The quality of the head often makes the difference between the success or failure of a school. (DfEE, 1997, p 46)

The £19 billion is a substantial commitment on our part to do what we can … investment for reform, for change and for pursuit of higher standards and excellence … to bring this about there is no group of people more important than headteachers. (Blair, 1998)

You can recognize a good school by the quality of its head and I believe good headteachers and good leadership are essential in the drive to raise standards in schools. (Blunkett, 1998)

So this is a good time to be debating the future of school leadership. There is consensus on its importance. There is consensus on its key elements. There is … consensus that school leadership in England is getting better, fast. (Miliband, 2003a)

Excellent leaders create excellent schools. Secondary schools need strong leaders at all levels, enabling them to provide a rich and diverse curriculum taught by professionals committed to success for every learner. (Clarke, 2004, p 25)

Good leadership is at the heart of every good school. A strong headteacher, backed by an able leadership team and governing body, is vital for success. (DfES, 2005, p 99)

In excellent schools the teachers receive continuous training and professional development to update their skills and expertise, and there is always strong leadership from headteachers with the autonomy to lead their schools. (Brown, 2007, p 10)

Strong leadership sets the tone for the whole community. It creates the ethos that makes clear exactly what a school stands for and what it's trying to achieve. (Kelly, 2005b)

Strong and visionary world class leadership is essential if the UK is to sustain its competitive performance. The price of failure will be high. (Johnson, 2003)