This paper describes empirical research examining secondary school teachers' conceptions of student information literacy and reflects on the implications for the development of information-literate students. The research was designed to be practitioner centred, focusing on curriculum-based information activities and the student learning process from the teacher perspective. The study took a broadly phenomenographic approach and data were collected through a series of group discussions and interviews with subject teachers. Teachers described student information literacy in terms of a variety of skills and processes which overlap with existing models and frameworks. However, significant differences from other models and definitions included the absence of defining the information need and knowledge building. Teachers' conceptions evolved during the study and were influenced by individual experiences and curriculum priorities. The study suggests that overemphasis on mechanistic skills development without local debate and understanding hinders the alignment of information literacy with independent and lifelong learning. A number of challenges are identified for the development of information literacy in UK secondary schools, not least the fact that information literacy was understood by teachers in isolation from the subject curriculum. The study also sheds light on possible reasons why students may not leave school as information-literate individuals. (Contains 1 table.)