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 1 September 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!
Wishing all our families a peaceful and happy summer holiday. See you in September!
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Email received
Dear Aimi
"I just wanted to thank all the teaching, library and support staff for all their hard work with the Year 13 students this year, particularly during the A level exam period. My son completed his A levels a few weeks ago and really benefitted from all the fantastic teaching support received especially once the formal timetable had finished a few weeks before the A level exams started. Having teachers available during this revision period really helped with keeping my son motivated and focussed during this demanding exam period.
I hope you have a great summer break. "
Thanks
Post 16 Parent
Dear Mrs Butler
"We would just like to thank you for being such a great School, Hassan has enjoyed his time at Cotham so much. He has had a real positive experience. We feel very happy that he will continue his education at Cotham 6th form.
We would like to take the time to really show our appreciation to his tutor Mr Sabana.
We have had the joy to meet him a few occasions. As parents we feel he is one of those teachers that truly goes the extra mile. We believe his heart is truly in his job, he goes above and beyond. He is a true example of a great teacher/role model. He is very inspiring/supportive for young men/women, especially anyone having sports interests.
We feel very blessed that he has been part of Hassan’s journey at Cotham, it’s been such a positive experience.
We wish him all the best, and really thank him for being that truly great Teacher he is. He deserves a medal for being such a great inspiring Teacher.
We would be so grateful if you can pass our message of appreciation to him, Many thanks. "
Kind regards
Mrs Kendray
Another fantastic feedback from our families
Dear Ms Butler
"I wanted to pass on my thanks to everyone for all their hard work this year.
I would like to particularly mention -
Mr Geoghan for putting together another amazing show and inspiring my children in drama and performance.
Mr Cony for being an incredible tutor and making my son's transition to Cotham so seamless.
Mr Sebana for being an incredible tutor, an amazing football coach and an inspiration to the students.
Ms Swayne and Mr Vega for their brilliant Spanish lessons.
Ms Arnold for being a fantastic head of year throughout my son's time at Cotham.
Mr Moody and the rest of the p.e. team for the commitment and dedication to Cotham sports,including the many hours of sports clubs and arranging and attending fixtures. The sports award evening was such a great opportunity to celebrate the students and the PE team.
I hope everyone has a lovely summer break."
Kind regards.
(Parent of children in Year 13, Year 11 and Year 7)
Thank you
We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming Open Evenings, a wonderful opportunity to experience our school community and learn more about what we offer.
Year 6-7 Main School - 25 September 2025
Cotham Post 16 - 2 October 2025
Redland Green P16 - 9 October 2025
(Times to be confirmed on website)
Open Evenings - All.pdfDear Parents/Carers
Please find attached a letter informing you of plans for the start of term in September.
Regards
Cotham School
Start of Term Arrangements Letter 2025_26.pdfDear Parents/Carers
This is an important update regarding our PE kit guidelines, effective for the 2025-2026 academic year.
From September 2025, all students will be required to wear the official Cotham School PE kit for all PE lessons. This includes the designated PE top, shorts/skort, and socks. Non-official items will no longer be permitted.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Best wishes
Mr Moody
Faculty Leader, PE
COTHAM PE KIT 2025-2026.pdfDear Parents and Carers
Please be advised that our catering partners, ABM Catering, will be implementing small price increases for meal deals and individual food items at break and lunchtime.
This is due to the continued rise in food supply and labour costs, including increased employer National Insurance contributions from 1 April.
These adjustments will take effect from 1 September 2025. Please click here for further information.
Thank you for your kind understanding.
Mr Carpenter
Deputy Director of Finance and Resources
The SEND team would like to give a massive shout out to Elijah in Year 8, who has recently self-published his first novel! Titled 'Prehistoric Survival', it is an evil dinosaur-filled tale full of action and intrigue - Jurassic Park move over! You can purchase it here, and we highly recommend it as an addition to any summer reading list.
Well done Elijah!
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
With our new absence procedure Study Bugs 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 Study Bugs app, please contact or come to the school for assistance.
