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Letter to the Head Teacher

Letter Writing

Intermediate

25 minutes

Independent

CSSE

The Prompt

“Write a letter to your head teacher suggesting one improvement that would make your school a better place. Be polite but persuasive.”

Planning Hints

5 tips to help you plan your response

Use the correct letter format: address, date, "Dear...", sign off.

State your suggestion clearly in the first paragraph.

Give at least three strong reasons why your idea would work.

Anticipate objections and address them.

End with a polite request for a response.

Starter Sentences

Suggested opening lines to get you started

“I am writing to you with a suggestion that I believe would benefit every student at our school.”

“As a Year 6 pupil who has been at this school for seven years, I feel qualified to suggest a small but significant change.”

“I hope this letter finds you well. I have an idea I would like to share.”

Key Techniques to Demonstrate

Techniques the examiner will be looking for in your response

Annotated Model Answer

A high-quality example response with techniques highlighted

14 Birchwood Avenue Chelmsford Essex CM1 4QR 4th March 2026 Dear Mrs. Patterson, I am writing to suggest an improvement that I believe would benefit every student at Greenfield Primary: the introduction of a school reading garden. At the moment, when the weather is fine, we have two choices during break and lunchtime: the playground or the field. Both are wonderful for running, climbing, and football, but neither offers a quiet space for those of us who would sometimes prefer to sit, read, or simply think. A reading garden — even a small one — would fill that gap. I have three reasons why I believe this would work. Firstly, reading is something our school already values enormously. We celebrate World Book Day, we have a well-stocked library, and every classroom begins the afternoon with silent reading. A garden would take that commitment outdoors and show that reading is not just a classroom activity but something worth doing in the sunshine and fresh air. Secondly, a quiet outdoor space would support the wellbeing of students who find breaktimes overwhelming. Not every child thrives in a noisy playground, and a reading garden would offer an alternative that is calm without being isolated. Thirdly, the garden itself could become a learning resource. Classes could use it for outdoor writing sessions, science observations, or even art. Plants, insects, and seasonal changes would provide inspiration that no worksheet ever could. I understand that creating a new space requires time, money, and planning. However, I believe the cost could be kept low. Parents might donate plants, benches could be built during Design Technology lessons, and the gardening club — which I would happily help to establish — could maintain it throughout the year. I would be very grateful if you would consider this suggestion. I am confident that a reading garden would not only improve our school but would become one of its most treasured features. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Yours sincerely, Amira Hussain Year 6, Elm Class

Hover or tap the highlighted phrases to see the technique and explanation

Techniques Used in This Answer

Persuasive Language (x2)

Signposting

Emotive Language

Contrast

Counter Argument

Formal Register

Ready to Write?

Practice this prompt under timed conditions, just like the real exam. You have 25 minutes.

Planning Templates

Suitable for letter writing

Diary / Letter Writing Frame

A structure for diary entries and letters. Focuses on voice, format, and personal reflection.

4 steps|2-3 minutes

Marking Focus Areas

organisation

vocabulary

grammar

More Letter Writing Prompts

Continue practising with similar prompts

Letter Writing

foundation

Letter to a Pen Pal

“Write a letter to a pen pal in another country, telling them about your life and where you live.”

25 min