Education leaders have been urged to collaborate and innovate for the benefit of young people in Cumbria.

The call was made at the Shaping Our Future conference, hosted by Cumbria Education Trust, at The Halston in Carlisle.

More than 170 attendees, including education leaders, local authorities, and industry experts, gathered to explore the educational landscape and discuss strategies for the future in Cumbria.

The panel discussion gets underway at Shaping Our Future (Image: Supplied) The conference featured keynote speakers and a panel discussion on challenges facing the sector and innovative solutions to improve outcomes for young people.

The event also included performances from the Workington Academy Theatre Group and Carlisle's Yewdale Primary School Choir.

Lorrayne Hughes, OBE, chief executive of Cumbria Education Trust, said: "Their performances embodied the spirit of collaboration and excellence we aim to foster in our schools."

Carlisle's Yewdale Primary School Choir performed for the audience (Image: Supplied) Sir Ian Bauckham, CBE, chief regulator of Ofqual, shared insights on the future of qualifications in English schools, while Leora Cruddas, CBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts, challenged leaders to consider the civic responsibilities of schools.

Luke Sparkes, chief executive of Dixons Academies Trust, discussed his philosophy of flexible working and a nine-day working fortnight for teachers.

Carlisle's Yewdale Primary School Choir (Image: Supplied) Jonathan Smart, North West regional director at Ofsted, talked about future collaboration of schools and how inspections will look moving forward.

Steve Farndon, instructional coach and associate director at Ambition Institute, and Mark Gregory, regional director at One World, talked about teacher development and how investing in staff benefits the young people of Cumbria.

Lively table discussions took place at the Shaping Our Future conference (Image: Supplied)Philippa Cordingley, chief executive at education researchers CUREE, addressed a panel discussion on evolving priorities in education and the challenges of meeting diverse needs.

The panellists included senior leaders from local councils, universities, and educational organisations.

Networking time at The Halston in Carlisle (Image: Supplied) The conference ended with a call to action for attendees to continue fostering collaboration and innovation in education.

Ms Hughes said: "Bringing together leaders from all corners of Cumbria for an evening of discussion and networking shows the power of collective action in improving education for our young people."

Leora Cruddas, CBE, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts, spoke about schools' civic responsibilities (Image: Supplied) Delegate Tayna Peers, headteacher at Flimby Primary School, part of Changing Lives Trust, said: "Shaping Our Future was a great opportunity to hear from first-class speakers and get up-to-date information regarding the educational landscape.

"Not only were the challenges we all face discussed, but also insights into what the future holds.

"Spending time networking with colleagues, presenters and meeting new professionals was invaluable."