SCHOOL'S out for a major educational event which will see teachers from all over the North-west converge on Bolton.

The North West Education Exhibition and Conference 2000 takes place at the Reebok Stadium's Premier Suite on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19.

And so popular has the event become that organisers report many schools will be closing down for the duration of the event so teachers can attend in large numbers.

The two-day event, sponsored by the BEN, will see a host of exhibitions and displays as well as a top-flight list of key note speakers including former Government Chief Inspector of Schools Chris Woodhead.

Organiser Barbara Brookes of Education Exhibitions said: "The interest shown so far this year from prospective visitors is extraordinary. Not only are we getting floods of inquiries from individuals, we are also hearing of whole school closures to allow their staff to attend.

"Large members of advanced conference tickets have been reserved and the number of exhibitors eager to book a stand has risen dramatically from previous years."

One Bolton school who will be well represented is St Columba's RC Primary.

Head Noreen Collins said: "We are going because the topics covered fit in so well with this year's school improvement plan.

"All teachers have chosen to attend at least one of the seminars, as it is a chance to hear good quality speakers who are experienced in their own fields."

The Bolton presence will also be felt on the entertainments side of things with an 80-strong choir from St Joseph's RC School and Sports College providing a varied programme of songs from around the world.

Organiser Mrs Brookes added: "Now into its fourth year, we are confident that the North West Education Exhibition and Conference is regarded as one of the most important events in the region's educational calendar."

Workshop and seminar tickets and full conference programmes can be obtained by contacting Educational Exhibitions, PO Box 25203, London N12 8WS or telephone 020 8445 1757. You can also contact them by fax on 020 8446 8214 or e-mail edex@educational-exhibitions.com.