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 7 July 2025 is Week B
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.
Kindest regards,
Ms Jo Butler, Headteacher
Email received
Dear Jo,
"I just wanted to write to thank and congratulate your students and staff who joined us at BGS for the Mini-MUN recently. Our member of staff i/c MUN said that your students were a credit to your school, they deported themselves well, and contributed brilliantly to the event. I thought you would want to know."
With very best wishes,
Jaideep
Mr Jaideep Barot
Headmaster, and Chair of HMC – The Heads’ Conference
Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SR
Dear Ms Butler
"I am head of diplomas at BSA (Bristol School of Acting) and spent a few hours in your school this afternoon with your Drama department - My Year 12 students were performing their Theatre in education show to your Year 9 and Year 10 drama students.
I just had to pass on how AMAZING your students are - we have been to 3 other schools on tour this week and the Drama department and those students have done you and the school extremely proud - they were switched on, respectful and SO intelligent when we had the post show discussion... one of your students made a comment that nearly made me cry! - insightful and smart beyond her years....
What a wonderful bunch!
Please pass my awestruckness on to your team and you students!"
Many Thanks
Sam
Feedback from one of our governors, Rachel regarding the Pride parade and picnic from last Friday, which took place at our school.
" I just wanted to say a huge congratulations, well done and thank you to staff, students and parents who organised and attended the Pride parade and picnic this afternoon. It was such a joyous, inclusive-feeling event that had obviously been so well planned and prepared for over a number of months. I had several conversations that revealed how important this work had been in fostering belonging and bonds across a range of people in the school community, but particularly for those young people who were able to be seen, heard and celebrated for who they were in a safe, supported way this afternoon. I can't wait for next year!"
Another positive feedback received
Hi there,
"A quick one to say thank you so much for all of the work that I am sure the Yondr roll out and the uniform changes have/are taking. I'm sure they are huge pieces of work which some schools would have felt were too hard or contentious to take on. The comms have been excellent through letters, webinars and the weekly videos clearly explaining the rationale and showing (in my opinion) a really good balance between setting the direction from the top but also leaving the appropriate space to listen to the views of students. The phone work (including the newsletters you have started) have also made us have conversations at home about screen time and phone access.
I'm sure it is all a thankless task sometimes, so just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the work around that, as well as everything else. Two years in, we are still so pleased we chose Cotham for our daughter and have been impressed across the board with her experience with you, the teaching and leadership in the school, and the progress we can see her making in her learning and personal development."
Year 8 Parent
Good evening
"My wife and I came to visit your school this morning and I just wanted to say a big thank you to the students who gave up their time to show us around.
The boys and girls made such a great impression by chatting with us, answering all of our questions and making the tour such fun. When I mentioned that our 8 year old daughter and 10 year old son were obsessed with lockers (thanks to one too many Netflix high school dramas), two of our guides offered to show us their shared locker - a very kind and thoughtful touch.
We came away feeling very positive about what Cotham School has to offer, and your students played a big part in that."
With thanks and best wishes
Anonymous
Thank you
Dear Parents/Carers
We've made some revisions to ensure clarity and consistency, and the updated policy is attached for your kind attention.
Please take a moment to read through the attached document carefully. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring all students adhere to these guidelines.
Thank you
Ms J Butler
Cotham School Uniform 2025_26 (July 2025).pdfAt Cotham School we were so happy to celebrate our first Pride Picnic on Friday 27 July with students, staff, parents/carers and guests. It was such an inclusive, diverse and joyous event with a parade, musical performances, speeches and delicious food. We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year.
Many thanks
Mrs Leong
The SUMMER READING COMPETITION IS BACK. Another chance to do some READING and then showcase either your writing or artistic skills! You can either write a short review of a book you have read OR design a NEW front cover of one of your favourite books.
Blank postcards are available to pick up from the library. The deadline is a long way away so PLEASE join in! Every student who enters will be added to the LIBRARY LUCKY DIP and there are £10 Vouchers for WINNERS. See information and rules below.
SUMMER READING POSTCARD SCREEN SHOTS.docx 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.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
Get ready for an amazing summer with Your Holiday Hub in Bristol! This programme offers a wide range of free activities and meals for children during the school holidays.
What's Happening?
Kids can enjoy sports, drama, cookery, forest school, crafts, music, and more! Activities build confidence and wellbeing, and every free session includes a healthy meal.
Who Can Join?
Children eligible for free school meals can access fully funded spots.
All other children can join "Open Access" sessions.
If your child has SEND, please contact the activity provider directly.
Find Out More & Book:
Visit the Your Holiday Hub Bristol website for full details. Bookings for Summer 2025 went live on Monday 23 June, with activities running from Monday 28 July to Friday 29 August. There are over 50,000 places available, plus free bus travel for children this summer!
Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities!
Your-Holiday-Hub-Summer-Booklet-2025-.pdfAre you looking for more fun and engaging activities for your child this summer? Open-access holiday clubs are back this summer, offering a fantastic range of activities for all young people aged 8-19, with a special focus on those who receive free school meals.
There is a wide range of activities on offer, so there's truly something for everyone! From sporting activities to cooking and arts and crafts, your child is sure to have a blast.
CPD programme running this moth is aimed at dance artists, teachers and those working with children and young people creatively - this exclusive 3-day event is dedicated to professional growth and development. Each morning features expert-led classes designed to strengthen your skills and boost your professional confidence. In the afternoons, take part in dynamic workshops that offer hands-on learning, practical strategies, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, gain fresh insights, or build your network, this immersive experience offers valuable tools and connections to help you succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future.
