Assessing candidates for the post of principal of a school

This paper examines the strategies used by recruiting bodies to assess potential candidates for the post of principal of a school. A quantitative methodology is used to identify what recruiters seek in applicants. The expectations that recruiters have when assessing applicants can be seen as a form of proxy for the elements they consider would constitute a successful principal. Data were collected from school supervisors who had served as selection panel members. An understanding of the selection criteria may also inform policy makers and practitioners and so improve the selection of the best potential candidates. Copyright © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.