Developing Norfolk's Education Workforce: Using Annual Appraisal to Build Capacity

Across Norfolk, school leaders are working harder than ever to attract, retain and develop high-quality staff. With a national teacher recruitment crisis intensified by the unique challenges of our region — including rural isolation, transport barriers and a limited talent pool — we need sustainable, long-term strategies to build capacity from within. 

One of the most powerful and cost-effective levers at our disposal is appraisal— not just for teachers, but for all staff, including teaching assistants, support staff and of course, our aspiring leaders. When embedded in a culture of development and supported by targeted programmes such as apprenticeships and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), appraisal can become a strategic engine for school improvement and staff retention, to: 

• Spot talent early. 
• Offer clear career progression. 
• Build loyalty through targeted professional development which boosts staff confidence and capability.

Apprenticeships: Developing Talent in Place 

Apprenticeships can be a game-changer when it comes to upskilling staff already committed to your community. Whether you're looking to support a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, a Level 5 Specialist TA, a primary teacher apprentice, or a member of SLT on the Level 7 Senior Leader route, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective, funded, and structured pathway to build the capacity needed in your setting. 

Norfolk schools are currently using apprenticeships to: 

• Upskill support staff into teaching roles, reducing reliance on external recruitment 
• Build SEND and pastoral capacity, particularly in schools with high need and limited access to specialists 
• Address rural staffing gaps, by developing local people who are already embedded in their communities 
• Retain valued staff, showing them a clear progression route 

Many schools are unaware that they can access Apprenticeship Levy funding — either directly or via transfer from larger local employers or the local authority — to cover the costs of this training.  

NPQs: Building a Norfolk Leadership Pipeline 

The reformed NPQs offer research-led, role-specific leadership training across all career stages — from early-career subject leads to experienced heads. Delivered locally through Teaching School Hubs in Norfolk, these programmes are accessible, and relevant, with universal funding available for the NPQH and NPQSENCo, with scholarship funding available for the following NPQs based on disadvantage criteria: 

• Leading teaching 
• Leading behaviour and culture 
• Leading literacy 
• Leading primary mathematics 
• Senior leadership 
• Executive leadership 
• Early years leadership 
• Leading teacher development 

By aligning NPQs with performance management targets, schools can: 

• Develop future leaders from within, especially in areas where recruitment is toughest 
• Support succession planning in small and rural schools where leadership change can have disproportionate impact 
• Strengthen leadership around key challenges, such as literacy, behaviour and SEND

Focused Workforce Planning: Making It Strategic 

A joined-up approach to workforce development includes: 

• Performance reviews that identify talent across all staff groups — from midday supervisors to future headteachers. 
• Access to local apprenticeship and NPQ offers, delivered by Norfolk-based or East of England providers with experience of our challenges. 
• Progression pathways that match staff ambition with school need — for example, TA to ECT through the apprenticeship route. 
• Accessing support with levy transfer and funding advice, so no school misses out due to budget constraints. 

Final Thoughts 

By embedding a culture of professional growth through appraisal , and through using apprenticeships and NPQs as part of a strategic workforce development plan, we can retain our best people, grow new talent, and secure a future workforce that is skilled, loyal and rooted in our communities. 

Next Steps for Norfolk Leaders

• Connect with your local Teaching School Hub (Julian and Inspiration) for NPQ options:  Contact Inspiration Hub if you are based in South Norfolk, Breckland or Great Yarmouth National Professional Qualifications - Inspiration Teaching School Hub or contact the Julian Hub if you are Broadland, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk, or Norwich Julian Teaching School Hub - National Professional Qualifications  
• Speak to your apprenticeship team to find out how to access the levy and to receive signposting to training providers to help you with workforce planning. Apprenticeships for LA schools or academies - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council. For a flavour of apprenticeships available: Apprenticeships | Best Practice Network. LMP and NITE also have a comprehensive apprenticeship offer for the Education Workforce, although there are many providers available. 
• Audit your current appraisal and CPD strategy to build a joined-up pathway for all staff.  
•  Teaching Assistant CPD - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council  
• CPD Routes into Teaching - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council 
• Leadership CPD - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council 

Key Takeaway

We can't just fill vacancies — we must grow our own workforce. Strategic use of performance management, apprenticeships, and NPQs are important tools to keep talent in your schools and rooted in your communities.