Monday 7th September 2026 | Head of School Letter
Welcome to The Cottesloe School at the start of a new academic year!
It was brilliant to greet our students on Thursday and Friday. We were delighted to open our doors to Year 7, 11, and 12 on Thursday, with Years 8, 9, 10, and 13 joining them on Friday. As a school, we have grown over the past few years, with over 1,200 students starting with us last week. Our new Year 7s have made a super start to their secondary school journey, wearing their new uniforms with pride. In speaking to some of them, they shared with me that their first couple of days were overwhelmingly positive. I hope you have had similarly encouraging conversations about the start of term with your young person, whatever year group they are in.
As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 academic year, I am fully committed to ensuring our school continues to be an environment where every child is seen, known, and valued. Our core vision of Prepare, Aspire, Succeed remains at the heart of everything we do, ensuring each student is supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Whether you are new to our school community or returning for another year, thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your support is invaluable as we work to create a vibrant, enriching learning experience for our young people.
2026 Results
Our students achieved fantastic KS4 GCSE and KS5 A Level results this summer; a testament to their resilience, hard work and determination. Our Sixth Form students celebrated excellent outcomes, with 48% of all grades being A* to B 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 of the 49 students off to university this academic year, 96% of them are heading to their first choice university - a figure well above the national figure of 79%. Equally as impressive are the growing number of students successfully applying for degree apprenticeships. We wish all of our departing Year 13s 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 64% achieved five or more GCSEs graded 4 or higher, including English and maths, and 71% earning a Grade 4 or better in both English and maths. These results are an increase on last year’s KS4 outcomes and should be celebrated as this Year 11 group experienced disruption to the end of their primary education, and the beginning of their secondary journey during the global pandemic, showing incredible determination. We would like to thank our dedicated staff and parents/carers for their support, which has helped secure these outstanding achievements. As these students now prepare for their next chapter, whether they have started sixth form here, pursuing apprenticeships, or moving on to other institutions, we wish them all the best of luck.
Welcome Assemblies
Mr Jones, Mr Fox, and I delivered the welcome back assemblies to all year groups last week. We outlined our high expectations for the year ahead, discussing the importance of being in school every day and making the most of every opportunity. I talked about why we ask this of our students. Using the solar eclipse and the Artemis II space launch back in April as examples, we considered what it really means to prepare, aspire, and succeed. Achieving extraordinary things doesn’t happen by accident; it takes careful daily preparation and the courage to aim high. Alongside these ambitions, we reminded students that the school is a safe, supportive community for everyone, and that there are people they can speak to if they ever need help or have a safeguarding concern.
New Staff
We are delighted to welcome a number of new colleagues to the team this academic year:
- Mr Federico Accardo - Performing Arts Technician
- Mrs Lucy Bonser - English Teacher
- Mr Wayne Bull - Caretaker and lettings
- Miss Tayyeba Choudhary - Assistant teacher - Business and Computing
- Mrs Alexa Corchis - Assistant Head of Year 7
- Mrs Inna Hodishecheva - Maths Teacher
- Miss Georgia Howes - Curriculum Leader for Psychology and EPQ
- Mrs Emma Makin - Design and Technology Teacher
- Mrs Esther Milton - Curriculum Leader for MFL
- Ms Tracey O’Hanlon - Science Lab Technician
- Mr John Thaxter - Maths teacher
- Mr Peter Toovey - Lead Practitioner in Science
- Miss Cassie Turner - MFL Teacher
- Mrs Beverly Tyacke - Assistant teacher - History
- Mr Connor Waite - Curriculum Leader for PE
We are also delighted to welcome trainee teachers to the team:
- Ms Clara Foster PE
- Ms Rebecca Howells Geography
School Photograph Day
It’s school photograph day tomorrow (8th September) for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12. Students will have their photos taken during the school day - this is a reminder so that you can support them in ensuring uniform (and hair) is looking super sharp! Years 11 and 13 will have leavers’ photos taken in March.
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 are now available: Open Events 2026 | 2027 As with previous years, we are not holding any open evening events this year.