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.pdfWe’ve got some exciting news from Monkhouse! For a limited time, enjoy FREE delivery on all orders over £50 with code FREEDEL – perfect for getting ahead on your back-to-school shopping without the added delivery costs.
Offer Dates:
• Start Date: Monday 14 July 2025
• End Date: this Sunday 20 July 2025 (until midnight)
📍 Location: Cotham School, BS6 6DT
📅 Dates: Monday, July 28th – Friday, August 29th (excluding bank holiday)
👧🏽👦🏼 Ages: 7 – 16 (School years 3 – 11)
🏀 Activities: A fun and inclusive basketball skills and games.
🔗 Booking Link: Flyers Camp at Cotham – Book Here
This autumn, you can explore your artistic side with beginner painting and drawing classes:
Paint Classes: Starting Monday 8 September for 6 weeks.
Draw Classes: Starting Monday 20 October for 6 weeks.
These friendly and informative sessions offer a relaxed introduction to art basics, perfect for inspiring creativity.
Dear Parents / Carers
Looking for great ways for your children to spend the holidays? Our community offers exciting activities to help them make new friends, develop skills, and prepare for secondary school.
There's something for everyone: cooking, baking, PlayStation, games, and basketball. It's the perfect place to hang out, explore new interests, and build confidence.
Help your child make the most of their holiday and the transition ahead!
Youth Session at Full Circle Docklands.pdfGirlz Nite.pdfWeekly Youth Club.pdfPlease see below some information from Bristol Children’s Centres about their FREE parenting programmes.
Are you pregnant or a parent of a 0 - 8 year old?
Would you like to add ideas and skills to your parenting toolbox?
Would you like to develop more confidence in your parenting?
Would you like to understand your child better?
If yes, then your local Children’s Centre is there to help! Children’s Centre parenting groups are open to any parent, carer or parent to be, and they take place across the whole city.
There are lots of different groups available, please see attached the ‘ Parenting Groups Information Booklet’ for details of each course.
To register your interest, please complete an Expression of Interest Form by following this link: www.bit.ly/BristolParentingGroups
After completing the form, the Children’s Centre team will be in touch to discuss the best group option with you.
If you have any questions or would like more information then please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Bristol Children’s Centres Parenting Team via: PSSO@bristol.gov.uk or 07721 311497.
Parenting Groups Infortmation Booklet.pdfFamily Hub A5 flyer and A4 poster PRINT.pdfMark your calendars! The Cliftonwood Open Air Cinema is showing Black Panther (12A) on Friday 5 September 2025, at Argyle Place Park (next to The Lion pub).
Join us from 7:00 PM for this community screening. Tickets are just £5. More details will be shared soon on our Facebook page!
Year 7 LOVE to read. This has been reflected in their record breaking reading reports! The current Year 7s are taking SO many books out of the library - 2,232 and counting to be exact! Congratulation Year 7 and keep it up. The report includes favourite books, top reading tutor groups and top reading students. Please see below for more details.
2025 YEAR 7 READING REPORTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR WM The Year 7s have all taken part in the Building a Book Creative writing lesson, inspired by Author Ash Bond's brilliant workshop. The students have been writing their heads off. Their imaginative ideas are blowing me and their English teachers away!! Even students who struggle with creative writing have been WRITING amazing things! I emailed Ash to let her know some of their original story ideas and she said "I am overwhelmed by this - thank you SO much for sharing! What a fantastic thing to see."
ASH BOND response AND WINNERS WM 
Dear Parents/Carers of Year 7 students,
Firstly, I want to thank you all for the support that you have given us as a school and your children in successfully finishing year 7.
The students arrived at Cotham feeling slightly nervous, not knowing what to expect from secondary school and some not knowing anyone else. They have grown in maturity and confidence, immersed themselves in Cotham culture by joining clubs/groups such as; Steel Pans, Drama, Art, Chess and Sports Clubs. They have made friends, memories and developed their academic skills in a short space of time.
As a school we have been able to celebrate students achievements through House points raffle, Triple A awards, School trips, Sports day and events, and House celebrations.
