A school in mind: an investigation of the stresses, pressures and challenges faced by Primary School Head Teachers in a context of organizational change in schools

This thesis is based on a research study conducted into the experiences of head teachers in their role
of leaders in primary schools. Using biographical interviews, the study examines how participants
have negotiated periods of change and challenge in their professional role. I will also consider how
personal and professional biographies converge in participants’ understanding of role, leadership,
organizational change and stress, and how wider organizational, political and social forces impacted
upon those in role.
The thesis will then go on to explore and attempt to extend some of the thinking related to the
concept of the organization‐in‐the‐mind (Armstrong, 2005), which appeared, through the narratives
of each participant to have considerable relevance to their understanding of professional role and
indeed perhaps more significantly their performance in role.