Excuse Letter Example for Sick Student: How to Write a Formal Letter and What to Include

As a student, getting sick is an inevitable occurrence. Whether it’s a common cold, the flu, or even something more serious, being absent from school is sometimes necessary for your health and the safety of your classmates. However, writing an excuse letter for sick students can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before or you’re not sure what to include. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an example of an excuse letter for a sick student, as well as some tips on what to include and what to avoid. These examples are meant to be a starting point for you, and you can edit them as needed to fit your particular situation. Whether you’re a student writing your own excuse letter or a parent writing one for your child, we hope this article will be helpful to you. So let’s get started!

The Best Structure for an Excuse Letter for a Sick Student

When a student falls ill, it is essential to have a well-structured excuse letter to communicate their absence to the school. A properly written letter will not only excuse the student’s absence but also convey the appropriate message to the school administration, teachers, and classmates. Here’s a breakdown of the best structure for an excuse letter for a sick student.

Paragraph 1: Opening statement
The first paragraph should begin with an opening statement. It should start with a salutation, indicating the recipient of the letter. The opening should then state the reason for writing the letter which is to excuse the student’s absence because of their illness. The opening statement should be short and straightforward.

Paragraph 2: Explanation
The second paragraph should provide a brief explanation of the student’s illness. Although it may not be necessary to reveal the exact details of the ailment, it is essential to give a brief overview of the illness to inform the school administration that the absence is legitimate. This will help alleviate any doubts or suspicions concerning the student’s absence.

Paragraph 3: Date of absence and expected return
The third paragraph should provide the date of the student’s absence and expected return date. This paragraph should also include any additional information about the student’s absence, such as the duration of the illness, doctor’s orders, or whether the student is contagious.

Paragraph 4: Gratitude
The fourth paragraph should include a courteous and grateful statement. This statement can express gratitude towards the school administration, teachers, and classmates for their understanding and support during the student’s absence. This gesture of politeness will leave a positive impression on the school administration, ensuring that they are more likely to grant future requests for excused absences.

Paragraph 5: Closing
In the final paragraph, the letter should conclude with a closing statement and sign-off. The sign-off can be an expression of appreciation or a simple farewell. It should also include the parent or guardian’s signature and the date of the letter.

In conclusion, writing an excuse letter for a sick student requires a well-structured format that is thorough and organized yet concise and easy to understand. Following this structure will ensure that the message is effectively communicated and that the excuse letter is taken seriously.

Excuse Letter Samples for Sick Students

Sample 1: Absent due to fever

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], was absent from school for [number of days] due to suffering from a high fever. As per the doctor’s instructions, I had to keep him/her at home to allow proper rest and medication.

I assure you that [Student’s name] will make up for the missed classes and assignments and will try their best to catch up with the current curriculum. I appreciate your understanding and support during this period.

Thank you,

Sincerely, [Your name]

Sample 2: Absent due to stomach flu

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], was absent from school for [number of days] due to suffering from a severe stomach flu. The doctor advised us to keep him/her at home to prevent the infection from spreading to other students.

I would appreciate it if you could provide [Student’s name] with the necessary assignments that were covered during the absence to enable him/her to catch up. We are grateful for your assistance, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards, [Your name]

Sample 3: Absent due to chickenpox

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], has been diagnosed with chickenpox and will be absent from school for a while. The doctor has advised us to watch over him/her and keep him/her at home to prevent the spread of infection to other students.

We will try our best to ensure that [Student’s name] keeps up with the school curriculum and makes up for any missed assignments or tests. We appreciate your understanding and support during this period and look forward to seeing him/her back in school soon.

Thank you,

Best wishes, [Your name]

Sample 4: Absent due to anxiety attacks

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], has been absent from school for [number of days] due to anxiety attacks. We have consulted with a doctor who has advised us to keep him/her at home for a few more days to monitor the condition.

We would appreciate it if you could provide us with the necessary assignments and class notes that were covered during the absence so that [Student’s name] can catch up with the rest of the class. We are grateful for your support and understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards, [Your name]

Sample 5: Absent due to a broken arm

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], has been absent from school for [number of days] due to a broken arm. We are working with a doctor to ensure that [Student’s name] recovers quickly while missing as little academic work as possible.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance in providing the necessary assignments or class notes that were covered during the absence to enable [Student’s name] to catch up. Thank you for your support during this time, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Best regards, [Your name]

Sample 6: Absent due to asthma

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], has been absent from school for [number of days]. This is due to his/her asthma symptoms, which were particularly severe during this last period.

