Monday 8th September | Head of School Letter
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Welcome back to The Cottesloe School for the start of a new academic year!
I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with relaxation and quality time. As we begin the 2025-2026 school year, I want to reaffirm our commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Whether you're new to our school community or returning for another year, thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your partnership is invaluable as we work together to create a vibrant and enriching learning experience for all.
2025 Results
We had two wonderful results days in August, celebrating another year of strong KS4 GCSE results, and KS5 A Level results; a testament to the resilience, hard work and determination of our students. Our Sixth Form students celebrated excellent outcomes, with 43% of all grades being A to B or equivalent* and the average grade for Applied qualifications, such as BTECs, being a Distinction. These results have opened doors to top universities and apprenticeships, and we're proud to report that 83% of our Year 13 students are off to university, with nearly 90% of those getting into their 'firm' choice — a figure well above the national average. We wish them all the very best for their coming adventures and encourage them to keep in touch with us to share their successes via Cottesloe Alumni.
For our GCSE students, we are proud that 62% achieved five standard passes, including English and Maths, and 44% earned a Grade 5 or better in both subjects. These are particularly pleasing results as this Year 11 group began their secondary school journey during the global pandemic, showing incredible determination. We would like to thank our dedicated staff and parents/carers for their unwavering support, which has helped secure these outstanding achievements and truly embodies our school motto: Prepare, Aspire, Succeed. As our Year 11 students now prepare for their next chapter, whether they are staying on to continue their journey in our Sixth Form, pursuing apprenticeships, or moving on to other institutions, we wish them all the best of luck.
Strategic Plan and Mission Statement
Our mission of Prepare, Aspire, Succeed is borne out of a simple philosophy of what we believe is the purpose of education. Prepare, Aspire, Succeed is what we do – it is what defines us as a school. It encapsulates all that is unique and strong about The Cottesloe School; read the mission statement in full. The school’s strategic plan for the next three years has been published and forms the backbone of our school development plan and planned actions this year: The Cottesloe School - Strategic Plan 2025-28
Start of Term
It has been wonderful to welcome our new Year 7 students to the school family, our new Year 12 cohort, including students joining us in sixth form from other local schools, and not forgetting students joining us for the first time in other year groups. We are delighted that they, and you as families, have all chosen to join our community. The Year 7s looked incredibly smart in their new uniforms, ready to take on every opportunity that secondary school will offer. As they transition from primary school, we will provide a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters their academic growth and personal development.
Mr. Jones, Mr. Fox and I delivered the welcome back assemblies, focusing on the key messages for the year ahead. We discussed the importance of making the most of all the opportunities on offer by attending school every day, and we outlined the high expectations and standards we have for everyone in the Cottesloe community so we can all prepare, aspire, and succeed. We also reinforced the school's commitment to being a safe and supportive community for everyone. Mr. Jones highlighted how our strategically placed CCTV cameras across the site are part of this commitment, helping to ensure a secure environment for all. Students were also reminded of the staff members they can speak to if they ever need help or support, or have a safeguarding concern.
Welcome Back Assemblies
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Site Update
Our amazing Site Team has been incredibly busy this summer, working hard to prepare the school for the new academic year. They've completed a variety of maintenance tasks and collaborated with contractors on several key projects. Their dedication and commitment have been essential in creating a safe and comfortable learning environment for our students.
- Modernised Science Labs: Three of our original science labs (S2, S3, and S4) have been completely transformed with brand new, modern facilities. The Science team is excited about these upgrades and how they will positively impact student learning.
- New 3G Pitch: The final touches are being put on our new 3G pitch, which will be ready for use very soon.
- Canteen Queue Barriers: We have installed permanent barriers around the canteen, replacing the temporary ones used during the pandemic, to improve the queuing experience at break and lunch.
- New School Minibus: A new minibus has arrived and will be used on one of the new Sixth Form transport routes, as well as for school trips and visits.
- Improved Site Safety: We have re-routed access across the Sixth Form car park to ensure the safety of all students moving around the site.
School Photo Day
We're excited to announce Individual Photo Day with Imago Photography on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025! This year, we're thrilled to offer photos for ALL year groups (previously only Years 7 and 10).
Why the change?
We understand how much a photograph of your child means to you. With Imago's efficient team of photographers, we can ensure a smooth process and capture a special moment for every student.
What to Expect:
- Professional photos perfect for keepsakes and personalised gifts.
- Convenient online viewing and ordering: You'll receive a login and password after photos are taken. Simply visit Imago's website to view your child's photos and place your order.
- Free delivery period: Take advantage of free delivery during the designated timeframe.
- Your child will come home with a QR code for you to see their picture. Don't fret if they lose it, contact Imago directly, and they will retrieve it for you.
