
HMC is a professional association representing the heads of many of the world's leading independent schools. Historically associated with the great public schools, its membership is now diverse, including co-educational, single-sex, day, and boarding schools for pupils aged 11-18. Membership is considered a kitemark of global quality, innovation, and excellence in education. The conference enables members to share best practices, provides professional development, and offers a collective voice to influence national and international educational policy, championing high standards in all aspects of school life.
Member Schools (46)

Eastbourne College is a co-educational independent school for boarding and day pupils aged 13-18, affiliated with the Church of England. Situated in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on England's south coast, its location is between the beach and the South Downs National Park. The school claims to focus on equipping pupils to lead happy, fulfilled lives, underpinned by values such as pursuit of excellence, integrity, participation, and kindness. It has undergone significant development, including a £33 million investment in facilities.

Seaford College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school situated at Lavington Park, south of Petworth, West Sussex, England. The campus is set within over 450 acres of parkland in the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Founded in 1884, the school caters for students aged 4 to 18 across its Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form. Seaford College, affiliated with the Church of England, claims to focus on fostering individual potential, encouraging academic achievement, and promoting participation in cultural, social, and sporting activities.

Dorset House School is a co-educational preparatory school situated near Pulborough, West Sussex, within the South Downs National Park. Established in 1784, it is noted as one of the country's oldest prep schools. Located on a 16-acre site, the school offers day and optional flexi/weekly boarding for pupils aged 4-13. The school claims to provide a "greenhouse not a hothouse" environment, aiming to inspire academic learning and foster resilience. A 2018 ISI Inspection found "excellent" academic and personal development. From September 2025, it joined the Lancing College family of schools.

City of London School For Girls is an independent day school for girls aged 11-18, established in 1894. Situated adjacent to the Barbican Centre in the City of London, it operates within a Grade II listed building in an urban setting. The school claims to foster inspirational learning, intellectual excitement, and a culture of self-reflection, guided by values of respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness. It provides an extensive range of facilities, including a swimming pool and drama studio, and maintains strong links with the Barbican Arts Centre. The school emphasizes its commitment to bursary provision for a diverse student body.

Sevenoaks School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Sevenoaks, Kent. Established in 1432, it is one of England's oldest secular school foundations. The school occupies a 100-acre campus on the edge of the town, bordering Knole Park, featuring green, spacious grounds and a blend of historic and modern architecture. The school claims to focus on a progressive, academic, and global outlook, with its Sixth Form students pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Its ethos encourages critical thinking and a love of learning.

Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated across two campuses in Ashford, Kent. It caters to students aged 3 months to 18 years. The school claims to focus on "Inspiring Minds" and an educational philosophy that prioritizes student well-being as a foundation for success. It is affiliated with the United Church Schools Trust and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). The school is located near Ashford International station, offering strong transport links.

Situated in Hertford Heath, Hertfordshire, Haileybury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11-18. Established in 1862, the school occupies an extensive 500-acre campus of countryside, woodland, and heathland, originally the site of the East India College. Haileybury claims to focus on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and an all-round education, fostering personal growth and global citizenship. The school offers GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It was judged 'Excellent in all areas' in its 2022 ISI Inspection Report.

City of London School (CLS) is an independent day school for boys aged 10-18, situated at 107 Queen Victoria Street in the City of London. Located on the banks of the River Thames, it occupies a modern, urban waterfront site. Established in 1834, with origins dating to 1442, the school claims to focus on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and preparing pupils for a fast-changing society. It is part of the City of London Corporation's "Family of Schools".

St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-18. Situated on a 62-acre semi-rural site in Canterbury, Kent, the school was established in 1749. It educates the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. The school claims to focus on fostering a love of learning, intellectual agility, and creativity within a supportive and inclusive environment. Its grounds include parkland, forestry, and modern facilities, supporting a broad co-curricular programme.

Lancing College Prep Worthing is a co-educational independent nursery, pre-preparatory, and preparatory school for children aged 2-13. Situated on Broadwater Road in Worthing, West Sussex, the school is set within its own grounds. The school claims to focus on fostering a safe, welcoming, and tolerant environment, with an ethos centered on "Love Learning, Be Kind and Go Out into the World and Do Good" within a Christian community. It features small class sizes and a broad, balanced curriculum. An ISI inspection in June 2022 awarded it "excellent" for academic and personal development.

St Christopher's The Hall School is an independent co-educational preparatory day school situated in Beckenham, Kent, for children aged 3 to 11 years. The school occupies a Grade II listed Georgian building and features extensive grounds. It operates with a non-selective admissions policy. The school claims to focus on providing a happy and hard-working environment, fostering values such as respect and resilience, and promoting a 'no outsiders' philosophy. It was shortlisted for 'Independent Prep School of the Year' in 2024 and awarded 'Most Nurturing Preparatory School 2023 – Greater London'.

