The making of principals in Singapore schools

Abstract

This paper sets out to present findings based on a study of the processes of "principalshipmaking" in the Singapore education system. Data was gathered from twenty-one primary and secondary school principals, each with headship experiences ranging from one to fifteen years. The paper highlights how the formative years of these principals had a significant impact on "who" they were and how that determined the ways they led schools. Second, based on what principals said about their pre-headship years, the processes of socialisation along the leadership path were evident. Besides the influences of the formation and accession phases, other ways in which principals were "prepared" to take on leadership roles are also raised. Finally, the paper concludes with practical implications of the study on policies related to principalship selection, training, and appointment.