Westminster
Cathedral
Choir
School
Annual Report and Accounts
31 August 2024
Charlly Reglslialion Number
1063761

Contents
Reports
Reference and administrative details of the
charity and its Corporate Trustee
Report of the directors of the Corporale
Trustee
Independent auditor's report
12
Accounts
Statement of financial activities
16
Balance sheet
17
Statement of cash flows
18
Principal accounting policies
19
Notes to the accounts
23
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Reference and administrative details of the charlty and Its Corporate Trustee
Trustee of the charity
The charity is controlled by the 'Westminster Roman Catholic
Diocese Trustee" {WRCDTI, a company limited by guarantee.
The company does not conduct any trade or business for its
own account and has no assets or liabilities. Its sole purpose
is to act as trustee for a number of trusts and funds. The
principal of these is the Westminster Roman Catholic
Diocesan Trust.
The Directors of Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese
Trustee {herein referred to as Trustees) are..
His Eminence Cardinal V Nichols
Rt Rev J Sherrington
Rt Rev N Hudson
Rt Rev P McAleenan
Rev Mgr M Hayes
Rev Mgr J O'Boyle (resigned 5 July 2024)
Rt Rev J Curry {appoinled 18 June 2024)
Mr A Ndoca
Baroness N O'Loan
Dame C Bowe
Mr K Ingram
Mr E Craslon
Presldent of the School
His Eminence Cardinal V Nichols
The Board of Governors
Chalrman
Mr David Heminway
Mr Robert Enserro
Mrs Kale Finch
Martin Hatlrell
Rev Alexander Master (Private Secretary lo the Cardinal}
Mr James O'Brien
Mr Mike Pillendreigh (resigned 5 July 2024)
Ms Laura Pigorini (appointed 14 June 20241
Mr Nick Robinson
Rev Stuart Seaton
Mr Nicholas Seed {Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese)
Ms Maria Strauss
Rev Slawomir Witon (The Dean of Westminster Cathedral)
Westminster Calhedral Choir School

