Accelerated Leadership Development captures and communicates the lessons learnt from successful fast-track leadership programs in the private and public sector and provides a model which schools can follow and customize as they develop their own leadership strategy. As large numbers of headteachers and other senior staff retire the book illustrates practical ways in which school leadership teams can face the growing challenge of talent management. The book outlines the most effective fast-track leadership initiatives including ways of identifying and retaining high-potential staff in school settings, examining the possible consequences and implications of talent identification and succession planning, while simultaneously considering the risks and challenges these schemes raise for schools and the wider education system. The book goes on to provide detailed descriptions of two fast-track education leadership programs run in England and illustrates how a range of organizations from outside the education sector and from different countries, run accelerated, fast-track and high-potential leadership schemes. is essential reading for all school leadership teams and school governing bodies and will be an invaluable resource for academics and researchers working in the field of leadership and school management.