How to write report-card remarks that parents read

What a good remark does

A parent reads the remark before the marks. A good remark says what the child did well, what to work on next, and how the parent can help. It names a subject or a habit, so it could not be pasted onto another child's report card.

Use three parts

Write one sentence for each part, so a remark is three short sentences.

• Strength, with evidence: "Ada solves multi-step problems carefully and shows every line of working."
• Next step: "She should now practise checking her answers against the question."
• How home can help: "Ten minutes of reading aloud each evening will build her confidence in comprehension."

Wording to adapt

For a pupil doing well: "[Name] works independently and explains ideas clearly. Challenge [him/her] with extension questions in [subject]."

For a steady pupil: "[Name] completes work on time and is improving in [subject]. Practising [skill] at home will lift the next result."

For a pupil who is struggling: "[Name] is trying hard in [subject] and needs extra practice with [skill]. We will give short tasks each week and ask you to check them."

Words to avoid

Avoid labels such as lazy, weak or careless. Describe the behaviour instead: "hands in work late" tells a parent what to change, and "lazy" tells them only that the teacher is annoyed.

Avoid remarks that repeat the grade. "Good result" next to a B2 adds nothing.

Save time without losing the child

Keep a bank of sentences for each part, and edit one in for every child so it fits. Read each remark aloud before you finalise it.

EduPrefect can draft a remark for the teacher. The child's name is replaced with "the student" before the draft is made and restored when the teacher approves it. The teacher reads and edits every remark, and nothing is published without that approval.