A UNION representing many school principals is to ballot on strike action.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said members are "under intolerable strain".
The union, which represents principals and vice-principals in around two-thirds of the north's 1,100 schools, has served legal notice that it is going to formally ballot its members for possible strike action.
It said concerns include "workload, the inspection process, consultation and support for schools".
It is understood the ballot may take place in the coming weeks, with the union calling for employers to "provide a meaningful response" before it takes that step.
NAHT Northern Ireland president Geri Cameron said it believes there is "no alternative but to escalate our efforts".
"The past eight years have placed school leaders under intolerable strain," she said.
"Continued industrial action by teaching staff during this time, coupled with a lack of a functioning executive for the past three years, have pushed NAHT (NI) members to their limit.
"School leaders' efforts to keep schools going have been taken for granted.
"Our members have been left over-worked, under-valued and without protection and support in their time of greatest need.
"They have now begun the new school year with no change on the horizon."
Ms Cameron added that "if the will is there, the employers can make the necessary changes to improve the work life of school leaders".
"NAHT (NI) members are operating in extremely difficult and unique conditions," she said.
"They have been supporting the education service tirelessly since teachers’ action began in 2011. The current inaction on the employers’ part could potentially lead to school leaders across Northern Ireland also taking industrial action.
"Whatever action we may take will be directed towards the employers and we will work towards minimising any impact upon learners and their families.
"Of course, we hope that employing bodies will provide a meaningful response to help bring this dispute to an end before we go to ballot."
