The work experiences of an assistant head of school

Abstract

“Scratch the surface of an excellent school and you are likely to find an excellent principal. Peer into a failing school and you are likely to find weak leadership” (Leithwood & Riehl, 2003, p. 2). It is widely believed that heads of school are the key to a successful school (Branch, Hanushek & Rivkin, 2013; Marzano, Waters & McNulty, 2005). However, as Fullan (2002) remarked, the top leader alone cannot succeed in such an important mission. The roles and responsibilities of the head of school have become more complex, challenging, and demanding (Billot, Goddard & Cranston, 2007; Cranston, 2007; Gronn, 2003). This pressure on the head demands a strong and effective leadership team which shares responsibility amongst its members. It therefore entails that each of these members brings individual strengths to the team. Furthermore, it necessitates that assistant heads are comprehended fully and engaged wisely for the sum of the individual parts of the leadership team to be greater than the whole.