In a complex and multi-layered world, the conventional idea of great leadership being the result of the efforts of a single individual is rapidly becoming redundant. This book takes up the challenge of finding an alternative method of leadership in educational contexts, and looks at how this can help achieve sustained improvement in schools. The authors acknowledge that there are no simple solutions to school improvement. They argue that the effective leaders of the future will be those who are able to share responsibility, build positive relationships and offer stakeholders - teachers, parents and students - an opportunity to work together to improve their schools. The book is based around four key areas of concern: the changing context of leadership, leadership and school improvement, building leadership capacity, and future direction and implications. In each section, the authors discuss current theories and issues, and put forward alternative ideas and perspectives. This important book will make valuable reading for headteachers, principles, deputies and other senior teachers, particularly those undertaking leadership qualifications and training. It will also be of interest to postgraduate students and school governors.

'...this book is timely. As well as an overview of theoretical perspectives, it offers a convincing analysis of leadership capacity; drawing usefully on actual examples, it demonstrates how that capacity can be strengthened and develope. It is challenging, stimulating and refreshingly free of jargon. An excellent introduction to the national college courses, and an optimistic pointer to real improvement. Not a book for the bin.' - Michael Duffy, Times Educational Supplement

'For the student of education and the researcher there are succinct and useful summaries of some of the fundamental debates about school leadership.' - David Wood, Oxford Brookes University (escalate website)

Alma Harris is Professor of School Leadership and Director of the Leadership, Policy and Improvement Unit at the Institute of Education, University of Warwick.,
Christopher Day is Professor of Education and Co-Director of the Centre for Teacher and School Development at the School of Education, University of Nottingham.,
Mark Hadfield is a Senior Lecturer in Professional Development and School Improvement at the School of Education, University of Nottingham.,
David Hopkins is Director of the Standards and Effectiveness Unit at the Department for Education and Skills.,
Andy Hargreaves is Professor of Educational Leadership and Change at the University of Nottingham, and Professor in the International Centre for Educational Change at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.,
Christopher Chapman is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Education, University of Warwick.