A number of publications and resources have been written about leadership development in primary schools.
Primary Middle Leaders (2006)
NCSL
This resource uses learning-centred leadership behaviours to explore the effectiveness of middle leaders in primary by addressing what middle leaders do, how they do it and how headteachers support them.
The DVD and accompanying booklet are available, priced £10 plus VAT (£11.75).
Primary executive heads (2006) 
(571kb, 8 pages)
NCSL
A study of heads leading more than one primary school. The intention of this study was to investigate, on a small-scale approach what executive headship looked like in primary school settings and to exemplify practice across a range of themes. They are from geographically diverse contexts ranging from very small rural primary schools to large urban schools.
Hard federations of small primary schools (2007)
NCSL
This study explores the leadership of hard federations of small primary schools in the UK and identifies key implications and conclusions for practitioners, policy-makers and other stakeholders. Four school case studies are also available to read.
Federations (2006) (894kb, 19 pages)
NCSL
This study investigated the leadership of federations in The Netherlands, in order to challenge assumptions and stimulate discussions about alternative models of leadership and school organisation in England. It presented recommendations and implications for the future development of federations within England.
Leading beyond the school: evaluating the impact of Primary Strategy Consultant Leaders (2006) (141kb, 16 pages)
NCSL
Findings of a project that investigated the role of Primary Strategy Consultant Leaders (PSCLs) in a sample of schools participating in the Primary Leadership Programme. Its purpose is to help PSCLs, Primary Strategy Managers (PSMs) and school leadership teams consider how the role of the PSCL can be used most effectively to support school improvement and raise standards of achievement for pupils.
Find out about the National Evaluation of the Primary Leadership Programme. In February 2007, the Department for Education and Skills published the outcome of the National Foundation for Educational Research’s (NFER) two-year independent external evaluation of the Primary Leadership Programme. The conclusions note the success of the programme as a whole and the positive impact of Primary Strategy Consultant Leaders.
Does it help to know? (2006) (495kb, 6 pages)
Viv Wakeham
An investigation into assessment for learning practices in four primary schools.
Tidying the cupboard? The role of subject leaders in primary schools (2004) (96kb, 6 pages)
David Burrows
Research associate report looking at how subject leaders in a primary school can share their talents and expertise to make a positive difference to teaching and learning.
Leadership in large primary schools (2002) (183kb, 4 pages)
Geoff Southworth and Dick Weindling
This was the first study of leadership and management in large primary schools and its aim was to discover how school leaders in large primary schools continue to develop. Full report available.
Leadership development and personal effectiveness