Reference and administrative details of the charity and its Corporate Trustee
In attendance at
Governors, meetlngs
The Head Master- Mr Neil McLaughlan
The Master of Music- Mr Simon Johnson
The Bursar- Mrs Joanna Stephens
The Deputy Head {Pastorall - Miss Emily Auger
The Director of Admissions- Mrs Lucy Freeman (nee Auger)
Clerk lo the Governors
Mrs Joanna Stephens
Princlpal address
Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Ambrosden Avenue
London
SW1 1QH
Charlty registratlon
number
1063761
Audltor
Buzzacott LLP
130 Wood Street
London
EC2V 6DL
Bankers
HSBC Bank plc
69 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y SEY
Sollcltors
Farrer & Co LLP
66 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London
WC2A 3LH
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Dlrectors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Introduction
The Directors of the Corporate Trustee (hereafter referred to as the Trustees) present their
statutory report together with Ihe accounts of Westminster Cathedral Choir School (the charity
or School or WCCS) for the year ended 31 August 2024.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance wilh the accounting policies sel out on
pages 1910 22 of the allached accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, applicable
laws and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102).
Structure, governance and management
Constitutlon
Westminster Cathedral Choir School is governed by a trust deed dated 8 July 1997 and is
registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Registration No 1063761.
Status
Westminster Cathedral Choir School was founded by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan in 1902 to
provide boarding ChoTislers and Exhibilioners to sing the daily capitular liturgy in the then new
Cathedral. In 1976 day boys were introduced and in 2017 a Pre Prep was added. There
were 269 boys, aged 4-13 at the start of the 2023124 year. The School is divided into nine
year groups (National Curriculum Years Reception lo Year 81. There are approximately 30
boys in each year group.
WCCS is situated within Ihe precincts of Weslminster Cathedral and is Roman Catholic by
foundation. The Head Master is a member of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory
Schools {IAPSI, the Catholic Independent Schools, Conference ICISC) and the Choir
Schools, Association (CSA).
Organisation
Ultimate responsibility for the charity lies with the Directors of Westminster Roman Catholic
Diocese Trustee (WRCDTI (the Trustees).
Trustees and Governors
The Trustees i.e. the Directors of the Corporate Trustee are appointed by the Archbishop of
Westminster,
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Trustees and Governors (conliniied)
The Trustees who have been in office since 1 September 2023 are as follows..
His Eminenc8 Cardinal V Nichols
Rl Rov J Sherrington
Rl Rev N Hudson
Rl Rev P McAleenan
Rev Mgr M Hayes
Rev Mgr J O'Boyle {resigned 5 July 20241
Rl Rev J Curry (appointed 18 June 20241
MrA Ndoca
Dame C Bow8
Baroness N O'Loan
Mr K Ingram
Mr E Cragton
On agreeing to become a Director of the Corporate Trustee, the Trustees are thoroughly
briefed by their co-Trustees on the history of the charity, the day-to-day management, the
responsibilities of the Trustees, the current objectives and future plans. The Trustees are
also encouraged to attend any courses which they feel are relevant to the development of
their role and to keep up-to-dale on any changes in legislation.
The Trustees are ultimately responsible for the policies, activities and assets of the charity.
The Archbishop appoints a Chairman of the Board of Governors who appoints other
governors for 8 fixed term in consullalion with the Archbishop. The Governors work with the
Trustees in determining the general direction of the School and operate within powers sel out
in an Instrument of Government. They meet during the year to review the developments with
regard to the charity, ils activities and make any important decisions. When necessary, the
Trustees andlor Governors seek advice and support from Ihe charity's professional advisers
including solicilors and accountants, The Bursar undertakes the day-to.day management of
the charity's activities, the implementation of policies, administers payments and keeps the
books and records of the charity,
The names of the Governors who have served since 1 September 2023 are given on page 1
of this report and accounts.
At their meetings, the Governors review the latest management accounts including budget
forecasts.
Trustees, and Governors, remuneration
No Trustee or Governor received any remuneration from the charity in connection with hislher
duties as a Trustee or Governor during the year. Two Governors received reimbursement of
travel and accommodation expenses totalling £2,18712022123.' £457 for one Governor) from
the charity in connection with their duties as a Governor during the year. No Trustee or
Governor had any beneficial interest in any contract with the charity.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management Icontinuedl
Responslbllltles of the Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts in accordance
with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare
accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these
accounts, the Trustees are required to.
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.,
• observe the methods and principles in Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement
of Recommended Practice applicable to charilies preparing their accounts in accordance
wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS
1021.,
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
• state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts., and
• prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate lo presume
that the charity will conlinue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charily and enable them to
ensure that the account5 comply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008,
the applicable Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust
deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Key management personnel
The Trustees and Governors consider that they, together with the Senior Management Team
{SMTI, comprise the key management of Ihe charity in charge of directing and controlling,
running and operating the School.
As noted above, neither the Trustees nor the Governors receive any remuneration in respect
lo their services. The Governors meet at least once a term and there is regular formal and
informal communication between the Governors, Ihe Trustees and members of the SMT.
Day lo day management of the School is the responsibility of the Senior Management Team.
This consists of the Head Master, Deputy Head {Pasloral), Head of Pre-Prep, Deputy Head
(Academic) {also Head of Boarding), Director of Studies, Director of Admissions and Bursar.
The SMT meets weekly to discuss any operational. safeguarding or staff matters
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Dlrectors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management {continued)
Key management personnel (continuedj
The remuneration of members of the SMT is reviewed annually by the Governors,
Remuneration Committee. This Committee considers market pay levels (using external
sutvey data where available), individual performance over the year and any changes in
responsibilities. Those members of the SMT that also leach will have a portion of their salary
determined by the main teaching pay scale.
Rlsk management
The Trustees delegate risk management to the School's Governing Body- principally through
ils Pastoral and Finance Committees, which meet termly. The School is also represented at
the Health, Safely and Fire Commillee of the Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust.
Risk5 are identified and assessed, and controls established throughout the year.
The key controls used by the School include:
• Formal agendas for all committee meetings
• Strategic planning, budgeting and management accounting
Established organisalional structure and lines of reporting
Formal wrillen policies, including safeguarding and child protection
• Clear aulhorisalion and approval levels
Maintenance of a risk register
Through the risk management processes established for the School, the Governors are
satisfied that the major risks identified have been mitigated. It is recognised that systems can
only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately
managed.
Prlnclpal rlsks and uncertalntles
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity are detailed in a risk register. The
principal risks and the stralegies applied by the Trustees and Governors for managing these
are outlined below.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Prlncipal rlsks and uncertalnties (conlinued)
Safeguarding.. Compliance with safeguarding regulation is a key management concern
because of the associated reputational risk for non-compliance. The School has a
Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Safeguarding Governor who is responsible for
ensuring the policies and procedures comply with the latest Independent Schools
Inspectorate {ISI) regulations and Keeping Childraii Safe lip Education, and are
implemented in all aspects ofthe School's operation. Advice is sought from Westminster
Local Authority Designated Officer ILADOI as appropriate. All staff are subject to an
enhanced DBS check which is refreshed every 3 years. Each member of staff receives
safeguarding training al induction and this is repealed annually at staff l NSET training.
The Senior Management Team receives additional training on safer recruilmenl. The
Deputy Head IPaslor811 and Designated Safeguarding Lead reports any pastoral or
