About IDES

IDES exists to promote innovation in Scottish education through networking and the exchange of information and ideas.

Its objectives are:

• To help build mutually supportive learning communities in Scottish schools
• To work towards a more flexible and integrated curriculum which is relevant to the world of work
• To maintain and develop an international network of contacts in education and business
• To identify good practice in Scotland and in other countries, learn from international colleagues and share the Scottish experience with them. 

Since its formation in 1988, the IDES Network has organised numerous national conferences, has published a range of resources, and has been particularly influential nationally in the areas of enterprise in education and creativity in education.

Membership of the IDES Network offers you:

• Regular newsletters (approximately two per year) which will enable you to stay at the cutting edge of innovation in education in Scotland
• Access to a network of leading schools and practitioners in Scotland and throughout the world
• Support through information, and occasionally bursaries, for visits to other schools in Scotland and overseas
• Opportunities to participate in innovative projects, with some financial support
• Priority bookings at discounted rates for national conferences and in-service
• Free advice on curriculum and management issues
• The opportunity to be involved in future national developments through surveys and good practice. 

Membership of the IDES Network is open to schools (nursery, primary, secondary and special) and to individuals in the fields of both education and business/industry.

Most IDES Network conferences take place in Scotland, but the international dimension is also important. IDES has organised visits to the UK by international speakers and has a much valued international network.

The IDES Network is supported by LTS but has a fully independent Management Committee. If you have any questions or would like further help, the IDES Network Co-ordinator, Fiona Ormiston, is the first point of contact.