We have celebrated tutees of the term who were nominated by their tutors over the course of the year. The following students have received Learning Co-ordinator awards over the course of the year for most improved students, showing great resilience and always doing the right thing.
KK 7ALE, Katia 7PD, Rubi 7CC, Younes 7ALE, Aryaz 7DW, Elizabeth 7DW, Liam 7AB, Demi 7ZV and Isa 7CC.
187 students and 18 members of staff went on a day trip to the theme park Drayton Manor in the last week of term. Students thoroughly enjoyed the day, going on thrill seeking rides and having sing-a-longs on the coach. Tutor groups also took part in a football tutor tournament with 7AB winning the whole tournament.
Finally, after being at Cotham for 5 years I am stepping down as Learning Co-ordinator and will be moving over into a teaching role here at Cotham. The new Learning Co-ordinator will be a new member of staff by the name of Mrs Dickerson who will be starting with us in September.
Please have a restful enjoyable summer.
Kind regards
Miss Wellington
Year 7 Learning Co-ordinator
Year 8 had a slow start to the year when it came to taking books out of the library but I am happy to say they have been visiting and issuing books much more. Keep Reading Year 8!
The report includes favourite books, top reading tutor groups and top reading students. Please see below for more details.
2025 YEAR 8 READING REPORTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR WM As we come to the end of the year, it is right that we reflect on what has been a fantastic year for such a wonderful, expressive and energetic group of students.
Sports Day was a huge success and the less traditional format was absolutely fantastic. Seeing students compete in Tug of War, soft archery and zone ball as well as the more traditional events was a real privilege. Congratulations to 8NBR who took both the boys and girls overall titles on the day.
Earlier in the year 8GD triumphed in the inter tutor football. A great tournament went right down to the final day with 3 teams still in the mix. The competitive nature of the games was only matched by the excellent spirit in which they were played.
66 Students achieved recognition in our Triple A awards. Students with outstanding attendance, achievement and attitude to learning according to their last report were able to kick back and relax in 2 cinema events.
To be recognised in our Triple A awards is no mean feat and takes a commitment to a students studies and education that is admirable. I am really proud to have so many students achieve this award and they should be equally proud of themselves.
I have also had really great feedback from Ms Papworth about the Writing Wrongs workshops and events that have taken place. I know the students particularly impressed staff at Bristol University and earned a a fantastic pizza reward for their considerable efforts.
At the time of writing this, we also have our Thorpe Park trip on the horizon which will be an enjoyable (if not tiring way) of celebrating the accomplishments of the year.
Over the course of the year, the Year 8 team has been ably assisted by a number of amazing professionals who have stepped into the Year Team Assistant role. I would like to thank Mr Davies, Mr Dehaan, Mr Meakin and Mr Christie for their help and support in maintaining the standards, atmosphere and ethos of the Year group at various points throughout the year.
That just leaves me to wish you a safe, restful and rejuvenating summer and to thank you for your continued support and willingness to work with us as we all strive for the best possible outcomes (both academically and pastorally) for your children.
Year 9 promises to be an exciting but distinctly different challenge as both parents and staff enter conversations with your children about GCSE subjects. I have no doubt that this amazing group of students will excel and overcome the challenges ahead with your support, and can look forward to even better things to come.
Have a fantastic summer!
Mr Knight
Year 8 Learning Co-ordinator
Year 9 are really big readers! This has been reflected in their reading reports! The current Year 9s have read 200+ more books than Year 9s last year and I am really impressed. Congratulations Year 9 and keep it up. The report includes favourite books, top reading tutor groups and top reading students. Please see below for more details.
2025 YEAR 9 READING REPORTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR WMHello all Year 9 Families,
Well… what a year it’s been. I’m not quite sure where the time has gone, but here we are at the end of Year 9. As we head into the final few days of the academic year, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support throughout what has been a lively, challenging and rewarding year.
