NOVEMBER 17 INSPECTION OF LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES.

Organised by The Education Network at the Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental and African Studies, London WC1, to mark the publication of a fully-revised guide on the subject. Speakers include: Chris Woodhead, chief inspector for schools, and Wendy Thomson, Audit Commission. Fee: pound;141, pound;70.50 TEN subscribers. Details: 0171 490 4942.

NOVEMBER 18 METROPOLITAN EDUCATION CONVENTION.

For heads and governors at the Commonwealth Institute, London W8. Speakers include: Professor Ted Wragg, Exeter University; Michael Bichard, permanent secretary, Department for Education and Employment. Fee: pound;15. Details: 01768 890049.

NOVEMBER 26 ABILITY GROUPING IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

Organised by the Institute of Education at 20 Bedford Way, London WC1. It will explore research and how different practices can be successfully tailored to individual schools. Fee: pound;50. Details: Paula Larkins, 0171 612 6403; e mail: p.larkins@ioe.ac.uk.

NOVEMBER 27 MAKING A DIFFERENCE: CHILDREN’S BOOKS FROM OTHER LANGUAGES.

Organised by the Centre for the Children’s Book at Newcastle University.

Features a visit by award-winning German writer Gudrun Pausewang. Fee: pound;50. Details: 0191 274 3941.

DECEMBER 2 SETTING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL: DEVELOPING POLICY AND PRACTICE.

Organised by and held at the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1. Aimed at secondary teachers and representatives from government and local education authorities and includes recent research findings, practical aspects of ability grouping and workshops. Fee: pound;50. Details: Paula Larkins, 0171 612 6403; e-mail: p.larkins@ioe.ac.uk For more information see The TES website at www.tes.co.uk