Excellence in Leadership and Management

In the Ofsted Handbooks for Inspecting Schools, 2003, excellence in school leadership is described as follows:

Leadership is dedicated to ensuring the highest possible standards and achievement in all areas of the school's work. It is reflective, self-critical and innovative and articulates a clear vision of the school in the future, so that all staff know what they are working towards. It results in clear strategic thinking and planning for improvement. Leadership development is supported and encouraged throughout the school. Evaluation is embedded in the school's practice, and is open, frank and accurate. The school is ambitious and keen to learn from best practice elsewhere. Most teaching is very effective, but leaders take steps to improve that which is not. The school provides successfully for pupils who do not respond well to school or have difficulty in learning. The school has a deservedly high reputation.

Excellence in school management is described in the same documents as follows:

Managers are committed to enabling the school to fulfil its vision and strategic objectives. It places high priority on appointing staff, developing their skills and deploying them to best effect. Management procedures and interventions are un-bureaucratic. The systems are sufficiently flexible to cope with initiatives or the unexpected. Management is confident and well informed.
Managers are observant and perceptive, anticipate potential problems and take pre-emptive action. Comprehensive and analytical assessment procedures are organised precisely to give the school a very clear insight into pupils' progress within and across stages, particularly in the core subjects, and for the achievements of different groups. The school welcomes visitors, student teachers and external views on its work. It has much to show and is inventive in using resources to reward performance and improve facilities. Management reflects a school with ambition.