Why More Schools Are Switching to HPC—And What You Need to Know

Education is changing, and schools that don’t adapt risk falling behind. More and more schools are implementing Holistic Progress Cards (HPCs) to improve student learning, track progress effectively, and meet evolving education standards. If your school hasn’t considered HPC yet, it’s time to understand why this shift is happening and what it means for students, teachers, and parents.

What Is the Holistic Progress Card?

A Holistic Progress Card (HPC) gives a complete picture of a student’s learning and development, not just their test scores. It tracks academic progress, cognitive skills, social-emotional growth, and real-world learning.

Unlike traditional report cards, HPC focuses on competency-based learning, helping teachers and parents see what a child knows, how they apply their learning, and where they need support​.

Key Features of HPC:

✅ Goes beyond marks – Tracks literacy, cognitive development, socio-emotional and ethical, physical development, and cultural development.
✅ Includes multiple perspectives – Teacher assessments, self-reflection, peer feedback, and parent input.
✅ Encourages real world testing – Uses competencies to test the learning of a child not the content.
✅ Strengthens home-school connection – Parents get clear insights into their child’s progress, not just a report card.

HPC helps schools identify student needs early and provide targeted support, making learning more effective and personalised.

Why Schools Are Adopting HPC

Schools are making the switch to HPC for several important reasons:

1. Compliance with Education Boards & Policies

New education reforms, such as SAFAL (Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning), NEP 2020 (National Education Policy), and competency-based learning models, require schools to go beyond rote learning and traditional assessments. HPC aligns with these expectations, making it easier for schools to comply with board mandates.

2. Staying Competitive in the Education Space

As more schools implement data-driven and student-centric assessments, those still using traditional report cards risk losing their competitive edge. State governments are already encouraging schools to adopt competency-based assessments, and parents are increasingly choosing schools that provide a clearer understanding of their child’s learning progress.

3. Strengthening Parent Trust & School Reputation

Parents want to see more than just numbers on a report card. They want insights into their child’s learning journey—where they are excelling, what challenges they face, and how they can improve. Schools using HPC build stronger relationships with parents by providing meaningful feedback and actionable next steps.

4. Improving Student Performance & Opportunities

With HPC, teachers can identify gaps early and provide necessary interventions, rather than waiting for end-of-year exams to highlight problems. This approach leads to better student performance, improved confidence, and higher aspirations. Schools can also connect students with enrichment programs that match their strengths, giving them more opportunities to succeed.

5. Making Assessments Easier & More Meaningful for Teachers

One common concern among teachers is the additional workload of assessments. However, HPC doesn’t mean more work—it means smarter tracking and better tools. Schools can:

• Replace existing activities with HPC-aligned assessments instead of adding new ones.

• Use ready-made assessment tools that align with competency-based learning.

• Automate tracking with digital tools, reducing paperwork.

By making assessments less stressful and more useful, teachers can focus more on student growth and personalised learning.

How Can You Get Started?

For schools new to HPC, transitioning can seem overwhelming. However, it can be simple and gradual with the right approach:

• Start with Existing Activities – Schools don’t need to create everything from scratch. Many activities already happening in classrooms can be aligned with competency-based goals.

• Adopt Ready-to-Use HPC Tools – Schools can explore existing assessment frameworks and HPC-aligned test items to make implementation smoother.

• Use Technology for Tracking – A simple digital system can help automate student progress tracking, reducing the burden on teachers.

• Train Teachers & Leaders – A step-by-step training program can help schools implement HPC without confusion.

• Engage Parents & Students – Schools can share detailed but easy-to-understand progress reports to build parent confidence and support student learning.

Final Thoughts

Holistic Progress Cards are not just another assessment tool—they are a new way of looking at student progress. Schools that adopt HPC are better prepared for the future of education, ensuring their students receive the best possible support and opportunities.