3. Pre-review self-evaluation
The pre-review self-evaluation (PRSE) on the Strategic Planning Online Tool must be completed by schools, endorsed by the SEIL and shared with panel members at least 6 weeks before the review. The PRSE will also inform planning discussions at the preparation meeting held between 2-4 weeks before the review.
How to complete the PRSE
The PRSE includes the following sections, where schools reflect on their practices and review and assess past performance:
- brief commentary on the schools’ current practices and evidence of impact on student learning and wellbeing outcomes in relation to the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 core elements.
- brief description of the schools’ approach to reducing the number of ‘needs additional support’ students in reading and numeracy in NAPLAN .
- a pre-populated self-evaluation against the FISO 2.0 continua of practice from the school’s most recent self-evaluation in the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). Schools can update the assessment if preferred.
- an assessment of the previous School Strategic Plan (SSP) outcomes.
Schools also record the selected challenge partners for their review with a brief accompanying rationale.
The PRSE includes pre-populated evidence from the previous School Strategic Plan (SSP), Annual Report, and the last 4 Annual Implementation Plans (AIPs). Schools can choose to upload additional evidence if they wish.
As part of the PRSE, all schools will self-assess compliance with the department policy requirements and all secondary, specialist and a sample of primary schools will self-assess compliance against the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard. Compliance checklists will be available through the PRSE for schools who are required to complete the assessment. For more information, refer to Assessing compliance with the Curriculum and Student Learning Minimum Standard and department policy requirements.
Evaluating targets with new NAPLAN assessment data
Changes to NAPLAN assessment and reporting in 2023 meant that schools were not able to assess progress against NAPLAN targets in their School Strategic Plan set under the previous reporting process. Schools participating in a school review in 2026 should therefore select the ‘not able to assess’ option on the PRSE for any NAPLAN targets.
Schools are encouraged to continue to consider their pre- and post-2023 NAPLAN data as part of a holistic approach to reflecting on school performance in the PRSE.
For more information on the changes to NAPLAN, refer to the resources available on (staff login required).
Changes to the calculation of data from the Attitudes to School Survey, School Staff Survey and Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey
As outlined in the November 2023 School (staff login required), the department has made a minor change to the calculation of results in the Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS), School Staff Survey (SSS) and Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey (PCGOS), such that the 'percentage positive endorsement' may increase a little, compared to previously available 2019 to 2022 data.
For most schools, the changes will have a minimal impact on results. Where there is a more notable change to the data, schools can use the percentage increment (that is, growth) specified in the targets to assess whether the target is fully achieved, mostly achieved, partially achieved or not achieved.
For further information on the changes to perception survey reporting, refer to Update to the calculation of student, staff and parent opinion survey results and (staff login required).
Evaluating targets using new secondary certificates and pathways data
Datasets are available in (staff login required) to support secondary school leaders to understand how their students are being supported with pathways through secondary school to their post-school destination.
In the Senior Secondary domain, data on VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) Enrolments and Completions can now be found alongside the Exit Destinations dashboard.
These datasets identify a school’s VCE VM cohort for trend analysis and include historical data for VCAL students where available.
Schools are encouraged to use this data as part of a holistic review of school performance in the PRSE.
Examples of learning and wellbeing data and evidence schools can analyse:
- Data available on Panorama, including attendance and assessment data, the dashboards and supplementary schools report, noting reports for priority cohorts and datasets available for exit destinations and VCE, VCE VM and VPC Enrolments and Completions
- School performance data report
- AIP mid-year monitoring and end-of year assessments over the last SSP period
- School-level data identified in SSP targets
- Monitoring of individual education plan goals
- Monitoring of the school’s implementation of the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016–2026
- Impact of strategies implemented at the school to establish a culturally safe environment
- Other data from local assessments or surveys.
Engaging the school community when preparing the PRSE
Principals can involve their school improvement team, school leadership team or other nominated staff.
It is recommended that the school community, including staff, students, families and school council members are engaged to support the preparation of the PRSE.
Further advice for small schools and specialist schools regarding the PRSE can be found in the Advice for small schools and Advice for specialist and designated purpose school settings guidance chapters.
Schools can choose how they engage their school community to complete their PRSE. Possible activities could include:
- Seeking input from the school community through focus groups, surveys or other forums to gather feedback, analyse evidence and/or validate findings
- Identifying groups of school leaders or staff to undertake specific tasks or activities related to the PRSE
- Hosting an event, facilitated by students, to engage with their families and community and gather ideas and feedback in an informal setting, such as Campfire Conversations with Koorie students and families
- Identifying the most important school community highlights from the last 4 years. This can include programs or initiatives the school has successfully implemented, capital works upgrades, or major events such as school productions or concerts.
Accessing the PRSE on SPOT
The school's PRSE template is available on (staff login required) at least one term before the review.
The PRSE will be linked to the most recent SSP (or AIP for new schools),and can be accessed by the principal and SEIL. The department will grant reviewers access as needed. The principal can provide access to other school leaders or staff if needed using the 'Delegate editing rights' section at the top of the My School page on SPOT.
Finalising the PRSE
When the PRSE is complete, the principal can use the 'attest and submit' button in the 'Review and endorse' tab to submit the PRSE for SEIL approval. The SEIL can revert the PRSE to draft if changes are needed, in discussion with the principal.
Upon SEIL approval, the PRSE must be shared with panel members 6 weeks before the review.
For further information or questions regarding SPOT, refer to the SPOT troubleshooting guide (staff login required) or contact the School Planning, Review and Annual Reporting Unit via SPOT.Support@education.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 09 September 2025