Around 700 technology companies who market to schools, colleges and education establishments exhibit at the show.

The real problem, though, lies with the education establishment that won't even entertain discussion on such a level.

The announcement yesterday caught many in the education establishment off guard.

"Schools and the education establishment have not done enough to make schools the kinds of places they should be."

Located in the area are several higher and continuing education establishments.

York College came about following a merger between two local higher education establishments in the late 1990s.

"Now's the time for the education establishment to catch up with the people."

She will admit that it was not always so regarded, particularly by the higher education establishment itself.

Opposition has been building in recent weeks as the implications of the board's action become clearer to the education establishment and parents.

But the agency had made powerful enemies - particularly, Washington's education establishment.