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.
Member Schools (13)
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.
The King Alfred School is a co-educational, non-denominational independent school situated in North West London, on the edge of Hampstead Heath. The school is set across two green and leafy wooded settings, described as a village green environment. Founded in 1898, the school claims to focus on a progressive, child-centred approach to education, emphasizing mutual respect, individuality, and social responsibility. It caters to students aged 4-18.
Wetherby Senior School is an independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18, situated in the urban setting of Marylebone, City of Westminster, London. Founded in 2015, the school is part of the Inspired Education Group. It claims to focus on providing a holistic, well-rounded, and progressive education, aiming to prepare students for university and modern life. The school's ethos reportedly centres on character, community, and respect.
Battle Abbey School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school situated in Battle, East Sussex. The Senior School occupies part of the historic Battle Abbey complex, overlooking the 1066 battlefield. The Prep and Nursery schools are located in Bexhill-on-Sea with spacious grounds. The school enrolls students from three months to eighteen years old. It claims to focus on exceptional pastoral care, fostering an inclusive atmosphere, and promoting values of kindness, mutual respect, and academic success for its students.
Our Lady of Sion School is an independent, co-educational day school situated in the heart of Worthing, West Sussex. Founded in 1862 by the Sisters of Sion, it offers education from Nursery to Sixth Form (ages 3 to 18). The school operates with an inter-denominational ethos, welcoming students of all faiths, rooted in its Catholic foundation. Its motto, "Consideration Always," is central to school life, aiming to foster a culture of respect and support. The school facilities include an indoor sports hall, astroturf pitch, and various creative arts studios.
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.
Maida Vale School is an independent co-educational senior school for pupils aged 11 to 18, located in Maida Vale, North West London. Situated in its own secure grounds within an urban residential area, the school opened in September 2020. It claims to focus on treating each pupil as an individual, fostering confidence, intellectual risk-taking, and a holistic approach to development through innovative teaching. The school is part of the Gardener Schools Group.
St Paul's Cathedral School is a co-educational, independent preparatory day school for pupils aged 4 to 13, located in the heart of the City of London. It offers boarding for its choristers. The school's ethos, rooted in its Christian and Church of England foundation, aims to instill a love of learning through a broad curriculum, promoting values such as love, justice, and respect. Music forms an integral part of school life, reflecting its historic association with St Paul's Cathedral.
Saint Christina's School is a co-educational Catholic independent preparatory school for children aged 3-11, situated in St John's Wood, Greater London. The school's urban location is nestled between Primrose Hill and Regent's Park, providing access to green spaces for activities. It features purpose-built accommodation with outdoor play areas and utilizes nearby parks for sports and outdoor learning. The school claims to focus on an ambitious education within a nurturing and inclusive environment, emphasizing confidence, curiosity, and creativity alongside academic development.
Farlington School is an independent day and boarding school located in Horsham, West Sussex. Established in 1896, it became fully co-educational in September 2021, catering to pupils aged 6 months to 18 years. Situated within 33 acres of parkland, the school offers a rural setting. Farlington School claims to focus on its core values of Individuality, Opportunity, and Community, with a mission to encourage pupils to "Live life to the full" (Vive ut vivas). It is affiliated with the Bellevue Education group. Pastoral care and wellbeing are stated as central to its educational approach.
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.
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.