Group of students in purple blazers walking outdoors with three teachers dressed in professional attire, engaged in friendly conversation on a school campus surrounded by trees and modern brick buildings.

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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A young woman in a school uniform, wearing glasses and a striped tie, walks hand-in-hand with a small boy in a matching school uniform with a crest on his sweater. They are walking on a paved path beside a green lawn and a flowering bush with pink blossoms. In the background, there is a golden camel statue and a modern white building. Both appear cheerful and focused on their walk.

Blog

When the quiet ones roar: The strength behind the...

By Sarah Wright

Senior Vice Principal, Student Culture and Experience, GEMS Wellington International School

 Two adults, a woman and a man, are sitting at a white classroom table engaged in a lively, friendly conversation. The woman is wearing a white patterned dress and laughing, while the man, dressed in a grey suit and bow tie, is gesturing animatedly. Behind them, the classroom wall is decorated with educational posters, drawings, and rainbow-themed artwork, including material on “Death of a Salesman” and other literary themes. The setting suggests a vibrant, inclusive, and creative learning environment.

Blog

From silence to spotlight: Empowering students through their stories

By Justine Wall

EDI Lead at Dauntsey's School

 A group of schoolchildren in navy tracksuits sit on a wooden floor in a bright, spacious room with tall windows. Two sixth form students in formal attire—navy suits and ties—engage attentively with the group, while a young girl stands speaking to them. Everyone appears involved and cheerful.

Blog

Building community through peer-led education

By Sarah Gledhill

Deputy Head of Berkhamsted Girls and Head of Personal Development

 A young girl and an adult woman kneeling in a muddy outdoor area, smiling at each other. The girl is holding a red magnifying glass and a toy dinosaur, wearing a pink raincoat with owl prints and a green backpack. Behind them are printed dinosaur images attached to a wooden frame, suggesting an educational or play activity related to paleontology.

Blog

Little minds, big feelings

By Alison Lydon

Senior Deputy Head (Early Education) at Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools

 A group of schoolchildren in blue sweaters and plaid uniforms stand outside a stone school building, smiling and holding Nepalese flags. The children are standing in sunlight, and the setting appears to be a school courtyard.

Case Study

“March for Nepal” – A global citizenship initiative by...

Podcast

Episode 9

Tim Dalton and Lumina, a programme supporting looked after...

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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