Positive report card comments that are specific, not empty

Why specific praise works better

Parents read reports looking for evidence that the teacher knows their child. A specific positive comment proves it in one sentence. It also tells the student what to keep doing. 'Great work this semester' could go on any report; 'persisted with challenging problems and tried a new strategy when the first one didn't work' could only go on one.

Specific praise also protects you. If a positive comment sits beside a D grade, a parent may reasonably ask why the comment sounded so good. Praising a real strength (effort, a particular skill, a moment of growth) while being honest about the overall level avoids that mismatch. Our pillar guide on report card comments shows how to match comment language to each grade.

Positive comments for high achievers (A and B)

High achievers need praise that recognises depth, not just correctness, and a next step that stretches them. Avoid comparing them with classmates.

• [Name] approaches every task with curiosity and consistently produces work of a very high standard.
• [Name] thinks deeply about new ideas and makes connections across learning areas without prompting.
• [Name] explains complex ideas clearly, which helps classmates understand them too.
• [Name] sets high standards for their own work and reflects carefully on how to improve it.
• [Name] applies their knowledge flexibly to unfamiliar problems.
• [Name] asks insightful questions that extend our class discussions.
• [Name] takes on extension challenges with enthusiasm and perseverance.
• [Name]'s writing shows a mature voice and deliberate, effective choices of vocabulary.
• [Name] works independently and manages their time well on long projects.
• [Name] is a generous learner who shares ideas and supports others without taking over.

Positive comments for students at the standard (C)

Students achieving a C are achieving what's expected for their year level, and they often get the least specific comments. Show them they've been noticed.

• [Name] has worked steadily this semester and met the expected standard across the key concepts.
• [Name] participates willingly in class activities and is growing in confidence when sharing ideas.
• [Name] completes set work reliably and takes care with presentation.
• [Name] has shown real improvement in [skill], which is reflected in their recent work.
• [Name] listens carefully to instructions and gets started on tasks promptly.
• [Name] responds well to feedback and uses it to improve their next piece of work.
• [Name] works well with a partner and contributes fairly to group tasks.
• [Name] is becoming more independent, attempting tasks before asking for help.
• [Name] showed persistence during our [unit], sticking with a challenging task until it was done.
• [Name] has a positive approach to learning and is willing to try new things.

Positive comments for students working towards the standard (D and E)

These comments matter most, and need the most care. Praise effort, strategy and progress honestly, without implying the student is at the standard. Pair them with a clear next step and the support in place. See report comments for struggling students for full examples.

• [Name] has made pleasing progress in [skill] this semester and should be proud of their effort.
• [Name] shows great persistence and keeps trying when a task is challenging.
• [Name] makes good use of the strategies and supports available in class.
• [Name] is becoming more confident to ask for help when they need it.
• [Name] contributes valuable ideas in discussion, which we are now building into their writing.
• [Name] has grown in independence and is starting tasks more quickly.
• [Name] is most successful when using hands-on materials, and their understanding is growing.
• [Name]'s attendance at [support program] is making a real difference to their reading.
• [Name] celebrates small successes, and their positive attitude helps them keep going.
• [Name] has shown that they can [specific achievement], which is a strong foundation for next semester.

Positive comments about effort and learning habits

Positive comments about character and relationships

Positive comments by subject

• English: [Name] reads widely and enthusiastically, and their love of stories shows in their imaginative writing.
• English: [Name] presents to the class with growing confidence and clear expression.
• Maths: [Name] explains their mathematical thinking clearly and can show more than one way to solve a problem.
• Maths: [Name]'s steady times tables practice has made a real difference to their speed and accuracy.
• Science: [Name] makes careful observations and is excited to find out why things happen.
• HASS: [Name] researches independently and brings interesting facts to class discussions.
• The Arts: [Name] experiments with different techniques and takes pride in their creative work.
• Health and PE: [Name] participates enthusiastically, encourages teammates and shows great sportsmanship.
• Languages: [Name] is willing to have a go at speaking in [language] and their pronunciation is improving.
• Technologies: [Name] tests and refines their designs, learning from what doesn't work.

For full subject banks grouped by A–E level, see English, maths and science and HASS comments.

Words and phrases to use, and overused ones to avoid

Writing the overall comment? Our general comments for primary school cover effort, behaviour and wellbeing for Prep to Year 6.