Concern regarding the quality of education, the goals and outcomes of schooling, the relationship between education and international economic competitiveness, continuous financial stringency and competing social demands for public funds have forced educational authorities in many countries to reassess educational needs both qualitatively and quantitatively. For these reasons considerations of improving the effectiveness of schooling have tended to be based around policies of rationalised budget allocations and accountability. In most countries the concern has been, if not how to achieve effectiveness at a lower cost, at least how to achieve effectiveness in the most cost-efficient manner. This collection brings together new writing from a range of internationally respected experts on school effectiveness, leadership skills and school-based management, and offers advice for heads and managers on improving the effectiveness of schools within tight budgetary constraints.