The National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) held its 42^nd Annual Conference in Sitges (Barcelona) from 5^th to the 8^th March under the theme “Seeking the Best for Everyone”.

The conference was held over 4 days, commencing with the Gala Dinner at the Cinca Mas Solers on the Thursday evening. The conference was opened by Adrian Massam, President of the Association, who gave a warm welcome to all representatives of member schools and other guests. Mark Howard, Regional Director of the British Council followed with a welcome speech.

The following day was dedicated to heads and owners of schools with the formal opening of the conference by Timothy Hemmings (Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Madrid) and Rosa Mª Prieto Gallego from the Spanish Ministry of Education, followed by a tour of the Education Village. During the course of the conference heads and owners were lucky to hear from a number of excellent keynote speakers, including Lucy Crehan, Cristine Özden, Helen Morgan, Jason Gregory and Sonja Uhlmann. The programme also included a tour of the Cordoniu Cavas on the Friday evening.

The majority of our 77 member schools were represented at the Annual General Meeting the next day. Thereafter, there was an interesting programme of professional development for senior leaders and teachers, ensuring that all member schools are well informed and kept up-to-date with the latest developments, reforms and trends in education. Workshop leaders included Eva Cartwright, Alan Jervis, Steve Garnett, Julie Watson, Dave Taylor, Matt Messias, Melody Lowe and Rick Sellers. Training was provided for over 250 attendees in total.

The exhibition has always formed an integral part of the annual conference and once again NABSS presented its Education Village, where we welcomed almost 60 companies including those which have staunchly supported us over the years and also the new companies which were joining us for the first time. The annual conference provides an ample opportunity for networking and, to ensure this, many of our social events were held in the exhibition area including buffet lunches, cocktails and the presentation of awards ceremony.  A special mention to Cambridge Assessment International Education, who sponsored the prizes for this year’s NABSS competition.

Thanks also for the support and collaboration of the key organisations with whom we work and on whom we depend, including the British Embassy, the British Council, ACADE, Pearson Education and Cambridge Assessment International. All of these have not only made important contributions to this conference but have worked closely with us throughout the last year in our efforts to represent the interests of British schools in Spain.