If you’re a student or a job seeker, asking for a reference from your previous headteacher can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach and a well-written request letter, you can obtain a glowing reference that can help you stand out from other applicants.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a Headteacher Reference Request Example that you can use as a guide. We’ll also share some tips on how to write an effective reference request and answer some frequently asked questions.
Tips on Writing a Headteacher Reference Request
Before you start writing your reference request, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
- Be polite and professional in your tone of voice
- Provide your headteacher with enough information about yourself
- Ask for the reference well in advance of the deadline
- Make it easy for your headteacher to say yes
- Use a clear and concise format
Headteacher Reference Request Example
Reference Request for University Application
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a reference for my university application. I studied at XYZ School from 2015 to 2020 and you were my headteacher during this time.
I enjoyed my time at XYZ School and I was grateful for the support and guidance that you provided. I am now applying to ABC University to study journalism and I would be honored if you could provide me with a reference.
If you need any further information about me, please do not hesitate to ask. I have attached my CV and personal statement to this email.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
Jane Doe
Complimentary close: Sincerely,
Reference Request for Job Application
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I am writing to request a reference for my job application. I recently applied for a position at DEF Company and they have asked for a reference from my previous headteacher.
I attended GHI School from 2012 to 2019 and you were my headteacher during this time. I always appreciated your approachable and supportive attitude towards your students, which helped me to develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.
If you could provide a reference for me, I would be very grateful. If you need any further information about me, please let me know.
Thank you for considering my request. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Reference Request for Scholarship Application
Dear Mr. Brown,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a reference for my scholarship application. I am currently applying for a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science, and I would be honored if you could provide me with a reference.
I was a student at JKL School from 2014 to 2020, and you were my headteacher during this time. I learned a lot from your classes and your guidance helped me to achieve my goals.
I have attached my personal statement and academic transcripts to this email. Please let me know if you need any further information about me.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Amy Johnson
Complimentary close: Yours sincerely,
Reference Request for Volunteering Opportunity
Dear Ms. Davis,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a reference for a volunteering opportunity that I am interested in. I recently applied to volunteer at MNO organization, and they require a reference from my previous headteacher.
I attended PQR School from 2010 to 2017, and you were my headteacher during this time. I remember your dedication to helping students and your passion for community involvement.
If you could provide a reference for me, I would be very grateful. If you need any further information about me, please let me know.
Thank you for considering my request. I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Thompson
Complimentary close: Kind regards,
Reference Request for Internship Application
Dear Dr. Foster,
I am writing to request a reference for my internship application. I recently applied for an internship at STU Company, and they have asked for a reference from my previous headteacher.
I attended VWX School from 2013 to 2019, and you were my headteacher during this time. I always appreciated your encouragement and support in my academic and extracurricular activities.
If you could provide a reference for me, I would be grateful. I have attached my resume and cover letter to this email. Please let me know if you need any further information about me.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Michael Brown
Complimentary close: Respectfully,
Reference Request for Grad School
Dear Mr. Green,
I am writing to request a reference for my graduate school application. I am planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology and I would be honored if you could provide me with a reference.
I attended YZ School from 2012 to 2019, and you were my headteacher during this time. Your guidance and support were instrumental in helping me develop a strong academic record and passion for research.
If you could provide a reference for me, I would be very grateful. I have attached my transcripts and personal statement to this email. If you need any further information about me, please let me know.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sophia Lee
Complimentary close: Warm regards,
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I ask for a reference from my headteacher via email?
Yes, you can ask for a reference via email. However, it’s important to be polite and professional in your tone of voice and provide your headteacher with enough information about yourself.
Can I give my headteacher a template for my reference?
It’s generally not a good idea to give your headteacher a template for your reference. Your headteacher should provide an honest and accurate assessment of your abilities and character, and a template might limit their ability to do so.
How long should I give my headteacher to write a reference?
You should give your headteacher at least two weeks to write a reference. This will give them enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed reference without feeling rushed.
Should I follow up with my headteacher after requesting a reference?
Yes, you should follow up with your headteacher after requesting a reference if you haven’t heard back from them after a week or so. However, be polite and respectful in your follow-up and avoid being pushy or demanding.
What should I do if my headteacher declines to provide a reference?
If your headteacher declines to provide a reference, don’t panic. Try to ask them why they are unable to provide a reference, and see if there is anything you can do to address their concerns. If not, try to find another suitable reference.
Can I submit more than one reference from my headteacher?
You should only submit one reference from your headteacher unless the application specifically asks for more than one reference from the same person.
Conclusion
Asking for a reference from your previous headteacher can be a bit daunting, but it’s an important step in the application process. Remember to be polite and professional in your request, provide your headteacher with enough information about yourself, and give them enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed reference. With these tips and examples, you should be on your way to obtaining the perfect reference letter!