Jim Knight's speech to NCSL's New Heads conference

Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, begins by admitting to being rather intimidated following Drum Cafe and being "the warm-up act for Bob Geldof".

Jim Knight admits that new heads are leading schools at a time of extremely rapid technological change. He argues, "There's never been a more exciting time to learn nor have there been so many flexible opportunities to learn."

We cannot afford to stand still in our aspiration to create a world class education system, argues Knight. We're preparing children for jobs which do not exist yet, so we need a more dynamic and adaptive system. And good leadership can make all the difference towards this aspiration.

Even one school not performing is one too many. Even one child not achieving its potential is one too many. The Minister argues we're at the beginning of a path of change, as set out in the Children's Plan, towards creating a 21st century system.

Knight picks up a theme given great emphasis by Steve Munby earlier in the day by arguing for the need for greater collaboration and partnerships, with an array of other agencies, to make schools a resource at the centre of their communities.

We need to do more with parents and get them more involved in the life of the school in every way. So the partnership with parents is vital. 21st century schools will be founded on collaboration. A collection of all local talents. To build the capacity for change. Using technology to involve parents more than ever.

Knight argues that all staff in school have an entitlement to develop and to learn. They are not just foot soldiers. The succession planning challenge is an oportunity for new leaders to step up and challenge today's norms and that is what we want and expect.

Knight ends by encouraging delegates to be relentless in their continued pursuit of excellence for their staff and our children.