Report card comments for teachers, with examples
Updated 22 October 2026
Writing a fresh comment for every learner in a class of 60 takes hours, and by the end they all sound the same. A better way is a small set of comments for each range of results, each using the learner’s name and subjects. Here are examples you can copy and change.
In the examples, [Name] is the learner’s first name, and [Best subject] and [Weakest subject] are that learner’s best and weakest subjects this term. Put in the real words for each learner.
What makes a good comment
- Use the learner’s name. It shows the comment was written for them.
- Say one thing that went well, even for a learner who struggled.
- Name one thing to work on, usually the weakest subject, and how.
- Keep it short. One or two sentences fit the box and get read.
- Describe the work, not the child. “Needs more practice in Mathematics” helps; “lazy” does not.
- Don’t compare learners with each other or with brothers and sisters.
- Make the head teacher’s comment shorter than the class teacher’s, and don’t repeat it.
Class teacher comments by average mark
80% and above
Excellent work, [Name]. Keep it up.
A wonderful term, [Name]. Your [Best subject] results really stand out.
[Name] works hard and it shows. Keep aiming high, and help others where you can.
70% to 79%
Very good work, [Name]. A little more effort in [Weakest subject] will take you higher.
[Name] has done very well this term. Keep reading every day.
60% to 69%
Good work, [Name]. Give [Weakest subject] more attention next term.
[Name] is improving steadily. Ask questions in class when something is not clear.
50% to 59%
A fair term, [Name]. You can do better, especially in [Weakest subject].
[Name] has the ability to do more. Finish all homework and revise every evening.
Below 50%
[Name] needs more support, especially in [Weakest subject]. Let us work together next term.
[Name] tried this term. With daily practice at home and at school, [Name] will improve.
Class teacher comments by division
For classes with aggregates (see how to work out aggregates and divisions), some schools choose the comment by division instead of the average.
| Division | Example comment |
|---|---|
| I | A first grade, [Name]. Excellent work; keep it up. |
| II | Good work, [Name]. Improve [Weakest subject] and you will reach Division I. |
| III | [Name] can do better. More effort is needed, especially in [Weakest subject]. |
| IV | [Name] needs to work much harder. Revise [Weakest subject] every day. |
| U | [Name] needs close support next term. Please see the class teacher. |
Head teacher comments
| Average | Example comment |
|---|---|
| 80% and above | Excellent results. Keep it up. |
| 65% to 79% | Good results. Aim higher next term. |
| 50% to 64% | Fair results. More effort is needed. |
| Below 50% | Work much harder next term. |
Nursery comments
Nursery cards talk about how the child is growing, in gentle words, with no positions or divisions.
[Name] is doing excellently. Keep it up.
[Name] is doing very well. Keep practising [Weakest subject].
[Name] is making good progress, and plays and shares well with friends.
[Name] is trying. Let us help with [Weakest subject] at home.
Two versions per range keep comments fresh
If every learner with 80% gets the same sentence, parents comparing cards notice. Write two or three versions for each range and use them in turn down the class list: the first learner gets version 1, the next version 2, and so on.
Every learner gets a comment, automatically
In Report Card Studio you write your comment bank once, by average or by division, with words like [Name] and [Weakest subject]. Each learner gets exactly one comment with their own name and subjects, versions take turns down the class list, and you can change any single comment before printing. You can also leave lines for teachers to write by hand.
Also read: How to work out aggregates and divisions →