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.

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