Training for head teachers needs to have a greater focus on motivational skills and building trust, according to a study of some of England’s best school leaders.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families study analysed the working practices of head teachers at schools that had achieved dramatic improvements in grades in a short space of time.

The Effective Leadership and Pupil Outcomes Project study found that head teachers in improving schools were particularly good at motivating staff and maintaining their enthusiasm over a long period of time. This often went beyond the remit of existing training for head teachers.

Leading head teachers were also highly skilled in understanding the characteristics of the local community and building strong links with families, another area that training needs to emphasise.

Delegation was also a key characteristic of successful head teachers. The study found that head teachers at the improving schools analysed promoted “layered leadership”.

By Joe Lepper
Children & Young People Now
25 June 2009