“Imagine you were cast adrift on a desert island with a school full of children in desperate need of a great headteacher. What eight qualities would you take with you to run your desert island school?”

In this inspirational book, some of the UK's most successful headteachers answer this question, talking openly about what it takes to effectively manage a school today. In candid and moving accounts we hear how they have both turned around failing schools and improved outstanding schools. Their thoughts, from vision, to courage and resilience, form the 8 key qualities which are examined in depth through the book.

This is not a book about government-led initiatives, top-down models or politically-motivated attempts to change the way schools are managed. Instead, it focuses on the vital leadership ingredients that successful heads say work for them. It offers essential insights and advice into the challenges of running a school successfully and will be a source of inspiration for all school leaders and anyone thinking about moving into headship.