This article examines how novice principals reflect on the adequacy or otherwise of their preparation. It looks at data drawn from the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP), and in particular a questionnaire of principals up to three years in post, in Scotland. The principals find much about their preparation has helped them gain…

This article reports on part of the data from the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP) introduced in our previous article in "School Leadership and Management." The purpose of the study is to consider the relationship between preparation for headship and the leadership and management practice of novice headteachers. In this article…

This article reports on the first stage of a study by a group of researchers involved or interested in principal (headship) preparation in Western Australia, Canada, England, Jamaica, Mexico, Scotland, South Africa, Turkey and the United States. The study, known as the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP), discusses the background…

Report of a case study that examines a primary school in England not meeting national standards. Discusses why either the person of the leader or the process of leadership can mask the fundamental issues in primary schools that face challenges. (Contains 29 references.) (WFA)

The performance management scheme that has been operating in English schools since 2000 gives considerable responsibilities to the school's governing body. These include responsibility for appraisal of the headteacher's overall performance as a school leader and manager. Governing bodies are assisted in this task by government appointed external…

Examines whether the technicist-rational approach to school development planning, advocated in England's Office for Standards in Education guidelines, is appropriate for primary schools, based on case studies of nine schools. School staff remain unconvinced that technicist-rational planning is key to implementing change. (Contains 39 references.)…

Analyzes to what extent 120 British primary schools' practice matched criteria for national management and development outlined in official guidelines. Primary schools have been slower than secondary schools to embrace the principles of strategic and long-term development planning. Inspectors' application of criteria in resource-management matters…