Year 7 Admissions
Parent Information Portal

Life-enhancing education that develops the character, talents and potential of every child

Achievement ~ Diversity ~ Respect 

• W/c 19 May & 2 June: Primary School Visits

• 24 June: New Year 7 Parent Information Evening 17:00 - 18:15    

• 25 June: Transition Day 11:00 - 14:40 

• 8/11 July: CATs Tests - Full details will be sent in Term 6

• 1 September:  INSET Day - School is closed to students

• 2 September: Start of term for Year 7 at 10:00

Please check your mailbox for communications sent to parents and carers of students who have been offered a place here at Cotham.

• Headteacher Welcome Letter

• Transition Day and New Year 7 Parent Information Evening - Please complete the Transition Day Attendance form linked in the email

• Registration Form - Follow the link in the email sent on 5 June 2025 to login and complete the Registration form by 18 June 2025

Curriculum

The curriculum at Cotham goes beyond the national curriculum, and consists of all activities within the school.  It is designed to ensure coherence, relevance, appropriate challenge and progression between the Key Stages, to enable our students to access further and higher education of their choice and to give them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed there and subsequently in society and the workplace. 

Library

Cotham School is proud of its amazing library which is located in the very heart of the school. At Cotham, we strongly feel that reading is for everybody. We make sure that all of our students, regardless of background, are given the same opportunities to read. We have an exciting, wide and varied selection of fantastic books, reflecting our diverse and wonderful cohort.

Digital Learning 

Follow the link to see various digital learning platforms accessible to students as well as parents.

Uniform

Cotham School students are expected to wear full school uniform at all times. This includes our school lanyard/student ID being worn around the neck and clearly visible at all times. It is also important for students to wear the correct items for PE and Dance lessons. May we also remind you to label your child’s uniform with your child’s name and tutor group to assist the prompt return of lost items.

Our school uniform suppliers are Monkhouse and Harris Sports. Please visit their shops or websites to view the approved skirts, shorts and trousers.
Pre-loved uniform items are available from £1. Please call Visitor Reception 0117 919 8000 to enquire. 

Inclusion and SEND 

If your child is on the SEND register at their Primary School and receives SEND support, the Primary School will notify us of this. If your child has an EHCP, we will be consulted by the local authority as to whether we can meet your child's needs. 

Your child's Primary School will be asked whether your child requires an Enhanced Transition to Year 7. This is for students with high SEND or Safeguarding concerns. If your child's Primary School identifies they require this, your child will be invited into Cotham for an additional transition day to meet the SEND and Safeguarding Team.

All students on the SEND register at Cotham have a Learning Plan created for them which is shared with all of their teachers. The Learning Plan outlines the student's needs and in-class strategies for teachers to meet these needs. The Learning Plans are regularly reviewed and updated with students and their parents. Parents of children with SEND can also request additional meetings with the SEND team.

Extra Curricular

Our aim is to offer our students a quality of experience that will enrich their lives and encourage every student to take advantage of the wider life of the school and to participate in at least one club.  A wide range of subject and interest-based extra-curricular activities are available to all students in Years 7-13. These give our students the opportunity to play a full and active role in the wider life of the school.

Peripatetic Instrumental Lessons at Cotham

At Cotham School we are able to offer Peripatetic instrumental lessons from a range of both private tutors and working alongside Bristol Plays Music. 

We are able to offer tuition on a wide range of instruments including voice, strings, wind, brass, drums and percussion, piano, keyboard and guitar. 

We welcome all levels of ability whether students are just starting out or you have previously had instrumental lessons. 

For more information please contact:  Ross Geoghegan, Faculty Leader Performing Arts GeogheganR@cotham.bristol.sch.uk 

Parent/Carer and Child Evening - Tuesday 24 June

The evening will begin at 17:00 with talks from the Headteacher and key members of staff. Attendees will then have the opportunity to meet with staff and ask any questions that you may have. There will also be an opportunity to purchase pre-loved uniform items (cash only) from 16:30. 

