A thematic analysis of the experience of educational leaders introducing coaching into schools

Abstract

Purpose: Schools are traditionally hierarchical organisations with headteachers holding significant influence to effect change. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an investigation into the experiences of school leaders introducing coaching cultures into their schools. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a phenomenological approach. In total, 20 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with headteachers and deputy headteachers in the UK. Thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify themes. Findings: The paper reports on six themes based on the experiences of school leaders who participated in this study: personal beliefs about coachin..