Headteachers in Catholic schools: challenges of leadership

In spite of their academic and social success, Catholic schools in England have been subject to a variety of challenges and changes in recent years. This paper draws on the findings of an investigation based on interviews that the writer carried out among a number of headteachers working in Catholic schools in the Midlands and south-east England. The intention of the investigation was to elicit their views about the leadership challenges they face in their experience of headship. In considering the challenges that headteachers in Catholic schools face, the writer concludes that it seems they encounter significant and increasing tensions in attempting to fulfil the faith mission of the Catholic Church within a prevailing secular culture and a competitive educational environment.