Writing an application to the principal is a common task for many students during their school life. An application is a formal request made in writing to an authority figure. As the head of a school, the principal is the main authority figure students need to approach for various requirements or issues.
There can be many reasons and situations where a student may need to write an application to the principal. Whether it is seeking a leave of absence, requesting a transfer certificate, or asking for fee concession, applications to the principal are an important part of school communications.
Learning how to write effective application letters to the principal is an essential skill for students. With the right format, content and tone, an application letter can help convey the student’s request properly and increase the chances of getting approved.
What is an Application Letter to the Principal?
An application letter to the principal is a formal written appeal or request made by a student to the head of the school. It is addressed to the principal and outlines the student’s specific requirement, situation or request.
Application letters to the principal are written by students for the following purposes:
- To request a leave of absence – sick leave, casual leave, emergency leave etc.
- To ask for a fee concession – full or partial fee waiver based on financial circumstances
- To request a transfer certificate – when leaving the school to move to another school
- To request school records – like bonafide certificates, migration certificate, marksheets etc.
- To change school timings – due to exams or other commitments
- To make other requests – like changing class/section, waiving late fees etc.
The principal reviews these application letters from students and makes a decision based on the school policies, the merits of the request and the specific situation mentioned.
Reasons to Write an Application to Principal
There are many specific reasons why a student may need to write an application letter to the principal during their academic year:
1. Seeking Leave of Absence
- Sick Leave – When a student is unwell or hospitalized
- Emergency Leave – Sudden events like a family member’s illness, accident or death
- Preparation Leave – Leave required before major exams to study
- Casual Leave – Occasional leave needed for personal reasons
2. Financial Assistance
- Fee Concessions – If families are facing financial troubles, students can apply for partial or full fee waiver.
- Educational Loans – Students may request the principal to sanction loans to pay their fees.
- Fee Refunds – Those discontinuing mid-term due to unforeseen circumstances can request refunds.
3. Academic Requests
- Bonafide Certificates – Needed for scholarships, competitions etc.
- Transfer Certificates – Required when moving to another school.
- Schedule Changes – Students may request changes to class timings, sections etc.
- Permission for Events – Needed to conduct events using school resources.
How to Write an Application to the Principal?
When writing an application to the principal, students should follow these steps:
1. Use the Proper Format
The application letter should adhere to a formal letter-writing format with these elements:
- Sender’s address – Student’s full name, class, section and residential address
- Date – On the top right corner
- Name & Designation of the Recipient – “To The Principal” with school name
- Subject – Purpose of the application, e.g. Application for Sick Leave
- Salutation – Respected Sir/Madam
- Content – Written in clear paragraphs
- Complimentary close – Thanking the principal, e.g. Thank you, Yours faithfully
- Signature – Signed by the student with the name
2. Keep the Tone Polite and Humble
The tone of the application should be:
- Polite and humble – Use polite language, avoid a casual tone
- Grateful – Thank the principal for their time and consideration
- Truthful – Provide true details and explain the situation honestly
3. Highlight Relevant Details
- Specify the exact request being made for leave, fee waiver etc.
- Provide important dates and duration
- Explain the purpose and reason for the request with relevant details
- For medical leave – give doctor’s advice and certificates as supporting documents
4. Proofread Before Submitting
Before submitting the application, students should:
- Check for grammatical/spelling errors
- Ensure all details provided are correct
- Take a printout and sign the letter
Following these steps will create an effective, formal and polite application letter to the principal.
Format of Application to the Principal
The standard format to write an application to the principal is as follows:
- Sender’s Address – Top left corner
- Date – Top right corner
- Receiver’s name and designation – e.g. To The Principal, Podar International School
- Subject – State purpose in 1 line e.g. Application for Sick Leave
- Salutation – Respected Sir/Madam,
- Content – Written in clear paragraphs with relevant details on:
- – Reason for the application
- – Dates and duration
- – Supporting documents attached (if any)
- Complimentary Close – Thank you/thanks, Yours sincerely,
- Signature – Sign with your name and designation
- Name – Write the sender’s full name and class below the signature.
Let’s look at sample applications to the principal for some common student requests:
Write an Application to the Principal for Leave
1. Sample Application for Sick Leave
Date: dd/mm/yyyy
To
The Principal
Podar International School
Mumbai
Subject: Application for leave due to illness
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Ramachandran S., a student of Class 9 A, request you to grant me leave for 3 days from 20 September 2023 to 22 September 2023. I have been suffering from high fever and vomiting since Sunday evening.
