Staff appraisal and capability: requirements and guidance

Get an overview of your requirements for appraising teachers and support staff, and see a case study of a staff-led approach to teacher appraisal.

Last reviewed on 26 January 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 46013
Contents
  1. You must appraise teachers annually
  2. It's good practice to carry out formal performance management for support staff
  3. You must have a capability policy 
  4. Case study: staff-led approach to appraisals (primary school)

You must appraise teachers annually

This is set out in The Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012.

The regulations state that:

  • Schools must have an annual appraisal process in place for teachers
  • Governing boards and local authorities (LAs) must have a written appraisal policy for teachers (see our model policy)
  • Teachers’ performance objectives must be linked to improving the education of pupils
  • Teachers must receive a written appraisal report that:
    • Assesses their performance, training and development needs
    • Makes, where relevant, a recommendation on pay progression

Mid-year appraisals are optional

However, you should check your school’s appraisal policy to see if this applies to you. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) encourages schools to have mid-year appraisals alongside end-of-year ones.

It's good practice to carry out formal performance management for support staff

However, this isn't a statutory requirement.

Our article on managing support staff for guidance on carrying out the process of support