Journal for Educational Research Online (JERO): Issue 1/2026, 18. Volume Navigating Complexity

School leadership plays a central role in meeting the growing demands and complexities of educational reform in Germany. This scoping review synthesizes findings from 19 peer-reviewed studies to provide a structured overview of how school leadership contributes to school development. Through thematic analysis, the review identifies key patterns in leadership roles and styles, development strategies, governance structures, and macro-level influences. The findings underscore the need for integrated leadership approaches that balance pedagogical and managerial responsibilities while responding to diverse school contexts. The discussion connects national challenges with international perspectives, highlighting both the specificity of the German context and the relevance of broader leadership models. The review concludes with practical recommendations for leadership training and future research, advocating for context-sensitive and evidence-informed strategies to support sustainable school improvement.

Keywords
Scoping Review, Macro-Context, Governance Structures, Professional Development, Leadership Styles