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.
HMC Member Schools (101)
ACS Cobham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 128-acre woodland campus in Cobham, Surrey. Located approximately 20 miles from Central London, the school enrols students aged 2 to 18 from over 60 nationalities. The curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and an American curriculum, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and leading to a US high school diploma. The school claims to focus on innovation, academic excellence, and global awareness. Facilities include extensive sports amenities and a performing arts centre.
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.
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.
Barfield Prep School is a co-educational day school for children aged 2 to 11, situated in Runfold, near Farnham, Surrey. The school is set within 12 acres of woodland, which includes facilities for extensive outdoor education. Founded in 1933, the school claims to foster curiosity, resilience, and a strong moral compass. It is described as having a warm, caring, and family-oriented ethos, with a focus on pastoral care.
Barrow Hills School is a co-educational independent day and nursery school located in Witley, Surrey, for pupils aged 2 to 13. Situated on 33 acres of woodland, formal gardens, and sports pitches, the school provides a rural learning environment with dedicated Forest School areas. The school claims to foster "curiosity of mind and independence of spirit" and emphasizes high-quality pastoral care, underpinned by a Christian affiliation.
Bede’s Prep is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated on a coastal site in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the school overlooks the sea and educates children from three months to 13 years. Its ethos centres on a holistic approach to learning, aiming to nurture individual talents through academic, creative, and sporting programmes. The grounds include historic buildings and modern facilities, such as a swimming pool, sports hall, and dedicated outdoor learning spaces.
Situated in the Sussex countryside in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, Bede’s Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to offer a holistic education that prioritises individual interests, combining academic study with traditions in the performing arts and sport. Notable facilities include an on-site zoo housing over 70 species and the Legat School of Dance. Its ethos focuses on cultivating curiosity and ambition within an inclusive community that values personal growth and both creative and academic achievement.
Beechwood Park School is a co-educational independent preparatory school located near Markyate, Hertfordshire, offering day and flexi-boarding for children aged 2-13. Situated in extensive rural parkland, the school's facilities include a Forest School, indoor swimming pool, and multiple sports pitches. The school claims to focus on developing authentic, aspirational, and ambitious learners, as well as adaptable, resilient, and independent mindsets. Beechwood Park School recently joined with St Albans School.
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.
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.
Bishop's Stortford College is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 130-acre campus in Hertfordshire, on the edge of the market town of Bishop's Stortford. Established in 1868, it caters for pupils aged 3 to 18. The school claims to focus on developing well-rounded individuals by promoting academic excellence, scholarship, strong character-forming values, and community. Its ethos is rooted in the Christian faith, welcoming individuals of all beliefs.
Situated in the Kemptown area of Brighton, East Sussex, Brighton College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Its campus combines historic Gothic Revival buildings with contemporary architecture, including the award-winning School of Science and Sport. The school claims to focus on an ethos of kindness, guided by the Greek motto, 'Let right prevail'. Facilities include 18 university-standard laboratories, a 400-seat theatre, and a 25-metre swimming pool, all located within walking distance of the seafront and the South Downs.