A REPORT into the leadership of schools has been produced by a local headteacher.

Entitled Far from the Madding Crowd?, the report has been sent to 23,000 heads across the country.

The author, headteacher at Northwood Preparatory School, Dr Trevor Lee, wrote it to address the question of how heads can find sanctuary to prepare for the future while coping with the daily pressures of running schools.

The report suggests that heads should think about the long-term future of their schools and share ideas with other school leaders.

Mr Lee argues that change in schools should take place over a period of time rather than as a series of short-term initiatives.

Headteacher of Watford Grammar School, Martin Post, said: "It's blindingly obvious. As a head, it is important to find time to stand back from things, but the best way to lead a school is to build a strong team around yourself."

He said that all the heads in Watford meet up on a regular basis and that good practice is shared between them.

Head of Queens' School, Bushey, Terence James, said: "As the head, you have to try to create some time to think about strategy and the future.

"It's almost impossible to do that during the school day, so it often gets put back and thinking gets done in the holidays."

Mr James added that any good head will usually consult with senior colleagues about strategy.