The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2018
- The school is at capacity (112% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.8
8.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
54%
12.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
48%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.12
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
92%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 236 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
25% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 138 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,655
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 37.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bristol, City of
- Trust
- COTHAM SCHOOL
- Head
- Headteacher Joanne Butler (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Cotham Lawn Road, Cotham, Bristol, BS6 6DT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSs Peter and Paul RC Primary School
Primary · Very close
North Bristol Post 16 Centre
Sixth form centres · Very close
Cotham Gardens Primary School
Primary · 395m away
Bristol Grammar School
Independent · 615m away
E-Act Montpelier High School
Secondary · 882m away
St Johns Church of England Primary School, Clifton
Primary · 1.1km away
Christ Church Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Pauls Nursery School & Children's Centre
Nursery · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Cotham School a selective school?
No. Cotham School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Cotham School's Ofsted rating?
Cotham School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Cotham School?
Cotham School currently has 1,655 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Cotham School take?
Cotham School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Cotham School?
Cotham School is in Bristol, BS6 6DT, in the Bristol, City of local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Cotham School have a sixth form?
Yes, Cotham School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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