Headship in the primary school

Abstract

The headteacher has always been and still is a pivotal figure in the school. The headteacher plays a very important role in the success or otherwise of the school. In order to be effective, the headteacher must be in tune with the needs of the school. The headteacher must also be aware that the needs of the school change from time to time. As far as the office of headship is concerned, scholarship is still important, but it has evolved. Being the headteacher is still being the best teacher in the school, but this has taken on a much wider dimension. This emerges from the responses to the questionnaire. Headteachers would like to be more involved in curriculum development. They want to be a party to educational changes and therefore enhance their educational role. Headship has extended into leadership. Headteachers say that they want to be a role model for teachers and also inspire people to work better. Headteachers realize that school is part of, not detached from society. They recognize the importance of external relationships and as professionals, they understand the need for accountability. Headship must reflect these changes. Headteachers, therefore, must have the skills to live up to these changes in order to lead the school in an efficient and professional way.