School principal preparation in Europe

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to centre on Cypriot, English, Greek and Swedish selection and training of principals. This was part of a 2001‐2002 European Union (EU) funded study which created a distance learning CD ROM for principals.

Design/methodology/approach

National education systems and principals' selection and training were analysed and compared using documents, focus groups, principals' interviews and an international seminar.

Findings

The most centralised systems of Greece and Cyprus had less principal preparation, and more government involvement in principal selection, than the less centralised Sweden and England.

Originality/value

The extent of training was perceived to matter less in successful principalship than selecting the right people, although even a good leader can be improved through training and principals were concerned about their lack of formal training.

Citation

Thody, A., Papanaoum, Z., Johansson, O. and Pashiardis, P. (2007), "School principal preparation in Europe", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513540710716812