https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk%2Fnews%2Dand%2Devents%2Fhead%2Dof%2Dschool%2Dletters Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:08:38 GMT Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:08:38 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-march-head-of-school-letter Welcome to the final week of this short term! As we prepare to break for our Easter holiday this Friday, I want to reflect on a truly momentous few days for our school. As you know, Ofsted visited us last week for our first inspection since November 2021; I am beyond proud of our community. The new Ofsted framework has been in use since last November, and with anything new, it can be tricky to know if your interpretation of the guidance is correct and if you’ll do the school and the community justice. The six inspectors were incredibly impressed with our students' characters, noting how polite, respectful, and resilient they are, both in their learning and around the school site. Importantly, the inspection team saw exactly what I wrote to you about last week - the conduct and maturity that visitors praise is simply who our students are every single day. Thank you so much for the support, kindness, and understanding you, as families, showed us throughout last week.

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:08:38 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-march-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-16th-march-head-of-school-letter Welcome to our second to last week of this short term. There is much to celebrate from a super busy week last week, and over the weekend! Following a visit from the Mobile Planetarium last week as part of Science Week (more on that below), we were delighted to receive some lovely feedback from their team, who praised the outstanding conduct, manners, and engagement of our students. We are incredibly proud to say that this is not a one-off occurrence. We regularly receive feedback from visitors to the school and members of the public who meet our students on trips, telling us how brilliant their behaviour and attitudes are. They tell us that this level of respect and maturity is not something they see in all schools! This is a true reflection of the wonderful, supportive community we have within and beyond TCS. We know this consistent praise of our young people is the result of parents, carers, and families working in close partnership with the school to help them develop themselves. Through personalised support, high expectations, and a culture of respect and understanding, our students can embrace challenges with confidence. We encourage them to aspire to reach their full potential, nurturing their ambitions in a safe and supportive setting. Building these strong foundations ensures that, together, we enable every student to succeed, both in school and beyond, as resilient, compassionate, and responsible citizens through equity of opportunity. Thank you for your continued support in helping our young people become such positive forces for good as they shape their futures.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:13:17 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-16th-march-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-march-head-of-school-letter Welcome to the middle week of this short, five-week term. Following International Women’s Day yesterday, we will be continuing to celebrate and reflect on the incredible achievements of women during our assemblies across all year groups this week. We are also excited that this week is British Science Week. Mrs Moore has organised a fantastic week of themed lessons and events exploring the subject chosen by our students: What Lies Beneath: Secrets of the Ocean. Today, the Science team will launch a whole-school giant escape room-style game using clues located around the school, with prizes for the fastest solvers. As part of the festivities, the Science team will also be welcoming the Mobile Planetarium back to the school.

]]> Mon, 9 Mar 2026 10:44:13 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-march-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-march-head-of-school-letter Last week was a full-on week at The Cottesloe School, and I have been incredibly impressed by how our students have lived out our core values of Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed. Our Year 13 students showed great focus and resilience as they sat their mock exams, while our Year 12 students looked toward their future goals during an inspiring trip to the NEC for 'What University? Live'.

]]> Mon, 2 Mar 2026 12:51:14 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-march-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-feb-head-of-school-letter Welcome back to the second half of the Spring term. I hope that all of our students and their families enjoyed a restful and restorative half-term break – even if the weather meant you couldn’t get out and about as much as you’d have liked. As we return to school, we continue through a significant time of year for members of our community, with the holy month of Ramadan and the season of Lent both having begun last week. For families of all faiths and none, the approaching transition into Spring is a wonderful time for renewed focus, quiet reflection, and giving back to others. These shared values of empathy, discipline, and community spirit are central to everything we encourage and respect at The Cottesloe School. I would like to wish a peaceful Ramadan Mubarak and a meaningful Lent to all those observing, and a very positive half-term ahead to our whole school community.

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:12:02 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-feb-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-feb-head-of-school-letter As we begin the last week of this half-term, I have been reflecting on just how much we have packed into the last few weeks. It has been wonderful to see that, despite the rainy February weather, the school remains full of energy, with a strong focus on fostering Healthy Relationships across our community.

