Brussels, 25/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 25 November, the Education Council adopted conclusions on effective leadership in education. This subject has not yet significantly been taken on board at a European level, despite the fact that leadership is considered as a key driver for ensuring a high quality of learning and is considered the second most important factor after teaching staff. In these conclusions, the Council calls on member states to make leadership more attractive by promoting the autonomy of the education establishments and institutions and of the leader in terms of teaching and internal allocation of resources, whilst ensuring that they receive the appropriate support needed in the event of any problems arising. The conclusions also advocate introducing innovative approaches to educational leadership, such as strategic partnerships as planned in the new “Erasmus +” programme. Educational leaders are also encouraged to cooperate with business, civil society groups and other education establishments at international and local levels. (IL/transl.fl)