The gatekeepers of the British public school system

Health · Published 19 October 2026 · Updated 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Membership in this exclusive circle often defines what it means to be a 'public school' in England and Wales. From its origins in 1869 to its modern global reach, the HMC governs the standards of some of the world's most influential private educational institutions.

The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) began in 1869 when Edward Thring, Headmaster of Uppingham School, invited sixty fellow headmasters to his home. The goal was to form a 'School Society and Annual Conference.' While sixty were invited, only fourteen accepted, and twelve were present for the full initial meeting. This small gathering of leaders established a tradition of annual meetings that has persisted for over 150 years. The initial group included leaders from schools like Bromsgrove and Sherborne. Notable attendees included figures such as Robert Sanderson and James Welldon. These pioneers sought to establish a formal structure for their peers.

Historically, the organization was a male-dominated bastion. Until the 1970s, membership was restricted to just 200 schools. Furthermore, the HMC was traditionally for boys' schools only, which meant many notable girls' schools were excluded from its ranks. It wasn't until 2005 that the association officially opened membership to the heads of girls-only schools, reflecting a significant shift in the inclusion of female educational leadership. The organization's name was officially updated to include headmistresses in 1996. This change marked a formal recognition of female leadership. It followed decades of male-only exclusivity.

Today, the HMC has expanded significantly, representing 351 private fee-charging schools. Its reach is global, with 302 members based in the United Kingdom, Crown dependencies, and Ireland, alongside 72 international members—primarily from the Commonwealth—and 28 associate members who include state school heads and other influential figures. The branding has evolved alongside its demographics, moving from the 'Headmasters' Conference' to 'HMC (The Heads' Conference)' in 2023 to reflect its diverse membership of boys', girls', and co-educational schools. The international network spans continents, including locations in South Africa and Vietnam. It also includes schools in the Netherlands and Brazil. These diverse sites illustrate the global footprint of the association.

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