Being an effective head requires a combination of leadership skills. This timely book looks at current issues faced by headteachers and how they can be handled most effectively for the best outcome in schools. Fidler and Atton look at particular pressure points that can be particularly problematic for headteachers today and ways of dealing with these. Comparisons are made between headships and chief executive roles of other organisations and extensive examples are included from current headteachers to illustrate aspects of the job they find most challenging. The authors also examine the career of headship from application to retirement and emphasise the need to learn about leadership before becoming a head. Using examples of current headship practice in the UK, they suggest ways of developing good practice further. Chapters include: Development of leadership thought Achieving headship Selecting and supporting headteachers Understanding the demands of contemporary headship After headship. The Headship Game will be a valuable resource for current and aspiring headteachers as well as those on NPQH courses.