‘(the headteacher appraisal was) a mixture of guidance and challenge, which was exactly what was needed as the role of Principal becomes ever more burdensome.’
Dr Daniel Sturdy, Principal, Wotton House School.
Why Headteacher Appraisal Matters
Effective headteacher appraisal is essential for governors and trustees who want to ensure strong leadership and sustained school improvement. At JMC, we provide expert guidance and external advisory support to help you implement a rigorous, fair, and strategic appraisal process that aligns with statutory requirements and best practice, while fostering professional growth for your Headteacher or CEO.
The education landscape is constantly evolving, and expectations of school leaders are higher than ever. Governors and trustees have a statutory or strategic responsibility to ensure that leadership remains effective, resilient, and focused on delivering the best outcomes for pupils.
A robust appraisal process is not just compliance—it’s an opportunity to support and challenge your Headteacher or CEO in a way that sustains great practice and drives improvement.
Legal and Regulatory Context
- Maintained Schools: Statutory under The Education (School Teachers’ Appraisal) (England) Regulations 2012.
- Academy Trusts & Independent Schools: Non-statutory, but strongly recommended within the DfE Handbook, Competency Framework, and ISI/Ofsted expectations.
The Role of an External Advisor
The DfE’s Headteachers Standards ( 2020) provide a clear benchmark for leadership performance, interpreted in the context of each individual school. These standards should underpin every appraisal discussion.
Even strong leadership teams benefit from an objective perspective. An external advisor can act as a critical friend—offering expertise, current best practice, and a confidential sounding board for the Head. This ensures headteacher appraisal is rigorous, fair, and focused on improvement.
You may also be interested in our 1: 1 Executive Coaching sessions for Headteachers
JMC Executive Coaching Team
A 360-Degree Approach to Headteacher Appraisal
A comprehensive appraisal can include:
- Vision and personal qualities
- Leadership style and strategic thinking
- Financial understanding and decision-making
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Managing and developing people
- Teaching, learning, and achievement
- Compliance with inspection requirements
Governors and trustees play a vital role in this process, providing the right balance of support and challenge. A structured system for monitoring performance enhances confidence and competence at the very top of your organisation.
Next Steps
If you would like guidance on implementing a robust headteacher appraisal process for your Headteacher or CEO, or support with external advisory input, contact us today.
📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com
‘You provided a real focus to take us forward… I feel so relieved that you totally endorsed our opinion of x: this genuinely takes us into a new era!’
Niki Molyneux, Former Chair of Governors, Gidea Park School.
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