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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

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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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Two teenage students studying together at a library table. One holds a blue book while the other gestures toward an open textbook on the table. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.

Blog

Boys will be boys or will they?

By Mark O'Brien

HMC Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)

Podcast

Episode 8

Revolutionising Education: Daisy Christodoulou’s Insights

 A group of children's hands stacked together in a show of unity, with all wearing school uniforms. The background is green grass. In the top right corner, there are logos for the Education Policy Institute and HMC.

Report

Independent-state school partnerships deep dive – A detailed look...

 A group of young people sitting on a stone ledge in an urban setting near Big Ben in London. They are all looking down at their smartphones, appearing deeply engaged in their screens. They wear casual winter clothing, including jackets and backpacks. The background shows a busy street with pedestrians walking by, as well as historic architecture, including the recognizable clock tower of Big Ben.

Blog

The great rewiring of childhood: Navigating the digital dilemma...

By Mark O'Brien

HMC Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)

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News — 24 March 2025

HMC Chair 2026-27 Announcement

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Blog

HMC at Ditchley Park: Mapping the future of curriculum...

By Kate Howell

Director of Education, 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