Leadership in context and practice: My MA in Educational Leadership

Alejandro Jurado is Business Director at Mayfair International Academy in Spain, where he leads the operational and financial development of this British international school. Through his studies on NITE’s MA in Educational Leadership, Alejandro has expanded his approach to leadership, integrating research, people-centred thinking, and a deeper understanding of school culture to support sustained improvement.

An enriching experience

Studying the MA Educational Leadership with NITE has been one of the most meaningful professional learning experiences of my career. I work in a small British international school in Spain, where leadership is not an abstract concept, it is a contact sport. Every day involves decisions about people, teaching, culture, finance, wellbeing, and long-term school improvement. My background and current role gravitate towards the business and operations side of our school, and this programme has enriched my perspective, giving me the tools to become a more conscious and complete leader.

Support and guidance

From the start, I felt accompanied by the staff at NITE. The application was straightforward and smooth. The teaching staff were very helpful throughout each module, providing support from beginning to end. Sally Hamson was particularly involved throughout - she is caring, warm, knowledgeable, and always ready to help, whether through one-to-one calls, Teams, or email. Feedback on assignments was consistent and very constructive.

Developing leadership through structured learning

The modules are well structured, exploring themes such as the leadership of people and culture, and the management of change. This is particularly valuable because schools are not simple organisations; they are human systems shaped by relationships, beliefs, external pressures, and multiple constraints. The MA has equipped me with a stronger toolset, and particularly inspiring has been the research component, which has sparked a genuine interest in educational enquiry. Educational leaders must understand the complexity in which school they navigate, and research is a necessary compass for dynamic change and future development.

The rewards of research

The final dissertation was demanding but personally rewarding. The university allows students to investigate themes directly connected to their professional context. In my case, I explored how educational neuroscience literacy can support teacher confidence, collective efficacy, and evidence-informed pedagogy. The research process helped me design professional development in a more structured and purposeful way, moving my learning beyond personal development and into practical school improvement.

Great leadership can be learned

Overall, the MA in Educational Leadership has strengthened my academic grounding, my personal confidence, and my humility as a leader. Great leadership can be learned. It is not about having all the answers but about asking better questions. I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone working in education who wants to think critically, lead with greater purpose, and connect research with real practice.