Transition Day - Wednesday 25 June

Students who have been offered a place at Cotham will be invited to attend Transition Day from 11:00 until 14:40. They will have the opportunity to experience a range of taster lessons and activities with their tutor group and will have the opportunity to meet the Year 7 Learning Coordinator, some of their teachers and members of the Senior Leadership Team. 

Parents and Carers are asked to ensure children;

• arrive at Visitor Reception on Cotham Lawn Road at 11:00, 

• attend in their primary school uniform,

• bring writing equipment, a healthy break snack, a packed lunch and a water bottle. There will be no food provision on Transition day.

• are collected from Visitor Reception on Cotham Lawn Road at 14:40. 

An email has been sent  to parents and carers which includes a link to advise of your child attendance for this session. If we have not received a completed form for your child they will not be able to attend the session. 

Year 7 Student Experiences

Ever since I joined Cotham School in September of last year I was quite nervous since it was my second time entering a secondary school–I went and visited Bristol Grammar School in Year 6- and I didn’t know most people there. However, as I progressed through Term 1, I eventually got the hang of it. Here at Cotham, it is quite easy to make friends, and I understand for the first few weeks that you’re there, you’ll feel nervous as it’ll be a big change from Year 6 to Year 7. I assure you; most Year 7’s at the time felt exactly what you are going to feel in September. But just like me, you will eventually get the hang of it.

One thing I really like about Cotham is the food. The food here is delicious and nutritious and the dinner ladies are really kind. Another thing I like is the house-point system. I’m sure you’ve heard of house points before, but here at Cotham gaining them is really easy. Diversity at Cotham is promoted frequently, along with the other two Cotham values: Achievement and Respect–something which I appreciate a ton.

Zubeyr

I joined Cotham school in September of 2024, I was happy to start here and I was quite nervous because I was going to a secondary school, but it was fine although I didn't know a lot of people. That quickly changed as I made friends really easily. The staff and teachers here at Cotham school are friendly and kind. They help me in my lessons and with any issues that I have around school. After the first few here you will realise that this school is a friendly school. From year 6 to year 7 feels like a big change but I can assure you that its not.

One other thing I like about this school is the lessons. The lessons are brilliant and organised. They are put in a way that you know where your lessons are and how to get to your lesson. Cotham is a really diverse school and I have helped by supporting new students by being their buddy and helping them get the hang of things. I really enjoyed this. 

Younes 

I really enjoy going to Cotham because even though the school is really big you can find your way around. At Cotham, all of the staff are really nice and can help you when you need e.g in lessons and around the school. If you do really good things like handing out books or helping teachers with things, you will be rewarded because they really appreciate it. At Cotham , the teachers love doing rewards, so  if there is a group of students that have done something really amazing (like a tutor group) they will give them a reward!

At Cotham, it’s really easy to make friends  ! When I first came to Cotham I found it quite easy to make friends because everyone in my tutor is really nice. A lot of  the older students are really nice so if you need help with something they can also help ! 

Ivy

I enjoy Cotham as it is a very diverse and enjoyable. Despite being a very big school the teachers and students make it a lovely place to be. The staff are really friendly and all the other students are really inclusive and achievements are always celebrated in various ways. The staff are always looking for respectful students that stand out from the rest, things as simple as handing out books and holding the door for teachers could get you a house point.

There is a wide range of lessons along with extra curricular activities meaning there is always something you would want to try out. The clubs are always a great way to make friends and find people with similar interests to you. The school holds many competitions and fundraisers such as: design a bookmark or bake sales.  :)

Nahla

Free School Meals

Please be advised that if your child was eligible for Free School Meals in primary school this will automatically carry forward into secondary school. If your chlid attended primary school in a different local authority area you will need to re-apply.

If you have accepted your offer of a place please complete the form linked below from Term 6. We are unable to process applications before this time.

If you would like to make an application for Free School Meals, please complete  the Free School Meals Form. Please note that Cotham School is not a part of Bristol Council Free School Meals service so please do not contact them.  

Reporting Student Absence

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new, more efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence, called Studybugs.

