Successful schools are led and managed by effective leaders. This research sought to explore the stakeholder’s perspectives of leadership practices in a challenging climate and the best practices successfully employed to overcome the challenges in an inner city school. The research utilized a qualitative case study that purposively selected 10 participants. The challenges faced by leaders and managers were: (a) the socio-economic background of students, (b) overcrowding in the school, (c) limited parental involvement on the part of some parents, (d) disciplinary problems, and (e) staff support. The school overcame its challenges by: (a) embracing different leadership and management approaches, (b) empowering staff and parents, (c) improving teaching material and infrastructure, (d) supporting positive student behaviour, (e) employing committed and qualified staff, and (f) celebrating success. Effective schools, notwithstanding their leadership and management styles, require the involvement and collaboration of staff, parents, and community in achieving student success.