safeguarding matters to the SMT weekly, and to the Governors, Pastoral Committee and
full Governors. meetings termly.
Fall In pupll numbers.. A reduction in pupil numbers would result in a fall in income
which, over the long term, could affect the overall financial security of the School. The
School benefits from a strong market position, and demand for places is high. The School
Carefully monitors registration numbers to ensure any deterioration of this position is
quickly identified and addressed. The existence of the Pre-Prep substantially reduces
the School's reliance on a small, and dwindling, number of Pre-Prep feeder schools, and
affords the School greater control of its pupil intake. Future market changes are expected
to result in a rise of11 + exits. This is a particular risk for the School that needs a provision
in year 7 & 8 to support the choristers in these year groups. The Governors, Strategy
committee is monitoring the mafkel closely and the Trustees receive regular updates
from the School on this risk.
Flnanclal risk.. The charity opened a Pre-Prep for boys aged 410 B in September 2017.
Whilst this reduces the risk of falling pupil numbers, il increases the financial risk as
subslanlial rent payments must be met to occupy the Pre-Prep building. The renl
payments are linked to bank base rate so the School is exposed to interest rate risk. The
annual budget and five-year cash flow are reviewed regularly by the Finance Committee
lo ensure affordability of rent, There is total confidence in the charity's ability to meet the
projected rent levels and cash flow remains strong The introduction of VAT on school
fees may impact pupil numbers and affordability of the fees. The loss of business rate
relief and increase in employer Nalional Insurance contributions will significantly increase
the School's costs and will be factored into the annual budgets.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management (conlinued)
Political risk.. Further political changes could impact the School's charitable status. This
is a significant risk to the School. The School continues to actively support the local and
national community through the Choir and ils support of the choristers.
• Reputatlonal rlsk.. The School may attract media interest. Inaccurate media coverage
of the School or the Westminster Cathedral Choir creates a potential reputational risk for
the School. The School will seek professional advice where necessary to reduce this risk
and closely monitors pupil registrations to ensure that any link between adverse press
coverage and pupil registrations is noted and addressed.
Connected charfty
The Trustees are also responsible for Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust, a
regislered charily, Charity Registration Number 233699.
Objectlves and actlvltles
The general aims of the charity are the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion and the
advancement of education in the Roman Catholic tradition. The charity aims to Irain boys in
church choral music through the operation of Westminster Cathedral Choir School.
In planning the activities of the charity for the year, the Trustees and Governors have
considered the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Pupll numbers
At the start of the 2023124 academic year there were 269 boys in the School12022123'. 277)
of whom 23 were chorislers12022123.' 22) and 246 day boys {2022123.' 255).
Fees
Termly fees for 2023124 were £6,974 for day boys in Reception - Year 2 {2022123'. £6,457),
£7,204 for day boys in Year 3 (2022123.. £7,204), £7,942 for day boys in Years 4-812022123..
£7,564> and £3,667 for choristers (2022123. £3,600).
The Governors, Finance Committee sets the level of fees each year taking into consideration
the cost of providing high standards of leaching, learning and pastoral care, and of maintaining
the fabric of the building.
Academlc Ilfe
WCCS continued to develop ils liberal academic curriculum, producing exclusive resources
for each subject from Reception to Year 8.
The School remains committed to 13+ Common Entrance and continues to prepare boys for
a range of senior schools.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Objectives and actlvltles (continued}
Academic life (coi?linued)
In 2024. the School's exit list included the following..
City of London School x 2
Dulwich College x 4 (1 Academic Scholarship)
Eton College x 3
Harrow School x 2
King's College School, Wimbledon
Radley College x 1 {Music & Sports scholarship)
Westminster School x 4
The School also met all the standards for an Independent Schools Inspectorate {ISI)
inspection in June 2023.
Weslminsler Cathedral Choir continued a busy and varied schedule, on top of the six-day-a-
week singing of the capilLtlar liturgy in the Cathedral. This year the choristers sang at the
Festival of St Cecilia. at the Christmas Celebration in Westminster Cathedral, and enjoyed a
successful tour lo Germany in May, as well as doing a fruitful recording session in June.
The School and the local communlty
The School continues to devote an enormous amount of time, effort and funds to supporting
ils principal form of public benefit.. supporting Westminster Cathedral's world-class choir. The
choir sings live in public, at no cost lo its thousands of listeners, six times a week, at a standard
universally acknowledged to be world class. All the choristers receive generous scholarships,
supported by means-lesled bursaries, lo enable this form of musical education to be
accessible to any boy with an aptitude to sing.
On lop of supporting the Choir, the School and Parents, Association raised £11,000 for
charities over the year. This was split between the Cardinal Hume Centre, a local charily for
young homeless people. and Eyehope, a charily founded by a team of Ophthalmologic
Consultants at nearby St Thomas's Hospital and trealing eye disease in Tanzania.
Financial review
Financlal positlon
The charity had income during the year of £6,569,155 (2023 £6,427,094). Income from
tuition fees and similar charges, net of bursaries, lotalled £6,288,895 {2023 - £6,202,723).
Donations and legacies during the year amounted lo £152,152 {2023 - £197,967). Included
within this total was £105,000 (2023 £90,000) received by way of a grant from the
Westminster Cathedral Choir School Fund (Registered Charity Number 276878). Bank
interest was £128,10812023 - £26,404).
Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Financial review (continued)
Financial position (continued)
Total expenditure amounted to £8,319,147 <2023 £5,882,506) with staff costs, rent for the
Pre-Prep building and premises expenditure accounting for a significant proportion of this
total, The accounts incorporate expenditure on refurbishment of the facilities and buildings lo
improve the quality of education provided to the boys.
The charity had nel income for the year of £250,008 (2023 - £544,588).
Al 31 August 2024, the charity had total nel funds of £4,253,881 (2023 - £4,003,873). This
includes Testricted funds at 31 August 2024 of £414,17412023 - £436,845), principally being
monies to be applied towards meeting Ihe fees of those choristers who apply for a bursary.
Reserves pollcy
The Trustees and Governors have examined the requirement for free reseNes i.e. those
unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets, designated or othewise committed.
The requirement for free reserves is affected by the amounts held in respect to fee deposits
{most of which will not be repayable for several years), and an accrual for rent that arises from
the requirement to account for payments under the lease on a straight line basis instead of
when payable. Therefore, the nature ofthe charity's activities is Such that the key performance
indicator is cash flow rather than the level offree reserves. Cash flow will vary over the course
of each term, with high levels of cash being held al the start of each term and then being used
over the course of the term to meet expenditure on staff, premises and the operation of the
School.
The Trustees and Governors are of the opinion that at all times the charity should have
sufficient cash flow to enable it to meet its costs, that the cash flow should be sufficient to
enable the School lo continue to invest in the premises, facilities and equipment, to provide
sufficient flexibility to cover temporary shortfalls in income due to falls in pupil numbers, and
to cover the other risks and uncert8inlies of operating as an independent educational
establishment. To this end cash flow is monitored regularly against budget and there is light
control over debt collection and expendilure.
At 31 August 2024 the charity had nel current assets of £2,986,907 (2023 - £2,938,046> with
cash 81 bank and short term deposits amounting to £4,970,229 (2023 - £4,641,280). Free
reserves were £2,041,23512023- £2,003,701 >. The Trustees and Governors believe that the
financial posilion of the School at this date was acceptable and that the cash flow, which is
monitored closely, was adequate but not excessive.
Fundralslng statement
The charity aims to achieve best practice in the way in which il communicates with donors
and other supporters. It takes care with both the tone of ils communications and the accuracy
of its data to minimise the pressures on supporters. It applies best practice to protect
supporters, data and never sells data., it never swaps data and ensures that communication
preferences can be changed al any lime. The charity manages ils own fundraising activities
and does not employ the services of professional fundraisers. The charity undertakes to react
to and investigate any complaints regarding its fundraising activities and lo learn from them
and improve its service. During the year, the charity received no complaints about its
fundraising activities.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 10

Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trustee Year to 31 August 2024
Future plans
WCCS continues to enjoy stable pupil numbers in what has become a complex and over-
supplied market in central London.
The charity's focus remains on maintaining numbers in the Pre-Prep School. which takes boys
from Reception lage 41 lo Year 3 (age 8). In September 2017, the Pre-Prep recruited its first
29 boys; in 2024 there were 96 boys from Reception lage 4) to Year 3 lage 81.
Signed on behalf of the Directors of Westminster Roman Calholic Diocese Trustee by..
Trustee Ri Rev l()hn Sherrington
Approved by the Trustees on.
Toz<
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 11

Independent auditor's report Year to 31 August 2024
Independent auditor's report to the Directors of tho Westmlnster Roman Cathollc
Diocese Trust {'the Trustees'l
Opinion
We have audited the accounts of the Westminster Cathedral Choir School {Ihe 'charity'l for
the year ended 31 Augusl 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the
balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and notes to the
accounts. 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).
In our opinion, the accounts..
• give a true and fair view of the slate of the charity's affairs as a131 August 2024 and of
its incoming resources and application of resources 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 Charities Act 2011.
Basls for oplnlon
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS
(UK>I and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in
the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are
independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our
audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled
our other ethical 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.
Concluslons relallng to golng concern
In auditing the accounts, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the going concern basis
of accounting in the preparation of the accounts is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties
relating lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on
the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from
when the accounts are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect lo going concern are
described in the relevant sections of this feport.
Westminster Calhedral Choir School 12

Independent auditor's report Year to 31 August 2024
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report and Accounts,
other than the accounts and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for
the other information contained within the Annual Report and Accounts. Our opinion on the
accounts does not cover the other information and 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
informalion is materially inconsistent with the accounts or our knowledge obtained in the audit
or olhemise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies
or apparent material misslalements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to
a material misstatement in the accounts themselves. If, based on thework we have performed,
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to
report that fact.
We have nothing lo report in this regard.
Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and ils environment obtained
in the course of the audil, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees,
report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion..
• the information given in the Trustees, report is inconsistent in any material respect with
the accounts., or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept., or
• the accounts are not in a9reement with the accounting records.. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responslbllltles of Trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of the responsibilities of the Trustees, the Trustees
afe responsible for Ihe preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true
and fair view, and for such internal control as the Truslees determine is necessary lo enable
the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement. whelher due to fraud or
error.
In preparing the accounts. the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and
using the going concern basis of accounling unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the
charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 13

Independent auditor's report Year to 31 August 2024
Auditor's responsibilities for the audlt of the accounts
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in
accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts as a whole
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, bul is not
a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always delect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise frorn 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 accounts.
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.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of
irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows..
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with
those charged with governance and other management, and from our knowledge and
experience of the sector.,
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct
material effecl on the accounts or the operations of the charity, including the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Financial Reporting S18ndard applicable
in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), Accounting and Reporting by Charities..
Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), and safeguarding regulations., and
W8 assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above
through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence. We
corroborated our enquiries through our review of Trustees,, Governors, and committee
minutes.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's accounts to material misstatement, including
obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by..
making enquiries of managemenl as to their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged
fraud,. and
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance
wilh laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we..
• performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected financial
relationships.,
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 14

Independent auditor's report Year to 31 August 2024
Audttor's responsibilities for the audit of the accounts {continued)
performed subslanlive testing of expenditure including lesting the authorisation thereof.,
and
• tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we
designed procedures which included, but were not limited to..
agreeing financial statement disclosures lo underlying supporting documentation.,
reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
reviewing legal expenses incurred in the year., and
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed
Ihal laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would
become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required
lo identify non-compliance wilh laws and regulations lo enquiry of the Trustees and other
management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise
from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of Ihe accounts is located on the
Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org uklauditorsresponsibilities. This
description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of
the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken
so Ihal we might stale to the charity's Trustees those matters we are required to slate lo them
in an auditor's report and for no other purpose To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed,
15 March 2025
Buzzacotl LLP
Stalulory Auditor
130 Wood Street
London
EC2V 6DL
Buzzacolt LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act
2006
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 15

