The changing landscape for the preparation of new school leaders has required reconceptualisation of the nature and form of professional learning that aspiring leaders need to be able to fulfil the role competently and confidently. The challenge of retaining a focus on learning, while balancing multiple accountabilities, often against a backdrop of more diverse school populations and economic constraints, makes high demands of school leaders who must provide pedagogical and curriculum leadership with well developed interpersonal skills and the capabilities need to lead effective, learning centered organisations. An additional challenge in Scotland, shared with a number of the education systems, is the difficulty of recruitment to leadership roles. The promotion of ‘leadership at all levels’ has come to be seen as a solution to these challenges and problems. In this paper we will critique this notion, consider its implications and debate its propensity to dilute, distort or authentically distribute leadership in schools.

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