Secondary school leadership preparation and development: Experiences and aspirations of members of senior leadership teams. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cliffe, Joanne; Fuller, Kay; Moorosi, Pontso
• Other Names: Outhwaite Deb guest-editor.; Close Paul guest-editor.; Kendrick Ann guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Management in education. Volume 32:Number 2(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Leadership preparation -- leadership development -- secondary schools -- educational leadership -- headteacher -- local authority -- teaching schools -- academy chains -- succession planning; School management and organization -- Periodicals; 371.2005
• DOI: 10.1177/0892020618762714
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-0206

Abstract

In England, school leadership preparation has shifted from the National College and local authorities to teaching schools, their alliances and multi-academy trusts. Against this changing educational landscape, we investigate opportunities presented to men and women in secondary school leadership teams (SLTs). Drawing on interview data from a British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society funded investigation, we report on leadership preparation and development opportunities, aspiration to headship, headteachers' support of 'in house', regional and national preparation programmes, coaching and mentoring involvement as well as access to formal and informal networks. Our analysis of SLTs as sites of potential for headship demonstrated some variability in women's and men's reported experiences. Accredited courses, higher degrees and workplace-based preparation provided access to leadership preparation and development opportunities; access was not transferrable from school to school. We identified a fragmented system and suggest policy and cultural changes to allow SLTs to offer inclusive and sustainable opportunities for succession planning.