Williams, Janine2020-03-052020-03-052017https://hdl.handle.net/2139/48780This study explores the challenges experienced by new and acting principals at a secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago. The participants in the study were four principals (three male and one female). Data were obtained through interviews. The findings revealed that the principals faced challenges such as the lack of support from the Ministry of Education and unsupportive or uncooperative staff. It was also found that the principals employed various coping mechanisms to address the challenges they encountered. Mechanisms included their formal preparation programmes, previous school leadership positions, and informal mentors. Another finding was that the participants in the district under study received support from their district office via social media and social gatherings.PerceptionPrincipal attitudesSecondary school principalsTrinidad and TobagoThesis