Preparing the Way for Partnership in Establishing a Centre for SchoolLeadership

This paper considers opportunities for a partnership approach to leadership development in a Western Australian context. It draws on the findings of a collaborative research project undertaken by three school leader associations and a university faculty of education. Following discussions of the Western Australian context and the need to move towards more client-aware forms of leadership development, project evidence is presented to reveal attitudes and requirements of school leaders, both primary and secondary, for their career development. Four sets of issues are then identified, which will require the attention of policymakers, planners and all potential stakeholders, in setting up a Centre for School Leadership.