A host of professionals from the world of education passed on their knowledge to teachers and students from Sir John Talbot’s School in Whitchurch on Monday.

The Marches School in Oswestry hosted its annual conference, which this year featured Vic Goddard, star of the BAFTA award-winning fly-on-the-wall BBC TV show Educating Essex, who rose to fame for his straight-talking approach and refusing to let students fail at Passmores Academy in Essex, where he is the principal.

Other keynote speakers included Professor Dame Alison Peacock, chief executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, Ross McGill, an experienced teacher and school leader, and Sir William Atkinson, one of the UK’s most respected headteachers and the inspiration for the BBC drama Hope and Glory.

Sarah Longville, chief executive officer of The Marches Academy Trust, said: “It was a wonderful learning experience.

“We set out with the aim of creating a quality learning conversation and that happened throughout the day.

“I witnessed colleagues talking, getting inspired, excited and energised by the inspirational speakers we had at the conference.

“The speakers have resonated with me throughout the day because they have heart and passion and believe, as I do, in our core purpose of enabling every child, no matter what challenges they face, to enjoy learning and continue learning.”

More than 300 professionals working in the education sector registered to attend the one-day event which was packed with motivational talks and over 15 workshops focusing on Leading Learning, Growth Mindset and Effective Partnerships.

The professional learning conference, in partnership with the Strategic School Improvement Fund, was the third event hosted at The Marches School.