Appraisal: stages of the cycle

See the key phases of the performance management cycle as suggested in the DfE's optional model policy for teacher appraisal. Plus, see a case study of how 1 'outstanding' school manages its appraisal cycle.

Last reviewed on 21 September 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 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: 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
  7. The appraisal cycle in practice: case study

Organise your appraisal cycle using the DfE’s model policy

The DfE has produced 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 applies to all maintained schools. Academies are free to set their own arrangements for appraisal, and may 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.

Below, we draw out aspects of the model policy that relate to different stages of the appraisal cycle.

Bold text in the policy (linked above) indicates statutory requirements for maintained schools, while text in italics is additional advice for schools (see page 4).

There are no statutory requirements for appraising support staff in maintained schools or academies. The DfE's model policy says

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