Acquaro, D; Stokes, H
(European Educational Research Association (EERA), 2018)
In this paper, we explore the space between the desire to further ones’ career and fulfil ambition, and the inherent barriers present when aspiring to leadership roles. Through a series of 36 interviews with women in boys’ schools we explore the leadership aspirations and experiences of a group of women across six secondary schools who have limited access to leadership and power compared to their male colleagues. We explore the hierarchical structure of leadership ever present in boys’ schools which precludes women from senior leadership and privileges men. Our research reveals the way women develop their identity as a leader despite the challenges they face in a context that privileges hegemonic hierarchy.