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The Magma Summit was created to bring education leaders together to think carefully about leadership, learning and technology - and how the choices we make in each of these areas shape what happens in schools every day.
Held at Story Wood Primary School, the Magma Summit took place in a setting that reflects many of the values discussed throughout the day. Technology at Story Wood is used with purpose. It supports learning, encourages thinking and fits naturally into classroom practice. This provided a helpful context for conversations about leadership that were grounded, practical and focused on long-term impact.
A key theme running through the summit was intentional leadership. Not leadership as a title or position, but leadership as a set of daily choices - particularly important at a time when change is happening quickly and expectations on schools continue to grow.
This idea was explored by Steve Taylor, CEO of Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust. Steve encouraged leaders to step back and consider the pace of technological change, drawing on striking comparisons to remind us that while airplanes took 68 years to reach 50 million users and the internet achieved the same milestone in 7, AI was able to reach this in just 5 weeks. His message was clear: rapid change calls for thoughtful leadership.
Rather than viewing AI as a solution in itself, Steve framed it as a tool that reflects the values and intentions of those who use it. Used well, it can support thinking, reflection and decision-making. Used without clarity, it risks adding noise rather than value.
The importance of people and culture was a strong thread throughout the day. Dominic Broad, Director of Education at Thrive Education Partnership, explored how trust and culture are built through relationships rather than structures alone. He spoke about leadership as something that is felt in teams and communities, not written into documents.
By introducing Carl Jung’s archetypes - such as the Creator, the Caregiver and the Ruler - Dominic offered a way of thinking about the different leadership styles that exist within organisations. The focus was not on categorising individuals, but on understanding balance, awareness and how leadership choices influence culture over time.
These ideas were brought into practical focus by Jablai Saleh, Headteacher of Story Wood Primary School. Jablai shared how technology decisions at Story Wood are guided by evidence, values and a clear understanding of what supports learning. Her reflections highlighted the importance of being both ambitious and measured - adopting new approaches thoughtfully, with children’s learning at the centre.
Throughout the summit, delegates were able to see learning in context, through classroom-based sessions and discussions that reflected real school practice. This helped reinforce a simple but important message: effective use of technology doesn’t distract from learning. When used well, it strengthens it.
The Magma Summit wasn’t about presenting answers or promoting quick solutions. It was about creating space to reflect, share experience and think carefully about the kind of leadership that supports meaningful learning.
Perhaps the most important takeaway was also the simplest: leadership is shaped by everyday decisions. By being clear about values, thoughtful about technology and focused on people, schools can build cultures that support both learning and wellbeing.
Interested in how Magma could work in your trust? Get in touch to start a conversation.