Models of leadership
These pages are designed to help you to explore models of leadership for your school. Current and emerging models of leadership are developing in light of changes to the way schools are led and managed. There is no ‘right’ way - it is for leaders and governors to work with stakeholders to shape the right approach for their context, drawing on information about what is possible and learning from other schools.
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What are new models of leadership?
Current and emerging models of leadership and their structures.
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The National College's work on models of leadership
Outline of our work on models of leadership.
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Why change your leadership structure?
Common drivers which cause schools to re-examine their existing leadership models.
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Creating your model of leadership
Advice, resources and toolkits that will help you identify which model is right for you.
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Networking opportunities
Exchanging knowledge and practice about new models of leadership.
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Frequently asked questions about models of leadership
Find answers to questions that have been drawn from school leaders and consultants working in the area of new models of leadership.
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Case studies
List of case-study schools - all of which are developing new models of leadership.
Publications
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Emerging patterns of leadership
A report exploring leadership within co-locations, where a school or children's centre shares its site with a school of a different type or with another service. It examines the impact on continuity for children and young people and the benefits to the wider community -
Leadership of management and change in South Africa
The purpose of the study was to examine the management of change within the schools, which continues against the background of the nation’s own long and profound change process. Part of the International Leadership Learning Programme. -
Models of school organisation and patterns of leadership - Cape Town
Leaders of schools look at the challenges of new models of organisation and patterns of leadership in South Africa. Part of a study visit through the International leadership Learning Programme. -
Models of school organisation and patterns of leadership - Eger, Hungary
School leaders reflect on their exploration of models of school organisation and patterns of leadership in Hungary as part of a study visit through the International Leadership Learning Programme -
Models of leadership and patterns of school organisation - Nijmigen, Netherlands
School leaders reflect on their exploration of models of leadership and organisation in The Netherlands as part of a study visit through the International Leadership Learning Programme.
Case studies
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Harris Federation
National College resources: new models of school leadership. Collaborative leadership for a federation of six academies: a case study. How the Harris Federation uses system leadership to raise attainment in its south London academies. -
Milburn school: innovation and partnership working
National College resources: new models of school leadership. A case study: led by a headteacher with a unique style, this school has become a laboratory for developing new approaches to teaching and learning. -
From the cradle to the school gates
Case study about Walton Lane Nursery and Children's Centre which operates on two sites and uses its own not-for-profit company to give local families better access to the support they and their children need -
Exmoor Coast Federation: collaboration across small rural first and middle schools
Case study exploring a unique approach to leadership support across small rural schools. -
The Durham Federation: two small rural secondary schools serving ex-mining villages
Case study exploring a school federation who is providing a wide and imaginative curriculum that would not be feasible in two small rural secondary schools.
Interactive resources
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Moral purpose of education
Interview between Maggie Farrar, strategic director at the National College, and John West-Burnham, professor of educational leadership, about the complexities and challenges of the leadership of Every Child Matters (ECM) -
Leadership of Every Child Matters
Interview between Maggie Farrar, strategic director at the National College, and John West-Burnham, professor of educational leadership, about the complexities and challenges of the leadership of Every Child Matters (ECM) -
Social capital
Interview between Maggie Farrar, strategic director at the National College, and John West-Burnham, professor of educational leadership, about the complexities and challenges of the leadership of Every Child Matters (ECM) -
Models of leadership to support 21st century schools: hard federations in primary schools
An online seminar in which an executive headteacher and head of teaching and learning share their experiences of a hard federation of primary schools -
Models of leadership for 21st century schools
An online seminar in which a headteacher shares her experiences of school leadership
Articles
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Models of leadership networking opportunities
Events, online discussions and contact details for National College models of leadership consultants. -
Frequently asked questions about leadership structures
National College resources: find answers to questions frequently asked about leadership structures by those interested in new models of school leadership. -
Frequently asked questions about co-/joint/shared headship
National College resources: find answers to questions frequently asked about co-headship by those interested in new models of school leadership. -
Frequently asked questions about academies
National College resources: find answers to questions frequently asked about academies by those interested in new models of school leadership. -
Frequently asked questions about federations
National College resources: find answers to questions frequently asked about federations by those interested in new models of school leadership.

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