THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
COMPANY NUMBER: 02511501 REGISTERED CHARITY: 1001565
THE LIVERPOOL INSITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Annual Report For the year ended 31 July 2025
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Details | 2 |
| Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) | 3 |
| Corporate Governance Statement | 13 |
| 18 | |
| Financial Statements Auditor's Report | 20 |
| Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure | 23 |
| Consolidated and Institute Statement of Changes in Reserves | 24 |
| Consolidated and Institute Balance Sheets | 25 |
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 26 |
| Accounting Policies | 27 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 32 |
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Legal and Administrative Details For the year ended 31 July 2025
Status
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (referred to as LIPA, the Institute or the company and collectively with its subsidiary the group) is a company limited by guarantee, with each member guaranteeing £1. Its registered company number is 02511501. The company is also a registered charity, number 1001565.
Registered Office
Mount Street Liverpool L1 9HF
Bankers
Santander plc Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside L30 4GB
Solicitors
Weightmans LLP 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ
Financial Statements Auditors
Crowe UK LLP St Georges House 56 Peter Street Manchester M2 3NQ
Internal Auditors
RSM Risk Assurance Services LLP 14th Floor 20 Chapel Street Liverpool L3 9AG
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
The directors present their Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) together with the audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.
1. Constitution and Objectives
LIPA is a company limited by guarantee. It does not have any shares, and the liability of its members is limited. LIPA is a registered charity.
The objective of the company is the provision of education and training in the performing arts. In pursuit of this objective, the company became sole trustee of The Liverpool Institute Charity on 8 October 1993.
The governing document of the company is its Articles of Association, which define the framework for corporate governance. The directors confirm compliance with both current statutory requirements and the governing document. In particular, the report complies with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
2. Organisation and Decision-Making Structure
The directors, who are collectively referred to as Council, are also the trustees. New directors are appointed by the Council. The directors during the year and up to the date of signing the accounts were as follows:
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Isabel Begg Co Vice Chair (Independent)
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Gina Carter (up to 7 September 2024) (Independent)
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James Dow (up to 24 March 2025) (Independent)
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Louise Ellman (up to 25 June 2025) (Independent)
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Michelle Emmerson (from 20 September 2024) (Independent)
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Victoria Fea (up to 25 June 2025) (Independent)
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Mark Featherstone-Witty (up to 22 November 2024) (Independent)
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Peter Fendall (from 24 March 2025) (Independent)
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David Fletcher - Chief Operating Officer
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Simon Fowler (up to 31 July 2025) (Independent) Geoffrey Goodwin Chair (Independent)
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Joseph Johnson (Independent)
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Juliet Johnson (from 20 September 2024) (Independent)
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Kim Johnson (up to 27 September 2024) (Independent)
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Ashley Herman (Independent)
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Sean McNamara - Chief Executive Officer
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Stella Okafor-Ross Staff Representative
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David Owen (Independent)
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Zoe Radnor (from 20 September 2024) (Independent)
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Claire Workman Co Vice Chair (Independent)
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Sean Sweeney (from 1 April 2025) (Independent)
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Maria Walker (from 24 March 2025) (Independent)
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Jad Zouein (from 24 March 2025) (Independent)
The Council has established, through a scheme of delegation, several sub-committees, some of which are formed on a short-term basis. Full information on company membership and committees may be obtained from the Company Secretary. Further information of the six main committees is detailed in the Corporate Governance Statement below.
3. Background
LIPA is dedicated to providing the best teaching and learning for people who want to pursue a lasting career in the arts and entertainment sector. This is provided through a series of courses aimed at different age
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
groups. These include pre-higher education courses, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for those aged 18 and over and performing arts classes for 4-19 year olds.
LIPA began teaching students in 1996. It was designated a higher education institute in 2006. It was formed by a combination of the ideas of the Founder, Mark Featherstone-Witty, Sir George Martin and Sir Paul McCartney to develop a specialist performing arts school and also to save the school building in which Sir Paul had studied, from dereliction. Eleven years of planning and fundraising preceded the opening in 1996.
LIPA is not a conventional dance, drama or music college although the standard of professional training reflects the best of such institutions. The training process is based on an awareness of the need for performing artists and those who make performance possible to collaborate creatively and integrate with their peers. The synergy between performers, producers, managers, designers and technicians enables the students to replicate industry practice giving a better understanding of the business they are entering. It prepares students for a lasting career in the performing arts industry.
4. Strategic Report
As a registered charity, the strategic report contain limited to:
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Review of Activities and Achievement;
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Results for the year;
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Capital expenditure;
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Cash flows;
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Treasury Policies and Objectives;
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Public Benefit;
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Strategy and Risk;
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Estates; and
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Immediate Prospects.
5. Review of Activities and Achievement
- Higher Education Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes
A total of 1,063 students and Certificate in Higher Education programmes as follows:
----- Start of picture text -----
BA Acting 75
BA Acting (Musical Theatre) 39
BA (Hons) Acting (Musicianship) 20
BA Acting (Screen and Digital) 60
BA Applied Theatre and Community Drama 28
BA Dance 95
BA Filmmaking and Creative Technologies 67
BA Management for the Creative Industries 81
BA Music (all pathways) 317
BA Sound Technology 101
BA Theatre Performance Design 48
BA Theatre Production Technology 73
Cert HE Acting (Musical Theatre) 20
Cert HE Acting (Stage & Screen) 39
----- End of picture text -----
Of the students, 868 were eligible for funding from the Student Loan Company and 195 came from countries other than the UK.
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Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
In addition, 45 students of whom 31 were eligible for funding from the Student Loan Company.
degree programmes during the year were validated by Liverpool John Moores University as the awarding body, which conferred the qualifications. This arrangement has been in place since inception but, moving forwards from 2025/26, LIPA has achieved probationary Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) and therefore will awards its own degrees in future.
academic standards need to meet the regulatory requirements imposed by the Office for Students (OfS), as the Higher Education sector OfS registration is full and without condition, demonstrating a commitment to quality of education.
Foundation Certificate
In addition to the undergraduate and postgraduate courses, 17 students studied on the LIPA Foundation Certificate in Popular Music and Music Technology.
This course was accredited by Liverpool John Moores University and was a one-year full-time intensive vocationally orientated programme designed to enable progression into the industry or provide preparation for degree level work. The course receives no public funding and is not to be delivered in 2025/26.
LIPA 4-19 Part Time Academy
LIPA 4-19 is a part time performing arts academy for people aged 4 to 19. It aims to produce multidisciplined all round performers with courses that comprise song, dance and acting. Courses are carefully designed to reflect the correct stage of performing arts development for each age group. For the individual, the skills learned help develop confidence and presentational skills. They stimulate imagination and creativity.
also a secondary school in Maghull. Expansion has also been achieved by introducing classes on Sundays and advanced classes. In general, all LIPA managed courses are oversubscribed with a large waiting list.
In 2024/25 many of the students aged 7 to 19 undertook exams in musical theatre, early starters aged 5 to 6 undertook speech and drama exams. Many students leaving LIPA 4-19 have been accepted at highly credited colleges such as Guildford School of Acting, Performers College, Arts Educational, Urdang Academy, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and Central School of Speech and Drama.
Once the students reach 16, many of them go on to train at the LIPA Sixth Form College (which is related, but not part of LIPA) and have also been accepted to study at LIPA on the degree courses.
LIPA 4-19 activity has additional corporate benefits: non-government revenue streams, utilisation of specialist facilities outside the normal Higher Education usage and generating expansion without the need for high levels of capital investment.
6. Results for the Year
These Financial Statements comply with the current statutory requirements and have been prepared in accordance with Applicable Accounting Standards in the United Kingdom. This includes the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting for Further and Higher Education 2019 and in accordance with note 1 of the Accounting Policies.
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
At 31 July 2025 the group had total unrestricted reserves of £20,475,738 available to fulfil adequately the obligations of the group.
The group generated a surplus in the year to 31 July 2025 of £150,689 (2024: £527,383). The overall figure represents a surplus of 1% on income (2024: 3.7%). The financial objectives of the group include a targeted return of at least 3% of income. The reduction in deficit can mainly be attributed to a continuing discrepancy between tuition fee income and costs, as noted across all of the Higher Education sector.
Total income increased by £773,125 to £15,039,194. The increase largely reflects higher student numbers, and therefore fees, from both UK and overseas students as part of a growth strategy employed over the past three year.
Income from government sources totalled £1,384,035 (2024: £1,401,141). This represents 9.2% of total income (2024: 9.8%).
Operating expenditure increased by £1,149,819 to £14,888,505. This increase covered staff related expenditure which rose by £745,419 to £9,929,792, due to general wage increases, investment in staff levels and the increase in employers National Insurance contributions.
