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Recommended reading

NCSL publications

NCSL produces a wide range of publications aimed at providing development and support for school leaders at all levels. The research publications will provide you with development and support to help you be a better leader and to prepare you for the most challenging and exciting roles. Many can be downloaded free of charge and others ordered directly from www.ncsl.org.uk/publications.

Key reading about school leadership

What we know about school leadership (2007)

Seven strong claims about successful school leadership (2006)

System leadership: lessons from the literature (2007)

Other reading

A life in the day of a headteacher: a study of practice and well-being (2007)

Career moves: are you ready for school leadership? (2007)

International Leadership in Education Research Network (ILERN) (2007)

Collaborative leadership in extended schools: leading in a multi-agency environment (2006)

Leading a research-engaged school (2006)

Leading personalised learning in schools: helping individuals grow (2005)

Learning-centred leadership (2005)

Narrowing the gap: reducing within-school variation in pupil outcomes (2006)

Primary Middle Leaders (2006)

Leading coaching in schools (2005)

Shaping up to the future: a guide to roles, structures and career development in secondary schools (2005)

Success and sustainability: developing the strategically-focused school (2005)

Developing creativity for learning in the primary school: a practical guide for school leaders (2004)

Distributed leadership (2004)

Deputy and assistant heads: building leadership potential (2003)

School leadership: concepts and evidence (2003)

What leaders read 1: key texts from the business world (2003)

What leaders read 2: key texts from education and beyond (2003)

Challenge Plus: the experience of black and minority ethnic school leaders (2002)

Succession planning

A suite of materials has been designed by NCSL to support the development of school leaders. The documents are all available to download or order, free of charge, via our website Tomorrow's Leaders Today – a comprehensive and interactive resource aimed at headteachers, aspiring heads, governors and local authorities.