Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference

Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. It is a professional association of the heads of leading independent schools in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Founded in the 19th century, it serves as a forum for discussion on educational policy and school leadership. The organization represents a significant portion of the British independent school sector, including many of the most historic and prestigious institutions. Its members are drawn from schools that are often members of the Independent Schools Council.

History

The conference was founded in 1869 by Edward Thring, the influential headmaster of Uppingham School, who invited colleagues from other leading schools to meet at his school. This initial gathering included heads from institutions such as Marlborough College, Repton School, and Sherborne School. The early meetings focused on shared professional challenges, predating formal government oversight by bodies like the Department for Education. Throughout the 20th century, it grew in prominence, with its members' schools playing notable roles during events like the Second World War, when many evacuated pupils to country estates. The admission of headmistresses began in the 1970s, leading to the current name, reflecting the integration of schools like Cheltenham Ladies' College and Roedean School into its membership.

Membership and structure

Membership is by invitation and is restricted to the heads of independent schools that meet specific criteria regarding academic standards and governance, typically those inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The association is governed by an elected committee and a chair, who often comes from a major school like Winchester College or Eton College. It operates alongside other sector bodies such as the Girls' Schools Association and the Independent Schools Association. The headquarters are located in London, facilitating liaison with government departments, the National Health Service, and regulatory authorities like Ofsted.

Activities and influence

The conference organizes regular meetings for its members to discuss educational developments, leadership, and policy issues, often involving speakers from Oxford University, Cambridge University, and the Armed Forces. It conducts research and publishes reports on topics affecting independent education, contributing to national debates on curricula, examinations set by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance, and university admissions through UCAS. The group exerts considerable influence, with its members frequently advising government committees and engaging with media outlets like the BBC and The Times. It also collaborates with organizations such as the Royal Society on STEM initiatives.

Notable members and schools

Historically and currently, the conference includes heads of many of the United Kingdom's most famous schools. Notable historic heads who were members include William Spooner of New College School and John Lewis Patten of Winchester College. Prominent member schools span the country, from Fettes College in Edinburgh to Harrow School in London, and include Rugby School, Charterhouse School, and Westminster School. Many of these institutions have educated famous alumni such as Winston Churchill, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Stephen Hawking, and maintain traditions like the Eton Wall Game and the Harrow Football.

Criticism and controversies

The organization and its member schools have often been at the center of public debate, frequently criticized for perpetuating social elitism and inequality, a theme explored in works like Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. Specific schools have faced scandals, such as abuse inquiries at St. Paul's School and Downside School. The conference's defense of independent school privileges, including charitable status and partnerships with the Ministry of Defence for cadet forces, has drawn political criticism from parties like the Labour Party and think tanks such as the Sutton Trust. Debates over its role in national education continue amidst discussions on social mobility and reforms proposed by institutions like the London School of Economics.

Category:Educational organizations based in the United Kingdom Category:Independent schools in the United Kingdom Category:Organizations established in 1869