The Society of Heads
The Society of Heads
The Society is an Association of Heads of over 130 well-established independent schools. It was founded in 1961 when a group of Heads decided they needed a forum in which to share ideas and experience. Since then the Society has grown substantially in size, reputation and effectiveness and represents independent schools nationally throughout England, Scotland and Wales and internationally throughout Europe, The Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The Society’s policy is to maintain high standards in member schools, to promote independent education, to provide an opportunity for the sharing of ideas and common concerns, to foster links with the wider sphere of higher education and to strengthen relations with the maintained sector by promoting partnerships.
Within the membership there is a wide variety of educational experience. Some schools are young, some have evolved from older foundations, some have behind them a long tradition of pioneer and specialist education; a number are at the leading edge of education in music, dance and the arts; and several are well known for their effective support for those with specific learning difficulties. The great majority are co-educational, but we also have some all-boys and all-girls schools. Many have a strong boarding element; others are day only.
The Society of Heads is a vibrant community of independent school leaders united by a shared commitment to educational excellence, professional collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Membership provides far more than access to a professional network. It offers a trusted space where Heads, senior leaders and whole school communities can connect with like-minded colleagues, exchange ideas, share challenges, and discover innovative approaches to school leadership in an increasingly complex educational landscape.
The Society is one of the constituent Associations of the Independent Schools Council. Every Full Member school has been accredited through inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (or Estyn in Wales and HMIE in Scotland) and is subject to regular visits to monitor standards and ensure that good practice and sound academic results are maintained. The Society is also represented on many other educational bodies.
All members are in membership of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) or other unions for school leaders and Full Member schools belong to AGBIS or an equivalent professional body supporting governance.
The Society hosts the autumn meeting, summer meeting and the annual conference for members. The Society of Heads also offers a comprehensive professional development programme designed to support colleagues at every stage of their career and across all areas of school life. Their high-quality CPD includes conferences, leadership development, regulatory and compliance training, wellbeing and workplace culture programmes, coaching courses, future-focused webinars, and specialist workshops led by experienced practitioners and sector experts. From aspiring and newly appointed leaders through to experienced heads, deputies and subject leaders; members benefit from practical, relevant learning opportunities delivered both online and in person. Complementing this they have a thriving network of more than 35 subject leader network groups, providing year-round opportunities for collaboration, peer support, the sharing of best practice, and professional growth within a strong, supportive, collegiate community.
Officers 2026–2027
Chair: Dr Andy Kemp, The National Mathematics and Science College
Vice Chair: Christine Cunniffe, LVS Ascot
Chair Designate: James Davies, Wells Cathedral School
Honorary Treasurer: James Davies, Wells Cathedral School
The Board 2026–2027
Dr Andy Kemp, The National Mathematics and Science College
Christine Cunniffe, LVS Ascot
James Davies, Wells Cathedral School
Amy Chapman, Derby High School
Silas Edmonds, Ewell Castle
Guy Emmett, Scarborough College
Judith Fremont-Barnes, Claires Court Junior School
David Gajadharsingh, The Royal Ballet School
Sue Hannam, Lichfield Cathedral School
Sarah Raffray, King’s International School Bangkok
Pete Thomas, Reading Blue Coat School
Lotte Tulloch, Denstone College
Sue Hannam, Lichfield Cathedral School
Jessica Ward, Elmhurst Ballet School
Matt Williams, Seaford College
The Society of Heads CEO: Clive Rickart
The Society of Heads
Office 101B, Harborough Enterprise Centre, Compass Point Business Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HW