Modelling of statistical data is a well established analytical strategy. Statistical data can be modelled to represent, and thereby predict, the forces acting upon a structure or system. For the rapidly changing systems in the world of education, modelling enables the researcher to understand, to predict and to enable decisions to be based upon those predictions. This article draws upon research funded by the Centre for Excellence in Leadership which sought to analyze leadership issues in partnerships for 14-19 educational provision in North East England. The literature review conducted for the study suggested three themes to underpin the analysis of the data: policy, partnership and leadership. The key aspects of each theme are discussed, leading into a discussion of the modelling process. (Contains 2 figures.)