Staff costs represented 66% of total income and 66.7% of total expenditure (2024: 64.4% and 66.8% respectively). Other operating expenses increased by £360,247 to £3,891,422 due to higher activity levels and general price rises.
7. Capital Expenditure
The total capital additions in the year to 31 July 2025, were £1,817,040 (2024: £1,472,024 including donated assets of £14,000). This money represented an investment in campus and facilities, specifically the campus.
8. Cash Flows
The consolidated Cash Flow shows net cash inflow from operating activities of £772,827 (2024: £1,273,406).
Total cash balances and deposits were £2,829,798 at 31 July 2025 (2024: £3,769,882).
The group had no borrowings at 31 July 2025 (2024: £nil).
During the year, LIPA maintained healthy cash balances. External borrowing to fund future campus investments has been discussed by the directors and post year end LIPA agreed an asset financing facility of £1 million, however have not made any drawings from this. The facility is a contingency so the company can manage cash flow as appropriate.
9. Subsidiary Undertakings
The company has one subsidiary undertaking, LIPA Enterprises Limited. Any distributable surpluses generated by the subsidiary are transferred to the Institute by way of donation in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company has been dormant since 1 August 2020 and has generated no surplus or deficit in the year to 31 July 2025 (2024: no surplus or deficit).
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
10. Unrestricted Reserves
LIPA deems all unrestricted reserves to be free funds for use in achieving the objectives of the company. provide financial flexibility for the development of the strategic plan. Reserves will be utilised to ensure the continuing operation of the group and the expansion of capacity when appropriate
11. Endowment Reserves
Expendable endowment funds represent bursaries and student project funds which are to be distributed over a significant period of time.
12. Treasury Policies and Objectives
transactions. The major risks relate to the security of the banking institutions where surplus cash is invested and the exposure to fluctuating interest rates. Given the current economic environment, there is no risk-free strategy. The Institute has adopted a risk minimisation strategy and only holds money with large high-street lenders (primarily Santander plc).
13. Pensions
The Institute participates in only one defined benefit scheme, the Teachers Pension Scheme. It is not , it is treated as a quasi-defined contribution scheme. After each valuation the future contribution rates are adjusted. The last adjustment occurred in April 2024, when employers' contributions increased by 5%. A full explanation of pension commitments is given in note 26 to the accounts.
14. Policy on the Payment of Creditors
Payment terms for goods and services are agreed with the suppliers at the time of placing orders and are and this was maintained throughout the year to 31 July 2025.
15. Accessibility and Widening Participation
LIPA is committed to a fair and transparent admissions system and was the first member of the Federation of Drama Schools to abolish audition fees. Our audition process does not discriminate on grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age. To ensure suitability is assessed effectively, undergraduate interview and audition events were undertaken, and, during those events, specialist support was provided for students with disabilities. Furthermore, tutors have experience of working with neurodivergence, mental health problems, long-term health problems, stress, organisational difficulties and sensory impairments. IT equipment provided includes accessibility software.
LIPA is particularly concerned to engage with disadvantaged young people and strives to widen participation from groups that are under-represented in higher education. LIPA is committed to a range of outreach initiatives and fair access measures, as detailed in the 2025/26 to 2028/29 Access & Participation Plan. These are targeted towards:
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First degree entrants from lower socio-economic groups;
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Those from black and minority ethnic groups;
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
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Mature learners; and
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Students from low participation neighbourhoods.
LIPA is also keen to promote applications and support pupils with disabilities and those with experience of being in care.
In pursuit of these objectives LIPA provides a number of financial support initiatives. In the year to 31 July 2025 these included:
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A LIPA bursary of £560, to all students with a household income of £25,000 or below; and
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A care leavers bursary of £1,000 to students who joined us aged 25 or over and who had been in care for six months or more prior to their 16th birthday.
As noted above, we no longer have any audition fees, as part of efforts to reduce the costs for prospective students auditioning with us. We also offer travel grants to support audition / interview attendance for learners from postcode areas where participation in Higher Education is lowest.
people across the country that are designed to raise awareness and aspiration towards higher education progression. These are targeted at school / college groups and individuals primarily interested in performing arts and making performance possible.
During the year to 31 July 2025, LIPA worked closely with seven partner schools containing a significant number of students from under-represented groups. In order to encourage interest in performing artsrelated subjects and identify talented students, LIPA:
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Provided tailored support workshops in these partner schools, known as LIPA Tasters with Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils (along with Year 10 and Year 11 pupils in some cases), reaching 150+ learners;
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Ran Year 9 taster events in June, open to partner schools plus others from across Merseyside. These were attended by 283 participants from eight schools.
From year 10 onwards, LIPA offered a two-year programme of activities for individuals from state schools who met at least one WP eligibility criteria. This structured progression framework for Year 10 and Year 11 students during this year consisted of:
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Review by WP staff of self-tape submissions and online auditions onto the programme, designed, in part, to give participants audition experience;
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A welcome event in early March for new participants and parents explaining the future activities on offer and showcasing the benefits of getting involved in the programme. This was attended by 24 young people and their accompanying supporters;
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LIPA XTRA, a 3-day non-residential course attended by 26 Year 10 students who are interested in progressing to LIPA in the future. They chose to study acting, backstage, dance, music or singing for the week and participated in a series of practical workshops;
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The LIPA Summer Xperience, a 5-day non-residential summer school attended by 24 students finishing year 10. Working together across multiple disciplines to put on their own production, the week culminated in a performance in the Paul McCartney Auditorium; and
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13 after-school skills workshops, plus a weekend film making project, for Year 11 students across January and February 2025 covering various topics in acting, dance, music / singing and making performance possible.
For students studying at a Sixth Form or Further Education College, LIPA delivered:
- Get Set, a 3-day course attended by 51 students who are interested in applying to LIPA for 2026 entry. They chose to study acting, dance, musical theatre, music or theatre design and production for the
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
duration of the project, which included a focus on application and audition awareness. Get Set was run as a residential experience with students staying in a local hall of residence and taking part in evening activities.
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A range of workshops with six partner colleges for young people studying performing arts and making performance possible subjects at level 3 and considering higher education for 2025 and 2026 entry (additional workshops were also offered through schools and colleges liaison work);
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Audition preparation phone calls for students from low participation neighbourhoods throughout January, February, March and April; and
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Two regional how-to-self-tape Acting workshops in Autumn 2024 (London and Birmingham), aimed at helping prospective applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds with preparing for the first stage of auditions for our Acting programmes.
LIPA also responded to a variety of requests for ad-hoc activities from various schools and community groups. In the year to 31 July 2025 LIPA provided:
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A further eight visits to LIPA by non-partner schools and colleges. These visits included a tour and talk Years 9 to 13;
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In-school or online workshops at / with a further six schools;
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Attendance at 71 careers fairs in local and regional schools / colleges with a LIPA / HE information stand;
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The opportunity for local schools / colleges to attend suitable public performances. This included running four schools-only performances of the Acting Rep season, attended by eight school/college groups;
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Music theory preparation workshops during November attended by eight students interested in applying to music courses; and
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Hosting of and support for three arts-week programmes for looked after young people, delivered by Collective Encounters.
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additional workshop delivery from Acting staff.
LIPA has also engaged in activities closer to home, supporting the LIPA Multi-Academy Trust as follows:
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Through Access and Participation Plan allocation, LIPA financed and hosted an induction morning in July for all children and their parents / carers due to start at the Primary School in September 2025;
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Pupils currently at the LIPA School participated in a series of inspirational assemblies and workshops provision;
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LIPA School pupils also participated in campus-based activities, in-school subject workshops and careers talks led by Widening Participation staff.
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Learners at LIPA Sixth Form College participated in activities designed to raise awareness of the process for applying to study in Higher Education and to assist with building confidence and skills for preparing auditions / interviews. This included talks and audition preparation workshops across some discipline areas, as well as portfolio preparation sessions for Production Arts students across the year.
Finally, LIPA was involved in supporting a number of collaborative outreach activities with other HE providers across Liverpool. This spend has been accounted against additional funding relating to support of the Uniconnect Programme.
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
16. Public Benefit
of the courses and programmes and the number of students who have participated are given earlier in this Review.
LIPA seeks to provide benefits both to the wider public and to targeted groups of individuals who might not otherwise experience or participate in the performing arts. In pursuance of this objective LIPA has:
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Run a series of public performances with wideor in combination with others;
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Given financial support for a number of graduate businesses;
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Generated new graduates business employment;
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-record and reputation to assist a variety of
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enquirers;
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Contributed through technical theatre programmes to the regio
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Worked in the community, including cultural activities for young people, asylum seekers, offenders and those with addiction issues; and
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Sponsored and provided support to The LIPA Multi Academy Trust (which is a separate but related legal entity).
