Much has been researched and written about the principalship (or headship) in recent years. One aspect that has attracted attention of late is that of recruitment to the role, raising questions about just what potential aspirants think of the principalship, and what might be some of the reasons they see as motivation for seeking that next step on the ladder of school leadership. The research reported here answers such questions for potential aspirants (primary and secondary school deputy principals) from one large government education system in Australia. Data were collected via the "Aspirant Principal Questionnaire (APQ)", developed specially for the study. The findings illuminate our understandings of the principalship as seen through the eyes of those working most closely with principals, identifying both barriers and facilitating factors impacting on the decisions of potential aspirants about seeking promotion. Some recommendations for both policy and practice with respect to potential aspirant principals are identified.