green Committee (PROWG) decision not to seek to enforce the alleged public rights of ways across our school playing fields which we seriously dispute. These will now be dealt with by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.
We have been working with the City Council to consider the exact layout of the fields and the area beyond the fence, and opportunities for enhanced landscaping. The plan we are working towards is attached below.
Next term we intend to advertise for expressions of interest from organisations interested in using our fields.
We are hoping to have some school activities at the fields in advance of fully returning to using the fields in January.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a great half term holiday, enjoy the autumn weather, the extra hour on Sunday and have some fun.
Best wishes
Sandra Fryer
Chair of Governors
Cotham School Playing Fields Plan Published 24 October 2025.pdfInformation Statement from Cotham School - Cotham School Playing Fields - 22 October 2025.pdfWe are pleased to share some good news about school meals! Working closely with ABM Catering, we’ve been able to reduce the price of the popular meal deal from £2.80 to £2.70. We know that the cost of living continues to be a challenge for many families, so we’re glad to make our freshly prepared, nutritious meals a little more affordable. The meal deal includes a choice of a main meat, fish or vegetarian dish, or a sandwich, along with either cake, fruit or a dessert pot, for £2.70. We hope this small change helps make lunchtimes both tasty and great value.
Get ready for Term 2! Please see the attached schedule for all extracurricular offerings.
Term_2_Clubs_A3_Main_25-26.pdfCotham is lucky to have two amazing libraries. If your child forgot to bring home a new book for half term please encourage them to use our other fantastic library ONLINE. It is called the ePlatform online library & there are over 2000 eBooks & Audiobooks to choose from. Dyslexia friendly options & lots of languages to choose from too.
For more information on how to access it & use it please click the link BELOW. The first page includes a link to go straight there! Happy Half term Reading!
pdf to add to WM_eBOOK LIBRARY INDUCTION LESSON 2024_25 It gives me immense pleasure to announce that the Year 7 Student Leader for Omega House is Matthew. I am incredibly proud of all who applied. It was a difficult decision because each of you showed dedication, enthusiasm, and potential. I feel truly grateful to have such outstanding, talented, and inspiring students in Omega House. You should all be very proud of yourselves!
Well done, Year 7 – you’ve made it to the end of Term 1!
What a fantastic start to your journey at Cotham. You’ve settled in brilliantly, exploring new subjects and forming wonderful new friendships.
You’ve shown such creativity in your Art, Drama, and Dance lessons, cooked up delicious dishes in Food Technology, and begun designing your very own bird boxes in DT. You are learning a new language in MFL and enjoying all your other subjects!
It’s been amazing to see you come together to support our school charity, The Guide Dog Puppy Appeal with the bake sale and guess the name of the puppy. You got stuck into the Inter Tutor Quiz with such enthusiasm. I know many of you have also really enjoyed the fun House activities this term too!
I’m extremely proud of you all. I love hearing about what you’re up to during our chats at break and lunch, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next term.
Wishing you all a restful and happy half-term break.
Mrs Arnold
Year 7 Learning Co-ordinator
Well done to all Year 7 tutor groups for their fantastic tutor board displays. A special congratulations to 7LBE, 7TE, and 7AT, whose boards were particularly impressive and stood out for their creativity and effort. Each of these tutor groups received a box of chocolates to share during tutor time as a well-deserved reward.
Attendance is very important at Cotham, and it’s fantastic to see how close all our Year 7 tutor groups are in their attendance figures. A huge congratulations to 7KD, who have just topped the attendance board with an impressive 96.8%! Keep up the great work, everyone!
Term 1 has been fantastic! Check out these amazing shout outs from our Year 7 tutors, highlighting the effort and spirit of our Year 7 students.
Miss Madge 7 SME would like to praise them for their focus and attention to our PSHE Oracy tutor time. They were fantastic at listening and this has really helped them both in tutor time and in their history lesson.
