This paper reports on the data gathered through a self-completion questionnaire administered to a sample of headteachers in England who took up post in September, 2000. The survey is part of a larger, international study (The International Beginning Principals Study – IBPS) which aims to investigate and report on the experiences of beginning headteachers and principals during their first two years in post. Research teams are undertaking parallel studies in other countries, including Belgium, Canada, Netherlands and USA. Four research questions underpin the design of questionnaires used in all countries, thus allowing for data to be compared across the countries whilst allowing each questionnaire to reflect cultural, structural and linguistic differences between school systems. The four basic research questions are: 1. How does the process of professional development evolve, what are the main determinants and can we distinguish different patterns? 2. To what extent is it possible for a headteacher – given some external constraints – to develop autonomously a local policy? 3. How (and to what degree) can a beginning headteacher influence the existing school (daily organisation; structures; culture) and the development of individual teachers? 4. What encourages and discourages people from aspiring to headship
