This paper presents a new model of leadership that can improve the knowledge and skills needed by school leaders who undertake Masters of Business and Masters of Education. The model is called PIVOTAL which stands for Partnerships, Innovation and Vitality--Opportunities for Thriving Academic Leadership. The model is compared and contrasted with existing models. A case study is undertaken to test the effective application of leadership theory as well as improvement in leadership performance within a complex learning community. Three focus groups are undertaken with three groups of School Principals and senior school leaders. The groups are characterised as potential students, current/graduate education students and current/graduate business students. PIVOTAL was found to be a robust model that has the capacity to respond to changing situations.