Ms Anthony: Shout out to 7FRA who came in to assembly beautifully and also are really engaging with the reading programme.
Ms Nolan: Shout out to 7LN for being so well organised in the mornings. Every student has been bringing a pen, reading book and planner this week which has been great to see. Keep up the good work.
Ms Elliott 7TE are an excellent bunch! They are kind to each other, hard-working, and endlessly enthusiastic. Being their tutor is a pleasure!
Ms Bentham 7LBE: Shout out to all the talented artists in 7LBE who helped to create a fabulous Pumpkin. A special shout out to Tasmin for his Anime Egg, Ettie for her Van Gogh inspired sunflower and our resident artist of many works who finished off the fabulous 7LBE Pumpkin, Matilda.
Mr Dempsey 7KD for always having their REP and for their great contributions in tutor time!
Mr Tait 7AT for their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved with extra curricular activities, student council, netball team, rugby team, and lunch time clubs are just some examples.
They are always keen to try something new.
Year 8 students have made a great start to this academic year. As their new Learning Coordinator, it has been wonderful to get to know so many of the students and they have made me feel very welcome. As a year group they really do have a fantastic bunch of tutors and they have been learning about Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights during tutor time this week. Myself and Miss Price have been wandering around the tutor groups and checking in and it has been lovely to see students engaged in their various activities. We wish all of Year 8 a relaxing half term.
Mrs Dickerson
Learning Co-ordinator
We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students for the dedication, enthusiasm, and resilience they’ve shown throughout this long term. They have maintained excellent focus and stamina, embracing every challenge and continuing to grow both academically and personally. As we reach the end of the term, we hope they take the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved break. We look forward to welcoming them back refreshed and ready for an exciting and successful Term 2.
Ms Bingham wants to give a massive shout out to 9a German who have been working right to the finish line on their topic of festivals and celebrations. They have really stepped up and practised their grammar, developed their writing skills and have started getting to grips with past, present and future tenses. Well done - impressive work this term!
A huge well done to some of our Year 10 students who joined the Cotham Green Gardening Club last week.
They rolled up their sleeves to help with sweeping, clearing, and general maintenance work in the local playground in Kingsdown. Their effort and positive attitude made a real difference, and it was fantastic to see them contributing to the local community with such enthusiasm and teamwork.
Year 10 Parent Information Event will take place on Tuesday 11 November at 5.00pm. This event will include a presentation from Ms Van Der Berg (SLT link for Year 10), Mrs Khan (Assistant Headteacher) and Ms Williams (Careers Advisor). The event is designed to talk you through the year ahead for Year 10 and how you can best support your child through their GCSEs. More details to follow next term.
As we approach half term, I am pleased to share how positive this start to Year 11 has been. Students have shown an excellent attitude towards their studies, demonstrating maturity and determination in their approach to learning. The introduction of Period 6 has been a great success, with high levels of attendance and engagement from students keen to make the most of the opportunity.
In addition, our Thursday morning revision sessions, delivered as part of the tutor programme, have been highly effective in supporting preparation for upcoming exams. This term we have also seen the introduction of personalised 1:1 careers meetings for students to gain support and guidance from setting goals to applying for colleges/sixth form.
I would like to congratulate students on their excellent organisation and punctuality during this week’s mock exams. Exams are never easy, but Year 11 have shown great responsibility and focus, ensuring they know where to be, when to arrive, and what to bring. Their commitment and determination have been impressive and will serve them well as they continue preparing for their final exams later in the year.
Finally, I would like to wish all Year 11 students a restful and well-deserved half-term break. It is important that they take some time to relax and recharge after a busy and productive term. I encourage students to keep up to date with their revision, but also to look after themselves so they return refreshed and ready for the next set of mock exams taking place in the week we return.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Mr Arnold
Learning Co-ordinator
Lots of great things happening at Post 16 in recent week.
