Evidence Informed Policy and Practice (EIPP) has emerged as an important concept. The availability and growing interest in evidence, alongside pressure for improved public services have made it a key component of the government's modernization agenda. It is relevant to all parts of the public sector, to education, and specifically, to educational leadership. Successful educational leadership is regarded as an essential factor in raising educational standards. In Developing Educational Leadership, the editors have drawn together key figures in the field of EIPP to introduce its role in informing educational leadership, with the aim of improving learning and teaching. The EIPP approach is considered, both for structuring research studies and for the analysis of the data generated. Relevant examples are also provided to inform the current debate.