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Appraisal of the CEO in a multi-academy trust

Learn how trustees should approach the appraisal process for the CEO in your multi-academy trust (MAT), including what evidence to use and how to set effective objectives.

Last reviewed on 23 February 2026See updates
School types: Academy•School phases: All•Ref: 5668
Contents
  1. Check and understand your appraisal process 
  2. Consider appointing an external adviser 
  3. Be aware of the range of evidence you'll use to evaluate performance
  4. Set objectives for the next period
  5. Download our template: objective setting
  6. The follow-up report
  7. Make a pay recommendation
  8. Performance should be monitored throughout the year
  9. Download our template: mid-cycle review
  10. See examples of appraisal policies from trusts

This article is based on advice from our associate education experts Gulshan Kayembe, Ruth Agnew, Brendan Hollyer, Fred Birkett and Graeme Hornsby, and our HR experts at The Key. 

Check and understand your appraisal process 

As an academy trust you're free to determine your own appraisal process, as explained in section 5.3 of the academy trust governance guide. This includes the appraisal of the CEO.

Your board of trustees is ultimately responsible for appraising the CEO, and your chair of trustees should lead this process. 

To clarify what your process is, check: 

If you're new to CEO appraisal or need help with setting your own procedures,