School Leadership and School Improvement in Malawi: An Exploratory Study

School leadership plays a pivotal role in educational improvement across Malawi's varied school contexts. The research employed a mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews with principals, and document reviews. Data were collected from 120 schools across six districts representing diverse educational landscapes in Malawi. A notable finding was that schools with more supportive leadership environments reported higher student engagement rates (75%) compared to those without such support (48%). Additionally, effective leadership significantly contributed to better curriculum adaptation and teacher morale (r = -0.65). The study underscores the critical role of school leadership in enhancing educational outcomes. School boards should prioritise developing supportive leadership structures that foster a positive learning environment and promote continuous professional development for teachers.