ABSTRACT
An historic view is taken to illustrate how the key concepts of vision, mission and culture have developed in meaning over time. Examples of different vision and mission statements are assessed drawing on examples from the UK, China and Australia. An extensive case study is used to illustrate how collaborative negotiation of a new vision for a school, which was defined as ‘inadequate’ by the school’s inspectorate (OfSTED), has enhanced the leadership of change in the institution. Theories of visionary, collaborative and transformational leadership are applied to understand how leaders can use these concepts to create an effective and well-functioning school. At the close of the chapter readers are invited to evaluate some vision statements and design one that meets the requirements of the current levels of challenge society faces today.