The doctor advised us to keep him/her at home to rest and recover and recommended several home-based treatments. I would appreciate your assistance in providing any necessary assignments or class notes that were covered during this absence to enable him/her to catch up with the rest of the class.

I am grateful for your understanding and cooperation and hope that [Student’s name] will be back in school soon.

Best regards, [Your name]

Sample 7: Absent due to a chronic illness

Dear [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to inform you that my son/daughter, [Student’s name], has been absent from school for an extended period due to a chronic illness. As you may know, this condition requires [him/her] to undertake frequent medical appointments and treatments that sometimes interfere with [his/her] school attendance.

We are working with the doctors to ensure that [Student’s name] receives the needed medical treatment and care. We would appreciate your assistance in providing any necessary assignments or class notes that [Student’s name] can work on from home. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging period.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely, [Your name]

Tips for Writing an Excuse Letter for a Sick Student

When a student is feeling ill and unable to attend school, it is essential for parents or guardians to inform the school by writing an excuse letter. Writing an excuse letter may seem like a simple task, but it is important to ensure that it is written professionally and appropriately. Here are some tips for writing an excuse letter for a sick student:

  • Begin with a polite greeting and introduction. Address the letter to the relevant authority, such as the teacher or principal. Introduce yourself and your child and briefly explain the reason for the letter.
  • Include important details such as the date of absence, the reasons for absence, and the expected duration of absence. This information is crucial for the school to keep track of student attendance and academic progress.
  • Provide a valid explanation for the student’s absence, such as illness, injury, or medical appointment. Be specific and provide any relevant medical documentation if necessary.
  • Express appreciation and gratitude to the school for their understanding and assistance during this period. A professional and polite tone will help to build a good relationship with the school authorities.
  • End the letter on a positive note and encourage continued communication between the school and parents to ensure the student’s wellbeing and academic success. Thank the recipient again for their time and consideration.

Remember that writing an excuse letter is not just a formality, but an important part of ensuring the student’s wellbeing and academic success. By following these tips, you can write a professional and appropriate excuse letter that will help the school to support your child during their absence.

FAQs on Excuse Letter Example for Sick Student


What is an excuse letter for a sick student?

An excuse letter for a sick student is a letter written by a parent or guardian to a school to inform them of a student’s absence due to illness.

When should I write an excuse letter for my sick child?

You should write an excuse letter for your sick child on the day that the child is absent from school. It is best to write the letter as soon as possible so that the school is aware of the absence.

What should be included in an excuse letter for a sick student?

An excuse letter for a sick student should include the student’s name and grade, the date of the absence, the reason for the absence, and any other necessary information such as the expected date of return to school.

Do I need to provide any medical documents along with the excuse letter?

Usually, schools do not require any medical documents along with the excuse letter. However, in some cases, schools may ask for a medical certificate in case of extended absences or frequent absences due to illness.

How should I deliver the excuse letter to the school?

Excuse letters can be delivered to the school in person by the parent or guardian, or can be emailed or mailed to the school if the school allows for it. You should check with the school about their preferred method of delivery.

What happens if I don’t write an excuse letter?

If you do not write an excuse letter for your sick child, the school may classify the absence as unexcused. This may result in the student missing important tests or assignments, or the school may take disciplinary action.

Can I use the same excuse letter for multiple days of absence due to illness?

It is advisable to write a new excuse letter for each day of absence due to illness to keep the school informed about the student’s absence. However, if the student is absent for several days due to the same illness, you can mention that in the excuse letter for the first day of absence, and update the school if there are any changes in the student’s condition.

Time to Rest and Recover

That’s it for our excuse letter example for a sick student. Here’s hoping that you’ll never need to use it, but it’s always good to be prepared just in case. Remember, taking care of your health is just as important as taking care of your education. So, if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to take a break and rest up. Thanks for reading and be sure to come back soon for more useful tips and tricks!