Lancing College Prep Hove is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 13 years, located in Hove, East Sussex. Situated on a leafy seven-acre campus, the school features early 20th-century buildings, playing fields, and an Astroturf pitch. As part of the Woodard school foundation, its ethos is underpinned by Christian values. The school claims to focus on inspiring excellence, developing independent minds, fostering creativity, and placing equal importance on academic achievement and personal development. It encourages pupils to 'be brave' in their learning.

The New Beacon is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 4-13, with a co-educational nursery, situated in Sevenoaks, Kent. The school occupies 22 acres of grounds, featuring woodlands and extensive sports facilities. It has been on its current site since 1900, having been founded in 1863. The New Beacon claims its ethos focuses on respect, individuality, and aspiration, aiming to combine academic achievement with personalized pastoral care. The school merged with Tonbridge School in 2021.

Sutton Valence School is a co-educational day and boarding school, situated across two rural sites in the Kent countryside, near Maidstone. Founded in 1576 by William Lambe, the school caters to pupils from ages two to 18. The school claims to focus on community values, academic achievement, and extensive enrichment opportunities. It aims to foster confident, tolerant, and open-minded individuals with Christian values.

City Junior School is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 7-11, situated in Gray's Inn, in the historic heart of London. Established in 2022 as a joint venture between City of London School and City of London School for Girls, the school claims to focus on an academically rigorous education with kindness and compassion at its heart, fostering community, joy, and scholarship. Its urban campus utilizes green spaces and provides modern facilities, alongside access to senior school amenities. The school was rated "Good" by Ofsted in November 2023.

Brighton College is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England. Situated on the south coast, the school grounds include gothic revival architecture and green spaces, with proximity to the sea and the South Downs countryside. The school claims to focus on developing well-educated, tolerant, and intellectually curious young adults, emphasizing a culture of kindness, confidence, and respect. Brighton College was named School of the Decade in 2020 by The Sunday Times. In 2024, it was ranked first in the country for A-level results, with 99.3% of grades being A*-B.

Christ's Hospital is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 11-18, situated on a 1,200-acre estate south of Horsham, West Sussex. Established in 1552, the school operates under a royal charter and is known for its charitable foundation. It claims to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing education to young people from diverse backgrounds, with a majority of students receiving means-tested bursaries. The curriculum aims to combine academic ambition with a focus on broader opportunities in sports, music, art, and drama.

Windlesham House School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4 to 13. Situated in Pulborough, West Sussex, on the South Downs, the school is set within a 70-acre country estate. Founded in 1837, it was the first boys' preparatory school in the UK and became co-educational in 1967. The school claims to focus on providing a stimulating and nurturing environment for confident, independent learners, and aims for educational excellence. It offers a broad co-curricular programme across its extensive grounds, which include sports pitches, a 9-hole golf course, and a 25-meter swimming pool. The school also has a policy of no school uniform.

Bede's Senior School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated in the rural village of Upper Dicker, East Sussex. The school's campus is set within approximately 100-140 acres of the Sussex countryside. It caters to pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to focus on a holistic philosophy, aiming to discover and develop individual talents by prioritizing academic, co-curricular, and pastoral aspects of student life. It describes itself as a modern and inclusive institution.

Brighton College Prep School is situated in Brighton, East Sussex, offering sea views and proximity to the South Downs countryside. The school claims to foster a culture of kindness and mutual respect, aiming to develop each pupil's potential individually. It emphasizes inspiring a love of learning, curiosity, and confidence. Its coastal city location provides diverse learning environments, including a Beach School program.

Kent College Pembury is an independent day and boarding school situated in 75 acres of countryside near Pembury, Kent, close to Royal Tunbridge Wells. The school, part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, claims to focus on an ethos of kindness, community, and inclusive nurturing, upholding Christian values while welcoming all faiths. It provides education from Nursery to Year 6 as co-educational, with the Senior School transitioning to fully co-educational from 2026. Kent College was awarded an 'Excellent' rating for Academic Achievement and Personal Development by the ISI in 2023.

South Hampstead High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18, situated in the leafy residential area of Hampstead, north-west London. Founded in 1876 by the Girls' Public Day School Trust (GDST), the school's motto is 'Mehr Licht' (More Light). The school claims to foster a culture of curiosity and kindness, emphasizing academic rigor alongside personal development. Facilities include a 4-acre sports ground and a state-of-the-art Senior School building. It was awarded "Independent Girls' School of the Year" in 2022.

