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Original poster

How do you call the headmaster in email?

37 replies

gcsepanicmum · 16/11/2020 00:04

I had to write an email to the headmaster. I wrote 'Dear Mr xxxx' and signed my full name. He replied to me 'Dear (my first name) and signed his first name. Should I take it as an invitation to call him by his first name or should I stick to the initial form I used which will be 'Mr xxxx'?

He didn't say, 'call me (his first name)' so I feel it's a bit too cheeky of me to jump into following his suit. I wouldn't like to sound too cold, but I would like to sound as polite as possible. We are discussing some issues at school.

I need to write a reply soon. Can anyone give me advice, please? I really appreciated it.

OP posts:
DobbinReturns · 16/11/2020 00:15

I would probably avoid it by thanking for the reply etc.
Otherwise I would stick with Mr Surname, hopefully you'll never need to, but if you get into a complaints type situation, it all gets very awkward when it reverts to surname terms (BTDT)

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 16/11/2020 00:12

I'd go with Mr xxxx.

Pipandmum · 16/11/2020 00:12

When I was being thanked for volunteering or for something positive it was my first name and his. When my son was getting detention it was 'Mrs X'. I don't know him on a personal level. I don't know their teachers. It's a formal relationship. It's always Miss, Ms, or Mr etc. It's a sign of respect and I'm surprised he wrote to you so informally.

Lucked · 16/11/2020 00:11

I don’t use any address in replies, as it is carrying on the same conversation. Given that he signed off with his first name I would use that in my signature.

ShipOfTheseus · 16/11/2020 00:10

I would use Mr.

HeddaGarbled · 16/11/2020 00:10

Yes, if he’s signed off with his first name, that’s your invitation to shift to first names.

Changethetoner · 16/11/2020 00:09

I'd keep things formal and use Dear Mr Hissurname. But I'm over a certain age, and would also want him to call me Mrs Changethetoner.

AlwaysLatte · 16/11/2020 00:08

I'd still go Mr surname.

Bridecilla · 16/11/2020 00:08

I stop using names in replies - just a 'hi' or 'hello' does

Mapless · 16/11/2020 00:07

He is attempting to sound less formal. However I would still respond Dear Mr XX. This is how I've always emailed school staff. We refer to ourselves by our first names but to others by their surname.

SionnachRua · 16/11/2020 00:07

I'd consider that an invitation to call him by his first name. Certainly whenever I send an email like that to parents that's the intention. Having said that if they continue with Ms X I won't be offended, so don't worry about it too much.

Bikingbear · 16/11/2020 00:07

I'd call him by his first name, you are an adult / equal not a child.

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