This study explored the lived experiences of school leaders in rural Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on the impacts of leadership capacity-building trainings on their performance, the challenges and successes they encountered, and the advancement of pedagogical approaches. Data, providing rich insights into these experiences, were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus groups with fifty-six participants. A thematic data analysis revealed four key themes: navigating resource constraints, balancing community engagement, developing essential leadership competencies, and accessing relevant professional development.
The findings highlight the need for context-specific training programmes that enhance leadership capacity and equip rural public secondary school leaders with the tools and resources to effectively inspire and influence others. This support should contribute to the holistic development of their organisations and guarantee positive student outcomes. However, the study also found that limited training and access to technological resources impede the integration of contemporary teaching approaches.
The study’s limitations and implications for developing effective leadership capacity-building trainings and promoting school improvement are discussed. Recommendations for practical applications, policymakers, and future research are offered, with an emphasis on the unique needs of rural educational contexts.