Today's school principals face unprecedented challenges. This article proposes a school-based outline framework in which the principal is the primary agent of change aided by an external coach. In this framework, the principal receives coaching and guides the change process at the school through a variety of coaching practices involving the stakeholders in the school, including teachers, staff and students. Sociocultural and organisational learning theory provides the theoretical basis for this framework. The model includes the development of a shared vision of student learning, and the evolution from a management-based organisation to one of leadership, and ultimately, to a sustained school transformation. (Contains 1 figure.)