Primary Subject Report Comments (KS1 and KS2), Years 1-6
In primary schools in England, the class teacher writes the subject sections of the report: what each child is learning in English, maths, science and the foundation subjects. Headteachers must send a written report giving brief particulars of achievements in each subject, highlighting strengths and developmental needs (GOV.UK guide for headteachers, updated 8 May 2024). Format and length vary by school; these examples use a four-point scale: Extending, Confident, Developing and Beginning.
Each page below covers one skill for one grade band, with sample strengths and next steps at every level and tips for writing your own. These comments are written for the subject comments (English, maths, science and the foundation subjects) on a primary school report in England.
Comments by skill and grade band
Also: opening and closing sentences for each report period.
The 4 comment levels
| Code | Level |
|---|---|
| E | Extending |
| C | Confident |
| D | Developing |
| B | Beginning |
The scale describes how independently the child shows the learning. Extending suits independently, applies it in new contexts and explains reasoning; Confident suits usually and with occasional support; Developing suits sometimes, or with a model or word mat; Beginning names what the child does with adult support. Show the point through one piece of learning rather than writing the scale word itself.
Tips for subject report comments
- Name the learning, not the topic covered. 'Uses column addition to add three-digit numbers' tells parents what their child can do, while 'has enjoyed our maths unit' does not and reads oddly if the comment goes out in another term.
- Keep attainment wording out of the subject comment. Many schools show a separate judgement for each subject in a table, so describe what the child can do and leave out test or check results and any scheme or app names.
- Keep attitude, effort and behaviour for the general comment. Each subject paragraph works best as one strength from that subject, one specific next step and, where space allows, one free activity families can try at home.
This site shows 302 of the 2,092 sentences in the pack. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Education, the Standards and Testing Agency, Ofsted, any local authority, SACRE or multi-academy trust, or any phonics, maths or curriculum scheme. Written around the national curriculum programmes of study in England; check the wording against your school's curriculum and reporting policy.
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.