Management Problems of New Primary Headteachers

This paper presents initial findings of research into problems encountered by recently appointed primary headteachers. The study from which its data are drawn was undertaken in Wales in the summer of 1994 as one dimension of a broader European study of the preparation and early years in post of headteachers and replicated elements of an earlier survey of new secondary headteachers appointed to post in 1982–83. This paper discusses findings from the 1994 primary study relating to headteachers’ perceptions of three categories of problems: those internal to their schools, those external to their schools and those related to staff and staffing issues. To provide a context for these empirical data the paper also presents a brief review of research on problems and approaches to problem‐solving relevant to educational administrators.