Abstract

This article considers the role of strong leadership in eradicating educational inequality. It presents case-study data from the Teach First Cymru leadership development programme, which explores how their trainees and alumni develop the elements of strong leadership necessary to effect change in schools. Drawing on insights from educational literature, it concludes that impact is achieved through the interplay of three elements of strong leadership: vision and values; identifying as a leader; and support from a wider network (in this case the Teach First partnership). As such, the article emphasises the need for strong leadership at all levels within a school and highlights the need to recruit and train teachers in light of the priority of closing the achievement gap in Wales.

How to Cite:

Burch, H., (2018) “How Do Trainees and Alumni of the Teach First Cymru Leadership Development Programme Understand their Contribution to Educational Equity in Wales?”, Wales Journal of Education 20(2), 157-181. doi: https://doi.org/10.16922/wje.20.2.9