HMC (The Heads' Conference)

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In the last school visit of his trip to Iberia, the General Secretary met Nick Sellars at the Oporto British School. Founded in 1894, OBS is the longest established British school in mainland Europe. For Nick, it is a return to his boyhood home and school following a career in the UK. Thanks for the invitation, school tour and the chance to chat over a relaxing end-of-term lunch. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits

We’re delighted to welcome Deborah Bligh, Headmistress at Mayfield School into full membership of HMC. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchools #mayfieldgirls @Mayfieldgirls

On his last day in Lisbon, the General Secretary visited St Julian’s. Set in a former palace and founded in 1932, it has grown into a co-ed IB school for over 1,200 students. Thanks to Paul Morgan (and dog Rosie) for hosting and to Afonso and Constança for the tour and insight into the school. Lunch with the management team was a treat with one of the best head’s office views in the business. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchools #HMCSchoolVisits

A new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) @EduPolicyInst funded by @HMC_Org (The Heads' Conference), offers a deep dive into two standout Independent-State School Partnerships (ISSPs): the Bristol Education Partnership (BEP) and York ISSP. The findings shed light on the transformative power of collaboration in education—benefiting both pupils and teachers across sectors. From initiatives like TEDx-style talks and philosophy masterclasses to cross-sector CPD opportunities, these partnerships are broadening horizons, strengthening professional ties, and nurturing community cohesion. However, the report also highlights the operational challenges—staffing, funding, and accessibility—that can disproportionately impact state schools. Clear recommendations are set out to ensure these partnerships can grow inclusively and sustainably, with a focus on shared leadership, better impact evaluation, and targeted engagement. 📄 A must-read for anyone passionate about equitable, innovative education. 🔗 buff.ly/W9xuCd7 #EducationMatters #SchoolPartnerships #ClosingTheGap

We're excited to launch season 2 of The HMC Podcast! Episode 8 'Revolutionising Education: Daisy Christodoulou’s Insights', with Daisy Christodoulou (Author and Director of Education at No More Marking) and Tom Duckling (Headmaster at Dubai College and new HMC member). Listen now 🎤 buff.ly/QBRgV6m In this episode hear Tom Lawson meet Daisy and Tom to talk about: 📚 Curriculum change 📊 Comparative judgment assessments 🤖 AI in educational 📝 Assessment 🎯 Educational goals 🌍 International perspective on potential UK curriculum changes Future episodes will include conversations about depoliticising education, about pastoral and wellbeing concerns, and more conversations about partnerships - taking them from small to larger scale, as well as a closer look at how HMC schools can support Lumina tutoring (a partnership supporting looked after children). The podcast is available on all major streaming platforms and on the HMC website - do have a listen and subscribe to ensure you don't miss the release of future episodes. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchools #HMCPodcast #CurriculumAndAssessmentReview #FutureOfEducation #ReformOfAssessment #AIinEducation #AI @daisychristo @nmmarking @DCol_Head @DubaiCollege

The General Secretary’s first call in Lisbon is to Martin Harris at the United Lisbon International School. Recently part of the Dukes Group, United Lisbon is growing rapidly on a fabulous redeveloped site. Martin has been Head at Cheam and Sandroyd schools in the UK before working in Portugal. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits @DukesEducation

On his trip meeting with colleagues in Spain it was a lovely bonus for the General Secretary to meet up with Lisa Kerr, Principal of George Watson’s College at the beautiful Iglesia de San Antonio in Madrid. Lisa sings with the Edinburgh Singers and was on a post-term concert tour. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits

Alcachofas frescas a la parrilla enjoyed with Adrian Massam, President of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain). Thanks to Adrian for your generous hospitality during the General Secretary’s visit to Madrid. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits @nabss_spain

On the second day of his visit to Madrid, the General Secretary joins Principal Ian Piper for a tour of three of Hastings School’s six city campuses. Hastings belongs to Cognita and is further evidence of the strong demand for British and international education in Spain. Many thanks to Ian and colleagues for your time and welcome. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits @Hastings_School @CognitaSchools

Watch this video from HMC Gold Partner, Camps International, to hear from students and teachers as they share their perspectives of responsible travel and ethical school expeditions📽️ buff.ly/p0vEgJW Camps International provides immersive experiences that prepare students for their futures as tomorrow’s changemakers, equipping them with real-world skills that universities and employers value. 95% of students surveyed in 2024 cited increased independence, global awareness, courage and cross-cultural understanding as top growth areas when returning from Camps International's expeditions. Whether working on conservation projects in Africa or community initiatives in Latin America, students will gain a sense of responsibility and purpose that stays with them forever. Visit Camps International in the HMC School Leaders' Directory to learn more ➡️ buff.ly/P3uXgpG #HMCCorporatePartners #HMCCorporatePartnerships #ExperientialLearning #SchoolExpeditions @CampsInt

King's College, Soto de Viñuelas @Kings_Soto part of the Inspired Group was the General Secretary’s second destination in Madrid. Chris Ramsey, previously at Whitgift, has been Head since September and kindly joined Dr Hyde in his weekly webcast. Thanks to Christina and Csilla for a fabulous tour of the school and to senior colleagues for sharing their experiences. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits #HMCSchools

