SchoolScoresCotham School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of COTHAM SCHOOL
Cotham Lawn Road, Cotham, Bristol, BS6 6DT
0117 919 8000 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 17 April 2018.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 18 October 2023: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
281 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Bristol comparisons use the 26 of its 47 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 21 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Bristol | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Joint 7th highest of 26 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 79% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 8th highest of 26 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 81% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 7th highest of 26 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81% | 71% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 110 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 12th highest of 25 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 50% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 197 parents who had raised a concern 9th highest of 26 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 62% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 75% | 66% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Joint 6th highest of 26 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bristol. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 86%said yes | 75% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Bristol figures pool parents at the Bristol schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
231 pupils in this year group.
54% — 8 points above the Bristol, City of average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 54% | 46% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 51.8 | 46.4 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
236 pupils in this year group.
94% — 4 points above the Bristol, City of average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 94% | 90% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 73% | 40% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 12% | 13% |
| Further education college | 17% | 30% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | Not published | 3% | 3% |
"Not published": Not published (DfE code SP).
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 94% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
187 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 31% | 30% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 50% | 57% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 35.1 | 34.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
28 subjects, 476 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 66 | 5% | 15% | 19% |
| Mathematics | 39 | 23% | 56% | 40% |
| History | 38 | 11% | 24% | 23% |
| Sociology | 33 | 12% | 30% | 20% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 28 | 4% | 14% | 24% |
| Physics | 26 | 12% | 50% | 31% |
| Biology | 25 | 16% | 44% | 27% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 24 | 4% | 29% | 14% |
| Chemistry | 23 | 17% | 43% | 30% |
| Spanish | 20 | 15% | 40% | 34% |
| Economics | 18 | 6% | 11% | 26% |
| Film Studies | 17 | 0% | 29% | 17% |
| Business Studies:Single | 16 | 0% | 6% | 16% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 12 | 50% | 75% | 38% |
| English Literature | 12 | 33% | 58% | 23% |
| French | 12 | 17% | 67% | 38% |
| Geography | 10 | 0% | 10% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 9 | 0% | 11% | 26% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 8 | 13% | 13% | 15% |
| English Language | 8 | 0% | 13% | 13% |
| Religious Studies | 8 | 0% | 25% | 22% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 6 | 33% | 33% | 26% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | 33% | 50% | 59% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: English Language and Literature, Chinese, German, Turkish, Arabic.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
207 students in this year group.
78% — about the same as the Bristol, City of average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 78% | 77% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 26% | 34% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 82% | 78% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
176 students in this year group.
78% — 18 points above the Bristol, City of average, and 18 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 78% | 60% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 26% | 22% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 78% | 78% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Bristol, City of. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 247 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 160 |
| Of those, offered a place | 159 (99%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 661 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.6 · 2025: 0.6 · 2026: 0.6
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Bristol, City of | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 12th highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 75% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 39.0% | 34.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 45th highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 12% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.3% | 3.9%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 12th highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 85% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.4% | 17.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 92% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 49.8% | 20.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 18th lowest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Lower than 39% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 9.0% | 10.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 30th lowest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Lower than 24% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 28.8% | 28.2%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 23rd lowest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Lower than 29% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 25.4 | 37.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 27th lowest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Lower than 25% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.6% | 10.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded4 pupils | 0.24% | 0.12% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 10th highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 81% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.4 | 16.7 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 21st highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 61% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.3 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year Joint 25th highest of 46 state secondary schools in Bristol. Higher than 41% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 11.8% | 13.0%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Bristol Grammar School 0.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 54% A*/A at A level
- E-ACT Montpelier High School 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Inadequate (2022, before conversion) · 61% grade 5+ English and maths
- Redland Green School 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 69% grade 5+ English and maths
- Queen Elizabeth's Hospital 0.7 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 55% A*/A at A level
- Clifton High School 0.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 32% A*/A at A level
- Bristol Cathedral Choir School 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 60% grade 5+ English and maths
- Clifton College 0.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 45% A*/A at A level
- St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 62% grade 5+ English and maths
- LPW Independent School 1.5 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Outstanding (2025)
- Fairfield High School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013, before conversion), confirmed 2023 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Cotham School's Ofsted rating?
Cotham School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 17 April 2018. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 18 October 2023, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Cotham School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 54% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 9 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Cotham School?
86% of the 281 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend Cotham School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Cotham School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 160 families put Cotham School as their first choice for 247 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 159 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137440.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.