Pre-heat the oven to 220°C/200℃ fan/425°F/gas mark 7 and line two baking trays with baking parchment.
Mix the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl, add the butter and rub it in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs then stir in the sugar.
Pour most of the milk into the flour and stir until you have a soft dough, it should be sticky but not wet. Add more milk as needed.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and flatten it out, either by patting it with your hands or with a rolling pin until it is about 2cm thick. Use a 5-10 cm fluted cutter (depending on whether you want mini or large scones) to cut out the scones, pressing it straight down through the dough then lifting it out without twisting.
Gently press the dough scraps together, kneading only very lightly, then re-roll and cut out more scones.
Arrange the scones on the baking trays and brush the tops (and only the tops) with milk. Bake for 10-20 minutes (10 for small and about 20 for large) until risen, golden and firm to the touch.
Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool covered with a clean tea towel to help keep them soft. Can be frozen once cool.