Scope for the local selection of appraisal aspects and criteria in line with central/state guidance that emphasise the importance of pedagogical leadership and/or 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 (e.g. 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 high-quality, targeted and relevant professional development opportunities before being held accountable for pedagogical leadership.