Introduction

Since the first edition of this book was written, there has been nearly a decade of change in schools. The result is that the following quotation holds more truth today than it did then: ‘effective management is the key to more effective schools and that deputy heads have a vital role to play as members of senior management teams’. Local Management of Schools has altered many things. A significant change for readers of this book is in the nature of deputy headship: senior management teams are now firmly established, not only in secondary schools, but also in primary schools, with the result that there are more people than ever acting in senior management roles. While there may be fewer deputy heads than ten years ago (particularly in secondary schools), there are now more staff involved in decision-making at senior level. This book is of relevance to all members of senior management teams, whatever their title.