Poet and author to address education conference in city

The event is being held at the Royal Armouries museum from Wednesday January 4 and is hosted by Leeds Council with support from the city’s two universities.

Although it is described as the North of England Education Conference it will attract delegates from across the country.

The theme of the event next year will be “passion, potential, performance: thinking differently” with the aim of posing challenging questions about the purpose of education and learning.

Other confirmed speakers include Jude Kelly, the former director of West Yorkshire Playhouse, and broadcaster Matthew Syed.

Coun Judith Blake, Leeds Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “We are very proud to be hosting this prestigious event

“This is a great opportunity for education and children’s services leaders to share their ideas and opinions; and help to shape the future for children and young people in the UK. We have some great speakers coming to the conference already and we’re especially looking forward to welcoming Jude Kelly back to Leeds.

“Children and young people will be participating in all aspects of the conference which will help to focus the proceedings on the impact of decisions and actions on the end users – the children and young people in our cities.”

Professor Mick Waters, a former director at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, will be presiding over the conference.