The role of secondary school headteachers : a comparative study

Abstract

This work is a comparative study of the vision, values and goals that headteachers have in Area Secondary Schools and Junior Lyceums. It also investigates how they can contribute to school effectiveness through their leadership roles. Interviews were carried out with 2 Heads from Junior Lyceums, 2 Heads from Area Secondary schools and a College Head. The aim of the interviews was to gather information about the roles of Heads in Secondary Schools. Face-to-face interviews were preferred to questionnaires as this allowed spontaneity on behalf of the Heads. The interviews discussed topics such as reasons for becoming heads; careers before headship; visions, values and goals of the school; the part they played in effective teaching and learning: changes they would like to implement in the education system; limitations and problems they encountered in the running of the school. The interviews were analysed and a number of conclusions were arrived at. Although the standards of the schools under study were different, the key roles of Heads were common to all. This shows that there have been no particular changes in the position description of Heads although the expectations of the schools varied. All Heads stressed that strong leadership is essential in the running of the school. Training, various support structures, and more autonomy where other points raised by the Heads that require attention. Other recommendations were put forward and discussed.