• Cambridge Scholars Publishing

    "[Genetically Modified Organisms: A Scientific-Political Dialogue on a Meaningless Meme] is an excellent book presenting a very strong case for abandoning the acronym GMO. It will be extremely helpful to scholars and educators in developing countries who need to persuade their populace and politicians to adopt modern methods to reap the benefits of more nutritious foods and greatly improved yields."

    - Sir Richard J. Roberts, Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology

Reservoirs of Hope: Sustaining Spirituality in School Leaders

This book is about hope, and how it is sustained by the personal spirituality of school leaders. Defining this not only in religious terms but using a concept of ‘secular spirituality,’ it shows that leadership actions must rest on the foundation of a personal value system, demonstrated as ‘a lived faith in action.’

Drawing on interviews with 150 headteachers and capturing their authentic voices, it uses the metaphor of ‘reservoirs of hope’ to promote practitioner reflection on the value systems, leadership styles and sustainability strategies of headteachers, as they act as the external reservoir of hope for their schools whilst ensuring that their own internal reservoir of hope never runs dry.

It also offers a theological reflection on the spiritual and moral leadership of headteachers, providing a connecting bridge between educational leadership and theology.

This book is part of a series. View the full series, "Ethics", here.


Alan Flintham was a secondary school headteacher in Nottinghamshire for 15 years. A Research Associate of the National College, he is now also an Honorary Research Fellow at Liverpool Hope University, where he completed his doctorate, and an Associate Priest in the Derby Diocese of the Church of England.

“Alan Flintham has produced a study that combines academic rigour, scholarship and professional relevance. This is a rare combination and it reflects the integrity and authenticity of this study. He has opened a door into an aspect of school leadership that has been neglected and in doing so has developed a new perspective on leadership effectiveness.”
—John West-Burnham, Professor of Educational Leadership, St Mary’s University College

“At times of change and uncertainty, hope, moral purpose and a deep conviction about the value of the work one does is what sustains leaders and those they lead. Alan Flintham’s book allows leaders to tell their stories of hope for those they serve, of faith in a better future and of the love of the work they do. Leaders will return to its message time and again for nourishment and inspiration as they deal with the daily demands of school leadership.”
—Maggie Farrar, Strategic Director Policy Research and Development, National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services

“We need more research-based books like this to help educational leaders who are greatly challenged by contemporary secular environments to draw energy and courage from their personal spiritual wellsprings and on clear moral and ethical foundations. I especially appreciate the great leadership wisdom contained in the special insights encapsulated by the metaphor of ‘reservoirs of hope.’ The author represents an authentic and inspirational voice on the ethical, moral and spiritual dimensions of leadership and generates wonderful advice for all policy makers and practitioners who dare to hope for a better future for our educational systems, schools and the children in their care.”
—Patrick Duignan, Emeritus Professor, ACU National: the Australian Catholic University

“This is a ground-breaking and original study of educational leadership. It argues that faith, hope and spirituality (expressed in both religious and secular forms) is what produces inspired and inspiring leadership. Without faith, hope and spirituality, school leadership is in danger of being reduced to technical management alone. This is a book for all those who want to be more than just school managers.”
—Gerald Grace, Professorial Research Fellow, Institute of Education, University of London

Buy This Book

ISBN: 1-4438-2415-1

ISBN13: 978-1-4438-2415-6

Release Date: 23rd September 2010

Pages: 245

Price: £39.99

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ISBN: 1-4438-3182-4

ISBN13: 978-1-4438-3182-6

Release Date: 21st July 2011

Pages: 245

Price: £29.99

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