The effectiveness of the school’s approach to the identification and development of future school leaders – Alfred Salter Primary School

What were our aims? To evaluate the school’s current approach to the identification and

development of future school leaders. (staff and school perspective). To understand the school’s current approach better in terms of the

skills / attitudes we look for in FSLs. To evaluate the need for a more systematic approach to leadership

development using leadership standards as a basis for assessment and identification of CPD.

If necessary to modify the school’s approach to ensure it meets the needs of the school and its staff.

To learn from colleagues in our partner school in Sweden.

What have we done to date?• Created and piloted a questionnaire to

collect staff perspectives on the current approach to developing leaders. Questionnaire was refined after feedback.

• Presentation to staff about the project and what we are trying to learn. All teaching staff given a questionnaire.

• Results analysed.

• Additional visit to our partner school to learn more about leadership structure & development and staff voice.

Did we read any research before we began?• Successful school leadership in Sweden and the US

( Contexts of social responsibility and individualism) Betty Merchant et al.

• Developing School leaders: A comparative study of leader preparation programmes. Mel West and David Jackson (2002).

What was our timescale?• In 2014 (Jan – December ) we collected data at school

level, analysed it and are currently researching approaches to the development of FSLs in other organisations, contexts, both nationally and internationally.

• May 2014 – Additional visit to partner school.• From July 2014 to April 2015, responding to outcomes of

the evaluation by developing tools and systems where necessary.

Who did we involve?• Teachers• Leadership team• School managers (non-teaching)• Partner school staff

What were our methods/ activities?• Pilot questionnaires• Final questionnaires• Case studies• Leadership team discussions• Partner school visits

Did we face any difficulties?• Time constraints amid major shifts in National

Education Policy• Linking reading to our action research

What are our outcomes?

•Better understanding of the school’s perceived culture and preferred culture for developing school leaders.

•Better understanding of the timescales for developing leaders at our school.

•Developed tools and approaches to support leadership development across the teaching staff.

•Better understanding of leadership development in our partner school in Sweden.

How did we monitor/ evaluate?

•Monitoring at key points in the project – for example after analysis of questionnaires.

•Discussions with key staff in partner school

What next?

Monitor use of CPD toolsEvaluate their usefulness to staffResearch / develop leadership standards for

FSLs Develop use of case studiesFurther reading to broaden our knowledge and

understandingFurther collaboration and peer learning with

partner schoolExtending opportunities for FSLs to participate