Thousands of England's teachers are to visit Nottingham each year for training at the National College for School Leadership (NCSL).

The college's �28m learning and conference centre, based at the University of Nottingham's Jubilee campus, opens next month.

Up to 20,000 school leaders, including heads, deputy heads and department heads, will use the modern building in its first year.

The college's chief executive, Heather Du Quesnay, said: "To have a major national organisation such as NCSL situated here in Nottingham is great news for the city.

NCSL

The facility cost �28m It has 100 hotel rooms, each with internet links The college's lakeside restaurant seats 160 people

"Not only will it mean head teachers and aspiring heads will be coming to the city from all over the country, but for local head teachers there will be the added advantage of having this wonderful conference and training facility right on their door step.

"Essentially Nottingham will be the hub from which the drive to improve leadership in England schools will radiate."

The centre will employ approximately 180 people, including 80 staff for catering and accommodation.

Prime Minister Tony Blair opened the college in November 2000.

Ceremonial opening

For the past 18 months its administration has been based in a temporary facility at the University of Nottingham - until now, training has been conducted at various sites across England.

Most training will be conducted at the new Nottingham site - formally known as the learning and conference centre - from 2 September.

Events to mark the opening will be conducted throughout September and the ceremonial opening is being held on 24 October.

Many of the college's training courses will be made available in regional centres and online.