Evolving headship : developing from novice to expert practitioner

Even when newly appointed to their first Headship, School Leaders are expected to 'hit the ground running'. There is an expectation that they will have the necessary skills, experience, and professional judgement to manage their staff and school effectively, leading their institution through change, inspection and delivering ever higher standards. How does a School Leader acquire and develop the high level professional competences required to manage a complex organisation at the outset of their career? This paper explores the contribution of Critical Incidents in supporting development and evolution of School Leaders from novice to expert practitioner, and implications for their Continued Professional Development