Educational Leardership

The Masters in Educational Leadership aims to improve the quality of education in the nation’s schools by developing the leadership capacities of current and potential heads and deputies. The course exists in two versions: Secondary and Prep and Primary. The principles and methods are identical; some of the examples used are different (as are the attendees!). Current participants praise its “deep practical usefulness”, “stimulating and challenging material” and “inspirational approach”. All written assignments are rooted in live issues in participants’ own schools, and term-time demands are sensitive to the practical realities of their professional lives.

“If you want a good school, get a good Head. All depends on the courage, risk-taking and autonomy of one person, the Headteacher… Leadership is essential.” Simon Jenkins (The Sunday Times – June 2008)

“The nearest thing to a magic wand in education is a good Headteacher…” Sir Keith Joseph (when Secretary of State for Education)

The University of Buckingham accepts these assertions as truths. In consequence, our Masters aims not merely at the study of educational leadership but at the development of top quality educational leaders. For this reason:

The course is deeply practical

* Its methods have more in common with a degree in engineering than one in theoretical physics, with medicine than biological science.
* It draws on best existing practice in the state and the independent sectors.
* The leadership models that it considers are not confined to the world of education and its approach is heavily influenced by the Harvard Business School’s famous case study model.
* All written assignments are rooted in the professional concerns of individual course members. Our intention is that, at all times, the work should be directly relevant to their interests and the professional challenges facing them.

It is based on these 4 core assumptions

* The central concern of schools is Teaching and Learning and therefore the central concern of heads must be to ensure excellence in this area
* Such excellence is achieved through the motivation and management of people – not through administration and bureaucracy
* Success in the enterprise is dependent on intellectual honesty and independence of thought, not on adherence to fashionable nostra
* Since leaders are individuals, the course needs to be tailored to individual requirements

Though its intentions are deeply serious, its style is irreverent, even idiosyncratic. The course aims to couple intellectual challenge with enjoyment. The best leaders are, after all, independent-minded individualists not humourless automata.