The Leadership Role of the School Principal in Developing and Improving Learner Performance in Eswatini Schools

This paper reports the findings of a study on the leadership role of school principals in developing and improving learner performance in schools. In this study, principals are the most influential educational leaders whose leadership role is inseparably linked to student performance. This study examines the basics of good leadership in line with student performance and offers practical suggestions that school leaders can employ. A qualitative case study embedded within the interpretative paradigm was conducted with five purposively sampled high schools and conveniently sampled principals in the Manzini region of Eswatini. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the principal is key to ensuring learner performance; thus, he is referred to as an instructional leader. The strategies principals employ to develop and improve learner performance are establishing a clear context relevant to school goals and focusing on those goals. Additionally, setting high expectations for student achievement and providing adequate resources and appropriate staff development programmes for teachers positively contribute to improving learner performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends that school principals have a knowledge-sharing platform on leadership practices and strategies for developing and improving learner performance.