‘I know why the caged butterfly sighs’: on the narrowing professional autonomy afforded today’s school leaders
FORUM - Print ISSN 1474-7685 - Online ISSN 2047-7171
Volume 68 Number 1 (2026)
‘I know why the caged butterfly sighs’: on the narrowing professional autonomy afforded today’s school leaders
Richard Cunningham pages 81‑93
DOI: 10.3898/forum.2026.68.1.07
Abstract
In this article I examine the decline of professional autonomy among head teachers in England, arguing that their role has shifted from educational leadership to managerial compliance. Once seen as pedagogical leaders, head teachers are now constrained by performance measures, accountability systems and market-driven reforms. The metaphor of a butterfly in a cage illustrates how professional growth is stifled by external demands. Despite their broad expertise, head teachers are often unable to exercise meaningful professional autonomy, particularly in shaping their own educational vision through the schools that they lead. One area where professional discretion remains is in staffing and recruitment, especially amid current workforce shortages. Here, leadership and innovation are still vital. The article calls for a renewed understanding of head teacher professionalism that balances accountability with educational purpose and ethical leadership.
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To cite this article
Richard Cunningham (2026) ‘I know why the caged butterfly sighs’: on the narrowing professional autonomy afforded today’s school leaders, FORUM, 68(1), 81-93 . https://doi.org/10.3898/forum.2026.68.1.07