Headteacher appraisal: how to use the Teachers' Standards

Understand what the Teachers' Standards are and how to use them to set challenging objectives as part of the headteacher appraisal process.

Last reviewed on 25 September 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 36135
Contents
  1. Use them to review headteacher performance
  2. What they are
  3. How to use them

Use them to review headteacher performance

In maintained schools, the headteacher appraisal panel should review the headteacher's performance against the Teachers' Standards and the Headteachers' Standards.

The Teachers' Standards aren't a requirement in academies, but you may still want to apply them, especially if your headteacher also has a teaching commitment at the school.

Ofsted inspectors will consider the extent to which the standards are being met when assessing the quality of teaching in all schools, including academies. See the Department for Education (DfE)'s guidance on how you should use the Teachers' Standards.

What they are

The Teachers' Standards are the minimum requirements for practice and conduct for all teachers (including headteachers) in maintained schools. They're divided into 2 parts:

A teacher must: 1. Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils Establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect Set goals that stretch and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions Demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values