Last week Mx Sciubba and some of our students threw a great celebration for Black History Month including a spoken word workshop from iAM13e, a dynamic British poet and MC of mixed heritage, following on from multiple celebration assemblies also. Year 13 have also been working hard on UCAS, and Year 12 have now settled in, this week having conversations around personal target grades.
Have a great half term everyone!
Fantastic European Day of Languages entries! We saw amazing creations: spicy Cornish pasties, Dutch biscuits, Barmbrack cake, Biryani, Belgian waffles, German pretzels, vegetable samosas and incredible drawings. Huge congrats to our winners: Lily Year 7 (Artistic), Lana Year 8 (Cooking), and Tamsin Year 7 (Baking). We are very impressed with all the talent.
Year 8 have been making Egg Fried Rice this week. By sharpening their knife skills using bridge hold and claw grip they perfectly sliced and diced their vegetables whilst boiling their rice, then adding an egg and soy sauce for extra flavour and texture they produced some colourful tasty results. Learning about starchy carbohydrates along the way and how to add extra vitamins easily in to our healthy, balanced diet. Great work Year 8!
This week, Year 10 art students explored materials and textures to create realistic mould effects for their ‘All You Can Eat’ project. Using string, tissue paper, glue, and paint, they successfully achieved that convincingly mouldy effect!
Please see the attached Flyer from Threefold Theatre - a performance collective based in Easton.
C3 Call Out '25 We are delighted to share with you the range of peripatetic music lessons available to our students this year.
We also have two self-employed music teachers who can be contacted directly:
Guitar – jack@skusemusic.com
Piano – chriscraigjones@hotmail.com
For any other instruments, please visit Bristol Beacon’s website for full details
We are able to subsidise lessons for Pupil Premium students. For more information, please contact me directly at: geogheganr@cotham.bristol.sch.uk.
The Performing Arts team are exceptionally pleased that Erin White (a recent graduate of Trinity Laban Dance Conservatoire) joins our Dance team to lead these dance companies. The sessions are open to all students who want to learn new dance skills, further their current dance skills, develop their choreographic skills, while of course having fun!
There are two available sessions, both in E008, the dance studio:
Monday 3.00pm - 4.00pm: Year 7s (and any students from older year groups who cannot make the Wednesday session, please do come along to this session).
Wednesday: 3.00pm - 4.00pm Years 8,9 10 and 11.
Please remember a change of clothing: t-shirt, leggings, jogging trousers.
We very much look forward to seeing you.
Ms Phillips
Teacher of Dance
Junior Dance Company.pdfSenior Dance Company.pdfOur Year 8 Rugby Team was outstanding in their win against Orchard, remaining undefeated this term, an incredible achievement. The Key Stage 4 team also impressed with a thrilling 29–19 victory against Orchard, showing great determination and teamwork. Although the Year 9 team couldn’t secure a win, they gave a tremendous effort and displayed real passion and resilience throughout. Well done to all our rugby players.
Our Cotham Cross Country Team did absolutely amazing in their recent event! It was fantastic to see so many of our students take part and push themselves to complete the course. Their effort, determination, and team spirit truly stood out. A huge well done to everyone who represented Cotham with pride, you’ve made us all proud!
Our Year 11 GCSE Football team had an excellent day on the pitch, not only capturing some fantastic footage for their GCSE coursework but also securing a strong win against Oasis Brightstowe School. The team showed great skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the match. A huge well done to all the players for their fantastic effort and commitment!
Year 11 Child Development students recently visited a local nursery to undertake observations of children at play. They engaged wonderfully with the children and came back with valuable notes to complete their coursework. We are really grateful to the nursery for hosting our students.
The first Cotham Student Council meeting of the year took place on Monday 20 October. Student leaders from Years 7–11 gathered for oracy training with Miss Madge, learning vital skills for effective communication. They also set the agenda for this year's key priorities, ensuring that student voices continue to shape our school community. It was a fantastic start to the year, with great energy and commitment from all involved!
