Secondary school principals’ professional development needs in leading schools in the digital era

Abstract

This study explores the professional development needs of secondary school principals in leading schools during the digital era, with a focus on the South African context. Rapid technological changes are reshaping education, demanding new leadership skills and competencies. Through qualitative insights from principals, the research identified gaps in digital literacy, training, and ongoing professional support. Findings suggested a strong need for targeted development programmes to empower principals to navigate technology-driven challenges and ensure effective, future-ready school leadership. The research further emphasises the importance of continuous, context-specific professional development that goes beyond basic ICT training. Principals require tailored programmes that enhance leadership capacity, promote innovation, and foster collaborative learning environments. Addressing these needs will not only strengthen school leadership but also contribute to equitable access to quality education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.