Application for Headship

Are candidates for headship given the necessary information about the job? This article draws together inquiries among heads and deputies with a survey of what LEAs provide. The Changing Nature of the Headship Role Fifteen years ago an investigation into the role of headship prompted the comment that &dquo;the headteacher’s day is made up of a succession of disconnected and varied activities- (Thomason 1970). Five years later further research revealed how a large sample of teachers perceived the task (Bernbaum 1975). The,enquiry included headteachers of grammar, comprehensive and modern, schools and one aim was to identify which tasks the headteachers undertook themselvcs and which they delegated. The least delegated aspects of their role related to the generalised and personal qualities of leadership. Heads perceived themselves as excelling at any activity which needed generalised personal qualities such as the ability to &dquo;manipulate&dquo; and &dquo;get on&dquo; with people. They perceived themselves as possessing considerable ability in selecting staff, obtaining staff and parental cooperation, and dealing with LEA officials