In a time of rapid educational transformation, Critical Perspectives on Educational Policy and Change offers a bold, critical and creative exploration of leadership through the lenses of ideology, history, economics, and politics. This collection brings together a diverse group of scholars, from early career researchers to established academics, interrogating how power relations operate within educational leadership amid shifting policy landscapes. Structured around three temporal axes (hindsight, insight, and foresight) and situated within various contexts - from early years, schools, further education colleges and higher education - chapter authors examine leadership in education across past legacies, present complexities, and future aspirations. From the enduring impact of neoliberal reforms to the possibilities of future policies on decolonisation and social justice, each chapter provides a theoretically rich and methodologically diverse example of leadership in action. Whether you are new to the field or seeking to deepen your critical perspective, this book is an essential resource for educational researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to transformative change within education.