Highgate School, formally Sir Roger Cholmeley's School at Highgate, is a co-educational independent day school located in Highgate village, North London. Founded in 1565, it educates pupils aged 4 to 18 across its Pre-Prep, Junior, and Senior sections. Situated amidst green spaces, the school combines Victorian architecture with modern facilities. The school claims to focus on scholarship, independence, and fostering a welcoming, outward-looking community. Highgate School was named London Independent School of the Decade by The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2021.

Hurstpierpoint College is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located just north of the village of Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. Situated in the Sussex countryside, the College occupies a 140-acre campus. Founded in 1849 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school is part of the Woodard Corporation. The school claims to focus on academic excellence and spiritual nurture, underpinned by a Christian ethos that welcomes all faiths. It provides education for pupils aged 4 to 18.

Queen's College London is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18, situated in the City of Westminster, Greater London, specifically on Harley Street. Founded in 1848 by Frederick Denison Maurice, it holds the distinction of being the first British educational establishment to offer academic qualifications to women. The school occupies several urban Georgian and Art Nouveau buildings. The college has a liberal ethos based on its founder's principles, aiming to inspire excellence, critical thinking, and individual development. It received a Royal Charter in 1853.

Queenswood is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18, situated in Hertfordshire, near Hatfield, within a 120-acre parkland estate. The school has a Christian foundation and claims to focus on valuing each individual, promoting international understanding, and fostering a love of learning. It offers a broad curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular activities, utilizing facilities that include a 25-meter swimming pool and 27 tennis courts. Queenswood reports an international community, with approximately 20% of its pupils from overseas.

Bede's Prep is a co-educational day and boarding school located in Eastbourne, East Sussex, nestled on the edge of the South Downs. The school serves pupils from infancy to 13 years old. It claims to focus on promoting learning, personal growth, and development, fostering a vibrant learning experience through a 'festival of opportunities'. The school's core values reportedly include compassion, courage, conscientiousness, and curiosity, aiming to provide an all-round education.

Mayfield School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in the village of Mayfield, East Sussex. Established in 1872, the school is set within 70-75 acres of Sussex countryside. The school's ethos reflects its Catholic heritage and Cornelian values, claiming to focus on nurturing integrity, generosity, and respect within an inclusive community. Facilities include a 14th-century chapel, a riding arena, an indoor swimming pool, and dedicated art and science spaces.

Francis Holland (Regent's Park) is an independent day school for girls, established in 1878 and situated in central London, near Regent's Park. Operating from an urban setting, the school utilises Regent's Park and Paddington Recreation Ground for outdoor sports, in addition to on-site facilities that include a swimming pool. The school claims to focus on a holistic education, balancing academic ambition with pastoral care. Underpinned by a Christian ethos, it welcomes pupils of all faiths. A new Sixth Form Centre, Linhope House, opened in 2022.

St Lawrence College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school located in Ramsgate, Kent, on an 80-acre campus. The school enrolls pupils aged 3 to 18. Established in 1879, it maintains a strong Christian ethos, which underpins its pastoral care and focus on individual nurturing. The campus combines traditional 19th-century buildings with modern facilities, situated near the Kent coast. The school claims to focus on academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. It has been recognized as a World Class High Performance Learning School.

The King's School Canterbury is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school located in Canterbury, Kent. Founded in 597 AD, it is considered one of the oldest continuously operating schools globally. Situated on a campus adjacent to Canterbury Cathedral, the school claims to foster an ethos that balances academic rigor with co-curricular learning. Its educational approach reportedly aims to develop independent thinking, resilience, and confidence while promoting strong values, respect, and compassion among its pupils.

Benenden School, founded in 1923, is an all-girls boarding school situated in 250 acres of parkland in Kent, a rural setting. It accommodates approximately 550-560 girls aged 11-18, with a limited number of day places. The school claims to focus on a 'Complete Education', aiming to shape future generations of successful, visionary women, and fostering values such as confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy.

St Andrew's Prep is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 9 months to 13 years, founded in 1877. Situated in Eastbourne, East Sussex, the school is located between the South Downs and the sea, set within twelve acres of landscaped grounds and sports fields, with the beach a five-minute walk away. The school claims to focus on a holistic education that balances academic rigour with character development, and aims to foster kindness, honesty, and excellence. It offers a broad curriculum, including a "Bridge Curriculum" for Years 7 and 8 to prepare pupils for senior schools.

Colfe's School is a co-educational independent day school, situated in Horn Park within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, southeast London. Established in 1568 and re-founded in 1652, the school is governed by the Leathersellers' Company. Co-educational since 1999, it caters to pupils aged 3 to 18. The school claims to focus on values such as effort, happiness, and a love of learning, fostering a purposeful and respectful atmosphere. Its grounds feature over 30 acres of playing fields, a sports complex with a 25m swimming pool, and a performing arts centre. Colfe's School was awarded Microsoft Showcase School status in 2024.