Imago Photography Information:
- Website: www.imagophotography.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@imagophotography.co.uk
- Phone: 01252 728457
- Follow https://x.com/imago_PS
New Staff We are delighted to welcome a number of new colleagues to the team this academic year:
- Mr Tom Bullard, Maths Teacher
- Mrs Abby Castleton, English teacher and Head of Year 8
- Mr Greg Dickinson, Head of Business and Economics
- Mr Keith Fowler, English teacher and SEND
- Mrs Maria Gardner, Business Studies Teacher
- Mr Josh Graham, PE teacher
- Miss Natalie Granger, English teacher
- Ms Polli Mulder, SEND Operations Manager
- Mrs Laura King, PE Assistant teacher/technician
- Miss Anna Martyniuk, MFL Assistant Teacher
- Mr Dave Sherman, Site team
Trainee teachers We are also delighted to welcome trainee teachers to the team:
- Daniel Greaves, Geography
- Amy Langley, Maths
- Cassie Turner, MFL
Year 6 into 7 Open Mornings
Please share with friends and family who have children in Year 6 that tickets for our Open Morning Events in September and October are now available: Open Events 2025 | 2026 We will not be holding any open evening events this year.
Wider Curriculum
Clubs and Sport Clubs will begin the week commencing Monday 15th September and further information will be shared with you and students later this week. Timetables and club information will be added to the website once finalised: The Cottesloe School - Wider Curriculum
Pick-up and Drop-off
Over 70% of our students travel by school bus and public bus, and a large number of students walk to school. At the start of the academic year, with new families joining us, I would ask that everyone familiarises themselves with the pick-up and drop-off procedures. We are keen to maintain good relations with our neighbours in Church Street and the roads around the school within the village. The entrance at the front of the school, off Church Street, is for students who walk to school only. Please do not drop children off by car in Church Street; it causes disruption to the traffic flow in the area and increases the risk to students who walk.
If you bring your children to school by car or collect by car in the afternoon, please follow the procedures outlined below.
Morning drop-off
- Enter the coach park via the roundabout on the A418 Wing to Aylesbury road.
- Pull up at the nearside curb alongside the Sports Hub/bus shelter.
- Students should exit vehicles on the nearside and not into the flow of traffic.
- Please do not loiter here as it prevents the smooth flow of traffic.
- On departure, be mindful of other cars and buses that are arriving.
- Please do not speed into or out of the coach park.
Afternoon pick-up
- Do not arrive early; cars will only be allowed on site after 3:10pm or after the last bus has departed.
- Do not park at the entrance to the school off the roundabout.
- Do not obstruct the roundabout.
- Follow the same procedures as morning drop-off regarding where to pick up
- Please be aware of Sixth Form students; their cars will exit the site across the coach park from 3:10pm onwards, or when the last bus has departed.
These procedures are designed to ensure the safe arrival and departure of all members of our school community, taking into account local residents.
Cashless Catering
Food is available for purchase at breakfast, break and lunch from the school canteen, and at the Filling Station under the canopy at break and lunch. All dinner money payments go through MCAS (My Child at School). For detailed instructions on how to top up your child's dinner money account in MCAS, please visit the school website: MCAS - Dinner Money. Please speak with your child about what they are permitted to buy and when. Purchases across all three mealtimes can total up to £10 per day, so it’s important that spending is monitored. With over 1,000 students, it is not possible for the school to oversee individual purchasing habits, and we rely on parents to guide their children accordingly. You can view your child’s spending history via MCAS. To help manage this, we strongly recommend setting up low balance alerts—we suggest a threshold of £10. Please contact the Finance Office if you have any queries about this. Further information about the menus are here.
Refillable Water Bottles
To help your children stay hydrated and healthy throughout the day, we encourage them to bring a refillable water bottle to school. Drinking plenty of water is essential for their concentration, energy levels, and overall well-being. There are drinking water taps conveniently located around the school site, so they can easily refill their bottle before school, at break or lunch. Jugs of tap water are provided in the canteen at break and lunch. Bottled water is available for purchase from the canteen, but we are keen to discourage single-use bottles, as this can contribute to plastic waste. By choosing to use a refillable bottle, students are making a positive impact on the environment and saving money.
Pastoral and Wellbeing Support
As part of our commitment to pastoral and wellbeing support, we work closely with external agencies and signpost families to relevant resources as appropriate. Buckinghamshire’s Family Centres, for example, run a variety of parenting programmes and courses for all ages, from birth to toddlers to teens. These courses are designed to give parents/carers advice, support, and confidence to meet your child’s needs, reduce anxiety, stress, and arguments at home. There are also online courses specifically for young people (rather than parents) starting this month: Youth courses. For more information about resources covering ages 0–18, click here: Free courses, programmes, and resources for parents.
Year 13
Already, Year 13 students have been busy with a number of them participating in a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition to Northumberland National Park and the Scottish Borders. Thanks to Mr Curtis, Mr Waite and Mr Smith for supporting this.
Wishing you an excellent week as we all get back into the rhythm of term-time. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School