More than a principal: A mixed methods exploration of successful high school leadership in the Western Cape, South Africa

School leadership matters. After teachers and teaching, school leadership is the most important determinant of student achievement in school, although there is still uncertainty regarding what successful school leadership is and what successful school leaders do in non-Western contexts. This mixed methods study explores successful high school leadership in South Africa. Specifically, a questionnaire was administered to 38 principals from academically high-achieving schools in a range of socioeconomic contexts throughout the Western Cape, and 14 principals were interviewed. An integrated analysis reveals the paradox of uniqueness and universality of successful school leadership in South Africa, outlining that while there is no single best approach, various similarities exist between successful school leaders and the established international literature. The study finds that successful principals adapt to their context, amalgamate transformational, instructional and distributed leadership styles, set direction, develop people, constantly redesign the school with teaching and learning, and, importantly, strive to make a difference in the lives of others. By shining a light on these characteristics and practices, the study offers theoretical, practical and personal advice to aspiring school leaders.