At Heaven Learning Academy, we believe leadership isn’t just about managing people or processes—it’s about shaping a culture where every student thrives. As part of our ongoing journey to enhance student motivation and success, we’ve drawn valuable insights from Ken Leithwood et al.’s influential work, Seven Strong Claims About Successful School Leadership Revisited (2019).
This research has provided a powerful lens through which we examine our leadership approach and refine how we lead change across our school. Here’s what resonates most with us—and why it matters for our students, staff, and community.
- Leadership as a Catalyst for Learning
The revised first claim in the report reminds us that:
“School leadership has a significant effect on features of the school organization which positively influence the quality of teaching and learning.”
While classroom teaching has the most direct impact on student outcomes, leadership plays a vital behind-the-scenes role. At Heaven Learning Academy, our leadership efforts focus on creating the right conditions for great teaching to flourish—whether that’s through professional development, fostering a collaborative staff culture, or ensuring a safe, welcoming learning environment. - Drawing on Core Practices
One of the strongest points from the report is that:
“Almost all successful leaders draw on the same repertoire of basic leadership practices.”
At Heaven Learning Academy, we regularly reflect on four core areas of effective leadership:
- Setting clear direction and shared goals
- Developing people and nurturing relationships
- Redesigning the organization for learning
- Improving instructional practices
These pillars shape how we lead every initiative—from boosting student motivation to improving well-being and academic outcomes.
- Being Responsive to Our Context
No two schools are the same. That’s why this reminder from the research stands out:
“Successful leaders apply contextually sensitive combinations of core leadership practices.”
At Heaven Learning Academy, we serve a richly diverse student body. That means we must constantly adapt our strategies to reflect the specific needs, challenges, and strengths of our school community. Leadership for us is not one-size-fits-all—it’s responsive, empathetic, and deeply rooted in listening. - Motivation Starts With Us
Perhaps the most powerful insight as we focus on student motivation is:
“School leaders improve teaching and learning most powerfully through their influence on staff motivation, ability, and working conditions.”
We know that motivated teachers inspire motivated learners. That’s why we prioritize staff well-being, provide meaningful professional development, and foster a supportive, high-trust culture. When teachers feel empowered and supported, they bring their best selves to the classroom—and that energy fuels student engagement.
Our Leadership, Our Legacy
The research from Leithwood and his colleagues affirms what we strive to live every day at Heaven Learning Academy leadership matters. Not because of titles or roles, but because of the collective commitment to make school a place where every student feels seen, heard, and inspired.
As we continue to grow, we remain grounded in research, guided by our values, and united in our mission to nurture future-ready, confident learners.