Performance management is the process for assessing the overall performance of a teacher or headteacher, in the context of the individual’s job description and the provisions of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), and making plans for the individual’s future development in the context of the school’s improvement plan. Professional standards provide the backdrop to discussions about performance and future development. The standards define the professional attributes, knowledge, understanding and skills for teachers at each career stage.

The statutory framework for performance management in England is provided by The Education (School Teacher Performance Management) (England) Regulations 2006. The STPCD provides for how the outcomes of performance management form the basis of decisions about pay and career progression. The basis for the performance management regulations and the related provisions of the STPCD is provided in primary legislation by The Education Act 2002.

The Rewards and Incentives Group (RIG) has published guidance and a model policy for schools to support the implementation of the revised performance management arrangements for teachers and headteachers.

The Rewards and Incentives Group was established following the Agreement on Rewards and Incentives for Post Threshold Teachers and Members of the School Leadership Group. The members are ASCL, ATL, DfES, NAHT, NASUWT, LGE, and PAT.

Read more about the revised performance management arrangements