The article deals with the current pedagogical approaches to the components, structure and description of analytical activity. Different models of analytical activity are reviewed: activity approach (E.V. Naznachilo, N.A. Zinchuk, V.V. Yagupov, N.P. Pichugova), systematic approach (L.P. Polovenko, O.N. Yarygin, and A.A. Korostelev), structural-activity approach (L.M. Plakhova). Within each approach the main components and stages of the analytical activity are described. The emphasis is laid on the three-dimensional model of analytical practice of the school principal: the technology of the analysis of the results of educational system operation (A.A. Korostelev), the element of that is a heuristic algorithm of unmathematical character, consisting of five stages. This technology combined a motivational sense, target, technological levels. The structural components of the analytical activity of the schools head are highlighted and described: value-motivation (personality attitude of leader toward analytical activity, value of parties and her meaningfulness in administrative activity, necessity of personality to improve and develop in this type of activity), goal-oriented (intentional aspect), cognitive-operational (complex of knowledge, abilities, practical skills, necessary for realization of effective and effective analytical activity) and reflective (self-esteem, self-awareness, self-management, self-design their own analytical activities).