This article considers the usefulness of current models of leadership in change situations for an analysis of a historical case study of educational leadership. It uses the life of Sir George White (1842–1912) and his leadership in the field of education in Norwich and at the national level in the UK to examine the nature of effective leadership in a context of social change. The leadership traits of cultivating relationships, leading with a clear moral purpose, creating coherence through the communication of a strong vision, sharing knowledge and understanding the possibilities offered by change in a specific context, are used to frame the analysis of George White’s leadership style.