In the mid-1970s, a systematic national principal training programme was introduced in Sweden. The aim was to guarantee better-equipped principals in their mission to lead and develop schools in accordance with national steering documents. Since then, the programme has been subjected to changes, but its focus has remained the same. The three-year programme is currently directed at already-employed principals whose efforts are estimated to consume about 20% of their working time. Six universities provide the programme with content that corresponds to thirty higher-education credits. Consequently, the academy has to balance its fundamental role as a critical independent institution and its mission to provide an education that is crucial in the educational steering system. This article presents an historical overview of the programme's development as well as the current programme's design and challenges, and it discusses the expected future demands for change.