Induction appeals

Every newly qualified teacher is required to complete a statutory induction period if they wish to teach in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in England.

This induction period, of three school terms or equivalent, is undertaken once the NQT has attained QTS. The 'appropriate body' is the body that decides whether an NQT has met the induction standards. In maintained schools and non-maintained special schools, this function is performed by the local education authority (LEA) of the area concerned. For independent schools, the appropriate body may be an LEA or the Independent Schools Council Teacher Induction Panel (ISCTIP).

The relevant national guidance on completing the induction period can be found on the Teachernet website

If an NQT has failed to complete induction satisfactorily or has had their induction period extended, they have the right of appeal against either of these decisions of the appropriate body. The General Teaching Council is responsible for hearing such appeals in England.

Where a person appeals against a decision that they have not satisfactorily completed their induction period, the GTC may:

• allow the appeal
• dismiss the appeal, or
• extend the induction for such period as it thinks fit.

In deciding upon an appeal, the appeal committee must decide whether it is satisfied that:

• the appellant has failed to meet the induction standards
• there was any defect in the induction process of sufficient importance so as to have seriously disadvantaged the appellant in meeting the standards
• there are any other special circumstances that justify the appeal being allowed or the induction period being extended.

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Guidance and procedures for the hearing of induction appeals September 2007 Guidance and procedures for the hearing of induction appeals   (110Kb) The GTC's guidance and procedures for dealing with induction appeals.