This year has had a bit of everything. Learning group football battles ⚽, Sports Day triumphs 🌞, and some impressive progress both in and out of the classroom. We’ve begun those early conversations about GCSE options and Year 10 work experience, and it’s been fantastic to see so many students starting to think about their next steps with a growing sense of maturity. We also saw the launch of the now-infamous Yondr phone pouch revolution 📱
Of course, it wouldn’t be Year 9 without a few classic moments. We’ve supported students through friendship dramas, behaviour blips and plenty of “it wasn’t me, sir” incidents. Through it all, your children have made us laugh, occasionally made us question our life choices, but most importantly, made us proud. So many young people have shown real growth this year and it’s been a privilege to watch.
Thank you, as always, for your support, whether that was answering our calls, attending meetings or graciously receiving yet another email about behaviour points. It genuinely makes a difference and we appreciate it.
To our students: you’ve grown a lot this year. Some of you literally, some of you emotionally. Many of you have navigated your way through Cotham School with focus, positivity and good humour. Keep that going. You’re laying the foundations for your future. And for those who’ve found the year tough, remember that September brings a fresh start. We’ll be right here, ready to help you make the most of it.
Wishing you all a brilliant, safe and well-deserved summer break. See you in September for the big leap into Key Stage 4.
Mr Lawrence
Year 9 Learning Co-ordinator
Dear Parents and Carers
As we approach the end of what has been a busy and eventful school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and experiences of our Year 10 students. It has been fantastic to witness their growth, resilience, and commitment throughout the year, and I am incredibly proud of the way they have embraced the challenges that come with this pivotal stage of their secondary education.
One of the standout moments of the year was our Work Experience Week, where students ventured beyond the classroom to gain valuable insights into the world of work. Their professionalism, maturity, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones impressed both staff and external employers alike. Many returned with a clearer sense of direction and a renewed motivation for the year ahead.
This year also saw students complete their first set of mock exams, an important milestone in their academic journey. These assessments provided not only a taste of what to expect in Year 11, but also an opportunity for reflection and growth. We have been heartened to see so many students take feedback on board and apply themselves with increasing determination.
As a fun reward activity, we held Tutor Quizzes throughout the year. These quizzes gave students an enjoyable way to engage with their learning, celebrate their knowledge, and take part in some friendly competition. They were very popular and helped boost students’ enthusiasm and confidence.
Additionally, we have also recognised many students’ dedication through our Triple A certificates, which celebrate outstanding Attendance, Achievement, and Attainment as well as our end of term LC Awards assemblies. These awards acknowledge the hard work and commitment that our Year 10 students have demonstrated across all areas of their education, and we are proud to celebrate these successes.
A number of our Year 10 students also took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, showing great perseverance, teamwork, and independence during their expedition and throughout the wider programme. It was a joy to hear all about them rising to the challenge, develop life skills, and support one another along the way.
In addition, we were delighted to see several Year 10 students perform in the school musical, Guys & Dolls, where they displayed incredible talent, confidence, and dedication. Their hard work and enthusiasm were evident in every performance, and they should be immensely proud of their contribution to such a successful production.
This has been a year of change and transition in various ways, and yet our students have consistently demonstrated adaptability and commitment to their learning. Their ability to stay focused, support one another, and continue striving for personal and academic growth is truly commendable.
As we look ahead to Year 11, the final year of their secondary school journey, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. From preparing for GCSEs to exploring post-16 pathways, this is a crucial time where the habits and attitudes formed this year will continue to serve them well.
I am confident that with continued support from home and school, our students will approach the year with the maturity, focus, and resilience they have shown throughout Year 10. We look forward to working together to help them achieve their full potential.
Thank you for your continued support. I wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable summer.
Mr Arnold
Year 10 Learning Co-ordinator
As we reach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our incredible Year 11s. They approached their final year at Cotham with the same dedication, resilience, and determination they’ve shown throughout the past four years.
This was undoubtedly their biggest and most demanding year yet. From two rounds of mock GCSEs, Period 6 and revision sessions, they remained focused and committed. When it came to the real GCSEs, they arrived not only fully equipped and in full uniform, more importantly, prepared — having revised thoroughly and put in the hard work.
