ABSTRACT
The current orthodox view of deputy headship is expressed in a quote from a former Chief Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools (HMI), Norman Thomas, in the 'Thomas Report' on Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) primary schools: 'We believe that nearly all deputy heads should be on the way towards becoming heads, and the heads should give them as much pretraining and experience as possible'. As a stepping stone to headship a post as a deputy is therefore for most not just a strategic move but also a valuable opportunity to learn and practise some of the skills that will be needed as a head. The dual role of both assisting and deputising is advocated by the National Association of Head Teachers which urges its members to adopt a partnership model of management. Job satisfaction can come from being given responsibility within the school and from feeling that those responsibilities have been executed successfully.
