SCHOOL governors have a more demanding job than ever, and their role will become even more important as schools strive to raise standards.

More than 300, from all types of schools in the borough, turned out for a major conference on the curriculum organised by Metro education chiefs.

And the event was pronounced an unqualified success.

The conference, on the role of governors in the curriculum, heard from three keynote speakers.

Education committee chairman, Cllr Brian Wilson, said: "We all learned a great deal.

"School governors these days have a much more onerous responsibilities than in the past and with the Government's declared intention of making education their top priority, their role will become ever more important in raising standards.

"Our 350 delegates were drawn from a wide cross-section of society, and each one brought a wealth of practical experience and commitment."

Delegates were entertained during lunch by the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra - and speaker David Moore, of her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools, donated part of his fee to the group.

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