School Production: Oliver! Audition Workshop
The launch of this year’s school production of Oliver! will take place this Wednesday from 3pm-4:30pm in PA3.
During the audition workshop, students will explore the plot and songs, learn routines, and have the opportunity to complete a small-group audition if they are interested in a main role. This workshop is also for students interested in backstage technical roles so they can find out more about getting involved. TCS productions are fully inclusive, and everyone who attends the workshop will be offered a role in the show. We particularly want to encourage our new Year 7 students to come along - it is a fantastic, welcoming way to make new friends, build confidence, and get involved in school life right from the start. If your child has any questions, they should speak to a Performing Arts teacher in the PA block.
Medical Appointments During School Time
To help us authorise medical absences quickly and ensure your child is supported when they return, we have made a small update to our medical absence request process. When submitting a request, please attach proof of the appointment using the upload section on the updated form. Providing this information allows us to easily authorise the absence. Proof includes an appointment card or referral letter or a screenshot of a GP or NHS text message.
Extra-curricular clubs and Sport
Wider curriculum opportunities are any activity or learning opportunity that takes place outside normal school lessons. Research has shown that where students regularly participate in these wider learning activities, attainment of the subjects they study at KS3 and KS4 improves. Participation in a wider curriculum activity also has a positive influence on attitude to learning, personal wellbeing and impacts on attendance at school.
A huge thank you to all of our staff members who generously volunteer their own time to plan, organise, and run these fantastic enrichment opportunities for our students. We couldn't offer such a vibrant programme without them! We hope there is something for everyone and if there’s not and a student would like to suggest a new club, Mrs Hooley will be happy to hear more from them.
Clubs and Interventions begin on Wednesday 9th September. For more information please see our website: Wider Curriculum. Links to club timetables can be found here: Lunch & After-School Clubs All sign-ups are managed quickly and easily through the MCAS app.
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 familiarise 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 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 on the nearside kerb 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 in 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.
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 wellbeing. There are drinking water taps 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. Drinks are 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.
Careers: MK Job Show
Looking ahead to future pathways, families may want to consider visiting the upcoming MK Job Show at Middleton Hall, centre:mk on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September between 11am-5pm. This is a fantastic, free opportunity for students to meet a wide range of regional employers, explore apprenticeships, and attend career workshops.
Girls Football Coaching Sessions with MK Dons FC – Kicking Off September 7th!
We are thrilled to announce that we are continuing our partnership with the Milton Keynes Dons Community Trust to bring professional football coaching to young players across our local community! Sessions will run on Mondays starting September 7th and are open to students from all schools in the area.
Whether your child is completely new to the sport or looking to sharpen their skills, these weekly sessions offer high-quality coaching in a fun, safe, and supportive environment on a state-of-the-art 3G pitch.
Key Session Details
- Start Date: Monday, September 7th
- Time: Mondays, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Term-Time Only)
- Location: The 3G Pitch, The Cottesloe School, LU7 0NY
- Who Can Join: Girls aged 9 to 14 (Open to all skill levels)
- Coaching Staff: Professional coaches from MK Dons FC
- What to Bring: Suitable footwear for a 3G pitch, shin pads, and a water bottle
How to Register Your Child
We are now using the Spond app to manage registrations, attendance, and session updates. Joining takes just two minutes:
- Download the Spond app on iOS (App Store) or Android (Google Play Store), or visit spond.com/invite/XZQUK directly in your web browser
- Enter the SPOND group code: XZQUK
- Follow the quick prompts to set up your child’s profile and reserve their spot
- This will take you to a QR Code to make payment
Spaces are expected to fill up quickly, so we encourage parents to register early. Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to fellow local parents who might have daughters interested in playing!
We look forward to seeing everyone out on the pitch on 7th September.
Events at School this Week
It’s a Week 1. Assemblies will focus on Safeguarding.
Monday 7th September:
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After School Detention (3pm – 4pm)
Tuesday 8th September:
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School Photos (Years 7–10 and 12)
Wednesday 9th September:
- Oliver! Audition Workshop (PA3, 3pm-4:30pm)
- After School Detention (3pm – 4pm)
Thursday 10th September:
-
Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition
Friday 11th September:
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Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition
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