How to write a good complaint letter?

Question

Myself and my friend both did GCSE Art & Design last year, and due to two incompitent teachers, I mean one time, we wanted to stay behind to do our coursework because the teachers "car was going to the garage", we later saw said car depart in fully working order. Another excuse they made was they were "going to the gym" and they "had lives". Both myself and my friend got lower grades than we anticipated. How can we write a good complaint letter to our old school explaining our concerns for this years art students?

To CT: These teachers had already offered to stay behind and help us and then went back on it. You have obviously never done an art couse, as it takes up all the lessons, and although we worked at home we didn't have the equiptment that we needed at home. Get a clue.

Yes, the full class was getting lower grades than they deserved. Then, the teacher started these afte school coursework nights which they both bailled out of for the above reasons.

Answer 1

I don't think teachers get paid overtime so why should they stay behind in their own free time? Do the work when you should do it. Why should you get preferential treatment?

Jeez, I hate kids....

You obviously got the grades you deserved.

Write a letter, it won't do you any good.

Answer 2

First of all you need to decide exactly what you are complaining about, who has the power to do something about it, and what outcome you are seeking.
If this person was meant to keep the studio open and was paid to do it, that is one thing. If s/he wasnt contracted to be there, then perhaps your issue is with the school, the headteacher and perhaps the governors. If it is normal for studios to be kept open after hours then the school may have cut back unreasonably on this provision and put you at a disadvantage in your exam. Your complaint against the teachers would really just be about their attitude.
So if the complaint is about the teacher you would write to the head and copy to the head of dept and the Education Authority. This is so the school can't ignore you. If the complaint is about the school, you should complain to them and copy to the authority. In both cases, especially if the school cut the resources available, I think it might be worth seeing a lawyer. You should get a first consultation free or with legal assistance since you probably don't have an income yet.
Now for the content of the complaint. It is useful that you have witnesses ie there were at least two of you who saw this. It would also help if you can put dates and times to the incidents. See if you can remember something else that happened that day or week so you can pin it down that way.
Another avenue would be to go along and see your local councillor or MP and raise the issue with them.
Good luck.

Answer 3

To write a good complaint letter, you need to make sure that your allegations are based on fact and not on feelings. Then you should simply state the facts in the most grammatically correct manner possible. Use all the most polite and correct language and keep personal feelings out of it. Do not offer opinions that will sound like a petulant child whining, but, as an ambitious student eager to learn from a patient and enthusiastic teacher.
That should get you started. I know you asked for a good complaint letter assistance and not for my opinion, but here it is anyway...Why do you consider the teachers to be incompetent? Do you feel that you got lower grades because of something you did or didn't do? Or, do you feel that you received lower grades than you anticipated because of the teacher not teaching you? Why should the teacher spend extra time (that they are probably not getting paid for) with you? Did other people in the class get lower grades than they expected? Did you often request that the teacher (s) stay after class time to assist you? Was there time allowed during regular class time to work on the assignment? You need to consider these questions before you write your letter, because these are what will give credibility to your complaint or not.

Answer 4

I would suggest a very polite, straight to the point letter, do not ramble or over explain, or it may not be taken seriously. If I were composing this letter I would simply state that as a past student of this program I experianced some situations that I felt were not appropriate, and that you have some concerns about this. State the name of the instructor's, and then request that you be contacted by the administration to discuss your concerns.

Answer 5

Be polite,
State the facts,
State the damage caused,
Be brief and straight to the point,
Use bullet points if applicable,
State what remedies you are suggesting,
State all the parties you are sending this letter to.

(Although, I might argue a bit about the reason for this letter).

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

There is a book called "how to say it"written by Rosalie Maggio.I'm a business owner and I could'nt live without this book.It gives you the words,phrases and sentences.It also tells you what not to say.I love this book.There are imitations of it out there,so be sure to get the correct one.

Answer 7

You need to learn how to explain yourself in proper sentences first. "I mean one time, we wanted to stay behind to do our coursework because the teachers "car was going to the garage"" makes no sense at all. I'd get someone else to write the letter otherwise the recipient won't understand you.

Answer 8

Keep your letter short and to the point. State only facts, keep it polite and state what you would like to happen to put things right.

Answer 9

just write a formal letter complaint address to the management of the school or to the president of the school and explain words for words ab out your deslike to your former teachers givinbg you lower grades than what you deserve

Answer 10

a complaint letter should be clear, concise and straight to the point of your complain. it must be addressed to the person concerned.