]]> Mon, 9 Feb 2026 11:23:32 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-feb-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-february-head-of-school-letter As we move into February, navigating the inevitable mix of rain and fluctuating temperatures, it has been great to spot the first green shoots of bulbs emerging across the school grounds. These small signs of resilience serve as a reminder that Spring is just around the corner, carrying with it a renewed sense of hope and positivity. This spirit of forward-looking preparation has been reflected in our year groups over the past week. Year 11 have displayed commendable focus as they near the completion of their second round of mock exams, while Year 9 are currently in the thick of the decision-making process for their Key Stage 4 Options. Looking ahead to after half-term, the baton will pass to Year 8, who will begin to consider which creative subjects they wish to pursue for their Year 9 Choices.

]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2026 10:41:39 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-february-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-26th-jan-head-of-school-letter Reflecting on last week, it was a period of purposeful activity at The Cottesloe School, centred on our core values of Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed. Our Year 11 students have now begun their mock examinations; seeing them settle into the hall with such focus was a reminder that success is built on rigorous preparation. We saw that same dedication during Thursday’s KS4 Options Evening. It was excellent to see so many Year 9 families engaging with the decisions that shape a young person’s future. By taking the time to explore GCSE and vocational pathways, our students are setting their aspirations and ensuring they have a solid foundation for the years ahead.

]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:33:52 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-26th-jan-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-19th-jan-head-of-school-letter Today is often labelled ‘Blue Monday’ - supposedly the gloomiest day of the year. While social media might suggest January is a month to simply endure, my own experience is a little different as January is a month of birthdays in my house, so the mid-winter gloom is usually offset by celebration and cake. It is a helpful reminder that there can be more to this month than the ‘depressing’ narrative suggests.

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:36:49 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-19th-jan-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-12th-jan-deputy-head-of-school-letter We had a brilliant week last week, welcoming all year groups into 2026. The weather certainly kept us on our toes last week, as Storm Goretti made its way across the UK. As a reminder, please ensure your child comes to school with a warm winter coat. With the school site being so exposed to the wind, a proper coat is essential. Please remember that coats should be worn over blazers, and hoodies or other jumpers are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn as a substitute.

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:50:01 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-12th-jan-deputy-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-5th-jan-2026-head-of-school-letter Welcome back and Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas break and are ready for all of the opportunities that 2026 will bring. At The Cottesloe School, we are committed to providing the support and challenge necessary for every student to Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed. We look forward to working closely with you throughout this term to ensure your child reaches their full potential.

]]> Mon, 5 Jan 2026 13:07:25 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-5th-jan-2026-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-15th-dec-head-of-school-letter We’re a third of the way through the academic year, and I’d like to say thank you to you as families for your continued support throughout your child's Cottesloe journey this term.  Your active involvement is so important, from assisting with independent learning to collecting children after sports fixtures, trips and after-school clubs and activities, engaging with parents’ evenings, attending drama and music concerts, and supporting in so many other ways to help your own child make progress.

]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:31:59 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-15th-dec-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/mon-8th-dec-head-of-school-letter It was an incredible week last week with three sell-out shows from our students for the school's production of High School Musical! After months of preparation, the cast and crew delivered three outstanding performances.

]]> Mon, 8 Dec 2025 11:08:26 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/mon-8th-dec-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-1st-dec-head-of-school-letter While the cold weather might have settled in last week, the atmosphere inside the school was anything but chilly, with lots of exciting learning and high-level extra and supra-curricular opportunities taking place across the year groups.

]]> Mon, 1 Dec 2025 10:14:24 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-1st-dec-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-24th-november-head-of-school-letter Winter arrived last week, delivering a mix of crisp cold, snow, and heavy rain. It's been great to see how prepared our students have been, with coats and warm clothing in full effect. As the cold sets in, please remind your children to continue dressing warmly. To clarify uniform expectations: V-neck black jumpers can be worn as an additional layer, but not instead of the school blazer. A coat is also an addition to the uniform and not a replacement for the blazer.

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:59:29 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-24th-november-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-17th-november-head-of-school-letter I am delighted to share some outstanding news this week! ]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:08:58 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-17th-november-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-10th-november-head-of-school-letter This week is Anti-Bullying week and what a wonderful, colourful day it is here at The Cottesloe School!

