Appraisal: stages of the cycle

See the key phases of the performance management cycle as suggested in the DfE's model policy for teacher appraisal. Plus, get advice on how to use the Teachers' Standards to set objectives and how to monitor and review teacher performance.

Last reviewed on 25 August 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 141
Contents
  1. Organise your appraisal cycle using the DfE’s model policy
  2. Line managers will usually carry out appraisals
  3. The appraisal cycle has 6 stages
  4. Planning for the appraisal year: setting objectives
  5. Monitoring and supporting teachers throughout the cycle
  6. Reviewing at the end of the cycle

Organise your appraisal cycle using the DfE’s model policy

The DfE has an optional model appraisal policy, to be used alongside the Teachers’ Standards. It’s based on the Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012, which apply to all maintained schools.

Academies are free to set their own arrangements for appraisal, and may also choose to refer to the model policy when writing their appraisal policies.

A representative from the DfE told us that the Department is not planning to publish any further guidance on appraisal/performance management.

Appraisal of support staff

There are no statutory requirements for appraising support staff in maintained schools or academies. The DfE's model policy says that schools may wish to adapt the model policy for use with all staff (page 4).

Another of our articles looks at performance management of support staff.

This is because they will likely have the best