Statement of financial activities Year to 31 August 2024
Un.
re8trlcted Restrlcted
funds
funds
Total
2024
reslricled Reslriclod
tunds
funds
Total
2023
Noles
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Bank inleresl
Charitable aclivilies
Provision of education
Totsl Income
120,788
120,988
31,364
7,120
1S2,152
128,108
105.284
26.404
92.683
197,967
26,404
2 6,288,895
6,530,671
6,288,896 6,202.723
38.484 6,669,155 6,334.411
6,202.723
92.683 6,427.094
Expendlture on..
Charitable aclivili8s
Provision ol education
Charity donations
Total expèndlturo
3 6,257,992
64,384 6,312,376 5,805.889
6,771
6,771
61,166 6,319,147 5,805.889
51,151 5,857,040
25.466
25,466
76.617 5,882.506
6,267,992
Not Ineomè (èxpèndlturè)
and net movoment In fund8
272,679
122,671)
260,008
528.522
16.066
544,588
Roconelllatlon of fund8
Balances brought loward
al 1 September
3,667,028
436,846 4,003,873 3,038,506
420,779 3,459,285
Balances carrièd fomard
al 31 Augusl
3,839,707
414,174 4,263,881 3,567,028
436,845 4,003,873
All of the charity's activities derived from continuing operations during each of the above two financial
periods.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 16

Balance sheet 31 August 2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
Notes
Flxed a88Qt$
Tangible assets
1,798.472
1,563,327
Current a888t8
Debtors
Short term deposits
Cash al bank and in hand
122,062
1,800,000
3,170,229
5,092,291
141,559
1,500.000
3,141,280
4,782.839
Credltor8.' amounts falling due
within one year
9 12,106,384)
11,844,793)
Net ¢urront a88ets
2,986,907
2,938,046
Total a88et8 le88 ¢urrent IlabSlltle8
4,785.379
4,501,373
Credltor8.' amounts fallin9 due
after more than one year
io
1531.4981
1497,5001
Total net a88ets
4,263,881
4.003,873
The fund8 of the ¢harlty'.
Fund8 and re8erve8
Reslricled funds
Unreslricled income funds
General fund
,Tangible fixed assets
, Froe reserves
414,174
436,845
1,798,472
2,041,235
1,563,327
2,003,701
3,839,707
4,253,881
3,567,028
4,003,873
Approved by the Directors of Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee and signed on their
behalf by..
Truslee Rt Rev John Sherrington
Approved on..
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 17

Statement of cash flows Year to 31 August 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Cash flows from operatlng actlvltlè8:
Nel cash provided by operating activities
973,794
914,630
Cash flows from Investlng a¢tlvltle8:
Increase in short lemi deposits
Purchase ol tangible fixed assels
Net Cash usod In Investlng a¢tlvltle6
1300,0001 (1.500,0001
1644,8451 1229,2421
1944,8451 11.729,2421
Cash flow8 from flnanclng actlvltlo$',
Repayment of borrowings
Net ca8h u8ed In flnanclng actlvltl•8
1200,000)
1200,000)
Change In cash and ¢a8h equlvalont8 In the year
28,949 11,014.6121
Cash and cash equlvalent8 at 1 September
B 3,141,280
4,155,892
Cash and cash oqulvalents at 31 Augu8t
B 3,170,229
3,141,280
Notes to the stalement of cash flows for the year to 31 August 2024
A ReconcllSatlon of net movement In funds to n8t cash provlded by operatlng actlvltle8
2024
2023
Net movement In fund8 la8 per the statemènt of flnanclal actlvltleg)
Adlu8tment8 for..
Depreciation charge
Decrease in deblors
Increase in creditors (excluding lixed agsel cfedilorsl
Net ca8h provlded by opèratlng actlvltles
250,008
544,588
212,130
19,497
492,169
973.794
154,678
32.620
182,744
914,630
B Analysls of cash and cash equlvalents
2024
2023
Totsl oa8h and cash equlvalènt8.' Cash at bank and in hand
3,170,229
3,141,280
C Analysls of changes In net Idebll funds
A11
September
2023
At31
Augugl
2024
Cash
flows
Cash and cash equivalents
Short term deposits
Tolal
3,141,280
1,500,000
4,641,280
28,949
300,000
328,949
3,170,229
1.800,000
4,970,229
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 18

Principal accounting policies Year to 31 August 2024
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation
uncertainly in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.
Basls of preparation
These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 August 2024 with comparative
information given in respect lo the year lo 31 August 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by
Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their
accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 1021, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable
in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2008,
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items
recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting
policies below or the notes lo these accounts.
The charity constitutes a public benefit enlily as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts are presenled in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound,
Crltlcal accountlng estlinates and areas of ludgement
Preparation of the accounts requires the Trustees, in consultation with the Governors and
Senior Management Team, to make significant judgements and estimates.
The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include..
• Estimating the useful economic life of tangible fixed assets for the purposes of
determining an annual depreciation charge, and
• Assessing the level of any necessary bad debt provision.
Assessment of golng Concern
The Trustees, in consultation with the Governors, have assessed whether the use of the
going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. They have made this
assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the dale of approval of these
accounts.
The Trustees and Governors of the charity have concluded that there are no material
uncertainties related lo events or condilions, including the current macroeconomic and
geopolitical climate, that may cast significant doubl on the ability of the charity to continue
as a going concern although maintaining pupil numbers remains essential lo financial
security (see principal risks set out in the Report of the Directors of the Corporate Trusleel.
The Trustees and Governors are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources
to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 19

