The Society of Heads is a professional association representing the leaders of approximately 150 well-established independent schools in the UK and overseas. A constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), it was founded in 1961 to provide a supportive network for heads of diverse institutions, including co-educational, single-sex, boarding, and specialist arts schools. The Society focuses on fostering a non-elitist, holistic approach to education, facilitating professional development, and promoting high standards through sharing best practices among its community of school leaders.
SoH Member Schools (36)
Battle Abbey School is an independent coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged three months to 18 years, situated in Battle and Bexhill, East Sussex. The Senior School occupies the historic site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, utilising the 13th-century Abbot’s House and surrounding grounds. The school claims to foster an ethos of kindness, compassion, and mutual respect, prioritising individual pastoral care. Facilities include a dedicated Sixth Form centre and a preparatory department in Bexhill featuring extensive gardens and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.
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.
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.
Bethany School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11-18, situated in Goudhurst, Kent. The school is set on a 60-acre rural campus within the Kent countryside. Founded by a Baptist minister in 1866, the school places emphasis on its Christian character. It claims to focus on providing a tailored education within a caring community, enabling pupils to maximize their abilities. Bethany School was awarded 'excellent' in all areas by ISI in April 2023.
Charterhouse is an independent boarding and day school situated within a 250-acre campus in the Surrey Hills National Landscape, near Godalming. The school's rural grounds feature woodland, lawns, and extensive sports facilities, including numerous pitches, a sports centre with a swimming pool, and a golf course. The school became fully coeducational from the age of 13 in September 2021. Charterhouse claims to focus on an all-round education, aiming to equip pupils to be "future-ready" and instilling academic rigour, intellectual curiosity, and values such as compassion and integrity.
The City of London Freemen's School is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located in Ashtead Park, Surrey. Situated within 57 acres of rural grounds, the school aims to cultivate confident and compassionate individuals. It claims to focus on academic rigor, pastoral care, and character development, encouraging pupils to 'learn, lead, and make a difference'. The school is owned and partially funded by the City of London Corporation.
Claremont Fan Court School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated just outside Esher, Surrey. The school is set within 100 acres of historic landscaped grounds on the Claremont Estate, featuring an 18th-century Palladian mansion. Founded on Christian values, it welcomes children of all faiths. The school claims to focus on recognizing individual potential, fostering high personal achievement, and upholding moral standards. Its ethos highlights values such as courtesy, respect, and moral integrity, aiming to develop outstanding citizens.
Claremont School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated across two campuses in East Sussex. The Nursery and Prep School are located in St Leonards-on-Sea, while the Senior School and Sixth Form occupy a rural site in Bodiam. Catering for pupils aged one to 18, the school claims to focus on personalised learning and global opportunities as a member of the International Schools Partnership. Facilities include a football academy, forest school, and an award-winning performing arts department. The school provides both full and weekly boarding options.
Cranleigh Senior School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13-18. Situated in a rural setting within 280 acres of the Surrey Hills, the school was established in 1865. Its motto is "Ex Cultu Robur" (From culture comes strength). The school claims to focus on four central values: service, relationships, leadership, and excellence, aiming to provide a balanced and personalised education within a supportive environment.
DLD College London is a multi-award winning, co-educational independent day and boarding school located at 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7FX. Situated on the South Bank, opposite Westminster and the River Thames, it operates as an urban institution with modern facilities. The school claims its ethos is based on Development, Leadership, and Diversity, aiming to foster a supportive environment for academic and personal growth for students aged 13-19.
Dover College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, established in 1871 in Dover, Kent. Situated within the grounds of a 12th-century Benedictine Priory, the school incorporates historic medieval buildings, including the Refectory. It serves pupils aged 3-18. The school claims to focus on academic excellence through personalized learning, with an ethos of 'Personal Best'. It maintains a Christian ethos while welcoming pupils of all faiths and is a member of the Round Square network.