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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