Principal accounting policles Year to 31 August 2024
Income
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity has entitlement to the income. the
amount of income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be
received.
Donations and grants are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount
and settlement dale. In the event of donations or grants pledged bul not received, the
amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation
or grant is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is
entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions
are fully mel, or the fulfilmenl of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity
and it is probable that those ¢ondilion$ will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacies are included in the statement of financia1 activities when the charity is entitled to
the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the
estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached lo the legacy are within the control of
the charity.
Interest receivable on bank deposits is credited to the statement of financial activities on an
accruals basis.
Fees for the provision of educalion comprise tuition and related fees paid in accordance wilh
agreements between the School and individual pupils, parents. Such income is stated after
deducting bursaries and is recognised when the School is enlilled lo receipt under the
relevant contractual agreements. This is usually at the point at which the School has
commenced the provision of education in respect to the relevant student at the start of each
academic term.
Expendlture
Expenditure is recognised as soon 8S there is a legal or constructive obligation committing
the charity to make a payment to a third party, it is probable Ihal a transfer of economic
benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured
reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure comprises direct costs
and support costs and is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Expenditure on charitable activities includes all direct and indirect costs associated with
furthering the charitable purposes of Ihe charity i.e. the provision of education and the
training of children in church choral music through the operation of Weslminsler Cathedral
Choir School. Such costs include..
• Teaching costs i.e. the cost ofteaching and support staff salaries, including pension and
national insurance costs. books and other tuition expenses, and the cost of games and
activities.
• Welfare costs i.e. all domestic costs associated with the School including employment
costs, consumables and catering.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 20

Principal accounting policies Year to 31 August 2024
Expenditure Iconlinuedl
• Premises costs i.e. costs associated with the premises, grounds and estate used by the
Charity for the purposes of education.
• Support costs i.e. administrative costs incurred in connection with the School.
• Governance costs, i.e. costs directly atlribulable to the legal procedures necessary for
compliance with stalulory requirements.
Tangible fixod assets
Assets costing in excess of £1,000 and with an expected useful life exceeding one year are
capitalised.
All tangible fixed assets afe staled at cost. Depreciation is provided at the following annual
rates in order to write off each asset over its eslimated useful life..
• Furniture, equipment and minor
improvements
20010 per annum based on cost
• Major improvements to properly
4 % per annum based on cost
Debtors
Debtors are recognised al their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability.
Prepayments are valued al the amount prepaid.
Cash at bank and In hand
Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on
demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisilion. Deposits
for more than three months bul less than one year have been disclosed as short term
deposits.
Croditors and provSslons
Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet
dale as a result of a past event, il is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be
required in selllement, and Ihe amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors
and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the
debt.
Fund structure
The general fund comprises the net book value of tangible fixed assets and free reserves
i.e. those monies which may be used towards meeting the charitable objectives of the charity
and which may be applied at the discretion of the Trustees.
The restricted funds comprise monies raised for. or their use restricted lo, a specified
purpose or amounts subject lo donor imposed conditions as to use.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 21

Principal accounting policies Year to 31 August 2024
Leased assets
Operating leases are defined as those leases where substantially all of the benefits and
risks of ownership remain with the lessor. The rental applicable for the period from the
commencement of such a lease until the end of the lease is charged lo the statement of
financial activilies on a straight line basis spread over the entirety of the lease term, including
over any rent free period or period of reduced rent.
Pension costs
Contributions in respect to defined contribution schemes are charged to the slalement of
financial activities in the year in which they become payable to the schemes.
The charity contributes to a defined benefit pension scheme. Under the definitions set out
in FRS 102, the scheme is a mulli-employer pension scheme. The School is unable to
identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme and accordingly, the
School has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 and has accounted for its
contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 22

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
1 Income from: Donations and legacies
Un.
restrlcted Restrl¢ted
funds
funds
Un-
Total reslricled Reslricled
2024
funds
funds
Total
2023
Grants receivable from
Weslminsler Cathedral
Choir School Fund Inole 171
Legacies receivable
Other donations, gifts and
sundry receipts
Total funds
105,000
105,000
90,000
90,000
20,511
20,511
16,788
120,788
31,364
31,364
47,152
152,152
15.284
105.284
72,172
92,683
87,456
197,967
2 Income from: Provlsion of educatlon
Un-
re8tricted R08trl¢tod
fund8
fund8
Total reslricled Reslricled
2024
lunds
lund5
Total
2023
Gross fees
Less.. Bursaries
Total fund8
6,368,929
{80,034}
6,288,896
6,368,929 6.284,123
180,0341 181,4001
6,288,895 6,202,723
6,284,123
81,4001
6,202,723
Choristers, fees only partially cover the costs associated with the provision of education for
choristers. The shortfall is in part made up by a grant of £105.000 12023 £90,000)
receivable from Weslminsler Cathedral Choir School Fund (see note 11.
3 Expenditure on: Provlslon of education
Un-
Total r8Strieled Reslricled
2024
funds
funds
restrlctod Restrl¢tèd
funds
fund8
Total
2023
Teachlng and mu8lc
Personnel costs
Books. equipment and
educational supplies
Scholarships and prizes
Depreciation
Advertising. travel and related
costs
2,571,349
2,671,349 2,416,042
2.416,042
672,785
24,407
136,814
672,785 598,864
78,791
11,564
135,814
95,260
598,864
62,715
95,260
54,384
51,151
86,966
3.491.321
86,966 138,807
54,384 3,545,705 3.260,537
138.807
51,151 3,311,688
Welfare
Personnel costs
Provisions
Miscellaneous expenses
317,241
178,950
35,209
531,400
317,241 305,551
178,950 172,698
35,209
25,028
531,400 503,277
305.551
172,698
25,028
503,277
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 23

