Gerald Said:

Writing a formal letter?

We Answered:

Yes you do need to put this information, as the sample shows, because your letter will end up in a filing cabinet and, at some point in the future, a new head teacher and/or secretary may need to know these details.

If you've started the letter with "Dear Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms" then finish the letter with "Yours sincerely,";
if you use "Dear Sir" then use "Yours faithfully". Your signature comes next.

Sign your name using the signature you use for cheques and credit card transactions and print your name underneath - you may think your signature legible but for the rest of us it can be sometimes a struggle.

The advice shown on your link is very good.

Felix Said:

Writing a formal letter to my son's head teacher?

We Answered:

Take it from me that schools get all sorts of letters, most of them pretty informal. There's no need to be overly concerned with formality. I quite often get crumpled Post-It notes from parents. However, if you want to do it properly (as shown on the site you linked to):

- Your address goes at the extreme top right.
- The Headteacher's address (school) goes at the extreme top left, usually a couple of lines lower than your address. For type-written letters this address normally appears at the extreme bottom left.
- The date goes underneath your address.
- Start it "Dear Mr X," if you know the Head's name (sounds like you do).
- Say your relationship and the name of the child concerned.
- Write what you want to.
- Conclude on a new line by saying "Yours sincerely".
- Sign underneath the "Yours sincerely".
- Print your name underneath your signature.