School reports are quite traditional, whether at school today or almost a hundred years ago. I’ve still got my own school reports, and I’m fortunate to have some belonging to my parents and grandparents, as well.

Not a lot has changed. Reports usually include a list of subjects, grades or scores, as well as general or subject-specific comments. They can offer insight into skills and interests, and might even share a little of personality as observed by teachers.

The excerpt below is from 1939, and the end of my maternal grandfather’s first year at high school, in the same year his father died. He was in form 1B3, there were 33 students in the class, and he placed fourth overall.

Most noticeable is that he topped the class in English language and literature. He also did well in modern history, science, woodwork and technical drawing. I remember him reading a lot, and having artistic ability. The report results show early signs of this.

Do you have any school reports in your family history archive? They might have potential clues about your ancestors.