High performance in education matters because it shapes everything that happens within a school. It is an approach that seeks excellence and ambition in every student and member of staff by developing both skills and personal virtues. This way of working is grounded in a growth mindset and strong academic foundations that help students build confidence and prepare for lifelong success. Strong leadership makes this possible, influencing school climate, teacher development, student achievement, and the overall sense of purpose within a community.
This blog is written for school leaders who want to build a school where high performance is embedded in the curriculum and school culture. Drawing on insights from EdVance: The High-Performance and Leadership Podcast, we look at the key habits that define high-performing leaders and how you can start applying them in your own context.
Why is high-performing leadership important?
High-performing leadership is what turns vision into reality. In education, leadership is about managing operations and also about shaping purpose, values, and direction. When school leaders lead effectively, the impact is visible everywhere: in teacher motivation, student engagement, community trust and overall school culture. School culture shapes how people relate to one another, how decisions are made, and how learning takes place every day. Schools need to have a strong school culture because that is what makes sustained improvement possible.
Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise, explains that high performance begins with intention. “Every system lives in another system”, he says. To build a high-performing school, leaders must first have a clear vision of what their school should be, and then design and manage the systems that will make that vision happen. This involves aligning policies, people, and processes so that daily practices reflect the school’s bigger goals. Brizard also stresses the importance of evidence and credibility. Leaders must base their decisions on data and real examples, and at the same time, build trust with teachers, students, and families. Without credibility, even the best-designed systems struggle to succeed.
Andy Hargreaves, in his reflections on leadership and culture, puts it simply: “great students need great teachers; great teachers come from great leaders; great leaders come from great systems.” High-performing leadership connects every level of education, from individual classrooms to the wider system. It ensures that students feel safe and included, and that teachers feel inspired and supported. Hargreaves reminds us that “there’s no child wellbeing without teacher wellbeing.” When leaders focus on both, they create a foundation where everyone can perform at their best.
Professor Hargreaves also states that leadership is not about competition or pressure; it is about creating the conditions where people can excel together. It values excellence through collaboration, shared purpose, and continuous learning. He says, “You have to be everything you want the people you lead to be.” Authenticity, humility, and consistency are at the heart of strong leadership. When leaders model these qualities, they build what it takes to drive performance and strengthen the whole school community.
Habits for high-performing leadership
High performance is the result of intentional actions that leaders practise consistently, shaping both their behaviour and the culture around them. The following habits, inspired by insights from Jean-Claude Brizard and Andy Hargreaves, offer a starting point for leaders who want to strengthen performance without losing sight of people.
1. Lead with vision and design
Jean-Claude Brizard highlights that leadership begins with clarity of design. A high-performing school starts with a clear vision, one that defines what success looks like for students and teachers alike. Leaders must not only set that vision but also organise systems, policies, and structures around it. As Brizard puts it, “you design and then you manage the system to get what you actually want.”
2. Ground decisions in evidence
High-performing leaders rely on data and evidence to inform their decisions. They track progress, analyse results, and adjust when needed. As Brizard notes, “Evidence matters. Bring concrete evidence. Use cases.” This focus builds credibility, both within the school and in the wider community. When decisions are transparent and supported by proof, trust grows, and trust is essential for lasting change.
3. Build cultures that support both performance and belonging
Andy Hargreaves reminds us that high performance in schools cannot be achieved through pressure, but through purpose. Strong leadership creates environments where teachers and students thrive together. As he puts it, “We need to engage and motivate the teachers as much as we do with the kids.”
A culture of high performance grows when people feel trusted and supported. It is built on shared values, open communication, and genuine collaboration. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping this balance between high expectations and human connection. When teachers feel that their well-being and growth matter, they create classrooms where students feel the same sense of belonging.
4. Model authenticity and humility
High-performing leadership is grounded in authenticity. Andy Hargreaves highlights that “you have to be everything you want the people you lead to be.” That includes showing vulnerability, listening to feedback, and learning alongside others.
He also adds that “being able to model those things personally makes you stronger as a leader, not weaker.” When leaders admit what they don’t know, seek advice, or show curiosity, they make it safe for others to do the same. This creates a culture of trust and continuous improvement, where growth becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual effort.
Leading with purpose and consistency
High performing leadership grows from clarity, consistency, and care. The habits shared here, leading with vision, grounding decisions in evidence, building cultures of belonging, and modelling authenticity, point towards two truths: leadership is service and is people-centred. It’s important that leaders practise these habits intentionally and consistently, because they can create schools where teachers and students reach their full potential. It builds the foundation for a culture that believes every person in the school has the potential to achieve at a high level.
Keep learning with EdVance
If you’d like to explore these ideas further and hear directly from inspiring voices in education, listen to EdVance. Each episode offers a closer look into the realities of high-performing leadership, sharing practical insights, stories, and strategies from experts and school leaders around the world.