Whitgift School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 10-18, situated on a 45-acre parkland site in South Croydon, Greater London. Founded in 1596 by Archbishop John Whitgift, its motto is "Vincit qui patitur" (He who perseveres, conquers). The school claims to focus on academic achievement, personal development, and co-curricular involvement, aiming to foster mutual respect and self-esteem. The extensive grounds feature landscaped gardens, ponds, and an aviary. Full, weekly, and flexi-boarding options are available.

Roedean is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. Situated on a clifftop site on the outskirts of Brighton, the school overlooks the English Channel and the Brighton Marina. The school aims to provide a holistic education that balances academic achievement with the development of character and talents. The main building, designed by Sir John Simpson, is Grade II listed. The school draws pupils from the local area, London, and internationally.

Lancing College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18. Situated in West Sussex, east of Worthing, the school is set within 330 acres of the South Downs National Park. Founded in 1848 by Nathaniel Woodard, it operates as a Christian foundation in the Anglican tradition. The school claims to focus on inspiring a desire for excellence, fostering independent minds, and promoting Christian values and community contribution.

Tonbridge School is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 13-18, founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde. Situated on an extensive 150-acre site in Tonbridge, Kent, the school is located approximately 40 minutes from London. The school claims to focus on developing "fine minds and good hearts" by fostering connections between ideas, interests, and people, embodied by its ethos "Only Connect." Its campus integrates historical architecture with modern facilities, supporting a wide range of academic and co-curricular activities. A strong house system is central to its pastoral care.

Worth School is a co-educational Catholic boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. Situated in 500 acres of Sussex countryside near Worth, within Worth Abbey, it operates with a Benedictine ethos. The school claims to focus on fostering self-awareness, integrity, and a sense of responsibility through an "education with heart and soul". It offers both A Levels and the IB Diploma. In October 2024, Worth School was named Boarding School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year awards.

Sevenoaks Preparatory School, a co-educational day prep school for pupils aged 2 to 13, is situated in Godden Green, Sevenoaks, Kent. It occupies a 25-acre site bordering Knole Park. The school claims to focus on strong pastoral care and a "Way of Life" ethos, encouraging pupils to be responsible, kind, and empathetic. Sevenoaks Prep was founded in 1919 and accommodates around 300-400 pupils. It was awarded "excellent in all areas" in a recent ISI inspection.

King's School Rochester is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated in Rochester, Kent. The school is nestled within the Cathedral Precinct, near Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle, offering views over the River Medway. Founded in 604 AD, it claims to be the second oldest continuously operating school in the world and the oldest cathedral choir school. Serving pupils aged 3 to 18, it is a Church of England foundation. The school claims to focus on a holistic education, underpinned by values of happiness, endeavour, aspiration, roundedness, and teamwork.

Channing School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, located in Highgate, North London. Founded in 1885, it is the UK's only Unitarian school, claiming to uphold principles of free thinking, acceptance, and inclusivity. The school's grounds feature natural wooded areas and utilize off-site facilities for sports. In 2015, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Channing School the highest possible judgements across all inspected categories.

University College School, known as UCS, is an independent day school situated in Frognal, Hampstead, London. Founded in 1830 by University College London, it operates as a boys' school from ages 3 to 16, becoming co-educational in the Sixth Form (ages 16-18). The school claims to focus on intellectual curiosity, breadth of study, and independence of mind, aiming for academic excellence within a liberal ethos. It occupies an urban setting with notable Edwardian architecture and off-site playing fields.

Farringtons School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school situated in Chislehurst, Kent, within 25 acres of parkland. Catering to pupils aged 3-18, the school was established in 1908. Its ethos, underpinned by Christian values, claims to focus on the holistic development of each child, fostering intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual growth. The school aims to provide a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities within a nurturing environment.

Berkhamsted Prep is a co-educational independent day preparatory school for pupils aged 7-11, situated in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Operating within an urban setting, the school claims to focus on a child-centred approach, aiming to foster curiosity, motivation, and a thirst for learning. The curriculum is stated to develop life skills, critical thinking, and fluency in technology and creative arts, incorporating a metacognitive approach. The school also highlights a supportive community environment.

Situated in the West Sussex countryside, near Haywards Heath, Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school established in 1858. The college occupies a 240-acre campus with woodland and a lakeside environment. The school claims to focus on academic rigour, critical thinking, and preparing students to be "World Ready". Its ethos is guided by values such as engagement, compassion, resilience, and collaboration. Ardingly College offers A-levels, the IB Diploma, and BTECs.