17. Strategy and Risk
Linked to the overall strategic plan to 2026, a comprehensive risk register has been produced which links the goals within the strategic plan to the risks of not achieving those goals. Where appropriate there are also action plans in place to mitigate these risks.
Applications to LIPA each year are in excess of eight times the number of places available. As noted above it had free cash of £2,829,798 available on 31 July 2025 and no borrowings.
In overall terms, LIPA is a relatively low risk organisation with a reputation for excellence, drawing students from across the world. However, it is not risk free nor does the low level of risk mean that the Institute is complacent about its future, especially having regard to:
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Increased competition in the Higher Education marketplace;
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Potential changes in the funding arrangements for UK students;
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changes to immigration laws and the impact of this on
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international student recruitment patterns and staff mobility; and
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Continue to provide high quality teaching aligned to performing arts industry, thereby providing the best possible student experience;
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Maintain and increase the level of student intake, in terms of both quality and numbers, including overseas students;
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Develop new facilities, including music, technical and performance spaces, designed specifically to ;
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Manage costs appropriately whilst balancing the needs of the student experience; and Monitoring the wider economic and political landscape and use influence with sector groups such as GuildHE and the Federation of Drama Schools to ensure that our needs are recognised.
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
18. OfS Funding
For the year ended 31 July 2025 OfS income provided 9.2% of total funding. This included capital grant income and Specialist Institution Funding in the form of a recurrent grant. The majority of UK student funding is through loans provided by the Student Loan Company to students to fund their tuition fees.
19. Estates
LIPA has been operating for over 25 years and has been at the forefront of the development of the Georgian quarter of Liverpool. McCartney, from dereliction. The building was completely refurbished at a total cost of £13.6m. LIPA occupies the Mount Street property in accordance with the Scheme of the Charity Commission which makes LIPA the trustee of the Liverpool Institute Charity.
In March 2012, LIPA acquired the freehold property at 68 Hope Street, on the basis that the building would provide scope for expansion and enhancement of the facilities on offer at that time. Following extensive alteration work, the building now provides high quality teaching spaces for the benefit of LIPA students.
LIPA spent £6.9m (including £3.9m of OfS funding) to upgrade infrastructure and facilities between 2018 and 2021 as part of a successful capital bidding process and further investment in the estate continues to enhance the provision for students, including remodelling of the reception area and investment in upgrades to music facilities. This is part of an ongoing investment in resources planned as part of the current strategic investment cycle, linked to the overall strategic direction.
In June 2025 LIPA purchased One Hope Place, an educational building located approximately 200 metres from the Mount Street property. This will allow for expansion of activity in future and further alignment of strategic priorities with high quality accommodation.
20. Immediate Prospects
The plans for the next two enhancement of the curriculum, growth of student numbers into areas linked to growth industries, aligned with industry partners and forging stronger partnerships locally, nationally and internationally.
Whilst investing in the future, the Group will also continue to:
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Review all courses offered and introducing new courses where demand justifies this;
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Optimise the funding available to achieve a maximum impact on the student experience; P and
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Review all new appointments as posts become available.
21. The LIPA Multi Academy Trust
The LIPA MAT is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status. Whilst LIPA is a corporate Trustee and Sponsor and some of its Members and Council Directors are involved with The LIPA MAT as Members and Trustees, the company does not constitute a subsidiary of LIPA and is run independently and at arms length.
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Operating and Financial Review (including Strategic Report) For the year ended 31 July 2025
22. Stakeholder Relationships
staff, alumni, patrons, the OfS, employers, government offices, Liverpool residents, professional bodies and practitioners. LIPA communicates on a regular basis with stakeholders as appropriate to ensure that positive relationships are maintained.
23. Equal opportunities and employment of disabled employees
LIPA is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for everyone. LIPA respects and positively values differences in race, gender, disability and disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications for employment by disabled persons are given full and fair consideration in accordance with their particular aptitudes and abilities. In the event of an employee becoming disabled, every effort is given to retrain them in order that their employment with the company may continue.
24. Fundraising
LIPA does not carry out fundraising from the general public and had no fundraising activities requiring disclosure under s162A of the Charities Act 2011.
25. Going Concern
sufficient resources to continue to meet its obligations as they arise over the next 12 months. The Group has a five-year financial forecast that is cash positive. Student numbers for the September 2025 intake are broadly in line with expectations and, up to the time of signing these financial statements, student withdrawal levels are not out of line with previous years. The Group has undertaken stress testing on the assumptions within its financial forecasts and believe that the risk of significant adverse performance is very low.
26. Financial Statements Auditors
A resolution to reappoint Crowe UK LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
The approval of the Operating and Financial Review includes the approval of the Strategic Report as well as the responsibilities required by the regulator.
By order of the Board:
S McNamara Principal and CEO
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Corporate Governance Statement For the year ended 31 July 2025
doing so complies with the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) Higher Education Code of Governance 2020. In carrying out its duties it also has regard for the best practice in The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, insofar as it is applicable to the company. This summary describes the manner in which the company has applied the principles set out in the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance. Its purpose is to help the reader of the accounts understand how LIPA applies the principles.
The M and culture and guardians of its fundamentals. The M
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Directors in order to agree the determination of the educational character and mission of LIPA;
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Directors on filling any vacancy or expected vacancy in the role of Principal;
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financial statements auditors; and
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Council. Any changes are subject to the approval of the Privy Council and the Charity Commission.
Members to remove any or all of the directors by written resolution signed by a majority of the Members.
Companies Act and Trustees within the meaning of the Charities Act. The primary responsibilities of Council are:
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To prepare, or cause to be prepared, long-term teaching and business plans and key performance indicators, and to ensure that these meet the interests of stakeholders;
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To fill any vacancy, or determine the method of filling any expected vacancy, in the post of Principal, 4. To delegate to the Principal, as chief executive, authority for the teaching, corporate, financial, estate and the management of teams LIPA;
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To establish and keep under regular review the policies, procedures and limits within the management functions undertaken by, and under the authority of, the Principal;
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To ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability, including financial and operational controls and risk assessment;
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To ensure that processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of LIPA against the plans and approved key performance indicators, which should be, where possible and appropriate, benchmarked against other comparable institutions;
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To establish processes to monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of Council itself;
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To conduct its business in accordance with best practice in higher education corporate governance and with the principles of public life drawn up by the Committee on Standards in Public Life;
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To appoint a clerk to accurately record meetings and to ensure that, if the person appointed has managerial responsibilities in LIPA, there is an appropriate separation in the lines of accountability;
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Corporate Governance Statement For the year ended 31 July 2025
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To be responsible for the appointment, grading, appraisal, assignment, suspension and dismissal of senior post holders and the determination of their pay and conditions of service;
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To set a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all staff and make rules specifying procedures according to which staff may seek redress of any grievances relating to their performance;
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kept, to approve the annual budget and Financial Statements, and to have overall responsibility for
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To set rules, after consultation with the Academic Board and representatives of the students, with respect to the conduct of students, including procedures for suspension and expulsion, and make such provision as it thinks fit for the general welfare of students;
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To act as trustee for any property, legacy, endowment, bequest or gift made in support of the work and welfare of LIPA;
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name;
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To ensure that LIPA adheres to its constitution at all times and that appropriate advice is available to enable this to happen; and
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Meeting or by written resolution, the Privy Council and the Charities Commission.
Directors serve a term of four years and may be re-elected to serve a further term of four years. Any director retiring after serving eight years is eligible for reskills, experience, commitment and longevity of service.
Nominations for new appointees are sought from existing and past directors and from within the performing arts, business, and other sectors. Additionally professional consultants are retained to identify suitable candidates. The aim is to ensure a balance of skills within the Council. Such criteria as widening the diversity of the Council are also considered in seeking nominations.
All nominations are tabled at a full Council meeting for approval. On appointment new directors attend an induction programme at LIPA. This provides a detailed explanation of the legal responsibilities of the post current strategic plan.
Directors observe the Seven Principles of Public Life drawn up by the Committee on Standards in Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.
Council ensures that the Institute has in place appropriate procedures under which staff may raise matters of legitimate concern in the public interest, consistent with the requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (2010).
The Council has six main committees: Academic Board, Audit Committee, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Finance Committee, Nominations & Governance Committee, and Remuneration Committee. Each has terms of reference agreed by Council.
The Academic Board meets at least three times a year and determines the strategic curriculum development of the Institute and oversees the academic standards set by the Institute.