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
3 Expenditure on: Provision of education (continued}
Un-
restricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total reslricled Reslricled
2024
funds
funds
Total
2023
Prem18e$
Personnel costs
Maintenance and repairs
Rent and Property charges
payable lo Weslminsler
Roman Catholi¢ Diocesan
Trust Inole 141
Dèpreciation
Fuèl, light and wal8f
Cleaning
Slalf accommodation
Miscellaneous
160,532
149,014
160,532
149,014
157.709
159.797
157,709
159,797
1,000,787
76,316
160,525
12,698
78,104
26,639
1,654,616
1,000,787
896,900
76,316
59,418
160,526
135,939
12,698
8,902
78,104
70,767
26.639
26,612
1.664.616 1,516,044
896.900
59,418
135,939
8.902
70,767
26,612
1,516.044
Support
Personnel costs
Printing, postage, stationery
and telephone
Computers and related
maintenance
Bank charges
366,295
366,295
338,112
338,112
67,894
67,894
61,254
61,254
69,841
6,589
499,419
69,641
6,589
499,419
57,236
6,676
463,278
57,236
6.676
463.278
Governanco
Auditor's remuneration
Other legal and professional
fees
12,680
12,580
14,229
14,229
68,657
81,237
68,667
81,237
48,524
62,753
48,524
62,753
Total fund8
6,267,992
54,384 6,312,376 5.805,889
51,151 5,857,040
4 Staff cost8
2024
2023
Staff costs during the period were as follows..
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2,639,636
273,686
445,848
3,359,069
55,348
3,414,417
2,516.341
243.634
409.084
3,169.059
48,355
3,217.414
Olher slalf costs
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 24

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
4 Staff costs Iconlinued)
The number of employees who earned more Ihan £60,000 (including taxable benefits but
excluding employer's national insurance and pension contributions) during the year was as
follows..
Total
2024
Tola
2023
£60.001 - £7D.000
£70.001 - £80.000
£80,001- £90,000
£90.001- £100.000
£160,001 £170,000
£170,001 £180.000
The average number of employees during the period. analysed by function, was as follows..
2024
No.
2023
No.
Teaching and music
Welfare
Support
46
18
44
19
69
68
S Remuneratlon of Trustees, Governors and key management porsonnel
No Trustee or Governor received any remuneralion from the charity in connection with their
duties as a Director of the Corporate Trustee or Governor during the year or in respect of
their role as key managernenl personnel 12023
£nill. Two Governors received
reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses totalling £2,187 from the charity in
connection with their duties as a Governor during the year12023 - £457 reimbursed lo one
Governor). No Trustee or Governor had any beneficial interest in any contract with the
charity during the year12023 - none}.
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of running and operating the charity
on a day-to-day basis are the Directors of the Corporate Trustee, Governors. Head Master,
Deputy Head (Pastoral), Head of Pre-Prep, Deputy Head {Academicl (also Head of
Boarding), Director of Studies, Director of Admission5 and Bursar. The total remuneration
(including taxable benefits, employer's national insurance and pension conlributionsl of the
key management personnel for the year was £917,481 (2023 - £844,288).
The School provides a discount on school fees of up lo 850/0 for senior management and up
to 25°h for all other School staff. In line wilh this policy, the Head of Pre-Prep receives an
850/0 discount on School fees for her son, who joined the School in September 2020.
6 Taxatlon
Westminster Cathedral Choir School is a registered charity and, therefore, is nol liable to
income tax or corporation tax on income derived from ils charitable activities, as it falls within
the various exemptions available to registered charities.
Weslminster Cathedral Choir School 25

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
7 Tangible fixed assets
Furniture,
Major
equipment
improvements
and minor
lo property improvements
Total
Cost
Al 1 September 2023
Additions
Disposals
Al 31 August 2024
1,907,895
228,795
2,004,854
218,480
1124,0111
2,099,323
3,912,749
447,275
1124,0111
4,236,013
2,136,690
Dopreclatlon
Al 1 September 2023
Charge for year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
Al 31 August 2024
780,617
76,316
1,568,805
135.814
1124,0111
1,580,608
2,349.422
212,130
1124,0111
2,437,641
856,933
Nol book valu08
Al 31 August 2024
Al 31 August 2023
1.279,757
1,127,278
518,715
436,049
1,798,472
1,663,327
8 Debtors
2024
2023
Tuition and other fees receivable
Prepayments and sundry debtors
38,161
83,901
122,062
33,110
108,449
141,559
9 Cradltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year
2024
2023
Amounts due lo Weslminslèr Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust (note 14}
Accrued rent (see belowl
PAYE, National Insurance and employer's pension contributions
Fees in advanc8
Returnable fee deposits
Additions to tangible fixed asséts
Accruals
91,972
303,087
130,162
1,379,144
60.500
98,884
41,635
2,105,384
61,431
317,311
128,616
933.227
41,000
296,454
66,754
1,844,793
The accrued rent of £303,08712023 - £317,311} represents the cumulative charge to the
statement of financial aclivities required in order lo spread the rent applicable to the lease
of the charity's premises over the entire period of the lease on a straight line basis, after
adjusting for an initial three year period of reduced rent and a further 6 month period of
reduced rent.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 26

