Abstract

Resilience is not an innate attribute, but it operates within a socio-ecological framework. Although individual factors play a part in an individual’s resilience, it is also affected by social relationships, institutional and political contexts, and the day-to-day challenges encountered. A survey and follow-on interviews with headteachers revealed a range of factors affecting participants’ resilience and a variety of strategies employed by them to support it. Participants identified the need for external professional supervision as part of a broader systemic approach to supporting headteacher resilience.