This paper draws on data collected from a series of semi-structured interviews with head teachers and other stakeholders on the impact and effectiveness of the introduction of a Primary School Improvement Group (PSIG) by the Local Authority (LA). The PSIG was introduced as a response to concerns expressed by the Department of Education about the…

This paper examines the complex matter of initial principal preparation in a context where traditionally beginning principals have learned their role from experience, on the job. Using data from both novice and experienced primary principals it was found that while what was needed in the job was agreed upon--how to deal with place, with people,…

This article is based on a follow-up study of headteachers of very small Scottish primary schools conducted in 2006. Evidence was collected from a postal survey of 100 headteachers and interviews in nine case study schools. The aim is twofold: first, to provide a "snapshot" of the headteachers, their qualifications, routes to headship…