From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, March 17, 2008

SCHOOL governors in Devon will hear from two influential figures in the world of education at their annual conference in Exeter next week.

The theme of the conference is Tomorrow's Schools.

And the Chief Executive of the National Governors' Association, Phil Revell, and Devon's Director of Children and Young People's Services, Anne Whiteley, will both address the conference at County Hall on Saturday, March 29 on the challenges ahead.

More than 100 governors from Devon's schools are expected to attend the meeting.

They will also take part in a series of workshops reflecting some of the many challenges facing governing bodies.

The themes of the workshops are:

        Leadership succession planning, with around half the nation's headteachers expected to retire over the next five years

        The provision for children with Special Education Needs in schools

        The role and value of School Improvement Partners

DAG Chairman, Don Paterson, will open the conference and give a short report on the association's activities while the new website, www.dag.gb.com will also be officially launched.

DAG Executive Officer, David Tall, said: "This year we have changed the focus of the day to be more a 'doing day'. 

"We will be concentrating on important issues that face governors today or that they will face in the future and we hope this will make it more dynamic for members."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: The assembly starts at 10am and finishes at 3.30pm. Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.

The Devon Youth Choral Experience will entertain delegates over lunch.

For more information contact David Tall on 01822 852221 or Don Paterson on 01647 277519.

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