The changing role of the Assistant head in schools. Voices from the field

Abstract

Who is the assistant head of school? Why has this position largely been overlooked as a significant force in educational leadership in Italy? In answering such questions, the main aim of this pilot study is to shed light on the crucial role of the assistant heads, considered as ‘key pedagogical figures’ in the dayto day leadership and management of a school. This paper is exploratory in nature and follows a qualitative design based on in-depth interviews with ten assistant heads. A systematic qualitative data analysis approach grounded on cross-interview synthesis is used. Findings are critically reviewed in light of the few available national studies in the middle leadership field. Conclusions containing research recommendations will follow with the aim of paving the stage to formally recognize this neglected role.