I visited Dr. Ramesh at Apollo Clinic who advised me to take 3 days of bed rest to recover properly. I have attached the medical certificate issued by the doctor along with this application.
I request you to kindly grant me leave for 3 days as prescribed by the doctor. I will resume attending classes from Thursday, 23 September 2023.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely, Ramachandran S. Class 9 A Podar International School
(Signature)
2. Sample Application for Emergency Leave
Date: dd/mm/yyyy
To
The Principal
Delhi Public School Delhi
Subject: Application for 2 days emergency leave
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Riya Mehta, a student of Class 8 B, wish to apply for 2 days emergency leave from 18 September 2023 to 19 September 2023.
Unfortunately, my grandmother has been hospitalized due to a heart attack on 17 September 2023. In this difficult time, I need to be with my family and grandmother.
I humbly request you to grant me leave for 2 days, i.e. on 18 and 19 September so that I can provide my support and care to my family and ailing grandmother. I promise to catch up on any school work I miss during this time.
I would be very grateful if my leave application is approved.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully, Riya Mehta Class 8 B Delhi Public School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for 3 Days’ Leave
Date: 16/09/2023
To The Principal
Saint Paul’s School Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Subject: Application for 3 days leave
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Aditya Sharma, a student of Class 7 B, wish to apply for 3 days casual leave from 20 September 2023 to 22 September 2023.
My sister’s wedding is on 21 September 2023 in our hometown of Gwalior. My family has requested my presence during the wedding preparations and rituals.
Kindly grant me leave for 3 days from 20 September to 22 September so that I can attend this important family function. I will rejoin classes on 23 September 2023 after the wedding.
I have already informed my class teacher about this leave in advance. I promise to complete all school work and assignments given during this period before I return.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Aditya Sharma Class 7 B
Saint Paul’s School
(Signature)
Write an absent application to the principal
Date: 18/09/2023
To
The Principal
Serra International School
Chennai
Subject: Application for leave of absence on 17 September 2023
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Sanjay N., a student of Class 10 B, was absent from school on Saturday, 17 September 2023 due to personal reasons.
I sincerely apologize for missing school without prior notice. The reason for my unexpected absence was that I had to urgently travel to my hometown in Krishnagiri as my grandmother was hospitalized due to ill health.
Please accept my absent application and kindly grant me a leave of absence for 17 September retrospectively. I hope you understand my situation and excuse me for missing school in this emergency.
I promise that this will not be repeated. I will resume attending classes from tomorrow, 18 September 2023.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours faithfully,
Sanjay N. Class 10 B Serra International School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for Sick Leave
Date: 14/09/2023
To
The Principal Bal Bharti Public School New Delhi
Subject: Application for sick leave
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Tanya Sharma, a student of Class 8 A, wish to apply for sick leave of 3 days from 15 September 2023 to 17 September 2023.
I have been suffering from viral fever, cough, cold and body aches since Tuesday. Due to my ill health, I was unable to attend classes yesterday and today.
I visited our family doctor Dr. Mehra who has advised me to take 3 days of bed rest as I am still weak and need proper rest to recover fully. I have attached the medical certificate issued by him along with this application.
I request you to kindly grant me sick leave from 15 to 17 September 2023 as per the doctor’s advice. I will resume attending school from Monday, 18 September 2023 after my health improves.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Tanya Sharma Class 8 A
Bal Bharti Public School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for Fee Concession
Date: 13/09/2023
To
The Principal Tagore International School Bengaluru
Subject: Application for fee concession
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Ananya Roy, a student of Class 5 C, wish to apply for a full fee concession for this academic year due to our family’s financial difficulties.
My father, who was the sole earning member in our family, passed away two months ago due to a sudden cardiac arrest. His unfortunate demise has caused tremendous emotional and financial hardship to our family.
My mother is now the only person shouldering all household expenses as well as the fees for me and my younger brother who is in 1st standard. She is finding it very difficult to pay my high school fees along with all other costs.
I sincerely request you to kindly grant me a full fee concession for this year and waive my tuition fees. My class teacher can provide details about my good academic performance and conduct. I will continue to work hard and make our school proud.
Your kind approval of this fee concession request will be a great support in our family’s difficult time. I hope you will consider my request sympathetically.