Be prepared for the start of the new academic year and get the app or register now https://studybugs.com/about/parents . 

Top 3 reasons to use Studybugs:

1. It’s integrated with our systems so we know right away if your child is unaccounted for.

2. It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.

3. You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. (https://studybugs.com/about/schools)

If you have any queries please see more information on our website and in our weekly mailing or contact the school on info@cotham.bristol.sch.uk

Phone-Free Space

Ahead of the next academic year we will be making Cotham School a phone-free space for students in Years 7-11 using a system called Yondr. Yondr has been implemented in  over 3,000 schools across 18 countries as well as by numerous schools in Bristol. 

Yondr utilises a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Once implemented every student will secure their phone in a personally assigned Yondr pouch when they arrive at  school. Students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until  their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students will be required to bring  their Yondr pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times. 

You will not be asked to purchase your child’s Yondr pouch but due to the cost of the item you will be asked to make a contribution to replacing it if it becomes lost or they damage it. 

ParentApp

The SIMS Parent App allows parents/carers to see “live” information for your child/children at the touch of a button. The App also allows you to easily update contact details securely and confidentially; with a few clicks of a button you can send new contact details directly to the school system for processing by the school office, which means we always have up to date contact information for parents/carers, ensuring you’ll receive all school communications. The benefits of having the App on your device is that you will see "live" information for your child/ children in school.  This includes:

•  student(s) timetable(s)

•  student(s) report(s)

•  the school diary showing events and reminders

•  the ability to easily update your information held by the school.

More details will be emailed in September with a unique code to register.

WisePay

WisePay is an online payment system for school; Trips and Visits, Food and Drink, Music Payments, General Payments, Ticket and Event Bookings and Fund Raising. Year 7 students will receive registration information in September.

Travelling to School

By Bus

• 1,2a,3,4,Y6,8,77 these buses all stop near Clifton Down which is approximately a 15-20 minute walk away.

• 8/505 has stops at the Triangle, Clifton, a 20 minute walk away.

• 72 stops on Cotham Road close to Student Reception.

• 13, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76 all stop on Gloucester/Cheltenham Road which is approximately a 20 minute walk away.

Home to School Travel Support

Find out if your child can get support with home to school travel and how to apply.

By Train 

Redland Station is nearest to the school which is a 10 minute walk away. Clifton Down Station  is a 12 minute walk from the school. 

School Rail Season Ticket

GWR and the Severnside Community Rail Partnership have been working with Cotham School to ensure the experience of travel to school by train is safe and pleasant for everyone involved in the journey, including students, members of the public and GWR staff working on trains.

Rather than provide students with a daily fare, we would like to encourage families to purchase a reduced rail season ticket.  GWR has kindly agreed to offer a reduced rate rail season ticket .  Payment will be collected through our online payment system, WisePay.  New Year 7 students will receive  WisePay registration information in September. This offer can not be accessed before .  Full details will be sent to  students in Years 7-11 in September.

It's important to note that the scheme covers; Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, which includes Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road, Montpelier, Redland, Clifton Down and stations down to Severn Beach. The scheme does not include Bedminster Parson Street, Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway as they are on a different line, and would therefore incur additional cost.  Students travelling from Bedminster to Redland can make use of GWR’s separate Severnside Scholar scheme.  For further information including prices, and to purchase a Scholar season ticket, please contact the Severnside sales team via the main GWR number 0345 7000215.

Cotham School

If you have any questions please get in touch:  

Cotham School
Cotham Lawn Road
Bristol
BS6 6DT

Phone: 0117 919 8000

Email: admissions@cotham.bristol.sch.uk 

Website: https://www.cotham.bristol.sch.uk/

Bristol City Council School Admissions

Our Year 7 and In Year Admissions are fully managed by the Local Educational Authority. If you have any questions or require further information regarding offers, waiting lists or need to update your contact details before your child starts school in September, please see their contact details below:

To contact online , complete the  school admissions contact form.

Bristol City Council
PO Box 3399
Bristol
BS1 9NE

Phone: 0117 903 7694

Website: www.bristol.gov.uk/schooladmissions