VNET EDUCATION CIC

Headteacher Performance Management

HTPM – a statutory duty

The Governing Body has a statutory duty to monitor and manage the performance of the Headteacher on an annual basis. The task of appraising the Headteacher, including the setting of objectives, should be delegated to a sub-group consisting of two/three members of the Governing Body supported by an external adviser.

VNET Education CIC is proud to be a provider of choice for governing bodies as the external adviser for this annual meeting.

VNET provides a comprehensive package for governors which includes:

An online training session for governors on 8 June 2027, led by Sonia Innes, Education Director, which is updated annually and recorded for future reference. The recording is sent to you when you book your package. Book the online training session now
Guidance and supporting documentation for governor
Review of HTPM documentation alongside School Improvement documentation to prepare for and support the process
One half-day of VNET Associate time (usually online) dedicated to supporting governors in the annual performance management meeting with the headteacher.

The package costs £500+VAT for members and £600+VAT for non-members.

Our headteacher has written with great positivity about this morning. I felt it all went very well and that we have a strong basis for moving the school forward.

Thank you again for your positive comments and words of encouragement - they really have spurred me on for what I imagine to be another challenging term!

I have greatly appreciated your support with the review and your ability to forensically fillet the evidence, see the many positives but also to know where we need to take our headteacher next and to do it in a positive way.

Thanks for your work putting the HTPM document together, I think you’ve done a great job in capturing the discussions we had.

Thanks for your thorough appraisal and for creating some very clear and specific success criteria.

I felt it was a really positive and constructive experience.

Thank you for making the process clear and easy to follow. Really appreciated.

Thank you for conducting a very useful meeting and for your very comprehensive input.

[The HTPM Panel training session] was an incredibly informative session – clearly delivered, with excellent signposting to resources and practical ways to enhance the review process. I came away with a deeper understanding of how to support our Headteacher more effectively and ensure the process remains rigorous, fair and developmental.

Governor Training

Part of the support package includes training for governors. An online training session for governors will run on 3 June 2026, led by Sonia Innes, Education Director. The session is updated annually and recorded for future reference.

This session covers:

What should the process look like?
The role of the performance management panel before, during and after the meeting
The role of the external adviser
Writing robust objectives
Supportive documentation and guidance notes.

It is important that at least one member of the panel has taken part in Headteacher Performance Management training.

VNET Guidance Notes:

Important FAQs:

► As the Chair of the Panel what are my responsibilities?

Chair of Panel responsibilities:

To arrange HTPM (in conjunction with the headteacher)
To act as the main point of contact during the process
To ensure that at least one governor will have completed recent VNET training on Headteacher performance management
Update and share HTPM documentation with objectives and criteria with the Headteacher, panel, and adviser at least two weeks prior to HTPM meeting
Review progress using evidence provided by the Headteacher
Collaborate with the panel to consider future objectives.

Please note that the VNET External Adviser reserves the right to postpone the session if the completed documentation does not arrive in good time. Please notify the External Adviser if you foresee this as a problem.

► What does the Headteacher need to complete?

Headteachers responsibilities:

Complete parts 1–3 of the performance review document
Share evidence, including self-evaluation (SEF), school improvement priorities(SIDP), and outcome data, with the adviser and Chair of Panel at least one week prior.

► What are VNET’s responsibilities during the HTPM process?

External Advisor responsibilities:

The role of the External Adviser is to advise the panel on the legal process, help interpret performance information and data as necessary, and advise how to frame objectives for the coming year
Review the Headteacher’s evidence and assess progress towards 2025-26 objectives
Prepare potential objectives for 2026-27 based on SEF, SIDP, and data
Liaise with the Headteacher and Chair of Panel.

► Do you have a suggested agenda for the HTPM meeting?

We recommend that the HTPM meeting uses the following agenda:

Welcome and introductions
Overview of the HTPM appraisal process
The role of the VNET Associate
2025-2026 review including governor pay recommendations
2026-2027 Targets
CPD and work life balance of the Headteacher
Mid-term review date (ideally set in the meeting)
Closing comments

► Can we complete the HTPM online?

Yes, the whole process can be completed online!

The HTPM Governor Training is always delivered through an virtual session (recorded session available for those Governors who cannot attend ‘live’)

Through our work supporting governors with HTPM’s, we have seen great advantages of online meetings.

Sharing documentation for discussion is much easier online and the task of completing the paperwork a much more collegiate process
Governors find it easier to commit sufficient time to the process as there is less travel time
It is often more convenient for both Headteachers and Governors.

Purchase HTPM Package

If you are want more information about the package please contact us.