Adopting a critical realist approach to educational leadership, this book shows how applied theory can contribute to the development of mechanisms allowing for the effective leadership of organisations. Through an examination of pertinent theories and debates in educational leadership and critical realist thought, it moves to offer demonstrations of practical uses of critical realism that include the transformation of reflective practice, the development and practice of leadership, and the formulation as well as the enactment of policy. Considering the role that realist thought can play in the resolution of educational crises in sub-Saharan Africa and bridging the gap between research and practice, the authors argue that change is possible and that it can be initiated from within the field of educational leadership. Centred on a vision of social justice for human flourishing instead of operating within narrow and mechanistic pre-occupations, Educational Leadership and Critical Realism will appeal to scholars across the social sciences, as well as to practitioners and policy-makers in the field of education.