The study investigated challenges faced by school heads in maintaining students' academic performance in Tanga and Korogwe districts. Three specific objectives were formulated to guide the study. The study was guided by Administrative Management and Scientific Management Theory founded by Henry Fayol and Fredrick Taylor, respectively. A mixed research approach and convergent parallel research design were adopted. A sample size of 39 was obtained using proportionate purposive and simple random

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... mpling techniques; questionnaires and interview guides were used in data collection. The validity ensured through member checking methods and through research expertise and supervisor check as well as the reliability ensured through the split half method. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS software version 20 and presented through frequencies, percentages, figures, and tables, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and presented through quotation and narration. The findings revealed that major roles of school heads were planning, supervising, coordinating, and monitoring, while challenges they faced were inadequate funds, competition, low enrolment, fee-free policy, and high taxation by TRA, while strategies they used to overcome challenges were; motivation of teachers and students, marketing schools and monitoring discipline. The study concluded that challenges school heads face are: inadequate funds, lack of motivation and low enrolment of students. It is recommended for school owners to find other sources of funds and put clear policies which would guide private secondary schools as well as reduce the high taxes.