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
10 Credltors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Returnable lee deposils
631,498
497,500
11 Restrlcted funds
The income funds include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances
of donalions and grants lo be applied for specific purposes.
Atl
September
2023
At31
August
2024
Income Expendlture
Basil Hume Fund
Neil McLaughlan Fund
Other funds
Total reslricled funds
434,926
1,919
31,713
{54,134
1250
16,7711
{61,156
412,505
1.669
6.771
38,484
436,845
414,174
Al 1
September
2022
A131
August
2023
Income Expendilurg
Basil Hume Fund
Neil McLaughlan Fund
Other funds
Total reslricled funds
402,815
2,169
15,7g5
420,779
83,011
150,9001
12501
125.4671
176.6171
434.926
1,919
9,672
92,683
436,845
The purposes for which the funds musl be used are as follows,
• Basil Hume Fund
Although choristers are required to pay only a small proportion of the full fees by virtue
ofthe grant received annually from the Westminster Cathedral Choir School Fund (note
1), further assistance is also available on application to this fund.
• Neil McLaughlan Fund
The Neil McLaughlan Fund comprises a donation from a parent lo establish a fund from
which an annual award will be made to recognise an oulslanding contribution from a
member of academic teaching staff (excluding SMT members).
• Other funds
Funds were collected for the Eyehope charity and the Cardinal Hume Centre during the
course of the year.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 27

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestrlctod
general Ro8trlctod
fund
funds
2024
Total
Fund balance8 at 31 August 2024
arè repre80nted by:
Tangible fixed assets
Nel current assets
Creditors.. amounts falling duo after more than one year
Total net a8$ets
1,798,472
2,672,733
1531,4981
3,839,707
1,798,472
2,986,907
1631,4981
4,263,881
414,174
414,174
Unreslricled
general Reslricled
fund
funds
2023
Total
Fund balances al 31 August 2023
are represented by..
Tangible lixed assets
Nel current assets
Creditors.. amounts falling due after more than one year
Total nel assets
1,563,327
2,501.201
1497,5001
3,567.028
1,563,327
2,938,046
1497.5001
4,003,873
436,845
436,845
13 Connected charlty
The charity is connected to Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust {Charily
Registration Number 233699) which has the same Corporate Trustee, namely W8Stminster
Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee.
14 Transactlons wlth connected charSty
A licence agreement exists between the School and Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan
Trust in relation to the School's share of the healing and hot water costs.
During the year to 31 August 2024, rent and property related charges of £1,000.787 {2023
£896,900) were payable to Westminster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust. This includes
a rent payment for the use of 47 Francis Street, London, SW1 P by Westminster Cathedral
Choir School as a Pre-Prep School. The property is owned by the Westminster Roman
Catholic Diocesan Trust and is rented lo the charity.
As at 31 August 2024, an amount of £91,972 (2023 - £61,431 } was due to Westminster
Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust (note 9).
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 28

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
15 Commltments under operating leases
At 31 August 2024, the total of the charity's future minimum lease payments under non-
cancellable operaling leases was as follows..
2024
2023
Land and buildings
Amount duo within one year
Amounts due between two and live years
Amounts due after five years
938,251
986,006
3,488,662
3,670,241
9,962,524 10,949,396
14,389,437 15,605,643
The above lease is for a 30 year period from July 2017 with an initial three year period of
reduced rent and a further 6 months of reduced rent from April 2020.
The rent payable is variable and depend5 on the Bank Rale set by the Bank of England.
16 Penslon commitment8
The charity's teaching staff belong to the Teachers, Pension Scheme {TPS). The total
pension cost for the TPS for the period was £400,12212023- £367,713} For non-leaching
staff, conlribulions are made to defined contribution pension schemes. The total pension
costs for the year payable to these schemes was £45,726 (2023 - £41,371}.
Teachors, Pension Scheme (TPS)
The Teachers, Pension Scheme (TPS) is a statutory. contributory, defined benefit scheme,
governed by the Teachers, Pension Scheme Regulations 2014. These regulations apply to
teachers in schools, colleges and other educational establishments. Membership is
automatic for teachers and lecturers at eligible inslilutions. Teachers and lecturers are able
to opt out of the TPS.
The TPS is an unfunded scheme and members contribute on a 'pay as you go, basis- these
conlribulions, along with those made by employers, are credited to the Exchequer under
arrangements governed by the above Acl. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid
by public funds provided by Parliament.
Under the definitions set out in FRS 102128,111. the TPS is a multi-employer pension plan.
The School is unable lo identify ils share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the plan.
Accordingly, the School has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 and has
accounted for its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined-conlribulion plan. The
School has set out below the information available on the plan and the implications for the
School in terms of the anticipated contribution rates.
The valuation of the TPS is carried out in line with regulations made under the Public Service
Pension Act 2013. Valuations credit the teachers, pension account with a real rate of return
assuming funds are invested in notional investments that produce that real rale of returr).
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 29

Notes to the accounts Year to 31 August 2024
16 Pension commitments (continued)
Teachers, Pension Scheme (TPS) (continiiedj
The latest actuarial review of the TPS was carried out as at 31 March 2020. The valuation
report was published by the Department for Education IDfEI in October 2023. The valuation
reported total scheme liabilities {pensions currently in payment and the estimated cost of
future benefits) for service to the effective date of £262 billion, and notional assets
(estimated future contributions together with the notional investments held at the valuation
date) of £222 billion, giving a notional past service deficit of £40 billion.
As a result of the valuation, new employer contribution rates have been set at 28.680/0 of
pensionable pay from April 2024 onwards (compared to 23.68'/tt since September 20191.
A full copy of the valuation report and supporting documentation can be found on the
Teachers, Pension Scheme website.
17 Related party transacllons
A total of £34,321 (2023 - £34,597) was paid to Farrer & Co LLP, the School's legal
advisers, of which Maria Strauss, a Governor, is a partner.
A grant of£105,000 {2023- £90.000 was received from Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Fund (Registered Charity Number 276878) of which Mrs Joanna Stephens, Bursar at the
School, is a trustee.
Other than the relalionships and transactions disclosed in notes 5 and 14 there were no
other related party transactions requiring disclosure (2023 none).
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 30