School report

The written summary of progress. Read the comments, not just the grades.

Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.

What it is

A written report on attainment, progress, effort and attendance, issued at least annually. Schools must report to parents on their child's progress each year.

Where it applies

All pupils in state schools.

How it works

Reports mix current attainment with predicted or target grades, and the terminology differs between schools — working at, on track, expected standard, flight path. None of these are national terms.

What you can ask for

Ask what the grades actually mean at this school. "On track for a 5" is meaningless until you know what it was measured against.

Ask what the gap is between the current and the target grade, and what specifically closes it.

Compare reports over time rather than reading one in isolation. A pattern is information; a single report is a snapshot.

Where to get help

The class teacher or head of year. SENDIASS for free local advice, and IPSEA or Contact nationally. where SEND is involved.

Where to read more

Read the official guidance

Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28