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 (90)
ACS Cobham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 128-acre campus in the Surrey countryside. The school offers a global curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the American Advanced Placement (AP) programme. Facilities include a state-of-the-art sports centre with a 25-metre competition pool, an Olympic-sized track, and a 510-seat performing arts theatre. Founded in 1967, the school emphasises developing well-rounded global citizens through a diverse range of academic, sporting, and extracurricular opportunities.
Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 230-acre campus in the West Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath. Founded in 1858 by Canon Nathaniel Woodard, the school features notable Gothic Revival architecture and a Grade II listed chapel. The college emphasises a "world-ready" ethos, providing a choice between A-levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. Facilities include a dedicated art school and access to a reservoir for water sports. It maintains a strong focus on competitive sports, including football, hockey, and cricket.
Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Kent for pupils aged three months to 18 years. Founded in 1898, the school operates across two campuses: the Senior School at East Hill and the Prep School in the village of Great Chart. Facilities include an All-Steinway music school, indoor swimming pools, and a modern sports centre. Part of the United Learning group, the school occupies a 25-acre main site and incorporates a Grade II listed building. The curriculum is designed to foster individual character and adventurous learning.
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.
Belmont Mill Hill Preparatory School is a co-educational day school in North London for pupils aged 7 to 13. Part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school is set within 35 acres of green space, including woodland and a cross-country course, ten miles from central London. Established in 1912 as a boys' boarding school, it became fully co-educational in 1995. The curriculum integrates a "Future Skills" programme alongside traditional academics, supported by facilities including a swimming pool, modern science laboratories, and specialist studios for art, music technology, and design.
Benenden School is an independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated within the 250-acre Hemsted Park estate near Cranbrook, Kent. Founded in 1923, the school is centred on Hemsted House, a Victorian mansion built in the 1860s. Its educational approach follows a 'Complete Education' model, which integrates academic study with professional skills and personal development. Facilities include a dedicated science centre, a professional-standard theatre, and a music school with a concert hall. The expansive grounds accommodate a variety of activities, including lacrosse, hockey, and equestrian sports.
Berkhamsted Prep is a co-educational day school in Hertfordshire for pupils aged 7 to 11. As part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, which was founded in 1541 by John Incent, the school operates within a "diamond" structure. It is situated at the Doctors Commons Road campus and offers a progressive curriculum rooted in traditional standards. Facilities include specialist classrooms for science and art, alongside access to senior school resources such as a 25-metre swimming pool and a 500-seat theatre. The school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals through diverse academic and sporting opportunities.
Bishop’s Stortford College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 130-acre campus in Hertfordshire. Established in 1868 by Nonconformists, the school provides an all-through education that emphasises the values of scholarship and character. Architectural features include the 1922 Memorial Hall and the FS Young Library, which sit alongside modern facilities such as a 150-seat theatre and an indoor swimming pool. The college focuses on academic development alongside a broad programme in sport and the performing arts.
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.
Brighton College Prep School is a co-educational independent school situated in the heart of Brighton, East Sussex. Occupying a coastal location with sea views, the school is also within walking distance of the South Downs. The school’s ethos centres on a "culture of kindness" and mutual respect, encouraging pupils to be kind, curious, and confident. Pupils benefit from access to the facilities of Brighton College, including the School of Science and Sport. Awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag, the school promotes sustainable travel and integrates outdoor learning into its curriculum.
Bromley High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a 25-acre campus in Bickley, Greater London. Established in 1883 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school moved to its current site in 1981. It holds the distinction of being the world's first all-girls All-Steinway School, housing a specialist music wing. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and floodlit sports pitches. The school provides a rigorous academic environment alongside a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities in music, sport, and the arts.