Writing Effective NSW Report Comments: 7 Rules That Hold Up
Seven rules for NSW comments that agree with the grade, read clearly to parents, and survive your supervisor's proofread.
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NSW public schools report to parents in writing at least twice a year, and most give an A–E grade for each subject alongside a comment. Parents read the grade, then look to the comment to understand it. These seven rules keep the two in step.
1. Write to the grade you gave
If the grade is a C, the comment should describe sound achievement. Parents notice when a glowing comment sits next to a C, or a cautious one next to an A, and it leads to awkward phone calls. Settle the grade from your evidence first, then write.
2. Lead with something true and specific
Start with a real strength, tied to the syllabus content you taught this semester. "Ava solves two-step word problems using a range of strategies" beats "Ava is a pleasure to teach."
3. Translate the syllabus
Outcome codes and syllabus headings mean little at home. Keep the idea of the outcome and say it in everyday language. This matters even more as schools move onto the new NESA syllabuses and the terms change.
4. Give one piece of evidence
A named task or piece of work ("her persuasive speech on school uniforms") shows the grade is grounded in what the student did.
5. Make the next step actionable
"Needs to try harder" doesn't help anyone. "Next, Ava will check her answers by estimating first" gives the student a target and the parent a way to help.
6. Describe learning, not behaviour
Unless behaviour directly affects learning, leave it for a conversation. The comment is about knowledge and skills in the subject.
7. Proofread for your supervisor
Most NSW schools have a proofreading step before reports go home. Make it quick: use the student's preferred name and the right pronouns, keep to your school's length, and check the comment still fits once it's in SENTRAL.
A quick before and after
Before
Liam has worked well this semester in Mathematics and should continue to try his best.
After
Liam multiplies two-digit numbers accurately and explains his strategy, as he showed in our market day budget task. His next step is to check answers by estimating first.
For a line-by-line breakdown, read anatomy of a NSW report comment, and for grade descriptors, our A–E scale guide.
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