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 27 May 2026
Ref: 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)
  5. Leadership CPD from The Key

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

You're no longer required to use a performance-related pay model. Find out more about what this means for your school in our guidance on your teachers' pay policy.

Mid-year appraisals are optional

It's good practice to carry out formal performance management