Information about the career progression, personal traits, attitudes, and employment experiences of women principals in Further Education (FE) colleges in the United Kingdom was gathered from the following: literature search; questionnaire sent to all 68 female principals in the United Kingdom (response rate, 76%); and structured interviews with a sample of 12 principals representing colleges with small, medium, and large financial turnover. Of the respondents, 32% had worked part time in education at some point in their career, 73% were living with a partner, all were white, and none was disabled. All 12 described their management style as participative or consultative. Only 6% reported planning their career "to a considerable extent," and most reported encountering significant sexism in their early careers. When asked for their advice to other women aspiring to senior posts in FE, many respondents emphasized the importance of considering the demands of the job on them and their families. Respondents acknowledged the existence of the glass ceiling and cautioned aspiring female principals to be prepared "to work harder than most men." (The bibliography contains 32 references. Appended are the following: survey questions; interview questions; and respondents' advice to women aspiring to senior roles in FE.) (MN)