Headteacher's report to governors: template and guidance

Use our template to make sure the headteacher's report has all the information it needs to do its job well. It includes the topics you'll likely want to cover, and the evaluation areas in Ofsted's 2025 inspection framework.

Updated
on 3 June 2026
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 3962
Contents
  1. Agree on the scope, format and frequency of reports you receive
  2. Check you're receiving the right amount of information
  3. Download our template 
  4. Make your report available to anyone who asks

Some of the information in this article is based on the governance handbook. Although this guidance has now been withdrawn, the recommendations below are still relevant.

Agree on the scope, format and frequency of reports you receive

Your headteacher needs to provide your board with the information it needs to do its job well. 

Work with your headteacher to: 

  • Discuss what your board would like to have included in the report, and agree on the scope and format
  • Agree on the frequency of the reports you receive. Make sure you take work-life balance into account and avoid busy periods, such as exams. Most headteachers report to governors 3 times a year

New headteachers: they should decide on the scope and format before they start producing reports, as