How to track your child's progress
5 min read · updated 2026-09-01
Between school reports, parents' evenings, homework apps and tutor updates, tracking academic progress can feel like a full-time job. Here is what to focus on and what to ignore.
The three data sources that matter
- ✓ School assessment data: test scores, mock results and predicted grades (ask the school for this if not shared proactively)
- ✓ Tutor progress notes: weekly updates on what was covered, what improved and what needs work
- ✓ Your own observation: is homework getting easier? Are they talking about the subject without prompting?
The two questions to ask every term
- ✓ Is my child meeting the year-level expectation in every subject?
- ✓ What are the specific gaps, and what is the plan to close them?
What to ignore
Comparing with other children (every child's trajectory is different). Generic school newsletter data that does not relate to your child. And social media posts from other parents about their child's grades. Focus on your child's actual trend, not on anyone else's highlight reel.
FAQs
How often should we check progress?＋
A light check every fortnight (homework done, tutor notes read) and a deeper review every term (assessment data, mock results, tutor progress reports).
What if the data shows no improvement after a term?＋
That is the signal to act: talk to the tutor about adjusting the plan, talk to the teacher about what the school sees, and consider whether the tutor match is right.
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