Headteacher appraisal: setting objectives

Know the rules

Requirements for maintained schools

If you're on the board of a maintained school, you must set objectives for your headteacher each year. You'll do this in consultation with your external adviser. 

Objectives must contribute to: 

• Improving the education of pupils
• Advancing your school improvement plan

Requirements for academies

The above regulations don't apply to academies, though your trust may choose to follow them. If you're in an academy, look to your teachers' appraisal policy for guidance. 

Requirements for union members

If your headteacher is part of a union, familiarise yourself with the union's expectations for appraisal.

For example, the National Education Union (NEU) and National Association for Head Teachers (NAHT) have jointly issued a model appraisal policy which includes guidance for setting objectives.

Understand what makes a good objective

Good objectives are SMART

Specific Do the objectives