Leadership Support through Public—Private ‘Partnerships’: Views of School Leaders

Abstract

The English education system has been radically transformed over the last two decades. Throughout this period, the New Right and New Labour government policies have embraced the rhetoric of empowering schools to become self-managing institutions. In the course of this transformation, school leadership and management have become exceptionally complex and increasingly demanding with the leadership team being accountable for business management as well as pedagogical leadership. This article explores through loosely structured thematic interviews with headteachers and school business managers whether there is a demand for voluntary business management support from businesses. Schools demonstrate a willingness to receive strategic business management support from businesses, but present a multifaceted picture. Personalized school—business partnerships that are flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and capacities of both partners seem to be the way forward.