QuickRead: Planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time

Find essential information on planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time in just 1 page. Plus, download a copy of this QuickRead as a ready-made resource to share with colleagues.

Last reviewed on 7 January 2026See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 12688

Principles of PPA time

All teachers are entitled to at least 10% of their timetabled teaching time as PPA time.

This time must be allocated during a school's timetabled teaching week, in blocks of at least 30 minutes.

This is explained in paragraph 52.5 the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD).

Timetabled teaching time refers to the teaching hours available for individual teachers, before PPA time is subtracted.

Entitlements to PPA time

All teachers with a teaching commitment are entitled to PPA time. This includes:

  • Teachers paid on the leadership pay range who have teaching commitments
  • Part-time teachers
  • Cover teachers (including those employed solely to provide cover)

Use of PPA time

The purpose of PPA time is to allow teachers to carry out planning, preparation and assessment.

Teachers can't be required to carry out any other duties during their PPA time. This includes providing cover.

Schools decide for themselves how