This week saw the launch of the first Appreciation Station, which gave students the opportunity to write thank you cards to any member of staff to thank them for all of the amazing work that they do. These were then hand delivered to staff members by Mrs Ahmad and the Sigma Prefects. It was lovely to see so many of our students wanting to take part and write a thank you card.
Sigma House held it's annual Pumpkin Design Competition for all tutor groups. We received so many amazing designs, but Mrs Ahmad and the Sigma House Prefects decided on the following tutor groups as winners for their designs: 7KD, 8ZV, 9BOP, 10BSA and 11RS. 10MH won the design for Most Creepiest Pumpkin.
Well done to everyone else for participating!
I am honoured to induct Dylan as the first member of the Omega Hall of Fame. Dylan is an outstanding student and role model, always leading by example. As Year 11 Captain, he inspired his team, guided them to the North Bristol Division Final and Semi-Final, and was Top Goal Scorer. Respectful, hardworking, honest, and kind, Dylan has left a lasting mark on Omega House. We are all incredibly proud of him!
A massive shout-out to Delta House for achieving the highest percentage of member attendance this period!
This isn't just about a win; it's about the impact of showing up. Delta's consistent presence elevates our entire community experience. Every time you attend, you contribute directly to a richer, more vibrant environment for everyone.
Get ready for action this half-term! Young Bristol's Outdoor Activity Programme is running engaging Half and Full Day Holiday Clubs for young people aged 8–16 years old.
Clubs will be based at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre and surrounding locations, including the Mendip Hills. Activities range from paddling on Bristol's harbourside to caving through an underground adventure—there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
Half day Kayaking - £20.00
Ful Day Wet and Wild - £45.00
Free Holiday Events
Don't miss these two fantastic, free events taking place over the break:
🧘 Wellbeing and Social Action Festival
When: Thursday, October 30th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Admiral House, Manor Road, BS16 2EN (fear.oasis.sparks)
Suitable for: Young people aged 10–20
Details: Activities include yoga, making wellbeing packs and stress balls, music with ‘The Cause,’ and local organization stalls. Free food will be available! NO BOOKING REQUIRED—just turn up!
🎭 'Wonderland' Exclusive Performance
When: Friday, October 31st, 10:45 am for an 11:00 am start
Where: Merchants Academy, Gatehouse Avenue, BS13 9AN
Suitable for: Young people aged 4–11 and their families
Note: This is a FREE performance by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, open to everyone, but booking is required.
In addition to these holiday events, remember Young Bristol offers ongoing support through Community Youth Clubs, the Youth Club on Wheels, and the Outdoor Employment Programme.
Please click here for more details.
We are happy to share an invitation from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity (charity number 1146420), which supports soldiers, veterans, and their families.
They invite our community to their annual Christmas Carol Concert on Monday, December 16th at Clifton College Chapel. The evening will feature traditional carols, readings, and uplifting live music from the Renewal Gospel Choir.
bristol-carols-2025 (1).pdfPlease 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 Strategy Lead
Email: AhmedF@cotham.bristol.sch.uk
Online_Saftey_Newsletter_9.pdfPlease 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
Please see the below information leaflet produced by Bristol City Council, it gives advice about term time absence and the consequences of unauthorised absence from school.
Bristol -PN leaflet 2024 - FINAL.pdfWith our new absence procedure Studybugs App running for a period of time, the absence phone line will no longer be available for Years 7-11. If you experience any difficulty downloading or using the Studybugs App, please contact or come to the school for assistance.
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
We have a fantastic opportunity to offer piano and keyboard lessons to years 7-9 on our grand piano at Cotham School with our very experienced piano teacher Christina Craig-Jones.
She is a specialist teacher of beginners to advanced levels and offers all styles of music from Classics, jazz improvising and rock and pop.
For more details and to book a free taster lesson please contact her directly at chriscraigjones@hotmail.com .
Cotham's career of the week is Game Designer! Watch the video to find out more!
