`This is a book packed with ideas and insights. It is informed by evidence from school leaders and provides a valuable overview of many important theories and research findings. A strength of the book is the way it pulls together empirical research the authors have conducted over the last 20 years. Such a long term view offers a new and needed long term perspective on school leadership and enables the authors to show how trends in leaders' careers, thinking and practice have emerged and unfolded. Researchers and practitioners alike will find something of value in this book' - Professor Geoff Southworth, Director of Research, National College for School Leadership

'[A]n excellent, well-written, extensively referenced, empirically based contribution to school leadership thinking... Earley and Weindling offer valuable insights for all of us: serving headteachers/principles, advisory and distinct-wide policy makers and aspiring headteachers' - Journal of Educational Administration

By giving a detailed picture of the rapidly developing field of educational leadership, this book focuses on how to become a more effective manager and on understanding the vital importance of the manager's role in school improvement.

Written in a clear and readable style, it contains an extensive exploration of leadership models and management strategies and is based on the latest research. The text is supplemented with case studies of leadership in action.

Understanding School Leadership is indispensable reading for those who have a managerial role within their school and for students of educational management.

Introduction
PART ONE: THE CHANGING ROLE AND NATURE OF HEADSHIP
A Changing Discourse
From Management to Leadership
Stages of Headship
Who Becomes a Head and How Long Do They Stay?
The Changing Appeal and Reality of Headship
Outstanding Leaders
School Leadership in Action - A Case Study
Accountability and Ethically Responsible School Leadership
Images of Leadership
PART TWO: DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Leadership Teams and SMTs - Three Research Projects
The Heart of the School? Middle Leaders
Governing Bodies and Leadership
Governing Bodies and School Improvement
Effective Schools and Improvement Strategies
Developing Leaders and Leadership Capacity