ABSTRACT
In this chapter we commence by exploring the relationship between leadership and school effectiveness. We place this exploration in an international context and introduce the parameters of national policy expectations and socio-economic influences, such as poverty, upon the nature and extent to which schools and school leaders can make a difference in the lives of children. Given that leaders and leadership are important in advancing school effectiveness, the chapter highlights the importance of good leadership development and the problem of recruiting good leaders in some countries as influential in the school improvement journey. The chapter offers focus on the central role of leaders in fostering high-quality teaching and learning within their schools and explores how they might help to translate this into better outcomes for all pupils in their care. We include recent examples of evolving approaches to leadership in some countries intended to better serve pupils, their families and their communities. Finally the chapter asks what of the future for continued school improvement, what kind of futures can be envisaged and what kinds of visions should be pursued?
