A teacher is interacting with a group of students in a classroom, pointing to a book while students in maroon blazers work together at a table covered with papers and school supplies. Educational posters and student work decorate the walls.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HMC

MEMBERSHIP

Benefits of HMC Membership

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

LEARN MORE

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

DISCOVER MORE

RECRUITMENT REDEFINED FOR EXCELLENCE

HMC School Careers

An easy to use and affordable job search platform supporting HMC schools to deliver a candidate first recruitment experience and recruit the very best education professionals into their schools

EXPLORE FEATURES & BOOK A DEMO HERE

HMC CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Learn more about our Corporate Partnerships programme

View the Corporate Partnerships brochure here
Three people stand on stage in front of a CAIS backdrop smiling for a photo—two men and one woman, all dressed in business or semi-formal attire.

Blog

‘O Canada’ Part 1: Leading through Disruption at CAIS,...

By Dr Simon Hyde

Chief Executive, HMC

 Two sixth-form students sit side by side at a desk in a modern classroom, smiling as they look towards the front. Both are dressed smartly in navy blazers, and each has a laptop open in front of them. The setting is bright and professional, with wooden panels and glass features in the background.

Blog

The Kindness Economy: What schools can learn from Gen...

By Shaun Fenton

Headmaster, Reigate Grammar School

 A large group of students wearing matching purple blazers with white stripes sit in rows in a school auditorium, facing a stage. A speaker stands at the front near a podium, addressing them. On the wall behind the speaker, a colorful circular infographic titled “The World as 100 People” is projected, showing various global demographic categories.

Blog

Standing firm in power and pride: why Black History...

By Kate Latham

Assistant Head: Academic and EDI Lead, Kimbolton School

 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...

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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