Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

Knowledge Production in Educational Leadership, 2006-2007 explored the relationship between the state, public policy and knowledge by focusing on New Labour's investment in the leadership of schools as a central strategy for delivering reform. Specifically the project focused on identifying and examining the types of knowledge, the ways of knowing and the legitimisation of knowers involved in framing, promoting and securing leadership. Overall, it described, analysed and provided an explanation of the ideas behind educational leadership policymaking. The data available from the UKDA comprise interviews with 116 policymakers, including educational researchers, head teachers, private sector consultants, government ministers, civil servants and advisers. Further information about the project can be found on the ESRC Award web page.

Main Topics:

The interviews varied with profession but all covered issues around educational leadership. Themes and questions for each profession can be found in the interview schedules available as part of the user guide.

Purposive selection/case studies

Face-to-face interview