“Listening to people talking here has inspired me to start reading again. I did not always agree with what they said. But that does not matter because they have made me think.”

Judith Tomlinson, history teacher, St Peter’s high school, Exeter: “It has been fantastic. Just to listen to such experts, people who have an audience of millions on TV or in their books speaking to us and listening to us. You would think they have their head in the clouds but they all had their feet firmly on the ground.”

Rob Maple, head of humanities, Westfield school, Yeovil: “It has given prestige to teaching. It has made us feel valued. I was very impressed by the speakers, and impressed by their humility.”

Caroline Searle, history teacher, Eggbuckland community college, Plymouth:

“It has been an amazing weekend, because it has re-engaged me with a passion for teaching.”

Anthony Farrell, head of English at St Ives School, Cornwall: “This has been a conference for getting away from the mechanics and asking what are we doing, and why. It was almost a unique chance to say something to people of influence.”