LEADERSHIP STYLES OF HEADTEACHERS AND PUPILS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

Schools would become effective in reaching their vision of improved learner academic performance if their systems prioritize and consider the importance of school leadership. This thesis sought to examine the leadership styles of Headteachers and how these contribute to pupils’ academic performance in Basic Education Certificate Examination in selected Junior High Schools in Northern Ghana. Through a mixed method design, the study covered 42 Junior High Schools and 384 respondents. Data was collected and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Themes and testimonies from interviews were strengthened by t-test and ordinary least squares. The study revealed that some Headteachers employed a blend of participatory leadership styles, transformational, transactional and servant leadership styles which were more participatory while others centred everything on themselves and were less consultative in their approaches. Pupils achieved higher scores in BECE under Headteachers who employed participatory leadership styles than those who were less consultative and rigid. The study also revealed that Headteachers perform in predominantly rural context characterized by inadequate school inputs and very limited professional development support. Some Headteachers also encountered certain difficulties such as role ambiguity, interference from superior officers, inaccessibility of schools and lack of support from stakeholders which combined to make their work difficult. More in-service training on school leadership should be offered to Headteachers. Ghana Education Service should adequately resource schools, increase supervision and mentorship and put mechanisms in place to prevent senior officers from undue interference in the work of Headteachers. Successes in the provision of infrastructure and policies are clear demonstration that with increased commitment to improving school leadership Ghana can achieve her vision of quality education for all its citizens.