This research aims to explore the methods and approaches to selecting and preparing educational leaders in schools of Britain, France, Singapore and USA to provide recommendations for educational management policymakers. The method of this research is qualitatively comparative, and the countries were selected using a purposeful sampling method based on criteria such as superior education systems and educational leadership preparation programs. The findings indicate that the methods and approaches to selecting and preparing educational leaders in the selected countries share similarities in two areas: Preparation of educational leaders through pre-service training programs and the requirement of obtaining a professional qualification certificate. Additionally, the findings reveal discrepancies among the selected countries. For instance, while obtaining a professional school management qualification is essential for appointments in all selected countries, this requirement is not mandatory in primary schools in France. Another finding of the research indicates that in the Britain and USA, the selection and appointment process is the responsibility of the school board, while in Singapore and France, this process is carried out by the regional education council. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymaking institutions in the educational management systems of developing countries redefine the selection, preparation, and appointment of educational leaders and design a pre-service training program.
