Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction appeals
How to appeal a newly qualified teacher induction decision. Also includes how to attend an induction appeal hearing as an observer.
Overview
After you have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you need to complete a statutory induction period to teach in a maintained school, a maintained nursery school or a non-maintained special school in England.
The appropriate body decides whether you have met the induction standards. The appropriate body can be any of the following:
- a local authority
- a teaching school
- the National Induction Panel for Teachers
For independent schools, including academies and free schools, the appropriate body can also be the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel.
Appeals process
You can appeal to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), which acts on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, if you:
- have failed your induction period
- think your induction period should be extended
The induction appeals procedures document outlines the induction appeal process.
Once we have received an appeal, we will arrange for an induction appeal panel to hear it. Panel members are recruited through a public appointments process. A least 1 panel member will be a teacher or will have been a teacher in the previous 5 years.
You have the right to take part in the induction appeal proceedings and to be represented. You can also request that the appeal is decided without a hearing.
In deciding an appeal, the panel will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State based on whether it is satisfied that:
- you have failed to meet the Teachers’ Standards
- any issues regarding your support during induction were of sufficient importance to have seriously disadvantaged you in meeting the standards
- it appears that you would be able to meet the standards if your induction period were extended
- there are any other special circumstances that justify the appeal being allowed or the induction period being extended
The Secretary of State has the following options when deciding your appeal:
- allow the appeal
- dismiss the appeal
- extend the induction for a period
Attend a hearing as an observer
Induction appeal hearings are held in public. Members of the press and the public can attend hearings.
Details on attending a professional conduct panel hearing or meeting are available.
If you’re interested in attending a hearing, please contact:
- the teacher regulation team (for members of the public)
- the Department for Education’s central newsdesk (for journalists)
We can’t guarantee your place as an observer otherwise.
The panel may exclude the public and press from the hearing or part of the hearing where:
- it believes that a public hearing may adversely affect the fairness of the proceedings
- it is necessary to protect children’s interests
- either party requests that the hearing be in private and the panel is satisfied that this is not contrary to the public interest
This information is general and, in all circumstances, The Education (Induction Arrangements for School teachers) (England) Regulations 2012 take precedence. These are the basis for how the Teaching Regulation Agency operates the regulatory arrangements on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Contact
Teacher misconduct
Email misconduct.teacher@education.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7593 5393
Information about regulating the teaching profession and the process for dealing with serious teacher misconduct.
Lines are open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and on Friday from 9am to 4:30pm (except public holidays).