ABOUT HMC

Collective heads of world-leading independent schools

Foward-thinking and dynamic, HMC has been helping its members and their schools to grow and develop since it was founded as the world's first heads' association more than 150 years ago.

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MEMBERSHIP

Benefits of HMC Membership

Learn more about the key benefits of obtaining/holding HMC Membership

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HMC CONFERENCES

Speak to our Corporate Partnerships team about opportunities at HMC Autumn Conference

View the Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus here

HMC AT WORK

Widening access

Providing greater opportunities for pupils from less advantaged backgrounds.

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International Membership

Benefits of International Membership

Learn about the benefits of international membership of HMC (The Heads' Conference) on our webpage and in our video

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Philip Britton in a blue suit and patterned yellow tie speaks at a podium with microphones, gesturing with open hands, during the HMC Autumn Conference 2025 Opening Address

News — 3 October 2025

Chair’s Opening Address by Dr Philip Britton MBE, Chair...

 Book cover of “Reforming Lessons: Why English Schools Have Improved Since 2010 and How This Was Achieved” by Nick Gibb and Robert Peal. The cover shows two young boys in red school uniforms smiling and reading a book together at a classroom table. A quote at the bottom from Doug Lemov reads, “Perhaps the most important story in the education sector over the last two decades.” Published by Routledge.

Blog

Some thoughts on Reforming lessons

By Dr Simon Hyde

HMC Chief Executive

A group of four teenage girls sit at home and play a game of cards.

Blog

Play your cards right – the value of strategic...

By Mark O'Brien

HMC Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)

 A man wearing a navy suit and exhibitor badge speaks with a woman at a trade show booth for Vectare, a school transport service. Behind him is a branded display with the slogan “Safe. Smooth. Smart.” and promotional materials on the table.

Podcast

Episode 15

CONFERENCE SPECIAL: Meet Dominic Kalantary from Vectare

 A man in a business suit speaks on stage in front of a large screen displaying logos of exhibitors and sponsors at an educational or professional conference. The audience is partially visible in the foreground.

Podcast

Episode 14

CONFERENCE SPECIAL: Camps International and Alps Education

 Two men smiling and shaking hands in front of a banner for ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa). The banner features the organisation's logo and slogan promoting quality, values, and diversity.

Blog

Breaking chains, Forging Links, South Africa, September 2025

By Dr Simon Hyde

CEO, HMC

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HMC via LinkedIn

HMC on LinkedIn

HMC AT WORK

For our members and more

Working hard across a number of key areas.

OUR SCHOOLS

Globally recognised as world-leading

HMC schools are individual and distinctive but at their heart are the benefits of a holistic education: academic excellence together with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and exceptional co-curricular provision.

Find HMC schools

Conferences

Effective collaboration in Independent Education

HMC’s conferences provide fascinating insights, opportunities for networking and sharing ideas as well as the chance to grow and develop professionally.

Explore Conferences

“Exceptional courses and conferences to help achieve your career goals and become the best practitioner you can be.”

Nicola Huggett

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing inspirational teachers and leaders

Forward-thinking and dynamic, HMC has been helping its members and their schools to grow and develop since it was founded as the world’s first heads’ association more than 150 years ago. Our service encourages and supports excellence in teaching, learning and school leadership through the 80 courses and conferences it provides each year. HMC’s Professional Development caters specifically for the needs of leaders and staff in HMC schools and its programme is also open to members of other independent school associations.

View upcoming Courses