Encl: Father’s Death Certificate
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Ananya Roy
Class 5 C Tagore International School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for TC (Transfer Certificate)
Date: 21/08/2023
To
The Principal,
St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School
Delhi
Subject: Application for a Transfer Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Mohit Sharma, a student of Class X B, wish to apply for a transfer certificate from the school as I am moving to another city with my family by the end of this month.
My father has been transferred to Chennai due to his job. So I will no longer be able to continue my studies at this school.
Kindly issue me a transfer certificate so that I may submit it for admission into a new school in Chennai.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this school under the guidance of respected teachers. I will cherish the learnings and experiences gained here.
Please let me know if any other documents are required for issuing the TC. I will submit them at the earliest for prompt processing of my request.
Thank you for your support during my school years here. Wishing the school great success ahead.
Yours faithfully,
Mohit Sharma Class X B St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for a Change of Section
Date: 05/07/2023
To The Principal Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Pune
Subject: Request for change of section
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Rhea Sharma, a student of Class 8 B, wish to request to change my section from B to A in Class 8.
The reason for this request is that I have recently moved to a new neighborhood located closer to the area where the school transport picks up students of Class 8 A.
It takes me 1 hour currently to reach the bus stop for Class B students whereas the stop for Class A is only 15 minutes from my new residence. Traveling for long hours has been affecting my health and studies.
I would be extremely grateful if you could please shift me to section A so that I can save commute time and not face any hardship in reaching school on time every day. My parents have also consented to this change.
Please let me know if any procedural documents are needed from my side for this. I will submit them as soon as possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Rhea Sharma Class 8 B Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for Transfer Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Ravi Gupta, a student of Class XII Commerce, wish to apply for a transfer certificate as I will be shifting to a new school located closer to our new home.
My father who is in a transferable job has been posted to a different city. Therefore, my family is relocating to Mumbai by September end.
I request you to kindly issue me a transfer certificate so that I may submit it to my new school in Mumbai for admission into Class XII there.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at this reputed school and will forever cherish the knowledge I gained here under the guidance of my wonderful teachers.
Please advise if any other documents are required from my side for issuing the TC. I will arrange for them promptly.
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to study at this prestigious institution. I owe my learning and achievements to the school.
Yours faithfully,
Ravi Gupta Class XII Commerce St. Xavier’s School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for School Leaving Certificate
Date: 19/09/2023
To The Principal Mother’s Pet Kindergarten School Pune
Subject: Application for a school leaving certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Shreya Rao, a student of Class X, wish to apply for a school leaving certificate as I will be relocating abroad with my family next month.
My father has been transferred to the USA branch of his company. Hence, I will no longer be able to continue my education at this esteemed school.
I request you to kindly issue me a school leaving certificate indicating that I was a bonafide student of this institution from Nursery Class to Class X. This certificate will assist me in applying to new schools in the USA.
Please let me know if I need to provide any other documents for this. I will arrange for them promptly.
I have wonderful memories of my formative years spent learning under the guidance of respected teachers here. I sincerely thank you for the knowledge, values and skills I gained during my tenure at this school.
Yours faithfully,
Shreya Rao Class X Mother’s Pet Kindergarten School
(Signature)
Write an Application to the Principal for Full Fee Concession
Date: 05/08/2023
To The Principal Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School Chandigarh
Subject: Application for full fee concession
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, Riya Singh, a student of Class VII, wish to apply for full concession of my school tuition fees for this academic year due to financial difficulties faced by my family.
My father, who was the sole breadwinner, lost his job two months back when his company shut down operations. Since then, my family has been undergoing severe monetary problems as we have no other source of income.
My mother has been trying her best to make ends meet but is unable to pay my high school fees along with all other expenses. I come from a very humble background and my education means a lot to my parents.
I sincerely request you to please waive my entire school fees this year and allow me to continue my studies. I promise I will work very hard and make our school proud through my achievements. My class teacher can provide details of my good academic record and conduct.
It will be a great boon for me if you kindly accept my request for a full fee concession during this difficult period my family is going through. I hope you will sympathetically consider my application.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Riya Singh Class VII Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School
(Signature)
Conclusion
Writing effective applications to the school principal is an important communication skill for students to learn. Following the proper format and guidelines when drafting application letters increases the chances of their request being accepted. Students should provide relevant details, maintain a polite and formal tone, proofread the content before submitting and follow up appropriately.
With the right approach, students can convey their needs and requirements to the principal through application letters for various purposes like leave of absence, fee concessions, transfers, certificates etc. Learning how to proficiently write applications is therefore an invaluable skill for all students.
