Valerie Wilson
ISBN 978 0 7559 6753 7 (Web only publication)
This document is also available in pdf format (492k)
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Aims of the research
1.3 Background
1.4 Methods
1.5 Characteristics of case study schools
1.6 Organisation of the report
2. Small schools - issues and developments
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Points from the literature
2.3 Summary
3. A picture of provision
3.1 Introduction
3.2 School size
3.3 Teacher numbers
3.4 Location
3.5 Facilities
3.6 Summary
4. A view of headship
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Characteristics of small school headteachers
4.3 Future career plans
4.4 Summary
5. Leading small schools
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The nature of the job
5.3 Attitudes to change
5.4 Leadership styles
5.5 Support from the community
5.6 Summary
6. Available development and support
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Local authority-based support
6.3 National provision for support and development
6.4 Summary
7. Conclusions and discussion
7.1 Introduction
7.2 The principal findings
7.3 Discussion
7.4 In conclusion
References
Appendices
A1 Search strategy
A2 Interview topic guide
A3 Sampling strategy
A4 Headteacher questionnaire
List of tables and figures
Tables
1.1 Overview of the work programme
1.2 An overview of the nine case study schools
3.1 Number of schools in the sample by pupils roll
3.2 Number of schools in the sample with 1-4 teachers
3.3 Distribution of schools with 50 or fewer pupils in 10 LAs
3.4 Sampled small school headteachers' perceptions of school facilities
Figures
3.1 Stability of sampled small school rolls
3.2 Location of sample of small schools
4.1 Number of years small school headteachers had been in post
4.2 Future career plans of small school headteachers
5.1 The most frequently used leadership activities by small school headteachers
6.1 Most frequently used sources of support by small school headteachers
The Scottish Government is making this research report, part of the Education Sponsored Research programme, available in order to provide access to its contents for those interested in the subject. The Scottish Government sponsored the research but has not exercised editorial control over the report.
The views expressed in the report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Scottish Government or any other organisation(s) by which the author(s) is/are employed.
The research was commissioned through Education Information and Analytical Services Division, which is responsible for providing analytical services within the Scottish Executive. Their work is part of a multidisciplinary unit (consisting of researchers, economists and statistics staff) and the staff undertakes and funds economic analysis and social research in the fields of: school education, and children, young people and social work.
If you wish to find out more about our education research programme, please contact the Dissemination Officer, Information, Analysis and Communication Division, Scottish Government, Education IAS, Area 1B (S), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ or by e-mail on recs.admin@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or visit our website www.scotland.gov.uk/insight/
This report was published on the Scottish Government website in September 2007.