How To Write A School Report

A school report is an important tool for communicating a learner’s progress, strengths, and areas that need improvement. Whether you are a teacher writing reports for students or a learner completing a report for a school project, knowing how to structure and present information clearly and professionally is key. A well-written school report reflects understanding, observation, and good writing skills. Here is how to write a school report.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Report

Before writing, know who the report is for and what information it should include. A school report for teachers often summarises a student’s academic performance, behaviour, and participation. A learner’s report for a subject or project might analyse a topic or present findings. Understanding the goal will guide your tone and content.

2. Begin with Basic Information

At the top of the report, include the following details:

• Name of the student or author
• Class or grade
• Date
• Subject or title of the report

For example:

Name: Ayanda Ndlovu
Grade: 7B
Date: 28 March 2025
Subject: Natural Sciences – Report on Plant Growth

3. Write a Clear Introduction

The introduction should briefly state what the report is about. It provides context and sets the tone for the rest of the content. Use simple, direct language.

Example:

This report focuses on how sunlight affects the growth of plants. The aim was to observe how plants grow under different light conditions and to understand the role sunlight plays in photosynthesis.

4. Present Information in Organised Sections

Divide the body of the report into logical sections. Use clear subheadings if possible. For a subject report, typical sections might include:

• Objective or Purpose – What you wanted to find or learn
• Method – How you collected or observed the information
• Findings – What you discovered or observed
• Discussion – What the findings mean or how they compare to your expectations

For a progress report written by a teacher, sections could include:

• Academic Performance – Comment on strengths and challenges in each subject
• Behaviour and Attitude – Note classroom behaviour, cooperation, or respect
• Participation – Mention involvement in activities, effort in class, and enthusiasm
• Recommendations – Suggest ways to improve or areas to focus on

5. Use Clear and Formal Language

Keep the language simple, formal, and objective. Avoid slang or overly casual phrases. Write in full sentences and ensure your spelling and grammar are correct. Use positive wording where possible, even when addressing areas for improvement.

Example:

Sipho continues to show improvement in Mathematics. He is encouraged to practice multiplication tables regularly to gain more confidence.

6. Conclude with a Summary

End the report with a short conclusion that summarises the main points or overall performance. If relevant, add suggestions or next steps.

Example:

In conclusion, the experiment showed that plants exposed to sunlight grew faster and stronger than those kept in the dark. Sunlight is essential for healthy plant growth, supporting the process of photosynthesis.

For a learner’s progress report:

Overall, Lindiwe has had a productive term. Continued support at home and active participation in class will help her achieve even greater results.

7. Proofread Your Report

Before submitting the report, read it through to check for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure it makes sense and that the information is accurate and clearly presented.

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