Wellbeing at Cothill

At Cothill, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do

As a deliberately small school, we are more like an extended family where every child is known, valued and supported. Pupils form friendships across year groups and our staff work closely to create a warm, homely environment where children feel safe, confident and ready to thrive.

Cothill is unashamedly a mobile phone free school. Boarders often use them for travel and hand them in on arrival. We have landline phones so boarders can call home and keep in touch and the school secretary is always there to help with communications home too. Staff take phones to fixtures and trips to keep in touch. We otherwise find we are busy enough that there is no need to have them!

a man teaching a group of children - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

We talk, we listen and we notice. This constant connection means we can quickly step in with the right support, whether a child needs a boost, a chat or simply someone to believe in them.

Our pupils are guided to develop strong moral values, self-awareness and resilience. We encourage them to be curious, to make mistakes and to grow from every experience knowing they are always supported by people who care deeply about their happiness and success.

a group of children in a field of flowers - from Cothill - Independent Prep School in Oxfordshire

From Form Teachers and House Parents to Matrons, Nurses, Mentors and Counsellors, our whole team plays a role in helping children feel secure and ready for life. Wellbeing and happiness are built in to everything we do at Cothill – our pupils leave confident, kind and grounded.

Cothill pupils leave us confident, kind and grounded, with the emotional and moral foundations to flourish in whatever lies ahead.

Chapel lies at the heart of our weekly community life, bringing everyone together to pause and reflect. It offers a calm, welcoming space away from the busyness of Cothill, where pupils can reflect on the love and wisdom of God. A short Chapel service is held each Friday, with occasional Sunday services at St Helen’s Church, Dry Sandford, a tradition fondly remembered by generations of former Cothillians. Those wishing to explore the Christian faith further can attend a breaktime meeting in the Rev’s classroom. Rooted in the Church of England tradition, the school warmly embraces pupils, families and staff of many Christian traditions, as well as other faiths and philosophies. Pupils also study world religions in RS lessons and are encouraged to follow their own faith beyond Chapel.

“I’m incredibly proud of our happy Cothill community. Watching the older pupils naturally step in to support the younger ones, whether it’s helping with a challenge, sharing a laugh, or simply being a friend, shows the strength of the bonds we build at Cothill.”

Adam Pearson, Deputy Head (Pastoral)

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