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Monitoring & outcomes

Headteacher reports

Use our headteacher report template and guidance to support efficient reporting and robust monitoring.

Tools & templates
04/09/2025
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Headteacher reports are an essential element of the governing board’s monitoring routine. An effective report:

  • equips the board to ask the right questions
  • supports robust accountability
  • helps identify issues that need to be prioritised by the board

The governing board determines the scope, content and frequency of the report. This should be kept under review to ensure that the information requested is useful and effective. Boards should remain mindful of workload implications for school leaders.

The format and content of the report should help governors to stay focused on its strategic functions – a report that includes too much operational detail may lead to the board becoming distracted or overwhelmed.

Our headteacher report template demonstrates the breadth and depth of information that should be provided, together with suggestions on how to present data. The template provides prompts and guidance that covers:

  • an executive summary
  • an update on strategic priorities
  • key metrics on safeguarding, attendance and behaviour
  • pupil progress and attainment measures
  • staffing, risk management, health and safety and estates
  • stakeholder engagement

The template is suitable for all types of single school including maintained and single academy trusts. If you govern within a multi academy trust, refer to our trust board report templates.

Headteacher report template

MS Word download

Webinar

Getting board reporting right

Join Sam Henson, NGA's Director of Policy and Information, as he explores the topic of executive board reporting and the information boards need to fulfil their role. The webinar covers:

  • the delicate balance of effective board reporting
  • the limitations of reports from executive leaders
  • internal and external data sources
  • practical ideas for triangulating key areas
Watch the webinar
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