How can we understand and theorize school leadership? How can school leadership work towards enhancing student learning? What are the constraints and possibilities for school leadership at the beginning of a new century? and enhancing the professional practices of educators. The authors focus on leadership for enhancing student outcomes, both academic and social. While recognizing the significance of the principal or head teacher in school leadership, the authors argue a case for the dispersal of leadership. leading learning across the school; reflects the theories of Bourdieu and Foucault; and is politically aware, discussing the context of leadership within school communities, educational systems, global pressures and new policy directions.