Artificial intelligence in secondary schools: implications for administrators across four leadership dimensions

Purpose This study examines how secondary school administrators can lead ethical artificial intelligence (AI) integration within environments demanding technological innovation and educational value preservation. Design/methodology/approach The study conducted a scoping review of literature (2018–2025) to analyze administrative functions across four established leadership dimensions: instructional, managerial, strategic, and relational. Sources were obtained from academic databases and grey literature, with 21 sources selected based on relevance to secondary education and administrative practice. Analysis is grounded in foundational leadership scholarship while examining contemporary AI integration challenges. Findings The analysis reveals a misalignment between AI's most frequent use (relational leadership functions) and where it may be most appropriately suited (managerial and strategic functions). AI integration creates distinct opportunities and risks across each leadership dimension,