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Corporate Governance Statement For the year ended 31 July 2025
Internal Auditors in attendance as appropriate. The Committee considers detailed reports together with responses and implementation plans. It also receives and considers reports from the OfS as they affect meetings of the Audit Committee as necessary, they are not members of the Committee. The Committee has the opportunity to meet with both Financial Statements Auditors and Internal Auditors on their own for independent discussions.
The EDI Committee has delegated oversight for the development, implementation, impact and monitoring of the EDI Strategy as well as providing assurances to Council that LIPA is satisfying its legal and regulatory duties under the Equality Act 2010.
The Finance Committee meets three times per year and, inter alia, recommends to the Council the budgets.
The Nominations and Governance Committee seeks out new directors and recommends their appointment to Council.
The Remuneration Committee determines the remuneration of the most senior staff, including the Chief Executive. The Remuneration Committee has agreed that it will be guided by the CUC HE Senior Staff Remuneration Code but would not formally adopt it Committee but is not involved in discussions related to their own salary.
Working groups are established from time to time by the Chief Executive, for which a member of the senior management team is responsible (though not necessarily as chair).
Formal working groups are not established without the approval of the Chief Executive, although it is expected that staff will work in a cross-disciplinary manner and on a team basis, without the need for direction to do so, in order to maximise the benefits of the expertise available to achieve any given objective.
As noted above, LIPA is the sponsor of the LIPA MAT, which is a separate legal entity and these financial statements do not consolidate LIPA MAT.
effectiveness to ensure that LIPA upholds regularity and propriety in the use of public funding. The system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify the principal risks to the achievement of policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the nature and extent of those risks and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically.
In line with OfS guidance and recent feedback, the Council recognises its responsibility to:
-
Maintain a robust culture of internal control and risk management throughout the organisation, ensuring that all staff understand their roles in upholding effective controls and public interest governance principles;
-
Regularly review and adapt the system of internal control in response to emerging risks, regulatory changes, and lessons learned from internal and external audit findings; and
-
Ensure that the system of internal control is proportionate to the size, complexity, and risk profile with OfS registration conditions.
This process has been in place for the year ended 31 July 2025 and up to the date of approval of the Financial Statements and accords with OfS guidance.
15
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Corporate Governance Statement For the year ended 31 July 2025
above, include:
-
Effective review by directors;
-
Systems which define policies, set objectives and plans and then monitor financial and other performance;
-
Systems and procedures which include segregation of duties, authorisation and approval procedures and information systems;
-
An effective internal audit system;
-
An effective financial statements audit system, including an appropriate response to the points raised in the management letter;
-
Other reporting and monitoring systems such as those required by providers of other funds;
-
The work of the Finance and Audit Committees in monitoring the financial position and control systems;
-
The strategic plan and the related annual operating statements which set the framework for the annual budgets;
-
The annual operating and capital budgets which identify and quantify the revenue resources available and associated expenditure;
-
The provision of regular financial information to individuals with responsibility for elements of the budget and the monitoring of progress against budgets;
-
Day to day controls exercised by the financial officers of LIPA;
-
The Financial Regulations which, amongst other items, detail the financial procedures and rules to be followed for various financial transactions;
-
Policies on a range of areas such as treasury management, debt collection, fraud etc.;
-
A Corporate Governance manual, which sets out various controls and policies;
-
The Council ensures that the system of internal control is subject to regular review and challenge, including an annual assessment of its effectiveness, and that any significant control weaknesses are reported to the Council and addressed promptly;
-
The Council receives assurance from a range of sources, including management, internal and external auditors, and other assurance providers, and considers the adequacy and effectiveness of these sources as part of its review; and
-
The Council is committed to continuous improvement of the internal control environment, including learning from sector developments and OfS regulatory updates.
-
Council have approved the risk management policy;
-
The principal responsibility for risk management has been assigned to the Executive Leadership Team, and risk management is planned into the work of the team for the year, with regular updates
-
ngs;
-
The Internal Auditors have been instructed to ensure that their planning arrangements, methodology and approach conform to the latest professional standards reflecting the adoption of risk management;
-
The Audit Committee has been charged with providing advice on the effectiveness of the establishment and implementation of risk management;
-
Council ensures that risk management is embedded at all levels of the organisation, and that there is clear accountability for the identification, assessment, and management of risks; and
-
The risk register is regularly reviewed and updated, and significant risks are escalated to the Council for oversight and action as appropriate.
Council ensures that there is an independent Internal Audit function, which has direct access to the Chair of Council and to the Chair of the Audit Committee. This is the same for the Financial Statements Audit function.
The Internal Auditors submit regular reports on the adequacy and effectiveness of the system of internal control, together with recommendations for improvement. Similarly, the Financial Statements Auditors
16
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Corporate Governance Statement For the year ended 31 July 2025
have the opportunity to suggest control improvements during their audit process. All recommendations made are monitored and tracked to completion by the Audit Committee.
Internal Auditors and the executive managers within the Institute who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework, and by comments made by the Financial Statements Auditors in their management letter and other reports. No significant control weaknesses have arisen during the year.
The Council confirms that it has received sufficient assurance to be able to state that the system of internal control is effective and appropriate for the year ended 31 July 2025, and that it continues to meet the requirements of the OfS and the expectations of public interest governance.
Approved on behalf of the Board by:
G. Goodwin Chair of Council
17
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
For the year ended 31 July 2025
In accordance with the Institute administration and management of the affairs of the Institute and is required to present audited financial statements for each financial year.
The Council (the members of which are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) is responsible for preparing the Operating and Financial Review (including the Strategic Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, Council is required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law) including FRS he UK and Republic of Ireland .
In addition, Council, through its Accounting Officer, is required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the terms and conditions of Terms and conditions of funding for higher education institutions 2024-25 (issued July 2024) through its accountable officer. Under company law, Council must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Institute and the group and of the surplus or deficit, gains and losses, changes in reserves and cash flows of the Institute and the group for that year.
In preparing the financial statements Council is required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Institute will continue in business.
Council is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Institute's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Institute and enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with the of funding for higher education institutions 2024-25 (issued July 2024), the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting for Further and Higher Education (2019 edition), and any subsequent amendments, the Office for Student's Accounts Direction (issued October 2019) and the Companies Act 2006. Council is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Institute and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Council has taken reasonable steps to:
-
Ensure that funds from the OfS and other funding bodies are used only for the proper purposes for which they have been given and seek to achieve value for money in accordance with the and conditions of funding for higher education institutions 2024-25 (issued July 2024) and any other conditions which the funding body may from time to time prescribe;
-
Ensure that the Institute has a robust and comprehensive system of risk management, control and corporate governance, which includes the prevention and detection of corruption, fraud, bribery and irregularities;
-
Ensure that there is regular, reliable, timely and adequate information to monitor performance and track the use of public funds;
-
Ensure that it informs the OfS of any material change in its circumstances, including any significant developments that could impact on the mutual interests of the Institute and the OfS;
-
Ensure that there are adequate and effective arrangements for the management and quality assurance of data submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the Student Loans Company, the OfS and other funding or regulatory bodies;
-
Ensure an effective framework to manage the quality of learning and teaching and to maintain academic standards; and
18
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
For the year ended 31 July 2025
- purposes.
Council is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Institute's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Council confirms that:
-
So far as each member is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware; and
-
Members have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as members in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Institute aware of that information.
Approved on behalf of the Board by:
S. McNamara Director
19
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Financial Statements Auditor's report to Council For the year ended 31 July 2025
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts for the year ended 31 July 2025 which comprise Consolidated and Institute Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Institute Statement of Changes in Reserves, the Consolidated and Institute Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting for Further and Higher Education (2019 Edition).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
2025 and of its
-
incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
-
Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the cal responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements he financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
20
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Financial Statements Auditor's report to Council For the year ended 31 July 2025
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
-
report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the OfS accounts direction (issued October 2019)
In our opinion, in all material respects:
-
Funds from whatever source administered by the parent institute for specific purposes have been properly applied to those purposes and managed in accordance with the relevant legislation;
-
Funds provided by the OfS, UK Research and Innovation (including Research England), the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the Department for Education have been applied in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions; and any other terms and conditions attached to them; and
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the rt.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
Adequate accounting records have not been kept; or
-
The financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
Certain disclosures of Council's remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 16 to 17, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
21
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Financial Statements Auditor's report to Council For the year ended 31 July 2025
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
-
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charitable company operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011 and employment legislation.
