Teacher appraisal policy: model, checklist and examples
Adapt our model appraisal policy to use in your school, or use our checklist to make sure your own policy covers everything it needs to. Also see examples of school policies covering appraisal of teachers' performance.
- Download and customise our model appraisal policy
- Use our checklist to write and review your own appraisal policy
- Who to consult before introducing or changing this policy
- See examples of policies from schools
- Sources
Download and customise our model appraisal policy
Maintained schools and pupil referral units must have an appraisal policy. Having this policy is not a requirement for other types of school, but you may still find it useful.
Our policy has been approved by Forbes Solicitors and was developed in consultation with the school leaders' union NAHT. It is based on the DfE's model teacher appraisal policy and includes an appraisal report template created with Jeremy Bird, one of our associate education experts.
Model policy: teacher appraisal
Please note: This policy is aimed primarily at maintained schools and academies, but you can adapt it to suit any school. If you wish to use the policy in a different type of setting, we recommend you check this policy against any requirements or considerations specific to your context and adapt it accordingly.
Use our checklist to write and review your own appraisal policy
Use our checklist if you'd prefer to write your own policy and want to make sure you're covering everything you need.
Who to consult before introducing or changing this policy
Unions
You should always consult with the unions represented at your school before implementing a new policy that refers to the employment of staff, or making any significant changes to your existing policy.
Your staff
It's not a requirement to consult staff but it is good practice – a DfE spokesperson advised us of this.
Appraisal and capability arrangements can be contentious so it's important to discuss any proposed changes to your policies with all those who will be affected, including staff and the governing board.
You'll want to understand what has worked well and which parts of the current policy are areas of concern, as well as how individuals feel about the proposed changes.
Take a look at our guidance on consulting staff for more support.
Your local authority or relevant employer
An adviser from the HR and People team at One Education suggested that maintained schools consult with their local authority (LA) before introducing a new performance management policy.
Your LA may already have a model policy and/or guidance that you should consult, adapt or adopt. LA model policies are often already drawn up with the agreement of union representatives, too.
Where the LA is not the employer, you may choose to consult with the LA on a new policy, but you don't have any obligation to do so. If you're in a multi-academy trust, check whether your trust has a policy or guidance that you need to follow.
See examples of policies from schools
Primary schools
- Christleton Primary School in Cheshire West and Chester
- Hunsbury Park Primary School in West Northamptonshire
Secondary schools
- Thomas Tallis School in Greenwich
- Eastbrook School in Barking and Dagenham
Special school
- Brent Knoll School in Lewisham
Sources
- Teacher appraisal and capability: a model policy for schools, see part A - appraisal, GOV.UK – DfE
- School teachers' pay and conditions: guidance, GOV.UK – DfE
Jeremy Bird has extensive experience of primary headship. He has also worked with local authorities and published guidance for new and aspiring headteachers and senior leaders.
