A national conference, hosted by a Mansfield firm, was aimed at discussing, debating and sharing ideas to improve English, maths and IT skills. It was attended by over 400 people.

The Skills Conference is one of the UK’s premier education events and has grown significantly since it was first held in 2009.

The conference in Leicester focused on how English, maths and IT skills are fundamental in all aspects of life – in education, employment, and day-to-day living. This importance is recognised by Government, by Ofsted, and by education providers and employers.

Hosted by bksb, one of the country’s leading eLearning suppliers and a wholly-owned subsidiary of West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield, The Skills Conference attracted experts and speakers, including Dame Asha Khemka, principal of West Nottinghamshire College, and Vic Goddard, head of Passmores Academy and star of TV’s Educating Essex.

bksb’s managing director, Harvinder Atwal, said: “English, maths and IT skills are so fundamental to all individuals, shaping their confidence, educational success and career prospects.

“We believe passionately that their importance should be at the top of the national education agenda and this is a view shared by Government, regulatory bodies and practitioners themselves. The incredible turnout today reflects this, and we are delighted that The Skills Conference continues to act as such a wonderful catalyst for debate and knowledge sharing between education providers form around the country.”