Factors That Make School Leaders Leave: Developing a Model of School Leader Turnover

School leader turnover affects school stability, staff cohesion, and student outcomes. While stress and workload are well-documented factors, fewer studies examine school-specific conditions influencing leaders’ decisions to leave. Through qualitative interviews with former school leaders, this study identifies two key themes: fragmentation and pressure, encompassing institutional and organizational conditions, as well as operational and leadership demands. These dimensions contribute to long-term disengagement or acute challenges, ultimately leading to attrition. The study offers a conceptual model that clarifies turnover mechanisms, providing insights for policymakers and educational leaders aiming to foster leadership retention and school stability.