Please click on this link for more information.
RISE Youth Dance - supporting children and young people to be the best they can be
We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity for Years 7-9 students to take piano and keyboard lessons right here at Cotham School! These lessons will be taught on our lovely grand piano by our highly experienced teacher, Christina Craig-Jones.
She is a specialist teacher, catering to all levels from beginners to advanced and offering a diverse range of styles including classical, jazz improvising, and rock and pop.
Limited spaces are available for this term and in preparation for next year. Summer holiday lessons are also an option.
To learn more or to book a free taster lesson, please contact Christina directly at chriscraigjones@hotmail.com.
I came to finish their lesson as Mr Vega had to do the Year12 transition lesson and they were wonderful! Their attempt at singing "Clandestino" for refugee week was passionate!
Miss Kennedy
This is a friendly reminder about the upcoming Year 7 trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park on Monday, 14th July 2025.
Key Details:
Date: Monday 14 July 2025
Destination: Drayton Manor Theme Park
Travel: By coach
Departure time: approximately 8:00 AM from school
Return time: approximately 6:30 PM back at school
Please ensure your child arrives at school promptly on the day of the trip. Further details regarding what to bring (packed lunch, suitable clothing, etc.) will be communicated shortly, if not already done so.
We look forward to a fun and exciting day!
I want to give a huge SHOUT OUT to the Year 7s who have been INCREDIBLY CREATIVE in the new BUILDING A BOOK LIBRARY LESSON. Inspired by our Author Ash Bond, who visited in March, the students have been creating narratives, developing characters and constructing plots. Working in pairs or groups they have constructed unique & imaginative storylines, fully engaging with the lesson. They then shared their stories with each other. I have been SO impressed with their original ideas! TOP MARKS YEAR 7
By the time you read this, Sports Day will have come and gone. It has been really lovely watching tutors and students organise the events and fire up that competitive spirit.
The issues in Wisepay relating to the Thorpe Park Trip due to depart on Thursday 17 July have been rectified. If you can please clear any outstanding balance as soon as possible, that would be appreciated.
A huge well done to all students, but especially Year 8, who showed their immense talents during the Summer Sharing.
What a fantastic week we’ve had! Sports Day was a real highlight, with our Year 9 students showing brilliant effort, teamwork and a fair bit of healthy competition. From sprint finishes to some truly heroic tug of war battles, it was a day full of energy and laughter.
Well done to 9MH for coming out on top.
Our Year 10 cohort enjoyed a week of A level taster sessions for our 5 English subjects: language, literature, combined, film and media. Hopefully, it informed and inspired them to make the right choice when the December deadline arrives! We all know that including an 'English' A level subject in the choice gives our students that vital skill set of critical thinking, collaborative working and creative problem solving! We look forward to more conversations at the Post 16 Open Evening in October .
Well done to Year 10 for your fantastic effort and team spirit at Sports Day! You showed great enthusiasm, supported each other, and performed brilliantly across all events. We are proud of how well you represented the year group, keep it up!
We wanted to take a moment to share our reflections on the Year 11 Prom held on Wednesday evening. It was a real privilege to be part of such a special event.
Your children were a wonderful representation of the school – respectful, thoughtful, friendly, and full of fun. There was a real sense of unity among them, and their behaviour made us all incredibly proud.
In fact, the only thing missing was a bigger dance floor!
They made a fantastic impression on everyone they met, including the hotel staff and DJ. Ahmed and Faysal's speech was a perfect way to round off the evening.
We wish them all the very best for the future – they truly deserve it.
With pride and warm wishes,
The Year 11 Prom Committee
Please see the flyer below regarding school age vaccinations for Post 16 students
0785 A year 12 vaccinations poster web We would like to say a huge thank you to Ms Beaver and Mx Sciubba for all of their efforts in the lead up to and during the Post 16 Futures Conference this week. Year 12 had workshops delivered from a range of different speakers to help them to consider their post 18 plans. This was a hugely successful event and we hope all of our young people found it helpful.
Looking back at the work of the 2024 GCSE and A Level students, their creativity and talent shone through in the incredible work they produced. Here's just a glimpse of some of their standout pieces!
Tickets for this year's whole school show Guys and Dolls are now on sale via WisePay! Choose from 3 price options at checkout:
£5 Concession – if this suits your budget, we’d love to welcome you.
£8 Standard – helps support our extra-curricular performances.
£15 Pay It Forward – subsidises two concession tickets and helps more people enjoy live theatre.
A reminder that every Wednesday, from now until the end of the academic year, Ms. Forbes is running a Creative Club in C005 from 2.45pm-3.45pm. Please come along and bring anyone who wants to get creative and meet like minded peers! We will be drawing painting, crocheting and collaging!
This week, Delta has set a new standard in attendance, showing remarkable drive and proving that sustained effort yields significant results. While Gamma has previously held the top position, Delta's breakthrough performance is an inspiring example of what can be achieved.
'Trend'
Meaning:
Something that’s common or popular e.g. current fashion or music trends etc.
A general direction in which something is changing or developing.
Example:
Her parent did not understand the latest fashion trend.
The trend in social media usage has increased.
Synonyms:
Direction, movement, craze, fashion…
'Kuhn-syoomd'
Meaning:
To eat or drink.
To completely destroy or use up.
To buy products/ services.
To completely fill your mind.
(verb)
Example:
I have consumed all the chocolate in the cupboard.
My mind is consumed with guilt.
The fire consumed everything in its path.
Synonyms:
Devour, overwhelm, destroy…
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.
Online_Safety_Newsletter_4.pdf