In our latest blog, Mark O'Brien, HMC Public Affairs Officer (Scotland), explores the rising concerns around children’s mental health in a hyper-connected world. 👉 Read the full blog to learn more and discover how HMC schools are making a real impact: buff.ly/wqtdZQT Drawing on insights from psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, Mark explores how constant exposure to smartphones, paired with increasingly risk-averse parenting, is shaping an anxious, digitally dependent generation. But it’s not all doom and gloom — many schools are already taking practical, proportionate steps to shift the tide. 🌊 📵 Introducing phone-free school environments 🎮Offering structured alternatives to screen time 🧠Embedding digital literacy and wellbeing education into the curriculum ☑️Sharing toolkits and resources through initiatives like HMC’s Tech Control campaign, in partnership with Digital Awareness UK @DigitalSisters From lesson plans to video content, HMC is equipping schools with the tools they need to support pupils – and help them regain control over their digital lives. See resources here: buff.ly/K0Mx1Ad 🌍 It’s clear: educators, parents, tech companies and governments all have a part to play. #DigitalWellbeing #TheAnxiousGeneration #EducationMatters

A rather damp day in Madrid, but a fabulously warm welcome to Runnymede College. The General Secretary thanks Frank Powell, Headmaster and owner, and Duncan Bailey, Prep Head, for their time and senior students Sol and Jose for a great tour of this impressive school. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits @runnymedemadrid

Thanks to Neil Tetley, Principal of The British School of Barcelona @BSB_Barcelona for welcoming the General Secretary. After speaking with members of the senior leadership team, Dr Hyde enjoyed a fabulous tour of the school led by Maya and Oliver including Nexus, the school’s sixth form hub and the remarkable STEM building, where services are supplied from the ceiling: brilliantly flexible design. #HMCLeadingIndependentSchools #HMCSchoolVisits #HMCschools

The General Secretary falls for an April Fool joke this morning when offered this present during a visit to a primary school. What’s the joke?

HMC sends the claimants, legal team and ISC best wishes on the first day of the case testing the compatibility of the government’s VAT policy with their own human rights legislation. @ISC_schools

The summer term instalment of our online Expert-Led Webinar Series is available to book now! 👇 BOOK HERE ➡️ buff.ly/JA9c8gR for 'RSHE Update' and delve into an update of the DfE RSHE Guidance - Wednesday 14 May 2025 BOOK HERE ➡️ buff.ly/dlqfq8O for 'Understanding and Supporting Young People with Autism Spectrum Conditions' and discuss common mental health difficulties that often co-occur with being autistic, recommended assessment and diagnostic processes, and the evidence for school-based support strategies and classroom techniques - Wednesday 4 June 2025 BOOK HERE ➡️buff.ly/U4PXu90 for 'Prioritising Digital Safety in Schools' and explore how schools can adapt to protect students from online risks while also promoting positive digital engagement - Thursday 5 June 2025 BOOK HERE ➡️buff.ly/HJgR4St for 'EYFS: The Adventure of Co-Play' and discover simple yet powerful ways of deepening your impact with young children through language and the imagined world - Wednesday 11 June 2025 HMC Expert-led Webinars are a series of online CPD sessions focusing on current themes and issues within wider society that impact schools and school culture - all begin at 4:00 PM and finish at 5:30 PM BST. #ExpertLedWebinars #ProfessionalDevelopment #CPD #HMCPD @ithappens_edu @DrAbbyRussell

The HMC Professional Development Summer Term Programme - packed with opportunities to grow, connect, and be inspired is available to book now ➡️ buff.ly/0SlMexf The programme features topics such as: 🔵RSHE 🟡Digital safety in schools 🟠The adventure of co-play in EYFS 🟢Child and adolescent mental health 🔵Supporting Young People with Autism Spectrum Conditions 🟡Effective professional development to drive whole-school improvement 🟠Integrating AI into daily teaching practice 🟢A practical “how-to” guide to Development 🔵Risk and reputation in the digital age 🟡Courageous leadership 🟠Mental health, resilience, and leadership under pressure 🟢The shifting terrain of higher education 🔵Trends in the graduate labour market 🟡Information on Gatsby Benchmarks, CDI Framework, and QiCS Awards With the next instalment of the HMC Expert-Led Webinar Series; our Deputy Heads' Conference - this year themed 'Solutions (not problems)'; our Conference for Heads of CPD; Futures and Career Leaders' Conference; and much more, HMC professional development is offers online and in-person courses, and features a range of keynotes, interactive workshops, and lots of networking! Whether you’ve already started your CPD journey this year or are just getting going, it’s not too late to get involved. Explore the full programme and book your places here ➡️ buff.ly/0SlMexf #HMCPD #ProfessionalDevelopment #CPD #Education @HMCPD

Following Professor Becky Francis' Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report, read the latest HMC blog where Kate Howell (HMC Director of Education) reflects on the recent cross-sector education summit that considered the curriculum and assessment changes required to better prepare young people ➡️ buff.ly/L6z5C6t Over two days HMC, along with the Edge Foundation, the Chartered College of Teaching, Rethinking Assessment, the Foundation for Education Development (FED), ASCL, nasen (National Association for SEND), Heads of MATs, Skills Builder and Awarding Body organisations OCR, Pearson and IBO, worked quickly to set aside points of difference and identify areas of common ground. Read the blog to learn more about initial points raised in the CAR interim report and the educational issues the group considered, as well as how they explored emerging themes: 🔵 The need to re-examine our purpose in education and create a properly joined up approach from KS1 to KS5 🟠 Explore independent-state school partnerships as a model for collaboration 🟢 Strive to end the skills/knowledge debate – recognising that both are important 🟡 Not all assessment needs to be ‘high stakes’ 🔵 Importance of a digital qualification 🟠 Reduce curriculum content across subjects, whilst maintaining breadth 🟢 Emphasise teacher training and CPD, promote collaborative working, reflective practice and action research 🟡 Create regional educational communities to enable greater responsiveness to local needs and better sharing of resources Read the blog here ➡️ buff.ly/L6z5C6t #CurriculumAndAssessmentReview #FutureOfEducation #ReformOfAssessment @ukEdge @CharteredColl @rethinkassessmt @Fededucation @ASCL_UK @nasen_org @ocrexams @PearsonEdexcel @iborganization