Purpose: This article seeks to centre on Cypriot, English, Greek and Swedish selection and training of principals. This was part of a 2001-2002 European Union (EU) funded study which created a distance learning CD ROM for principals. Design/methodology/approach: National education systems and principals' selection and training were analysed and compared using documents, focus groups, principals' interviews and an international seminar. Findings: The most centralised systems of Greece and Cyprus had less principal preparation, and more government involvement in principal selection, than the less centralised Sweden and England. Originality/value: The extent of training was perceived to matter less in successful principalship than selecting the right people, although even a good leader can be improved through training and principals were concerned about their lack of formal training. (Contains 10 notes.)