School leadership during a pandemic: navigating tensions

Purpose This paper explores, from the perspective of an Australian pracademic, how school leaders are leading during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This essay explores the tensions navigated by school leaders leading during this time of global crisis, by looking to research as well as the author's lived experience. Findings The author finds that school leaders are navigating the following: accountability and autonomy; equity and excellence; the individual and the collective and well-being and workload. Originality/value This paper offers insights into school leadership, at all times but especially during times of crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic.