It is generally accepted that effective principals make for effective schools. In the United Kingdom, the key player providing needed intelligence, vision, energy, and thinking is called the headteacher. The issue considered broadly in this paper is educational leadership in the UK. It addresses the critical role of the headteacher and how to ensure that English schools will continue to receive solid direction to ensure student achievement. The paper begins with a review of recent government efforts to recognize the central importance of headteachers, and describes current practices and analyzes their effectiveness. The paper then presents a list of fundamental assumptions: Briefly, there is a shortage of qualified candidates for headships, and the situation is likely to get worse unless corrective steps are taken. Based, then, on the stated observations and assumptions, the paper makes the following recommendations for policymakers: (1) Upgrade the traditional apprenticeship model to incorporate the skills needed for the modern headship; (2) include peer coaching, or lateral support, in current mentoring programs; (3) help current and aspiring headteachers develop a personal educational platform, or philosophy of education; and (4) provide targeted learning experiences, or training, for current and aspiring headteachers. (Contains 10 references.) (WFA)