Cotham School

Cotham School is a Bristol-based Redland Green School-partnered academy that has been in operation since 1856. The school has a long history of providing education to students from Bristol Cathedral to Clifton College and has been associated with notable figures such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Tony Robinson. Cotham School has also been involved in various University of Bristol-led initiatives, including partnerships with Bristol Grammar School and Colston's School. The school's proximity to Leigh Woods and Ashton Court has also made it an ideal location for outdoor activities and Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions.

● History

The history of Cotham School dates back to 1856, when it was founded as a grammar school with support from Bristol City Council and Society of Merchant Venturers. Over the years, the school has undergone significant transformations, including a merger with Redland Green School in 2008 and the introduction of academy status in 2011. Cotham School has been associated with notable events such as the Bristol Riots and has hosted visits from dignitaries including Prince Charles and David Cameron. The school's archives are maintained in partnership with the Bristol Archives and University of the West of England, and its history has been documented in works such as The Victoria History of the County of Gloucester and The Buildings of England by Nikolaus Pevsner.

● Admissions

Admissions to Cotham School are managed in accordance with the Bristol City Council's admissions policy, which prioritizes students from Bristol and surrounding areas such as South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. The school also has a sixth form that attracts students from Colston's School, Bristol Grammar School, and Redland Green School. Cotham School has a diverse student body, with students from a range of backgrounds, including those from Church of England and Catholic Church families. The school's admissions process involves assessments and interviews, and students are also required to meet the GCSE entry requirements.

● Curriculum

The curriculum at Cotham School is designed to provide students with a broad range of subjects, including GCSE and A-level courses in mathematics, science, English literature, and history. The school also offers vocational courses in partnership with City of Bristol College and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. Cotham School has a strong focus on STEM education, with links to organizations such as BBC, Rolls-Royce, and University of Bristol. The school's curriculum is also enriched by visits from experts such as Brian Cox and Alice Roberts, and students have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as the UK Mathematics Trust and Royal Society of Chemistry.

● Facilities

Cotham School has a range of facilities, including sports facilities such as a sports hall and football pitch, which are also used by local clubs such as Bristol Rovers F.C. and Bristol Rugby. The school's drama department has a theatre and performance space, which hosts productions and events throughout the year, including the Bristol Old Vic's Theatre School. Cotham School also has a music department with facilities such as a recording studio and practice rooms, which are used by students and local musicians, including those from Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival.

● Notable Alumni

Cotham School has a number of notable alumni, including Tony Robinson, who is best known for his work on Time Team and Blackadder. Other notable alumni include David Aaronovitch, a journalist and broadcaster who has worked for The Times and BBC, and Helen Baxendale, an actress who has appeared in Cold Feet and Friends. The school's alumni also include athletes such as Jason Gardener, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, and musicians such as Tricky, who has released albums on Island Records and Epitaph Records. Cotham School's alumni network is supported by the Old Cothamians association, which hosts events and reunions throughout the year, including the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Category:Schools in Bristol