-
Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
-
We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be the override of controls by management and completeness and cut off of grant income. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases and sample testing from grant documentation.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing noncompliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms
Use of our report
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to r audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Vicky Szulist Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of Crowe UK LLP Statutory Auditor St Georges House 56 Peter Street Manchester M2 3NQ
22
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Consolidated and Institute Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure For the year ended 31 July 2025
| Year ended 31 July INCOME Notes Tuition Fees 1.1 Funding Body Grants 1.2 Project Income 1.3 Other Income 1.4 Investment Income 1.5 Total Income before Donations and Endowments Donations and Endowments 1.6 Total Income EXPENDITURE Staff Costs 2 Other Operating Expenses 3 Depreciation Interest and Other Finance Costs 4 Total Expenditure Surplus before Tax Taxation 5 Surplus and Total Comprehensive Income for the year Represented by: Unrestricted income for the year Restricted income for the year Endowment income / (expenditure) for the year |
2025 Consolidated £ 12,230,899 1,384,035 533,166 756,158 104,129 15,008,387 30,807 15,039,194 9,929,792 3,891,422 1,067,291 - 14,888,505 150,689 - 150,689 137,656 - 13,033 150,689 |
2025 Institute £ 12,230,899 1,384,035 533,166 756,158 104,129 15,008,387 30,807 15,039,194 9,929,792 3,891,422 1,067,291 - 14,888,505 150,689 - 150,689 137,656 - 13,033 150,689 |
2024 Consolidated £ 11,516,088 1,401,141 528,258 725,471 76,226 14,247,184 18,885 14,266,069 9,184,373 3,531,175 1,023,138 - 13,738,686 527,383 - 527,383 515,000 - 12,383 527,383 |
2024 Institute £ 11,516,088 1,401,141 528,258 725,471 76,226 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14,247,184 18,885 |
||||
| 14,266,069 | ||||
| 9,184,373 3,531,175 1,023,138 - |
||||
| 13,738,686 | ||||
| 527,383 - |
||||
| 527,383 | ||||
| 515,000 - 12,383 527,383 |
All amounts relate to continuing operations.
23
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Consolidated and Institute Statement of Changes in Reserves For the year ended 31 July 2025
| Consolidated Balance at 1 August 2023 Surplus from the Income and Expenditure Account Transfers between funds Total Comprehensive Income for the year Balance at 1 August 2024 Surplus from the Income and Expenditure Account Transfers between funds Total Comprehensive Income for the year Balance at 31 July 2025 Institute Balance at 1 August 2023 Surplus from the Income and Expenditure Account Transfers between funds Total Comprehensive Income for the year Balance at 1 August 2024 Surplus from the Income and Expenditure Account Transfers between funds Total Comprehensive Income for the year Balance at 31 July 2025 |
Income and Expenditure Account Endowment Restricted Unrestricted £ £ £ 283,556 - 19,823,082 12,383 - 515,000 - - - 12,383 - 515,000 295,939 - 20,338,082 13,033 - 137,656 - - - 13,033 - 137,656 308,972 - 20,475,738 283,556 - 19,823,082 12,383 - 515,000 - - - 12,383 - 515,000 295,939 - 20,338,082 13,033 - 137,656 - - - 13,033 - 137,656 308,972 - 20,475,738 |
Total £ 20,106,638 |
|---|---|---|
| 527,383 - |
||
| 527,383 | ||
| 20,634,021 | ||
| 150,689 - |
||
| 150,689 | ||
| 20,784,710 | ||
| 20,106,638 | ||
| 527,383 - |
||
| 527,383 | ||
| 20,634,021 | ||
| 150,689 - |
||
| 150,689 20,784,710 |
24
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Consolidated and Institute Balance Sheets Registered number: 02511501
Notes Non-Current Assets Intangible Assets 6 Fixed Assets 7 Assets Held in Trust 8 Investments 9 Current Assets Stock 10 Trade and Other Receivables 11 Cash and Cash Equivalents 12 Less: Creditors Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 13 Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Less: Creditors Amounts Falling Due after more than One Year Total Net Assets Restricted Reserves Endowment Reserve 14 Restricted Reserve 15 Unrestricted Reserves Income and Expenditure Account - Unrestricted Total Funds |
As at 31 July 2025 Consolidated Institute £ £ 101,267 101,267 16,685,543 16,685,543 1,827,461 1,827,461 2,377 2,477 18,616,648 18,616,748 6,432 6,432 1,304,003 1,304,003 2,829,799 2,829,799 4,140,234 4,140,234 (1,972,172) (1,972,272) 2,168,062 2,167,962 20,784,710 20,784,710 - - 20,784,710 20,784,710 308,972 308,972 - - 20,475,738 20,475,738 20,784,710 20,784,710 |
As at 31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 116,147 116,147 15,948,075 15,948,075 1,800,301 1,800,301 2,377 2,477 17,866,900 17,867,000 11,384 11,384 855,177 855,177 3,769,882 3,769,882 4,636,443 4,636,443 (1,869,322) (1,869,422) 2,767,121 2,767,021 20,634,021 20,634,021 - - 20,634,021 20,634,021 295,939 295,939 - - 20,338,082 20,338,082 20,634,021 20,634,021 |
As at 31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 116,147 116,147 15,948,075 15,948,075 1,800,301 1,800,301 2,377 2,477 17,866,900 17,867,000 11,384 11,384 855,177 855,177 3,769,882 3,769,882 4,636,443 4,636,443 (1,869,322) (1,869,422) 2,767,121 2,767,021 20,634,021 20,634,021 - - 20,634,021 20,634,021 295,939 295,939 - - 20,338,082 20,338,082 20,634,021 20,634,021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17,867,000 | |||
| 11,384 855,177 3,769,882 |
|||
| 4,636,443 | |||
| (1,869,422) | |||
| 2,767,021 | |||
| 20,634,021 - |
|||
| 20,634,021 | |||
| 295,939 - 20,338,082 20,634,021 |
Approved by the board and authorised for issue on 21 November 2025, and signed on its behalf by:
G. Goodwin Chair of Council
S. McNamara Director
25
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 July 2025
| Cash Flow from Operating Activities Surplus for the year ended 31 July Adjustment for Non-Cash Items Depreciation (Increase) / Decrease in Stock (Increase) / Decrease in Debtors (Increase) / Decrease in Creditors Adjustment for Investing or Financing Activities Investment Income Interest Payable Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities Cash Flows from investing activities Investment Income Payments made to Acquire Fixed Assets Donated Assets Cash flows from financing activities Interest Paid Loan Repaid (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents in the year Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of the year Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of the year |
2025 £ 150,689 1,067,291 4,952 (448,826) 102,850 (104,129) - 772,827 104,129 (1,817,040) - (1,712,911) - - - (940,084) 3,769,882 2,829,798 |
2024 £ 527,383 1,023,138 (2,811) (170,489) (27,589) (76,226) - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,273,406 | ||
| 76,226 (1,458,023) (14,000) |
||
| (1,395,797) | ||
| - - |
||
| - | ||
| (122,391) | ||
| 3,892,273 3,769,882 |
26
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Accounting Policies For the year ended 31 July 2025
1. Basis of Preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting for Further and Higher Education (2019 edition) and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. LIPA is a public benefit entity and therefore has applied the relevant public benefit requirement of the applicable accounting standards. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.
-
1.1 The financial statements have been prepared under FRS 102.
-
1.2 The financial statements are presented in sterling (£).
-
1.3 Going Concern - the Group has sufficient resources to continue to meet its obligations as they arise over the next 12 months. The Group has a five-year financial forecast that is cash positive. Student numbers for the September 2024 intake are broadly in line with expectations and, up to the time of signing these financial statements, student withdrawal levels are not out of line with previous years. The Group has undertaken stress testing on the assumptions within its financial forecasts and believe that the risk of significant adverse performance is very low.
2. Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the company and its subsidiary for the financial year to 31 July 2024. Intra-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation. In the financial year to 31 July 2024, the subsidiary was dormant and therefore there were no transactions within it.
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The Institute makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. There are no estimates or assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Critical areas of judgement
There are no areas of judgement that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
4. Income Recognition
-
4.1 Income from the sale of goods or services is credited to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the goods or services are supplied to the external customers or the terms of the contract have been satisfied.
-
4.2 Fee income is stated gross of any expenditure which is not a discount and credited to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure over the period in which students are studying. Where the amount of the tuition fee is reduced by any discount, income receivable is shown net of the discount.
-
4.3 Bursaries and scholarships are accounted for gross as expenditure and not deducted from income.
-
4.4 Funds the Institute receives and disburses as paying agent on behalf of a funding body are excluded from the income and expenditure of the Institute where the Institute is exposed to minimal risk or enjoys minimal economic benefit related to the transaction.
-
4.5 Government grants, including funding council grants are recognised within the Statement of Income and Expenditure over the periods in which the Institute recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Where part of a government grant is deferred it is recognised as deferred income within creditors and allocated between creditors due within one year and due after more than one year as appropriate.
