The Headmasters' & Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) is a professional association of heads of the world's leading independent schools.

HMC has 296 members in the British Isles, a further 55 international members and 10 associates.

HMC today is a thriving, proactive Association of leading figures in school education.

Members lead schools that are distinguished by their excellence in pastoral care, co-curricular provision and classroom teaching.

HMC’s membership includes the Heads of co-educational schools, single sex schools and “diamond schools” where both single sex and co-educational teaching takes place. The association also includes Heads of schools with a particular religious affiliation or with dedicated provision for children with special educational needs.
 

What does hmc do? 

HMC exists to serve and support its members, to represent their views and to exemplify excellence in education. 

In particular, HMC seeks to:

• help members and their schools grow and develop;
• promote and protect the independence of HMC schools;
• encourage and share innovation in HMC schools and more widely;
• promote the discussion of national and international educational issues; and
• influence policy and public opinion with regard to the independent sector.

The purpose of HMC is to give members personal and professional support and an opportunity to meet together in geographical divisions and at the Annual Conference to encourage and share innovation and discuss matters of common interest.