A school may be aware of circumstances which may be affecting a student's performance - actual or potential. The death of a close relative, illness, family strife etc. are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Admissions tutors may be able to relax their selection criteria if they are aware of such circumstances. Applicants, understandably, are reluctant to mention such factors in their personal statement and the reference provides an appropriate vehicle for this. Naturally admissions staff will need to know something about the applicant's general behaviour and demeanour within the community of the school.
Statements focusing on punctuality, attitude, standards of dress etc. are welcome.
Information about related extra curricular activities is equally helpful, e.g. Duke of Edinburgh's Award, community service. It is also helpful to learn if the applicant is socially adept as they will soon be making a transition to a much wider community than the one which they are currently part of. The reference should conclude with a statement which recommends the student with or without reservations. The admissions tutor may have deduced this from information elsewhere in the application but it is reassuring to find that the school thinks likewise. Finally the box which indicates the confidentiality of the reference should be filled in.