The Recruitment and Retention of Headteachers in Scotland

MacBeath, J., Gronn, P., Opher, D., Lowden, K. , Forde, C. , Cowie, M. and O'Brien, J. (2009) The Recruitment and Retention of Headteachers in Scotland. Project Report. Scottish Government Social Research, Edinburgh, UK.

Abstract

<p>1. Background to, and Purpose of, the Study 1.1 This study, funded by the Scottish Government in December 2007, was commissioned to make recommendations about the recruitment and retention of headteachers in Scotland.</p> <p>2. Recruitment and Retention: An International Issue 2.1 The background to the study is a growing international concern about recruitment and retention of high quality school leaders. A finding common to studies in a number of countries is the high profile and intensity of the leadership role and the phenomenon of “career deputies” - people who did do not want the responsibility of leading a school. In Scotland there would appear to be opportunities for addressing issues that fall directly within the scope of schools, local authorities and the Scottish Government.</p> <p>3. The Research Questions and Methodology 3.1 The research was framed by the following four overarching questions:</p> <p>1.What do head teachers think about their role? What keeps them in post and what might make them leave or change direction? 2.What prompts teachers to seek to become head teachers and what barriers do they face? 3.Why do some teachers not aspire to headships and is there anything that could change their views? 4.What arrangements, approaches and policies have been adopted by local authorities and central government for succession planning, identifying early leadership potential and training and development? </p> <p>3.2 1218 teachers and 1137 headteachers responded to two surveys. 94 per cent of headteacher respondents were serving heads and 6 per cent were acting up. Follow up interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 47 headteachers, 9 local authorities 28 non-aspirant deputes and potential heads plus 18 aspirant teachers/deputes.</p>

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Additional Information: This is a report of a recent research project. The full text is not available for download.
• Keywords: headteacher recruitment, headship preparation, leadership
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Forde, Prof Christine and Gronn, Prof Peter and Lowden, Mr Kevin and O'Brien, Professor James Paul
• Authors: MacBeath, J., Gronn, P., Opher, D., Lowden, K., Forde, C., Cowie, M., and O'Brien, J.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Professional Learning and Leadership ; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Educational Leadership & Policy
• Publisher: Scottish Government Social Research