Cotham School

Since 2015, Ms Jo Butler MA PGCE NPQH. Brought up in Essex, Ms Butler has a degree in fine art from Hull and a PGCE and master’s from London universities. The early years of her career took place in three of the capital’s schools before she moved to

All applications for year 7 are made through the Bristol City Council application form by midnight of 31 October in any given year. Applications from students outside Bristol are made through their own local authority and passed on to Bristol.

Only 60 places are allocated to Cotham students in the NBP16C. Others post GCSE might leave for other state or independent sixth forms, colleges such as the excellent St Brendan’s across the city, vocational courses, eg in the creative industries at

In 2024, 25 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 65 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. In 2023, 21 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. At NBP16, 51 per cent A*-B at A level and 83 per cent at a merit or above at BTEC.

Almost all teaching is delivered in mixed-ability classes, except for maths, which is set from the second term of year 7; some English setting from year 11. All students are exposed to French, Spanish and German in their first three years. At year

Cotham’s SEND policy includes provision for social, emotional and mental health difficulties and sensory/physical needs alongside cognition and learning. Support starts with effective differentiation in the classroom, progressing to small-group work

The prospectus proclaims that ‘creativity and performance have been at the heart of Cotham’s culture for many years’ – and it’s true. Some choose the school for this reason though ‘I just did not know the standard was that high!’ one mother admitted.

Space for just three hard courts (one Astro) lined for different games within the school’s confines, plus an airy sports hall. Other sports take place at a local-ish sports ground with both Astro and grass pitches and, crucially, more space. All

School makes strenuous efforts to address any discriminatory behaviour such as covert racism or colourism and intolerance of sexual identity; it’s generally fine to be ‘out’, whether student or teacher. Generally students are nice enough to each

Very very mixed in every respect, probably a microcosm of Bristol itself; happy co-existence prevails. ‘My son has friends from different ethnic groups,’ a mother told us. The vast majority are very local and walk to school.

Cuts are making themselves felt in terms of limited opening hours for the library, no more screen printing press and the demise of the famous gamelan orchestra – yet there is no request for parental contributions apart from DT materials and cooking

Choose this Bristol institution for its diversity, creativity and the pride it takes in all sorts of achievements among its students – a realistic representation of the vibrant city it serves and a good counterweight to its independents.