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 CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Learn more about our Corporate Partnerships programme

View the Corporate Partnerships brochure 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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Panel discussion on inclusion and belonging at a conference, with four speakers seated in front of a presentation screen.

Blog

Belonging as a Leadership Practice

By Yasmina Koné

Hemisphere Education Deputy Lead

A woman and a teenage girl sitting on the floor in a living room, looking at a laptop together. The woman holds a white mug while the girl types, and they appear engaged in what’s on the screen. A dark sofa, bookshelves, and a large window are visible in the background

Blog

How AI is transforming independent school admissions

By Jane Wilson

Director of External Affairs, George Watson’s College

 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...

Podcast

Episode 16

CONFERENCE SPECIAL: Mark Orchison from 9ine

 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

Public Affairs Specialist, HMC

 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

Chief Executive, 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.

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“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