Secondary Subject Report Openers and Closers, KS3-KS4
The subject teacher's opening sentence sums up how the student has approached the subject over the term or year, and the closing sentence thanks, encourages and looks ahead or invites contact, framing the strengths and target in between.
Here are 12 samples from the 184 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
For any report period
Overall picture: Excellent E
Opener
- Thoughtful, ambitious and independent, [Name] produces work that goes well beyond what the lesson asks.
Closer
- Congratulations, [Name], on a superb report in [Subject].
Overall picture: Good G
Opener
- [Name] engages well with new topics and soon gets to grips with the main concepts.
Closer
- I appreciate the care and interest [Name] brings to the subject.
Overall picture: Developing D
Opener
- Growing in confidence, [Name] is starting to contribute more often to class discussion.
Closer
- I am happy to talk through ways to support [Name] if that would be helpful.
Overall picture: Needs support N
Opener
- Encouraging signs are emerging in [Name]'s written work, especially on short tasks with clear guidance.
Closer
- I enjoy teaching [Name] and am keen to help [him/her/them] take the next steps in [Subject].
For a specific report period
Interim report (autumn or spring)
Opener
- In the first part of the year, [Name] has grasped every new topic in detail and applied it with notable independence.
Closer
- Please get in touch if you have any questions about [Name]'s progress so far.
End-of-year report (summer)
Opener
- It has been good to teach [Name] this year and to see [his/her/their] understanding become more assured with each topic.
Closer
- A little reading or review over the summer would help [Name] carry this progress into the next stage.
Tips for openers and closers
- For an interim report in the autumn or spring, open with how the student has started the current topics and close with the target to focus on before the next report. Keep both short so the subject detail stands out.
- In the end-of-year report, look back over the year and close with good wishes for the summer. Do not assume the student continues the subject next year, and remember Year 11 may already be on study leave.
- For a student rated Needs support, open with a genuine strength or sign of progress and close warmly, perhaps inviting parents and carers to get in touch. A calm, honest frame makes the target easier to accept.
Comments by skill
- English, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- English, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Maths, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Maths, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Science, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Science, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- History, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- History, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Geography, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Geography, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Religious Education, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Religious Education, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Modern Foreign Languages, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Modern Foreign Languages, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Computing, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Computing, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Art and Design, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Art and Design, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Music, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Music, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Drama, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Drama, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Physical Education, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Physical Education, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Design and Technology, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Design and Technology, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Food and Nutrition, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Food and Nutrition, KS4 (Years 10-11)
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.