As the managers of our schools and key delivery agents in our education system, school principals are the most important partners in education. The biggest driver of better education outcomes is the school manager, the principal. School academic performance is highly correlated with the abilities and commitment of the principal.

8 key interdependence areas constitute the core purpose of the principal in any South African context:

1. Leading teaching and learning in the school;
2. Shaping the direction and development of the school;
3. Managing quality and securing accountability;
4. Developing and empowering self and others;
5. Managing the school as an organisation;
6. Working with and for the community;
7. Managing human resources (staff) in the school; and
8. Managing and advocating extra-mural activities.

Embedded in the principal’s leadership and management of the school are core societal, educational and professional values which are reflected in the manner in which he or she deals with all matters pertaining to the curriculum and human resources. These values inform the core purpose of principalship and, together with knowledge and skills, shape the nature and direction of leadership and management in the school.