Inspirational school leadership will be highlighted in Birmingham this week at a meeting attended by educationalists from as far away as Afghanistan and Australia.

About 600 teachers will attend the National College for School Leadership conference which starts today.

School leaders from the UK will show how they have exploited greater freedoms to innovate while those from other countries will outline their own effective practices.

The three-day event takes place at the International Convention Centre. Keynote speakers include Schools Minister Stephen Twigg, chief inspector of schools David Bell, secretary of the Secondary Heads Association John Dunford and the National Association of Headteachers' general secretary David Hart.

Greater flexibility for schools has been promoted by the Government under a raft of policy initiatives, including New Relationship with Schools, Every Child Matters and the workforce reforms.

Educationalists from around the country will share their experiences of how they have used innovation to enhance their school during the conference.

In addition, nearly 20 teachers and education officials from countries including Nigeria, Afghanistan and Australia will be present.

The NCSL was set up in 2002 to "develop the potential of school leaders".