27
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Accounting Policies For the year ended 31 July 2025
Other grants and donations from non-government sources are recognised within the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the Institute is entitled to the income and performance related conditions have been met.
-
4.6 Income received in advance of performance related conditions is deferred on the balance sheet and released to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in line with such conditions being met.
-
4.7 Other grants and donations from non-government sources are recognised within the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the Institute is entitled to the income and performance related conditions have been met. Income received in advance of performance related conditions being met is deferred on the Balance Sheet and released to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in line with such conditions being met.
-
4.8 Non-exchange transactions without performance related conditions are donations and endowments. Donations and endowments with donor-imposed restrictions are recognised within the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the Institute is entitled to the Income. Income is retained within the restricted reserve until such time that it is utilised in line with such restrictions at which point the income is released to general reserves through a reserve transfer.
-
4.9 Investment income and appreciation of endowments is recorded in income in the year in which it arises and as either restricted or unrestricted income according to the terms applied to the individual endowment fund.
-
4.10 Donations with no restrictions are recorded within the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the Institute is entitled to the income. Donations and endowments with restrictions are classified as restricted reserves with additional disclosure provided within the notes to the accounts. There are four main types of donations and endowments with restrictions:
-
Restricted donations - the donor has specified that the donation must be used for a particular objective;
-
Unrestricted permanent endowments - the donor has specified that the fund is to be permanently invested to generate an income stream for the general benefit of the Institute;
-
Restricted expendable endowments - the donor has specified a particular objective other than the purchase or construction of tangible fixed assets, and the Institute can convert the donated sum into income; and
-
Restricted permanent endowments - the donor has specified that the fund is to be permanently invested to generate an income stream to be applied to a particular objective.
5. Capital grants
Capital grants are recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the Institute is entitled to the income subject to any performance related conditions being met.
6. Accounting for retirement benefits
superannuation scheme that provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. For other staff the company also operates the LIPA Staff Pension Schemes, a range of defined contribution pension plans providing benefits additional to those from the State.
Defined Benefit Plan
A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan. Under the definitions set out in Section 28 of FRS102 -employer pension scheme. LIPA is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme. Accordingly, LIPA has taken advantage of the exemption in Section 28.11 of FRS102 and has accounted for contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme.
Defined Contribution Plan
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. separately from those of the Institute in independently administered funds.
28
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Accounting Policies For the year ended 31 July 2025
7. Employment benefits
Short term employment benefits such as salaries and compensated absences are recognised as an expense in the year in which the employees render service to the Institute. Any unused benefits are accrued and measured as the additional amount the Institute expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement.
8. Operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any lease premiums or incentives are spread over the minimum lease term.
9. Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currency are accounted for at the sterling equivalent (net of charges) on the date of receipt or payment. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into sterling at year end rates. The resulting exchange differences are dealt with in the determination of income and expenditure for the financial year.
10. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. Intangible assets are amortised over between three and 10 years, representing their remaining estimated economic lives. Intangible assets are subject to periodic impairment reviews as appropriate.
11. Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Where parts of a fixed asset have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of fixed assets.
Land and buildings
Costs incurred in relation to land and buildings after initial purchase or construction, and prior to valuation, are capitalised to the extent that they increase the expected future benefits to the Institute. Freehold land is not depreciated as it is considered to have an indefinite useful life.
Freehold buildings are depreciated on a straight line basis over 50 years.
Leasehold land is depreciated over the life of the lease up to a maximum of 50 years.
Assets in the course of construction are included at cost. Depreciation on these assets is not charged until they are brought into use.
Furniture and equipment
Items of furniture and equipment costing less than £1,000 per individual item or groups of the same items are written off in the year of acquisition. All other equipment is capitalised.
Capitalised furniture and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated over its expected useful life as follows:
-
Computer equipment 3 years; and
-
Furniture and other equipment up to 10 years.
12. Assets held in trust
Assets held in trust include additions to the Liverpool Institute building. These assets are depreciated over a period of up to 25 years.
Art works represent historic assets used by the institution and corporate art and are not, therefore, accounted for as a heritage asset.
13. Investments
Investments are shown at cost less any provision for impairment.
29
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Accounting Policies For the year ended 31 July 2025
14. Stock
Stock is held at the lower of cost and net realisable value, and is measured using an average cost formula.
15. Debtors
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
16. Creditors
Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
17. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash includes cash in hand, deposits repayable on demand and overdrafts. Deposits are repayable on demand if they are in practice available within 24 hours without penalty.
Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
18. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in the period in which they are incurred.
19. Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets
Provisions are recognised in the financial statements when:
(a) The Institute has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event;
(b) It is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
(c) A reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
The amount recognised as a provision is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects risks specific to the liability.
A contingent liability arises from a past event that gives the Institute a possible obligation whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Institute. Contingent liabilities also arise in circumstances where a provision would otherwise be made but either it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured reliably.
A contingent asset arises where an event has taken place that gives the Institute a possible asset whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Institute.
Contingent assets and liabilities are not recognised in the Balance Sheet but are disclosed in the notes.
20. Taxation
The Institute is an exempt charity within the meaning of Part 3 of the Charities Act 2011, and, as such, is a charity within the meaning of Section 506 (1) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The Institute is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue & Customs. It is therefore a charity within the meaning of Para 1 of schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2010 and accordingly, the Institute is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by section 478-488 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (CTA 2010) or section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charitable purposes.
The Institute receives no similar exemption in respect of Value Added Tax. Irrecoverable VAT on inputs is included in the costs of such inputs. Any irrecoverable VAT allocated to fixed assets is included in their cost.
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THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Accounting Policies For the year ended 31 July 2025
The Institute
y is liable to Corporation Tax in the same way as any other commercial organisation.
21. Reserves
Reserves are allocated between restricted and unrestricted reserves. Restricted endowment reserves include balances which, through endowment to the Institute, are held as a permanently restricted fund as the Institute must hold the fund to perpetuity.
Other restricted reserves include balances through which the donor has designated a specific purpose and therefore the Institute is restricted in the use of these funds.
22. Financial Instruments
LIPA only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and financial liabilities and their measurement basis are as follows:
Financial assets trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
Cash at bank is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
Financial liabilities trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument.
31
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
| 1. Income 1.1 Tuition Fees Full Time UK Undergraduate fees Full Time Overseas Undergraduate fees UK Postgraduate fees Overseas Postgraduate fees Foundation Certificate fees Other Fees 1.2 Funding Body Grants OfS Recurrent Grants OfS Capital Grant OfS Hardship Funding Research England Kickstart 1.3 Project Income LIPA 4-19 Other Projects 1.4 Other Income Catering, Bar and Venue Hire Projects and Performances Service Level Agreement Income Sundry Income 1.5 Investment Income Interest Receivable 1.6 Donations and Endowments New Endowments Donations with Restrictions Unrestricted Donations Sponsorships Donated Assets |
2025 Consolidated £ 7,873,939 3,547,834 387,776 272,850 148,000 500 12,230,899 |
2025 Institute £ 7,873,939 3,547,834 387,776 272,850 148,000 500 12,230,899 |
2024 Consolidated £ 7,005,028 3,763,829 294,101 282,350 170,380 400 11,516,088 |
2024 Institute £ 7,005,028 3,763,829 294,101 282,350 170,380 400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11,516,088 | ||||
| 1,384,035 - - - - 1,384,035 522,166 11,000 533,166 297,122 331,503 76,125 51,408 756,158 104,129 104,129 |
1,384,035 - - - - 1,384,035 522,166 11,000 533,166 297,122 331,503 76,125 51,408 756,158 104,129 104,129 |
1,351,141 50,000 - - - 1,401,141 509,278 18,980 528,258 307,796 346,923 6,044 64,708 725,471 76,226 76,226 |
1,351,141 50,000 - - - |
|
| 1,401,141 | ||||
| 509,278 18,980 |
||||
| 528,258 | ||||
| 307,796 346,923 6,044 64,708 |
||||
| 725,471 | ||||
| 76,226 | ||||
| 76,226 | ||||
| - 4,500 1,307 25,000 - 30,807 |
- 4,500 1,307 25,000 - 30,807 |
2,500 - 2,385 14,000 18,885 |
2,500 - 2,385 14,000 18,885 |
32
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
1.7 Grant and Fee Income
The sources of grant and fee income included in notes 1.1 to 1.3 are as follows:
| Staff Costs ate amounts for staff and directors paid in respect of: Emoluments of the Chief Executive: Remuneration One-off Allowance Pension contributions 2025 Consolidated £ Grant income from the OfS 1,384,035 Grant income from other bodies - Fee income from non-qualifying courses 681,666 Fee income for taught awards 12,082,399 14,148,100 2025 Consolidated £ Wages and Salaries 7,799,290 Social Security Costs 766,645 Other Pension Costs 1,363,857 9,929,792 |
2025 £ 166,257 16,500 47,682 230,439 2025 Institute £ 1,384,035 - 681,666 12,082,399 14,148,100 2025 Institute £ 7,799,290 766,645 1,363,857 9,929,792 |
2024 £ 157,590 - 39,943 197,533 2024 Consolidated £ 1,401,141 - 699,039 11,345,307 13,445,487 2024 Consolidated £ 7,362,808 652,843 1,168,722 9,184,373 |
2024 Institute £ 1,401,141 - 699,039 11,345,307 13,445,487 2024 Institute £ 7,362,808 652,843 1,168,722 9,184,373 |
|---|---|---|---|
2. Staff Costs
Aggregate amounts for staff and directors paid in respect of:
No other employees received remuneration more than £100,000.
