This study was designed to explore professional leadership development by examining the Advanced Certificate in Education: School Leadership and Management (ACESLM), which is currently offered to school principals as a professional leadership development programme. Literature on leadership development highlights the importance of virtuous school leadership for effective schools. Principals, as leaders and managers can function in turbulent school environments if they are committed, dedicated, receive the appropriate training and development and remain efficacious in the execution of their work. In the 21st century, the top challenge for principals is to become leaders for learning. This is possible if principals are provided with the necessary skills, values and attitudes to manage the responsibilities associated with leading and managing schools.