Report card comments

Hundreds of original teacher comments for report cards, sorted by subject, grade and level, plus progress report comments and tips for writing your own. Copy any of them free.

Every example is original and free to copy. Replace [Name] with the student's first name, then change anything that does not fit. Use the Copy button beside each comment.

How to write a good report card comment

1. Start with a real strength. Name something specific the student can do now.
2. Give one clear next step. Say what to work on and how families can help at home.
3. Mention progress. Compare with the last grading period, not with other students.
4. Keep it short and plain. Two to four sentences, no jargon or acronyms.
5. Add one personal detail. A moment, interest or kindness that shows you know the child.

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Teacher comments on report cards, by subject

A sample for each subject: one strong, one on track and one still developing. Each subject has many more on its own page or in the grade collections.

Reading

• [Name] approaches reading with real confidence. They can infer how characters feel and back this up with evidence from the text. Next, we would love them to explain how a writer builds tension or atmosphere.
• [Name] has shown a secure grasp of the key ideas in reading. It is pleasing to note that he uses the context of a sentence well to work out unfamiliar words. He has maintained his level of work. Next, he should read a wider range of genres, including poetry and non-fiction.
• [Name] has made steady progress in reading this year. Notably, she is becoming more confident when reading aloud. Her effort is good and she usually finishes tasks well. The next target is to read aloud at home for ten minutes most days.

Writing

• [Name] has made excellent progress in writing this year. They use ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structures, which is a real strength. The next target is to use punctuation such as semicolons and dashes for effect.
• [Name] has shown a secure grasp of the key ideas in writing. In particular, he writes clear sentences with accurate punctuation. His recent results have been consistent. Next, he should proofread for spelling and punctuation before handing work in.
• [Name] has made steady progress in writing this year. Notably, she is using capital letters and periods more consistently. Her effort is good and she usually finishes tasks well. A useful next step is to check every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a period.

Math

• [Name] approaches math with real confidence. They spot patterns quickly and use them to make predictions. To move forward, they need to take on open-ended problems that have more than one answer.
• [Name] is working securely in math. Notably, he can solve one-step and two-step problems. He has maintained his level of work. The priority for next year is to practice multiplication facts so that recall becomes instant.
• [Name] is developing her skills in math. A real strength is that she is becoming more confident with number facts. She is a willing and conscientious worker. Next, she should practice number bonds and multiplication facts little and often.

Science

• [Name] really shines in science. We are delighted that they use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently. Next, we would love them to link their conclusions to scientific theory.
• [Name] is working securely in science. Notably, he can explain the key ideas from our topics this year. Attainment has remained consistent since the previous assessment point. A useful next step is to learn key vocabulary for each topic.
• [Name] is developing her skills in science. In particular, she can describe what happened in an experiment. Her effort is good and she usually finishes tasks well. The next target is to say what she think will happen and why.

Social studies

• [Name] is a highly capable learner in social studies. In particular, they ask searching questions about the past. A useful next step is to consider how reliable a source is and why it was made.
• [Name] has worked well in social studies this year. He uses sources to find information, which is a real strength. Attainment has remained consistent since the previous assessment point. To move forward, he needs to explain the consequences of events as well as the causes.
• [Name] is developing her skills in social studies. A real strength is that she can recall some key facts from our topic. She is a willing and conscientious worker. The next target is to learn three key facts about each topic.

Art

• [Name] is a highly capable learner in art. In particular, they talk about artists' work with insight. The next target is to develop a personal style through more experimentation.
• [Name] has a sound understanding of the art we have covered. He shows good control when drawing and painting, which is a real strength. Attainment has remained consistent since the previous assessment point. In order to progress further, he should aim to use the sketchbook to try ideas before the final piece.
• [Name] is becoming more confident in art. She is proud of what she makes. She works hard in lessons. She will benefit from trying to practice careful observational drawing.

Music

• [Name] has achieved a very high standard in music. In particular, they lead others well in group performances. Next, we would love them to read and write more notation.
• [Name] is a capable and steady learner in music. He contributes ideas to group compositions, which is a real strength. His recent results have been consistent. In order to progress further, he should aim to practice parts until they are secure.
• [Name] is developing her skills in music. Notably, she joins in enthusiastically with singing. She is a willing and conscientious worker. To move forward, she needs to clap and tap along to music at home.

PE

• [Name] has made excellent progress in PE this year. We are delighted that they lead and encourage others in team activities. To move forward, they need to coach others and explain how to improve.
• [Name] has made good progress in PE this year. He takes part with energy and enthusiasm. His recent results have been consistent. Next, he should evaluate performances and suggest improvements.
• [Name] is becoming more confident in PE. A real strength is that she is growing in confidence in PE lessons. She works hard in lessons. She will benefit from trying to practice throwing and catching at home.

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Progress report comments

Mid-year and quarterly progress reports need shorter, forward-looking comments: where the student is now and what to focus on before the next report.

• [Name] has been a joy to teach this grading period. They bring enthusiasm and kindness to the class every day. Next, we would love them to ask questions to deepen understanding. I am excited to see what they achieve next.
• [Name] has had a successful grading period. He displays a positive attitude to school. The priority for the next grading period is to check work carefully before handing it in. Well done on a positive start.
• [Name] is building firm foundations for the future. Staying on task is something she is working on. Next, she should ask for help when unsure. I look forward to seeing her progress next grading period.
• [Name] has made good progress across the curriculum. They have a positive attitude to learning. In order to progress further, they should aim to add more detail to their answers. I am confident that they will continue to progress.
• [Name] has had an outstanding grading period. He shows an excellent attitude to learning. A useful next step is to complete tasks in small steps. Well done on a positive start.
• [Name] has made good progress across the curriculum. She has a positive attitude to learning. To move forward, she needs to review key vocabulary regularly. Keep it up, [Name]!
• [Name] is building firm foundations for the future. Staying on task is something they are working on. The next target is to review key vocabulary regularly. I look forward to seeing their progress next grading period.
• [Name] has had a happy and productive grading period. He is a friendly and reliable member of the class. He will benefit from trying to ask questions to deepen understanding. Keep it up, [Name]!

Comment starters

• Strengths: "[Name] confidently…", "A real strength is that [Name]…", "[Name] has become skilled at…"
• Progress: "Since the last report, [Name] has…", "[Name]'s work in … has improved because…"
• Next steps: "Next, [Name] will work on…", "At home, you can help by…"
• Effort: "[Name] always gives…", "With steady effort, [Name] can…"

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