The emoluments of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer are and reflect the operational structure operated by LIPA, the complexity of the roles, the performance of the CEO and COO and the rates of pay of others in similar roles both locally and nationally.
The CEO received a remuneration that was 4.64 times the remuneration (4.47 times basic salary) for other substantive staff at LIPA (2024: 4.75 times total salary).
Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Institute. The team comprised seven (2024: six) individuals led by the Chief Executive.
| Remuneration of key management personnel, other than the Chief Executive, including pension contributions |
2025 £ 667,291 |
2024 £ 605,161 |
|---|---|---|
33
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
Average number of persons (including the Principal and CEO) employed during the year was:
| Administration Teaching and Teaching Support Catering, Bar, Conference and Venue |
2025 58 94 5 157 |
2024 58 92 5 155 |
|---|---|---|
In addition to the numbers above, LIPA also employed students and graduates on a number of specific projects, such as working on Open Days and LIPA 4-19. These figures are not included in the staff numbers above.
The aggregate amounts for staff and directors can be split into the following categories:
| Number of directors accruing retirement benefits, excluding the staff representative 2025 Consolidated £ Teaching 5,922,776 Productions 594,240 Projects 220,845 Canteen, Bar and Venue 160,009 Information Systems and Technical Support 754,441 Marketing and Student Recruitment 907,316 Facilities 439,255 Administration 930,910 9,929,792 |
2025 2 2025 Institute £ 5,922,776 594,240 220,845 160,009 754,441 907,316 439,255 930,910 9,929,792 |
2024 2 2024 Consolidated £ 5,470,958 527,273 218,432 183,551 600,623 884,354 441,160 858,022 9,184,373 |
2024 Institute £ 5,470,958 527,273 218,432 183,551 600,623 884,354 441,160 858,022 9,184,373 |
|---|---|---|---|
Excluding the remuneration and reimbursement of expenses of the Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Officer and the Staff Representative, no other Council Director received payment for services (2024: nil).
The only other payments to Council Directors related to the reimbursement of expenses. In the year to 31 July 2025 the total expenses paid to Council Directors, other than the Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Officer and the Head of Productions, were:
| Reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses to four directors (2024: three directors). |
2025 £ 800 |
2024 £ 1,803 |
|---|---|---|
34
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
3a. Analysis of Operating Expenditure by Activity
| Operating expenditure includes: Audit Other Operating Lease Rentals 3b. Access and Participation Total access activity investment Access (pre-16) Access (post-16) Access (adults and the community) Financial support Research and evaluation 2025 Consolidated £ Teaching 612,227 Productions 279,429 Projects 84,179 Canteen, Bar and Venue 157,130 Information Systems and Technical Support 769,353 Marketing and Student Recruitment 578,115 Facilities 934,225 Administration 476,764 3,891,422 |
2025 £ 17,525 5,560 26,112 - 2025 £ 185,977 113,170 16,300 120,670 33,285 469,402 2025 Institute £ 612,227 279,429 84,179 157,130 769,353 578,115 934,225 476,764 3,891,422 |
2024 £ 19,656 6,180 22,104 - 2024 £ 206,719 133,043 17,040 120,290 29,660 506,752 2024 Consolidated £ 480,983 304,606 94,036 158,420 690,613 556,406 835,132 410,979 3,531,175 |
2024 Institute £ 480,983 304,606 94,036 158,420 690,613 556,406 835,132 410,979 3,531,175 |
|---|---|---|---|
£227,895 of these costs are already included in the overall staff costs figures included in the financial statements, see note 2. In addition, LIPA spent £134,016 in support for disabled students in the financial year to 31 July 2025 (2024: £90,987).
-21
to 2024Participation Plan relate to changes in activity during the year.
4. Interest Payable
LIPA had no borrowings in the year to 31 July 2025 (2024: £Nil) and incurred no interest payable or other finance costs in the year (2024: £Nil).
5. Taxation
LIPA is a charitable company as stated in Accounting Policies note 20. There is no tax charge arising for the year (2024: £nil) in respect of subsidiary undertakings.
35
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
6. Intangible Assets (software) - Consolidated and Institute
| Cost At 1 August 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 July 2025 At 1 August 2024 Depreciation charge for the Year Eliminated on Disposal At 31 July 2025 Net Book Value At 31 July 2024 At 31 July 2025 |
Total £ 350,404 19,073 (66,928) |
|---|---|
| 302,549 | |
| 234,257 33,953 (66,928) |
|
| 201,282 | |
| 116,147 101,267 |
7. Tangible Fixed Assets - Consolidated and Institute
| Cost At 1 August 2024 Additions Donated Assets Disposals At 31 July 2025 Depreciation At 1 August 2024 Charge for the Year Disposals At 31 July 2025 Net Book Value At 31 July 2024 At 31 July 2025 |
Freehold Land and Buildings £ 15,915,473 873,067 - - 16,788,540 2,314,143 298,008 - 2,612,151 13,601,330 14,176,389 |
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment £ 6,424,936 745,465 - (326,240) 6,844,161 4,078,191 583,056 (326,240) 4,335,007 2,346,745 2,509,154 |
Art Works £ 197,092 - - - 197,092 197,092 - - 197,092 - - |
Total £ 22,537,501 1,618,532 - (326,240) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,829,793 | ||||
| 6,589,426 881,064 (326,240) |
||||
| 7,144,250 | ||||
| 15,948,075 16,685,543 |
Freehold Land and Buildings
The freehold buildings relates to the property at 68 Hope Street, Liverpool.
Freehold land includes land amounting to £1,000,000 which is not depreciated.
36
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
8. Assets held in Trust - Consolidated and Institute
| Cost At 1 August 2024 Additions At 31 July 2025 At 1 August 2024 Depreciation charge for the Year At 31 July 2025 Net Book Value At 31 July 2024 At 31 July 2025 |
Total £ 2,828,593 179,435 |
|---|---|
| 3,008,028 | |
| 1,028,292 152,275 |
|
| 1,180,567 | |
| 1,800,301 1,827,461 |
The assets held in trust represent the cost of capital works on the Liverpool Institute building.
Interest in Liverpool Institute building
LIPA has no ownership rights to the Liverpool Institute building. It occupies the building in its role as sole corporate trustee of The Liverpool Institute Charity. LIPA was appointed corporate trustee of The Liverpool Institute Charity on 8th October 1993. The Liverpool Institute Charity has no assets, other than the Liverpool Institute building, and no liabilities. It generates no income and incurs no expenditure. LIPA may continue in its role as corporate trustee of The Liverpool Institute Charity, and thereby occupy the Liverpool Institute building, provided it continues to use the building for educational purposes.
In the event that LIPA no longer operates the trusteeship of The Liverpool Institute Charity, and thereby loses its rights to occupy the Liverpool Institute building, trusteeship would revert to the former trustee, Liverpool City Council; failing acceptance by them of the trusteeship the Charity Commission would seek an alternative trustee.
only be used for educational purposes, the directors do not consider that any market value can be attributed to it and that a valuation would not be in the best interests of the Institute.
9. Non-Current Investments
| Consolidated At 1 August 2024 Additions Disposals Impairment At 31 July 2025 Institute At 1 August 2024 Additions Disposals Impairment At 31 July 2025 |
Subsidiary Companies £ - - - - - 100 - - - 100 |
Chattels and Memorabilia £ 2,377 - - - 2,377 2,377 - - - 2,377 |
Total £ 2,377 - - - 2,377 2,477 - - - 2,477 |
|---|---|---|---|
Please refer to note 23 for additional details relating to the investment in the subsidiary company.
