Two Heads

It was a pleasure to recently host Craig Considine, Head of Tanglin Trust School, and Janet Williamson, Principal of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, for a two-day visit to Alice Smith.

They visited the school as representatives of HMC (The Heads’ Conference), the oldest headteachers’ organisation in the world. Following their time with us, I am very happy to share the news that Alice Smith has been invited to join HMC as an International Member.

HMC was founded in 1869 by several of the UK’s leading independent schools. In 1938, it began welcoming international schools as members. Today, more than 70 of the world’s leading international schools have joined over 300 of the UK’s top independent schools in the association.

It is wonderful for Alice Smith to become a member of such a prestigious organisation. HMC will also provide me, as Head, with a strong professional network and opportunities to connect with other headteachers from leading schools around the world.

Ruth Sanderson, HMC’s Head of International Member Services, shared the following message with me this week:

Congratulations on the very positive outcome of the accreditation visit and, more importantly, on all that you and your colleagues are achieving at Alice Smith. The team were particularly impressed by the school’s distinctive ethos and strong sense of community; its academic outcomes; the commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and the holistic development of pupils; and the breadth of opportunities available beyond the classroom. They also highlighted the strength of the school’s governance and financial stewardship, professional learning culture, and the opportunities pupils have for leadership and agency.

This invitation to join HMC is a wonderful testament to the hard work of our staff, the dedication of our students and the strength of our entire school community. It firmly places Alice Smith among the world’s leading educational institutions, and I look forward to the exciting global connections and opportunities that our membership will bring to the school in the years ahead.

At my previous school, I benefited greatly from being a member of HMC. I was also privileged to be appointed Secretary of its International Division, which represents 73 leading international schools. I will now be able to continue in this role before progressing to Chair of the International Division from 2027 to 2029.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. I hope you and your families have a wonderful and restful weekend ahead.