ABSTRACT
Preparation for headship should be of interest not only to prospective headteachers but also to existing heads. A theme which we have been stressing is the complex nature of headship and the difficulty of acquiring the skills to be successful. Much of this learning will be experiential and can be greatly facilitated by existing headteachers. This can range from the provision of opportunities to lead activities and broaden experience to the more proactive mentoring and coaching of deputies and other staff by the headteacher.
