School Leadership Matters: A North South Report

At the OECD Conference ‘School Leadership Strategies’ (DES Press Release, OECD Conference, 07 Nov’07), Ministers Hanafin and Ruane announced a significant cross-border development with the establishment of a joint research project to be funded by both Departments aimed at attracting and developing school leaders. It was intended that the research would ‘look at ways to encourage the most effective members of the teaching profession to take leadership roles along with exploring the barriers that might deter them from doing so’. The Country Background Reports for Ireland, North and South (March’07) , suggest a trend in relation to the number of applicants for principalship into the future and the need for ‘country specific data’ on the circumstances which encourage or discourage individuals from applying for school leadership positions which was highlighted throughout the conference. The purpose of this research was to inform the training of new and emerging leaders, to sustain experienced practitioners and to develop of a cohesive programme which would make the position of Principal /Headteacher more attractive. The Leadership Development for Schools (LDS) in conjunction the Regional Training Unit in Northern Ireland commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out the research. The full report (in English and as gaeilge) is downloadable below. The findings of this research have the potential to inform many bodies involved in school leadership support and development; and to help to promote the role of principal as an attractive position and to increase the interest in it as a role which can make a difference.

School Leadership Matters Report