A Practical Guide for New School Leaders

Citation

Wells, S. (2004), "A Practical Guide for New School Leaders", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 74-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijem.2004.18.1.74.1

The aim of this book is to improve the quality of management in schools by providing a variety of strategies that will assist and stimulate new head teachers to understand and be creative in their new role as leaders within schools. However, there are many books that can fulfil this role – what makes this book stand out is that the authors clearly have a proposal that extends beyond this limited remit, which is an approach to education that argues that managers in new headship roles should become more skilled, self‐aware, and independent learners who continuously appraise their role as leaders.

This book is full of so many practical ideas that new heads will surely be enthused to try something new and put energy into their new role, especially as this is supported by an outstanding detailed analysis of the frequent problems that those new to headship will face, enhanced by interesting and well‐chosen case studies.

The quality of support to new deputy‐heads and heads differs considerably, for each who receives a well‐planned structured support system there are probably nine (in the UK) who receive little to none. One often hears “if only there was a book or something that could get me through the initial period”. Is this book the answer to that call for assistance? Absolutely! I highly recommend this book to all those new to management roles within schools, it is essential reading. I am also sure that this is one of those books whose reputation will grow by word of mouth by those who have used it, to their colleagues. It deserves to be, and I am sure will become a classic.