Making a Difference?

Abstract

This article discusses of some of the methodological issues involved in attempting to ascertain or measure the impact of the National College for School Leadership on the leaders of English schools and leadership development more generally. It does so with specific reference to the findings of two surveys of heads and deputies of English state schools conducted in 2001 and 2003, the first commissioned by the (then) Department for Education and Employment, and the second by the NCSL. The findings of the two surveys, specifically those relating to: a) the adequacy of preparation for headship; and b) the role of the college, are compared and used to illustrate the value and limitations of baseline and follow-up studies as impact measures. Methodological approaches and research designs which could be developed to help ascertain more rigorously the impact of the college are also briefly considered.