School reports help plan tutoring by showing where current grades fall short of targets, which skills teachers mention repeatedly and how effort compares across subjects, so you can choose one or two clear priorities. A report is a useful starting point, not a verdict. This guide explains how to use one.

Written by Tutopiya, an online tutoring company that teaches students one-to-one.

Key takeaways

• Look for gaps between current and target grades.
• Repeated comments point to real priorities.
• Choose one or two focus areas.
• Share the report with the tutor.

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What to look for in a report

The most useful parts are current and target grades, specific teacher comments and effort ratings. The EEF’s parental engagement summary explains how parents can support learning.

Section	What it tells you
Current vs target	Size of the gap
Comments	Specific skills
Effort	Motivation
Attendance	Missed learning

How to use a report: step by step

1. Read it with your child.
2. Highlight gaps between current and target.
3. Note repeated comments.
4. Choose one or two priorities.
5. Talk to teachers if unclear.
6. Share with a tutor and set goals.

Browse our Cambridge IGCSE tutors, IGCSE maths tutors and A Level tutors.

Turning comments into goals

Comment	Goal
”Needs to show working”	Full working in every answer
”Lacks analysis”	Analysis in each paragraph
”Careless errors”	Checking routine
”Must revise more”	Weekly revision plan

Talking with your child

Start with what went well, then ask what they think is hardest. Children who feel listened to are more willing to work on weaknesses. Agreeing priorities together, rather than imposing them, builds ownership. If the report is disappointing, keep perspective: one report is a snapshot, and many students improve quickly with a clear plan.

Talking with teachers

Teachers can explain grades, suggest priorities and say what helps in class. A short email or parents’ evening conversation can clarify a lot. Sharing that information with a tutor makes tutoring much more targeted.

Effort vs attainment

If effort is high but grades are low, a gap in understanding is likely. If effort is low, motivation or organisation may be the issue. These need different support, so it’s worth noticing which applies.

How to tell the plan is working

• the next report shows progress;
• teacher comments change;
• your child feels more confident.

How parents can help

• keep reports and compare over time;
• celebrate improvements;
• stay in touch with teachers.

Questions to ask a tutor

1. What do you see as priorities from this report?
2. What goals should we set?
3. How will we measure progress?

A sample plan after a report

Weeks	Focus
1–2	Diagnose priority gaps
3–8	Targeted teaching
9–12	Check progress before next report

Online tutoring and reports

Share reports with an online tutor by uploading or photographing them. Lesson summaries then show how each priority is being addressed.

Reports in different school systems

UK schools often report working-at and target grades, IB schools report on criteria and predicted grades, and Singapore schools report marks and bands. Whatever the format, the same questions apply: where is my child now, where should they be, and what’s holding them back? A tutor familiar with your child’s curriculum can help interpret the report. International families moving schools may see different formats, so comparing like with like matters.

Using predicted grades

For older students, predicted grades shape university applications. If predictions are below what’s needed, tutoring before the next assessment can help. See IB predicted grades tutoring and year 13 tutoring and predicted grades.

Spotting patterns over time

Comparing reports across terms shows whether a subject is improving, steady or slipping. One weak report can be a blip; a pattern is worth acting on. Keeping reports in one folder makes this easy.

When reports are positive

Positive reports are a chance to celebrate and to consider stretch goals. If your child is doing well, tutoring might focus on challenge or on maintaining strong habits rather than fixing gaps.

Tip: write the two priorities from each report on a sticky note above your child’s desk.

A clear plan after each report keeps tutoring focused.

Effort grades and motivation

Low effort grades may point to motivation, organisation or confidence issues rather than ability. See tutoring for a coasting student for ideas.

Tip: share the report with the tutor before the next lesson.

Reports and younger children

For primary children, focus on reading, writing and number comments and keep conversations light and encouraging.

Tip: read reports with your child in a calm moment, not straight after school.

Small, focused changes after each report add up.

Tip: compare this report with last term before deciding anything.

How Tutopiya tutoring works

Tutopiya offers one-to-one online tutoring.

• A tutor matched to your child’s subject, level and exam board.
• A free first trial lesson, with no card needed.
• From 4 hours a month per subject. Each tutor sets their own rate, shown before booking.
• AI lesson analysis gives a written summary, flashcards and quiz questions after each lesson.

See our online tuition page.

Common mistakes

• Trying to fix everything → choose priorities.
• Ignoring comments → read closely.
• Not sharing with the tutor → share.
• Panicking → plan calmly.

Talk to us

For related guides, see does my child need tuition and setting tutoring goals for the term. Or contact our team.

Summary: use school reports to find gaps and repeated comments, choose priorities and share them with a tutor.

Frequently asked questions

How can a school report help plan tutoring? +

Reports show current grades, effort, teacher comments and targets, which help decide which subjects and skills to focus on.

What should I look for in a report? +

Gaps between current and target grades, repeated comments, effort ratings and any specific skills mentioned.

Should I share the report with a tutor? +

Yes. It helps the tutor understand priorities and set realistic goals.

What if the report is disappointing? +

Stay calm, talk with your child and the teacher, and choose one or two priorities rather than trying to fix everything.

How does Tutopiya use school information? +

Tutopiya tutors use reports and test results to set goals and plan lessons. The first trial lesson is free with no card required.

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