Performance monitoring

Monitoring schools’ performance

Performance standards are set out in charter schools’ contracts. These performance measures are what make charter schools different from traditional schools. They have greater flexibility in how they operate, but they must deliver strong results or risk closure or other interventions.

Sponsors’ progress and performance is assessed by performance monitors, a team of experienced educators with backgrounds in school leadership, evaluation and compliance requirements for schools.

They analyse qualitative and quantitative information provided by sponsors, monitor and verify progress against contract performance measures and identify and escalate risk to the Authorisation Board.

Monitoring schools’ performance assures the Authorisation Board that charter schools are meeting their contractual performance obligations and targets.

Monitoring has a different focus at each stage of establishing a new charter school and when a state or state integrated school converts to a charter school.

Role of performance monitors during the establishment of new charter schools

Sponsors submit an Establishment Plan to the Charter School Agency after a contract is signed. The Performance Monitor receives regular updates on progress milestones in the plan from the sponsor, including any new issues or risks. When milestones have been met, the Performance Monitor confirms the school is ready to open. The Education Review Office also conducts a pre-opening check. 

Performance monitoring after the school opens / converts

Sponsors are required to report to the Authorisation Board on their contracted performance measures. The Board may also request other information about a school’s performance or any special conditions it has imposed. Performance Monitors collect and process this information to report it to the Agency and the Authorisation Board.