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)

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