Wartime leadership: leading schools in a war crisis

While previous research has provided insights into crisis management, specifically during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the complexities and unique interactions of school leadership during a wartime crisis warrant specific consideration. Through a conceptual and theoretical synthesis of the existing research literature, we discuss how crises affect schools, education during war crises, and school leadership during war crises. We then suggest nine key roles of school principals during war crises. The nine roles of school principals during war crises are organised within three major clusters: Developing holistic, agile and adaptive management; Ensuring physical and psychological ‘shields’; and Developing ecological support and engagement. This article contributes to understanding principals’ central role in wartime crises. By understanding the complex challenges and opportunities, we can better support principals in these difficult contexts and improve the quality of education in war-torn and conflict zones.