This presentation will explore five overall themes: i) sustaining passionate commitment and personal accountability; ii) maintaining moral purpose and managing tensions and dilemmas; iii) being other-centred and focussing on learning and development; iv) making emotional and rational investments and v) emphasising the personal and the functional. The analysis indicated:

• That ethical and moral imperatives were consistent across countries and underpinned successful principal leadership.
• Improvement in student learning and student development were the core concerns of the principals and schools.
• Principals were typically able to harness the whole community to contribute to the educational vision and strategies.
• Successful principals were able to balance external pressures, such as accountability in a results-driven environment and testing regimes, with the context of their school.
• The key leadership practices of setting directions, developing people and redesigning the organisation were clearly evident. The competent, respectful and cohesive manner in which these practices were achieved appeared to enhance success.
• Regardless of country, culture and context, the principals demonstrated a 'can do' attitude in their approach to education. They were hardworking, committed, respected and trusted by their communities, and remained hopeful despite the challenges they faced.
• The quality of relationships was a vital component. Working with and through others was a feature of the way the principals worked, even in those cases where principals adopted a very strong, almost authoritarian leadership style.