Interviewed 10 (British) secondary headteachers to examine headship approaches among those appointed during the past 3 years. Numerous contextual factors impinge on new principals: current events, devolved management, catchmment area, management courses, staff affect and attitudes, and planned rate and style of managed change. (Contains 25…

Uses a model of job change gains and losses to underpin research on new (British) headteachers and deputies, examining gains and losses accompanying the deputy-to-headteacher transition, the degree these were anticipated, and seriousness of their effects. Many of the 87 deputies were deterred by headship burdens; 37 new, well-prepared principals…

Report of a study of the appointment of acting heads (principals) in 24 Scottish school districts, which explored their effectiveness and reasons for being appointed. Offers suggestions for creating a pool of potential heads to take advantage of opportunities for personal, professional, and school development. (Contains 23 references.) (WFA)