37
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
10. Stock Consolidated and Institute
| Canteen and bar stocks | 2025 £ 6,432 |
2024 £ 11,384 |
|---|---|---|
11. Trade and Other Receivables Amounts due within one year
| Cash and Cash Equivalents Tuition and Other Fees Other Debtors Amounts owed by related undertakings Prepayments and Accrued Income Cash and Cash Equivalents |
2025 Consolidated £ 17,238 380,391 97,873 808,501 1,304,003 At 31 July Consolidated £ 2,829,799 |
2025 Institute £ 17,238 380,391 97,873 808,501 1,304,003 2025 Institute £ 2,829,799 |
2024 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 9 9 417,394 417,394 30,249 30,249 407,526 407,526 855,178 855,178 At 31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 3,769,882 3,769,882 |
|---|---|---|---|
12. Cash and Cash Equivalents
13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade Creditors Taxation and Social Security Accruals Other Creditors and Deferred Income |
At 31 July Consolidated £ 350,532 236,015 365,976 1,019,649 1,972,172 |
2025 Institute £ 350,532 236,015 365,976 1,019,749 1,972,272 |
At 31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 235,961 235,961 162,476 162,476 317,015 317,015 1,153,870 1,153,970 1,869,322 1,869,422 |
|---|---|---|---|
Deferred Income
Included in other creditors and deferred income there are no items of income which have been deferred until specific performance related conditions have been met.
38
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
14. Endowments
| Restricted Permanent Endowments £ Balances at 1 August 2024 Capital - Accumulated Income - - New Endowments - Investment Income - Expenditure - At 31 July 2025 - Represented by: Capital - Accumulated Income - - Analysis by type of purpose Bursary and Prize Funds - Culture - Graduate Business Support - - Analysis by Asset Cash - |
Unrestricted Permanent Endowments £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Expendable Endowments £ 295,939 - 295,939 - 13,733 (700) 308,972 244,441 64,531 308,972 82,575 207,415 18,982 308,972 308,972 |
2025 Total £ 295,939 - 295,939 - 13,733 (700) 308,972 244,441 64,531 308,972 82,575 207,415 18,982 308,972 308,972 |
2024 Total £ 243,842 39,714 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 283,556 2,500 14,883 (5,000) |
||||
| 295,939 | ||||
| 244,441 51,498 |
||||
| 295,939 | ||||
| 79,582 198,217 18,140 |
||||
| 295,939 | ||||
| 295,939 |
15. Restricted Reserves
There are no reserves with restrictions
16. Reconciliation of Cash Flow to Statement of Financial Position - Consolidated
| Cash at bank and on deposit Other |
At 1 August 2024 £ 3,769,882 - 3,769,882 |
Cash Flows £ (940,083) - (940,083) |
At 31 July 2025 £ 2,829,799 - 2,829,799 |
|---|---|---|---|
39
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
17. Consolidated reconciliation of net credit
| Net credit at 1 August 2024 Movement in cash and cash equivalents Other non-cash changes Net credit at 31 July 2025 Change in net credit Analysis of net credit Cash and cash equivalents 18. Capital and Other Commitments Capital and other commitments are funded from cash reserves: Consolidated and Institute at 31 July Capital works authorised but not contracted Commitments contracted for refurbishment of estates Other capital additions |
£ 3,769,882 (940,083) - 2,829,799 (940,083) 31 July 2025 £ 2,829,799 2025 £ - - 353,091 353,091 |
31 July 2024 £ 3,769,882 2024 £ - - 187,496 187,496 |
|---|---|---|
External borrowing to fund future campus investments has been discussed by the directors and post year end LIPA agreed an asset financing facility of £1 million, however have not made any drawings from this. The facility is a contingency so the company can manage cash flow as appropriate.
19. Contingent Assets and Liabilities
There are no contingent assets and liabilities.
20. Lease Obligations Consolidated and Institute
Total rentals payable under operating leases:
| Payable during the year Future minimum lease payments due No later than one year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years |
31 July 2025 Plant and Machinery £ - - - - - |
31 July 2025 Other Leases £ - - - - - |
31 July 2025 Total £ - - - - - |
31 July 2024 Total £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - - - |
40
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
21. Financial Assets and Liabilities
| Financial assets measured at amortised cost Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost |
31 July 2025 Consolidated Institute £ £ 2,021,298 2,021,298 1,266,197 1,266,197 |
31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 3,362,256 3,362,256 1,129,250 1,129,250 |
31 July 2024 Consolidated Institute £ £ 3,362,256 3,362,256 1,129,250 1,129,250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,129,250 |
22. Events after the Reporting Period
There were no significant events after the after the reporting period that impact the results for the year or the balance sheet at 31 July 2025.
23. Subsidiary Undertaking
During the year ended 31 July 2025, LIPA had one wholly owned subsidiary, LIPA Enterprises Limited (which is registered at the same address as LIPA).
LIPA Enterprises Limited is registered in England and Wales and is dormant, resulting in the cost of investment of £100 having been written off. The principal activity of the company was the provision of training courses.
24. Connected Charitable Institution: The LIPA Multi Academy Trust (MAT)
Third-party costs paid by LIPA on behalf of The LIPA MAT have been recharged directly to it without uplift.
In the year to 31 July 2025, LIPA charged The LIPA MAT £32,184 for support services (2024: £7,252)
In addition, there were recharges of amounts paid on behalf of The LIPA MAT of £42,814 and other sales of £1,348 (2024: £19,497) relating mainly to use of facilities.
At 31 July 2025 The LIPA Multi Academy Trust owed LIPA £97,873 (2024: £30,249).
25. Related Party Transactions
During the year, LIPA undertook the following transactions with related parties defined by Financial Reporting Standard 102:
The Liverpool Institute Charity
LIPA is the sole corporate trustee of The Liverpool Institute Charity. LIPA occupies the Liverpool Institute Building, held in The Liverpool Institute Charity, under terms at £nil rent.
LIPA Enterprises Limited
Transactions with the subsidiary, LIPA Enterprises Limited, have not been disclosed under the exemption allowed in FRS102 Section 33.
LIPA Members
Travel or other expenses amounting to £416 (2024: £167) were reimbursed to one Member in the year.
41
THE LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 July 2025
26. Pension Commitments
26a. Defined Benefit Scheme
As stated in Accounting Policies note 6, (TPS). The scheme is sector wide and the Department for Education has provided the information below in order to meet the requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 28.
The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS or scheme) is a statutory, unfunded, defined benefit occupational scheme, governed amended). These regulations apply to teachers in schools and other educational establishments, including academies, in England and Wales that are maintained by local authorities. In addition, teachers in many independent and voluntaryaided schools and teachers and lecturers in some establishments of further and higher education may be eligible for membership. Membership is automatic for full-time teachers and lecturers and, from 1 January 2007, automatic too for teachers and lecturers in part-time employment following appointment or a change of contract. Teachers and lecturers are able to opt out of the TPS.
The Teachers' Pension Budgeting and Valuation Account
Although members may be employed by various bodies, their retirement and other pension benefits are set out in regulations made under the Superannuation Act (1972) and Public Service Pensions Act (2013) and are paid by public funds provided by Parliament. contributions from members, along with those made by employers, are credited to the Exchequer under arrangements governed by the above Acts.
The Teachers' Pensions Regulations 2010 require an annual account, the Teachers' Pension Budgeting and Valuation Account, to be kept of receipts and expenditure (including the cost of pension increases). From 1 April 2001, the Account has been credited with a real rate of return, which is equivalent to assuming that the balance in the Account is invested in notional investments that produce that real rate of return.
Valuation of the Teachers' Pension Scheme
data, confirmed a need to increase the employer contribution rate by 5 percentage points from 1 April 2024 to ensure that the Scheme continues to meet present and future obligations.
The resultant contribution rate therefore increased from 23.68% to 28.68% (including a charge equivalent to 0.08% of pensionable salary costs to cover administration expenses). This follows an increase in September 2019 from a rate of 16.4% to 23.6%, meaning that contribution rates increased by 12.28% over a five year period.
The pension costs paid to TPS in the year amounted to £1,004,182 (2024: £827,534) and the total amount outstanding as at 31 July 2025 was £108,560 (2024: £93,414).
26b. Defined Contribution Scheme
359,675 (2024:
£341,188). The amount outstanding at 31 July 2025 was £56,854 (2024: £48,669).
The member and the company make contributions to the LIPA Staff Pension Schemes. Currently contribution rates for the main scheme are 7.4% to 11.7% of pensionable salary by the member and 16.48% of pensionable salary by the programme. Under this scheme both the member and the company make contributions of 3% of pensionable salary. Employees may elect to join neither the main nor the default scheme.
27. Legal Form
LIPA is a company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom, with registration number 02511501. The company is a registered charity, number 1001565. The registered office is: Mount Street, Liverpool, L1 9HF.
42