Learning principalship : becoming a principal in a swedish context

Novice principals are expected to acquire professional skills by participating in education. Consequently, expectations are set for principal education to support novice principals in how to take on principalship. The aim of this study is to explore novice principals’ learning and their understanding of principalship in a Swedish context as the principals are socialised into their role through education and practice. The research questions are: How do principals engage in principal training in the interaction with their professional work practice? How can principals’ process of learning and understanding be explained? What is the importance of principal training in relation to the creation of a coherent school leader role for a contemporary school context? The study focuses on principals in Swedish compulsory schools who participate in their third and final year in the mandatory Swedish National Principal Training Programme. A qualitative research design elaborated from a practice