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Lesson Observation Template

A developmental lesson observation form: details, focus, evidence against the Teachers’ Standards, what went well, even better if, and agreed next steps.

Type straight onto the page. It saves in this browser only and is never sent anywhere. Don't enter pupils' personal details.

Lesson observation form

Teacher observed:
Observer:
Date:
Class / year group:
Subject:
Lesson length:

Focus of the observation

Teachers’ StandardEvidence seenComments
1. Set high expectations
2. Promote good progress
3. Subject and curriculum knowledge
4. Plan and teach well-structured lessons
5. Adapt teaching to pupils’ needs
6. Accurate and productive use of assessment
7. Manage behaviour effectively
8. Wider professional responsibilities

What went well

Even better if

Agreed next steps and support

Observer signature:
Teacher signature:

Tip: empty boxes print as lines to write on, so you can also print this blank and fill it in by hand.

Using the form

  • Agree a focus first. Observations are more useful when they look closely at one or two things the teacher wants feedback on.
  • Record evidence, not judgements. Note what you saw and heard against the relevant standards.
  • What went well / even better if keeps feedback balanced and specific.
  • Agree next steps together and the support that will help.

Grading lessons: Ofsted stopped grading individual lessons in 2014, and many schools have moved to ungraded, developmental observations. This form has no grade box for that reason.

The eight Teachers’ Standards (Part One)

The form lists the eight standards for teaching from the Department for Education's Teachers’ Standards (2011): set high expectations; promote good progress; demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge; plan and teach well-structured lessons; adapt teaching to the strengths and needs of all pupils; make accurate and productive use of assessment; manage behaviour effectively; and fulfil wider professional responsibilities. The short labels on the form are summaries; see the full standards on GOV.UK.

Questions teachers ask

What should a lesson observation form include?

The lesson details, the agreed focus, evidence seen, strengths, areas for development and agreed next steps, with space for both people to sign.

Does Ofsted grade individual lessons?

No. Ofsted stopped grading individual lessons in 2014.

Can I use this form for trainee teachers and ECTs?

Yes. Mentors often use the Teachers’ Standards as the frame for feedback, which is how this form is laid out.

More UK planning templates

UK planningWALT, WILF, starter, main and plenary, plus EYFS, schemes of work and cover.EYFS planning templateWeekly planning across the seven areas, plus continuous provision.Scheme of work templateUnit overview and lesson-by-lesson grid.Medium and long-term planningWeek-by-week half-term plan and a year curriculum map.Cover workClear instructions for a cover lesson, with space for feedback.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.