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:29:12 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-10th-november-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-3rd-november-head-of-school-letter Welcome back, I hope you had an enjoyable half-term. ]]> Mon, 3 Nov 2025 13:57:20 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-3rd-november-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-20th-october-2025-head-of-school-letter We’ve all nearly made it… ]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:31:09 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-20th-october-2025-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-13th-october-head-of-school-letter What an outstanding and vibrant week we've had at The Cottesloe School! ]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:31:26 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-13th-october-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-29th-september-head-of-school-letter Last week was a super busy week with a range of different activities taking place in addition to learning in the classroom. ]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:25:35 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-29th-september-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-22nd-sept-head-of-school-letter The third full week of the academic year is now underway, and so far the term has been filled with energy and purpose. Our Year 7 students continue to impress with their seamless transition into school life, and all other year groups have shown a determined commitment to our core values: Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed. As we look ahead, we are excited to open our doors to prospective parents and their Year 6 children for a series of open mornings starting tomorrow. We extend our thanks in advance to our staff as well as our Sixth Form tour guides and Head Student presenters. A special mention goes to four incredible Year 7 students who, after only two weeks with us, will be speaking to a full hall of visitors, demonstrating the school's 6Cs in action.

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:43:30 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-22nd-sept-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-15th-september-head-of-school-letter We had a brilliant week last week, welcoming back all year groups and helping them get settled into the routine of school life. Our newest members of Team TCS, the Year 7s, have been especially impressive, adapting to secondary school life with great enthusiasm. The weather certainly kept us on our toes last week, with sudden shifts from sun to hail and torrential rain. As a reminder, now is the perfect time to ensure your child has a warm winter coat that still fits them. With the school site being so exposed to the wind, a proper coat is essential. Please remember that coats should be worn over blazers, and hoodies or other jumpers are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn as a substitute.

]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:39:10 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-15th-september-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-8th-september-head-of-school-letter Welcome back to The Cottesloe School for the start of a new academic year! ]]> Mon, 8 Sep 2025 13:13:34 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-8th-september-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-21st-july-head-of-school-letter We’ve nearly completed the academic year, and although it's a shorter week, learning is still happening.

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:56:41 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-21st-july-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-14th-july-head-of-school-letter As we enter the penultimate week of what has been another incredibly busy and productive term, there's still a vibrant buzz of activity across The Cottesloe School, even though it was very hot last week! 

]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:38:34 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-14th-july-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-30th-june-head-of-school-letter It continues to be super warm in school and we’re still working hard as we head towards the final month of the academic year.

]]> Fri, 4 Jul 2025 09:55:04 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-30th-june-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-june-head-of-school-letter Learning continued despite the heat last week. ]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:20:23 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-23rd-june-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-june-head-of-school-letter Are you looking to become a volunteer? ]]> Mon, 9 Jun 2025 10:19:41 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-9th-june-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-june-head-of-school-letter Welcome back to the final half-term of the academic year. ]]> Mon, 2 Jun 2025 10:54:51 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-2nd-june-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-19th-may-head-of-school-letter With one week to go until the half-term break, everyone at school continues to embody Prepare, Aspire, Succeed, as activities and learning progresses, both in and outside the classroom. 

]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 12:01:45 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-19th-may-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-12th-may-head-of-school-letter End of another era for Year 13s ]]> Mon, 12 May 2025 12:52:04 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/monday-12th-may-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/31st-march-2025-head-of-school-letter This week I want to send my heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all our Muslim staff, students and families within the school community. ]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:53:13 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/31st-march-2025-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/27th-january-2025-head-of-school-letter We’re now at the midpoint of this half-term with three weeks completed and three weeks to go until February half-term.

]]> Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:01:13 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/27th-january-2025-head-of-school-letter https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/news/25th-november We hope you all made it through the unexpected snowfall on Tuesday morning and again on Friday morning safely.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:53:40 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/news/25th-november https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/week-commencing-7th-october-2024 What a week it has been!

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:40:42 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters/week-commencing-7th-october-2024 https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters-1/30th-september-2024 It was a very wet and rainy week at school but despite the challenges that the Autumn weather presented us as a school with separate buildings, our students were fabulous, flexible and sensible.

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:41:16 GMT https://www.cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk/news-and-events/head-of-school-letters-1/30th-september-2024