Academic Life
The boys at Cothill enjoy a broad and exciting academic curriculum built around a strong foundation in English and Maths. From the outset, boys are taught by subject specialists across the board, whose passion and skill mean that every boy can be brought on in a nurturing and supportive fashion as identified by the 2016 ISI inspection report.
The enthusiasm they [the teaching staff] bring to the classroom and the relationships they establish, enable pupils to develop their learning and personal skills to an extremely high standard
(Independent Schools Inspectorate (2016)
At Cothill class sizes are small - 18 is the maximum and 14 the average - enabling every boy to receive plenty of individual attention across all the traditional academic disciplines, but Cothill has also innovated over the years. All Year 7 boys spend one term at the school’s Château de Sauveterre near Toulouse, where there is immersion in all things French. General Studies is also an integral part of the curriculum from Year 5 upwards, giving the boys a broad perspective on politics and current affairs, ethical issues and the story of art since the classical era.
A dedicated and experienced team of 33 full-time teachers drives Cothill’s academic life. In addition to the core subjects, English and Maths, the boys are taught French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Latin, Religious Studies, Geography, Music, Art, Pottery & Design, Computing and General Studies. Mandarin is optional.
Jack Phillips, Deputy Head (Academics)
The progress the boys make is carefully monitored from the outset and extra support is made available wherever such a need is identified. Parents are kept up-to-date about levels of effort and attainment through regular reporting and parent-teacher meetings.
Cothill prepares boys to move on to an array of the country’s top public schools and every year a number are successful in winning scholarships. Whilst we are proud of our academic success, we never lose sight of the fact that we are preparing boys, not just for examinations, but for life.
