The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has outlined the promotion process and scoring criteria for Principals and Deputy Principals.
According to the commission, the appointments are guided by merit, performance, equity, transparency, and constitutional principles.
“The Commission shall apply a standardized scoring guide to ensure a fair, transparent and merit-based evaluation of all shortlisted candidates,” reads part of the statement.
The interview scoring criteria for Chief Principal (Regular) (Grade D5) and Senior Principal (Regular) (Grade D4) positions are based on a standardized 100-mark system that stresses on length of service in the current grade.
Length of Stay in Current Grade carries the highest weight in the interview scoring criteria, accounting for 45 marks.
The category rewards teachers who have served longer in their current grades, with those who have stayed for eight years and above receiving the maximum 45 marks, while candidates with fewer years earn progressively lower scores.
Age of the Teacher is the second most weighted category, contributing 30 marks. Older candidates receive higher scores, with teachers aged 57 years and above earning the full 30 marks, while those aged 41 years and below receive 10 marks.
TSC on Criteria for Promoting Principals
Under Performance Management (TPAD), candidates earn up to 10 marks based on their average performance rating over the previous three years. Teachers with an average TPAD score of 81 per cent and above receive the maximum marks, while lower ratings attract fewer scores.
Academic and Professional Qualifications account for 5 marks, with candidates holding a PhD receiving 5 marks, a master’s degree receiving 4 marks, and a bachelor’s degree receiving 3 marks. Diploma holders who later attained a bachelor’s degree after employment are also awarded 3 marks.
The final category, Co-curricular Activities, carries 5 marks and rewards participation and achievement at different levels, with international-level participation earning the highest score and sub-county-level participation earning the lowest.
The interviews are conducted by Regional Selection Panels, and candidates are selected based on their final interview scores while also considering constitutional requirements such as regional balance, gender representation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Summary:
| Interview Area | Maximum Marks | Scoring Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Stay in Current Grade | 45 | 8 years and above – 45 marks; 7 years – 40; 6 years – 35; 5 years – 30; 4 years – 25; 3 years – 20; 2 years – marks awarded based on the set scale. |
| Age of Teacher | 30 | 57 years and above – 30 marks; 52–56 years – 25; 47–51 years – 20; 42–46 years – 15; 41 years and below – 10. |
| Performance Management (TPAD Rating) | 10 | 81% and above – 10 marks; 61–80% – 8; 41–60% – 6; 21–40% – 4; 1–20% – 2. |
| Academic and Professional Qualifications | 5 | PhD – 5 marks; Master’s degree – 4 marks; Bachelor’s degree – 3 marks. |
| TSC/Professional Assignments | 5 | Marks awarded for roles such as KNEC examiners/item developers, KICD evaluators, TSC trainers, authors and professional champions. |
| Co-curricular Activities | 5 | International – 5 marks; National – 4; Regional – 3; County – 2; Sub-County – 1. |
| Total | 100 | Selection is based on interview scores while observing diversity and inclusion requirements. |
Also Read: Explained: How TSC Awards Marks During Recruitment of Junior Secondary Teacher Interns
Regular Deputy Principal
For Deputy Principals, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has established standardised scoring criteria for the 2026/2027 promotion cycle covering three grades: Deputy Principal I (Grade D3), Deputy Principal II (Grade D2), and Deputy Principal III (Grade D1).
The interview assessment carries a total of 100 marks, with candidates evaluated based on administrative experience, seniority, performance, qualifications, professional assignments, and co-curricular achievements.
Administrative Responsibility accounts for 25 marks, with candidates who have served as acting Principals or Deputy Principals receiving higher scores based on the duration of their responsibilities.
Teachers with eight years and above in such roles earn 25 marks, while those with shorter periods receive fewer marks.
Also Read: TSC Announces Recruitment of 20,000 Teachers on Permanent Terms: How to Apply
Academic and Professional Qualifications contribute 3 marks. Candidates holding a PhD receive 3 marks, a master’s degree earns 2 marks, while a bachelor’s degree earns 1 mark.
Teachers who attained a bachelor’s degree after joining service are also awarded one mark.
Summary:
| Interview Area | Maximum Marks | Scoring Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Responsibility and Length of Stay | 50 | Administrative Responsibility – 25 marks; Length of Stay in Current Grade – 25 marks. Grade D3: 8+ years (25), 5 years (16), 3 years (10). Grades D2/D1: 8+ years (25), 5 years (13), 3 years (5). |
| Age of Teacher | 30 | 57 years and above – 30 marks; 52–56 years – 25; 47–51 years – 20; 42–46 years – 15; 41 years and below – 10. |
| Performance Management (TPAD Rating) | 10 | 81% and above – 10 marks; 61–80% – 8; 41–60% – 6; 21–40% – 4; 1–20% – 2. |
| Academic and Professional Qualifications | 3 | PhD – 3 marks; master’s degree – 2; Bachelor’s degree – 1. |
| TSC/Professional Assignments | 2 | Recognition for roles such as KNEC examiner, KICD panelist, TSC trainer, or published author. |
| Co-curricular Activities | 5 | International – 5 marks; National – 4; Regional – 3; County – 2; Sub-County – 1. |
| Total | 100 | Candidates must have served at least three years in their current grade. Interviews conducted by County Selection Panels. |
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