Changing Nature of Headship

In the context of numerous local and global changes, the nature of headship is changing too. HMC has recently commissioned a major piece of research into how headship has changed in independent schools, which was conducted in partnership with UCL Institute of Education. This research is now being used to help us develop new services, support and CPD for heads and leaders in HMC schools.

Explore the research that informs HMC’s work in this key priority area, and find links to events and resources aimed at supporting heads to navigate the ever-changing landscape of educational leadership.

The Changing Nature of Headship in HMC Schools Key Findings Report

HMC commissioned UCL Institute of Education to independently investigate the nature of headship in the schools we serve, and how it has evolved. The research confirmed that schools and their leaders now face three key challenges:

Challenge #1: Societal and political change
Challenge #2: Increased external accountability, fewer public resources
Challenge #3:Financial instability

Read the summary report here to learn more about these challenges, how they are impacting heads and the leadership practices making a difference, as well as how HMC can help

Running Schools as Businesses: Online Member Briefings

In response to the UCL research, HMC along with ISBA and AGBIS have developed an important new series of online briefings for heads, governors and bursars, focused on different aspects of running independent schools as businesses. Members of HMC can contact us at [email protected] to learn more and to find out about additional sessions that will be added over the course of the 2024-25 academic year.