Sectors and organisations
School improvement
School and department self-evaluation for continuous improvement: leadership, curriculum, pupils, staff and community. Answered by staff, never pupils.
4 areas · 8 capabilities · 20 questions · answered on a scale from “Agree” to “Disagree”
Maturity levels
- Emerging Good practice exists in places but depends on individuals and isn't yet shared or consistent.
- Developing Approaches are agreed and starting to be used across the school or department.
- Embedded Approaches are used consistently, understood by staff and checked for impact.
- Sustained Practice holds up through staff changes and pressure, and is refined from evidence.
- Exemplary Practice is strong, evidence-led and shared with others beyond the school.
What it assesses
Each capability is scored from its questions, and each team or process gets its own level per capability. One example question is shown for each.
Leadership and improvement
The school knows its strengths and priorities and plans from them.
“Our improvement priorities are based on evidence about pupils' outcomes and experiences, not just opinion.”
3 questions
Everyday systems support teaching rather than getting in its way.
“Routine administration and data entry take up a reasonable share of staff time.”
2 questions
Curriculum and assessment
What is taught is planned, sequenced and shared.
“Our curriculum sets out clearly what pupils should learn and in what order.”
2 questions
Assessment informs teaching without excess workload.
“Teaching changes in response to what assessment shows pupils have and haven't understood.”
3 questions
Pupils
Clear, consistent systems that staff and pupils understand.
“All staff apply behaviour expectations consistently.”
2 questions
Every pupil can access learning.
“Pupils with additional needs are identified early.”
3 questions
Staff and community
Staff grow and are supported.
“Professional development is focused on what staff and pupils actually need.”
3 questions
Families are informed partners.
“Parents and carers get clear, timely information about their child's learning and wellbeing.”
2 questions