Their behaviour throughout the exam period was excellent, and attendance was outstanding. Teachers and the exams team were full of praise and admiration — a testament to just how fantastic this year group is. I have every confidence that all their efforts will be rewarded when they receive their results in August.
We ended the year on a high with a brilliant Leavers’ Assembly, celebrating the journey we’ve shared together. Awards were given for attendance, achievement points, and for students who had zero behaviour points — with over a quarter of the year group going five whole years without a single after-school detention! What an achievement, and what a reflection of the character and maturity of this group.
The Cotham Oscars brought a sense of fun to the assembly, with categories voted for by the students themselves — including Class Clown, Most Likely to Viral, Best Hair, Best Sports Person, Most Likely to Take Over the World, and even Win a Nobel Prize. It was a happy celebration full of laughter and memories.
The preparation and fundraising that the Student Prom committee did for the Leavers’ Book and Prom, all while juggling revision and exams, once again showed the commitment and teamwork that make this year group so special. Both were a huge success, leaving Year 11 with lasting memories of their time at Cotham and the friendships they’ve built.
Year 11 – it has been a privilege to watch you grow, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. I wish you all the very best for the future — whatever path you take, I know you’ll go far.
Good luck in everything you do!
Mrs Arnold
Year 11 Learning Co-ordinator
We would like to wish all of our Post 16 young people and their families a restful and well deserved summer break. Please check our website for exam results FAQs and Ms Potter's bulletin for a round up of all the fantastic things that have taken place this term at North Bristol Post 16 Centre.
As we arrive at the end of the school year, we hope all students have taken away not just knowledge but the science behind it. From experimenting with the chemistry of baking to understanding how food nourishes the body and even diving into food safety & sustainability, we’ve learned a lot. We hope you have a wonderful, restful summer whether you're having a BBQ, baking with family and friends, or just enjoying a well earned snack. We’ll be back hungry for more.... knowledge, of course!
Thank you all for joining us and making our Sports Presentation Evening a truly memorable event. This week, we celebrated the students who have excelled in sport and made valuable contributions to our school community. A heartfelt thank you to our parents and staff for your time, support, and encouragement. Congratulations to all the winners you’ve made us incredibly proud. And a special thank you to the PE Department for your outstanding dedication throughout the year. Well done to all!
Guest speaker, Zak Vyner who played every minute of Bristol city’s campaign last season.
This week, Delta has been again top of the rank in attendance, showing remarkable drive and proving that sustained effort yields significant results.
Please see Mr Buchanan's end of term BEP letter here. (also emailed to you earlier this week).
BEP Parent_Carer Letter July 2025 What was the Word of the Week for the picture? What does the word mean?
ANSWER: Sanction. A punishment for not following a rule or law (noun).
What was the Word of the Week for this definition: ‘To become worse in quality, condition, or character (verb)’
ANSWER: Deteriorate
Show you understand the word ‘define’ by defining what the offside rule is in football.
ANSWER: to explain what something means in a very specific and clear way.
4. Do you remember what the Word of the Week was for the picture? What does it mean?
ANSWER: Context - The situation within which something exists or happens which can help to explain it (noun).
5. One of our recent words sounds like ‘Uh-dap-tuh-bil-uh-tee’. What was the word and can you spell the word correctly?
Answer: Adaptability
What are some synonyms for symbolise?
ANSWER: represent, signify, express…
How do you spell the Word of the Week that sounds like ‘puh-spek-tiv’? Write the spelling on the board. Which subjects might you use this word in?
ANSWER: Perspective. You might use this word in Art (to do with perspective in drawings) or subjects that ask for your perspective (viewpoint) on topics e.g. English, PSHE and Humanities.
Do you remember the Word of the Week for this picture? What’s the definition?
ANSWER: Consumed. To eat or drink.
To completely destroy or use up.
To buy products/ services.
To completely fill your mind.
If someone is seldom late. What does this mean?
ANSWER: Seldom means things that don’t happen very often. If someone is seldom late, it means they are hardly ever late.
Dear Parent/Carer
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.
Regards
Mr Ahmed
Digital Learning Lead
_Online_Saftey_Newsletter_5.pdf