The teacher's remark is often the only part of a report card written in plain language, and it is the part parents remember. It is also the part teachers have the least time for. This guide covers a structure that makes good comments quick to write, the wording that keeps them constructive, and how to handle the students who are hardest to write about.
Why most report card comments get skimmed
Parents open a report card and look at two things: the marks, and the teacher's remark. If the remark reads like it could apply to any child in the class — "Good student, keep it up" — they stop reading it, and next term they stop looking for it at all.
The fix is not writing longer comments. It is writing comments that are specific, honest and actionable, in two or three sentences.
Aarav is a good student. He needs to work harder in Maths. Keep it up.
Aarav writes well-structured answers in English and Science. In Maths, he understands fractions in class but loses marks by skipping steps; showing full working in homework will help.
Use a three-part structure: strength, evidence, next step
Almost every good remark follows the same shape. Once you use it a few times it becomes quick to write, and it keeps comments balanced even for students who are having a hard term.
Something specific the student does well — a skill, habit or attitude, not a generic compliment.
A topic, project or moment from the term that shows it. This is what makes the comment personal.
One clear goal for next term and, where possible, what parents can do at home to support it.
Choose words that describe, not label
Comments describe what a student is doing now. Labels like "lazy" or "weak" describe who they are, and they tend to stick. Parents also read tone very closely, so a small change in wording can decide whether a meeting is productive or defensive.
Avoid jargon from the assessment framework too. "Achieved Grade B2 in FA2" means something to the staff room; "is working at the expected level in reading" means something to a parent.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Lazy | Is capable of more when fully focused on the task |
| Weak in Maths | Is still developing confidence with [topic] |
| Talks too much | Is sociable and is learning when it is time to listen |
| Careless | Would benefit from checking work before submitting |
| Never does homework | Needs to complete homework regularly to consolidate learning |
| Slow learner | Benefits from extra practice and time to master new skills |
Writing about struggling students and behaviour concerns
A report card should never be the first time a parent hears about a serious problem. If a student is failing a subject or there is an ongoing behaviour issue, have the conversation first, then let the written comment confirm what was discussed and the plan agreed.
In the comment itself, stay factual and focused on support: what the difficulty is, what the school is doing about it, and what would help at home. Invite a meeting if one has not happened yet. Keep anything sensitive — health, family situations, comparisons with other students — out of a document that will be kept for years.
Riya is failing Science and does not pay attention. Her behaviour must improve immediately.
Riya enjoys practical work in Science but is finding the theory difficult this term. We have started short weekly revision sessions, and I would welcome a meeting to discuss how we can support her together.
Writing 40 comments without burning out
The structure above makes each comment better; these habits make the whole batch faster.
Jot one observation per student every few weeks. At report time you are choosing, not remembering.
Start from a shared bank of phrases, then personalise. Our 50 comment templates are a good starting point.
Have a coordinator review remarks for tone and accuracy before they go out. Check names and pronouns carefully.
When marks and remarks live in the same system, the class teacher can see a student's scores while writing the comment, the coordinator can review the whole class in one place, and the final report cards go to parents without anyone retyping remarks into a template. That is what a report card management system is for.
Marks and remarks, reviewed in one place
See how Ellifo lets teachers enter co-scholastic remarks next to marks and publish finished report cards to the parent app.
Written with input from class teachers and academic coordinators who run report card season every term.
