1. Provide specific and detailed praise: You should provide detailed and specific praise in the subject reference. For example, you could say, “John is an outstanding student who consistently produces work of the highest quality. He is diligent, hardworking and has an excellent grasp of the subject material.”

2. Use concrete examples: You should also provide concrete examples to support your praise. For example, you could say, “John’s approach to the subject is exemplary. He demonstrates an impressive level of understanding and always applies himself to tasks with great enthusiasm. In particular, he achieved an outstanding grade in his December mock exam.”

3. Offer comparisons to other students: You might also want to offer comparisons to other students in the same subject. For example, you could say, “John consistently outperforms his peers and consistently earns top marks in the class.”

4. Highlight any special projects or achievements: You should also highlight any special projects or achievements that the student has made. For example, you could say, “John has been instrumental in the development of the Sixth Form’s Biology Club, where he has helped to deliver a series of engaging and informative activities to other students.”

5. Speak to their ability and potential: You should also speak to their ability and potential. For example, you could say, “John is an exceptionally talented student who has the potential to excel in any field he chooses. I have full confidence in his ability to achieve great things in the future.”

6. End with a strong recommendation: Finally, you should end with a strong recommendation. For example, you could say, “I have no hesitation in recommending John for higher education. He has all the qualities necessary to succeed and I am confident he will make a positive contribution to any university or college.”

An excellent subject reference might look something like this: John is an outstanding student who consistently produces work of the highest quality. He is diligent, hardworking and has an excellent grasp of the subject material. His approach to the subject is exemplary and he demonstrates an impressive level of understanding that is consistently applied to tasks with great enthusiasm. In particular, he achieved an outstanding grade in his December mock exam, outperforming his peers and consistently earning top marks in the class. John has also been instrumental in the development of the Sixth Form’s Biology Club, where he has helped to deliver a series of engaging and informative activities to other students. He is an exceptionally talented student who has the potential to excel in any field he chooses and I have full confidence in his ability to achieve great things in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending John for higher education. He has all the qualities necessary to succeed and I am confident he will make a positive contribution to any university or college.