Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss recent developments in school developmental supervisory evaluation in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai in the Chinese Mainland. Design/methodology/approach: The main research approach is qualitative, using documentary analysis and interviews of an inspector, principals and teachers from two primary schools. Findings: There were perceived positive and negative impacts of school supervision and evaluation. Originality/value: The paper highlights the implications for fostering a shared school-government community of school supervision and evaluation, promoting a dynamic approach for addressing contextual differences as well as achieving better coherence among educational reform, supervision and evaluation policies. (Contains 2 tables.)