The Changing Landscape of School Leadership
Over the past decade, Heads have found themselves navigating an increasingly complex and demanding environment. Expectations from parents, governors, staff, and pupils alike have evolved — and the role of Headship has evolved with them.
What Defines an Exceptional Head?
The New Art of Headship, published in September 2023, explores this very question. Drawing on extensive RSAcademics research into the attitudes, behaviours, and skills of successful Heads, the report identifies nine key challenges facing school leaders today.
Among these, “unprecedented financial and strategic pressures” stand out as major concerns. Heads also report that parents are becoming more exacting — increasingly focused on “value for money” and more willing to raise issues or formal complaints than in the past.
Who Will Benefit from This Research?
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Current Heads – Gain insights to strengthen and refine your leadership practice.
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Aspiring Heads – Discover the qualities and approaches that define today’s most effective leaders.
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Governors – Use the findings to support, develop, and recruit exceptional Heads.
Access the Report
You can download The New Art of Headship full report free of charge, along with the Executive Summary and a summary poster for display.