Leadership and Management Strategies of School Heads in Selected Private Schools: Guide for a Proposed Sustainable Learning Hub

This study aimed to examine the leadership and management strategies of school heads in selected private schools and how these strategies influence the development of a sustainable learning hub. Using a mixed-methods research design, both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from school administrators through survey instruments and open-ended responses. The analysis focused on key domains including transformational and transactional leadership, strategic planning, resource management, and data-driven decision-making. Findings revealed that school heads are predominantly experienced female professionals with advanced academic qualifications. Transformational and transactional leadership styles were found to be very highly practiced, with strong emphasis on ethical conduct, motivation, and organizational vision. Strategic planning and resource management were also highly rated, though improvements were needed in financial transparency, staff well-being, and stakeholder inclusion. Data-driven decision-making showed a strong positive correlation with school sustainability (r = .85), alongside resource management (r = .83) and strategic planning (r = .65). Despite these strengths, challenges such as limited funding, infrastructure issues, and teacher shortages persisted—factors largely attributed to systemic barriers. Thematic analysis further identified eight guiding themes for a proposed Sustainable Learning Hub: curriculum integration, community engagement, governance, awareness, innovation, data use, faith-based values, and organizational culture. The study concludes that effective leadership and management strategies are essential for sustainable private school operations. However, systemic support and collaborative approaches are equally necessary. The proposed Sustainability in a Learning Hub is recommended as a model to support inclusive, strategic, and ethical educational leadership.