Abstract
The New Zealand education system is undergoing the biggest revamp of educational policy since 1989. The Tomorrow’s Schools review (Tomorrow’s Schools Independent Taskforce, 2018) contends that although education is highly valued in New Zealand, the performance of the system appears to have slipped since the policy was introduced more than three decades ago. School leadership was one item targeted for review. In New Zealand, the lack of an easily accessible, comprehensive programme of leadership development continues to be an area of concern. This chapter explores leadership preparation in urban and semi-rural schools in New Zealand. Drawing on a multiple case study conducted during 2020–2022, the views of three aspiring leaders regarding their perceived level of preparedness for leadership are shared. The chapter is framed by research and policy that addresses successful school leadership in New Zealand and aims to contribute to a growing body of international literature on the leadership of high-needs schools.