scope for the local selection of appraisal aspects and criteria in line with centralstate guidance that emphasise the importance of pedagogical leadership andor the collaborative setting of objectives at a local level may help make appraisal manageable and relevant for local contexts it may allow evaluators and school leaders to focus on priority areas relevant to a particular school and the leadership required in that context and analyse these in greater depth however considering the frequent combination of appraisal s functions for accountability and development it is essential that policies ensure that the necessary selection of appraisal aspects and criteria reflects these purposes and individual as well as school needs eg through the mandatory use of a range of reference standards and documents such as individual job descriptions and school development plans therefore it is also important that school leaders benefit from ongoing support to develop pedagogical leadership skills through highquality targeted and relevant professional development opportunities before being held accountable for pedagogical leadership