OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-08-31-accounts

St Laurence Education Trust (a company limited by guarantee)

Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Charity number: 1063808 Company number: 3415320

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

CONTENTS

Reference and administration details 1
Governors’ report 3
Statement of accounting and reporting responsibilities 10
Report of the auditors to the members of St Laurence Education Trust 13
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes 18

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

The Charity

St Laurence Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It was incorporated in 1997 and in the year under review was responsible for the operation of Ampleforth College , (the College) an independent co-educational boarding school for children aged 11-18.

Governors

The Governors are the directors of the company and also the charity trustees. The Governors who served during the year and up to the date of signing were:

Mr E Sparrow - Chair Mr D Ashcroft (resigned 5 September 2022) Mrs M Baines (resigned 8 May 2024) Sir Julian Brazier Mrs M Byrne-Hill Mr R Burdell Dr Michael Clarke Mrs B Matthews Mr M McCandless (resigned 31 May 2023) Mr P McDermott (resigned 7 December 2022) Mr C Passmore Mr R Tams (appointed on 9 December 2022) Mr M Vander Weyer Mrs P Walkinshaw Mrs S Sadler (appointed 21 June 2023) Mrs S Garthwaite (appointed 7 December 2023) Mr A R Johnson (appointed 7 December 2023) Mr J R Lewis (appointed 7 December 2023) Mr R A H Sword (appointed 7 December 2023) Mr R E Tams (appointed 9 December 2023)

Sub-committees:

Education Safeguarding Governance and Nominations Finance and General Purposes

Officers and key management personnel

Mr P Roberts Head (appointed 1 January 2023) Mr P Bryan Bursar/Chief Operating Officer (resigned 31 August 2023) Mr R Hills Bursar/Chief Operating Officer (appointed 31 August 2023)

1

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Registered address

Ampleforth College York North Yorkshire YO62 4EY

School address

Ampleforth College York YO62 4ER

Auditors Saffery LLP Mitre House North Park Road Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 5RX

Solicitors

Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP Orchard Court Bristol BS1 5WS

Farrers LLP 65-66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3LH

Bankers Barclays Bank plc 1 – 3 Parliament Street York YO1 8SE

Insurance Brokers

PIB Insurance Brokers Poppleton Grange Low Poppleton Lane York YO26 6GZ

2

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

TRUSTEES’ AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

St Laurence Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It was incorporated in 1997 and in the year under review was responsible for the operation of Ampleforth College, an independent co-educational boarding school for children aged 11-18.

Governance

The St Laurence Education Trust board of Governors, meets at least four times a year, one of which is a day devoted to strategic discussion and has established four sub-committees, Education, Safeguarding, Governance and Nominations, and Finance and General Purposes each of which meet at least termly. There are nominated governors for Safeguarding, Health and Safety, SEND, Pastoral/Boarding, Infirmary, Development and Staff liaison. The Governors conduct regular evaluations to ensure effective governance and the adoption of best practice.

The College is a member of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association and the Boarding Schools Association. The College is about to re-enter membership the Association of Governing Bodies (AGBIS) and the Headmaster is now a member with the Headmaster/Headmistresses conference (HMC).

Trustees

Candidates identified as potential new Governors are recommended by the Governance and Nominations Committee.

Governors receive a comprehensive induction into the workings of the college and its activities. Appropriate training is provided to all Governors through attendance at outside events and internally organised courses. This training includes the specific responsibilities that Governors have under charity law. Governors receive comprehensive and regular safeguarding training.

No Governors received any remuneration and details of Governors’ expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in the notes to the accounts.

Management and Leadership

The management of the college is delegated to the Head and the senior leadership team. The Governors work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, many of whom routinely attend Governor Committees.

Management of Risk

The oversight of the management of operational risk as exercised by the college executive is exercised through the governors’ sub-committees and strategic risk by the full board of governors.

3

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Risks are considered under the following headings, politics, economics, regulatory, legal, safeguarding, strategic direction, reputation, financial, academic, health & safety, human resources, estates and grounds, IT, catering, transport, and housekeeping.

The critical risks considered during the period have included safeguarding, regulatory compliance, financial, student numbers, destabilising change, staff wellbeing, network infrastructure.

OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Objects of the charity

During the year the objects of the charity were:

Aims

The mission of the St Laurence Education Trust is:

Principal Activities of the charity for the year

The principal activities were the provision of education to boys and girls from the ages of 11 to 18.

The education provided is consistent with the Catholic and Benedictine ethos, with 4 monks involved in teaching and as chaplains in the houses, although the whole monastic community are involved in the development of the College’s spiritual life, and in fulfilling its aims of being a Benedictine school with a Catholic mission in line with this.

Bursaries and Grants Policy

Bursaries and grants totalling £2,174,000 (2022: £2,395,000) were made, £1,831,000 from within unrestricted funds and £263,000 from restricted funds. This includes £110,000 from the Ampleforth Abbey Trust, which holds a number of funds for bursaries, scholarships, and other grants. The Governors' policy, in line with that of other independent schools, is to make these awards based on the individual's educational ability and family circumstances. There is a Bursary Policy defining the processes and committees to administer the awards.

4

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Public Benefit

When planning activities for the year the Governors have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

The Governors enable students to attend the college who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees by providing bursary support, and arrangements are in place to enable those attending local state schools to make use of Ampleforth’s facilities and services. Examples are set out below. Incidental public benefit is also provided, such as students raising funds for other charities and to support those less privileged than themselves.

Activities during the year:

5

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

raise funds for the bursary fund which provides places for students requiring substantial assistance with the fees.

The Academic Year 2022/23

Academic

The curriculum at Ampleforth is designed to provide a broad and balanced education for students where all are given the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects in a specialist, supportive environment. In Years 9 to 11, students follow a core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science, PE, Christian Theology, and Christian Living. A number of ancient and modern languages are offered, and students are expected to take at least one to GCSE. Students also have access to excellent teaching in History, Geography, Art, Music, Design and Technology, Drama and Computer Science. For Sixth Form, students can choose from a large selection of A levels and BTECs and are given the freedom to opt for a full programme of A levels or BTECs or a combination of the two. The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) and the Extend Project Qualification (EPQ) run in parallel with GSCEs and A Levels respectively as project qualifications, which allow students to exercise independent research in a field of study which is of interest to them. Ampleforth welcomes students with a range of abilities and is proud of its academic success, providing excellent academic support for students and a full post-results service.

In 2023, 36% of A level grades were A-A with 84% A-C. Students also achieved 44% of grades 9 – 7 at GCSE, with 88% of grades at 9 – 4. Leavers go on to a variety of destinations, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group Universities, and the College also supports students interested in applying to destinations in the US, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere.

Co-Curricular and Activities

The Ampleforth tradition emphasises the importance of educating the whole person and provides plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in an extensive array of co-curricular activities. Sport is an integral part of life at Ampleforth, and the College has a long tradition of sporting excellence. Whilst representing Ampleforth at competitive sport is considered an honour and a privilege, there are opportunities to participate for students at every skill level. Rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, and tennis are Ampleforth’s five key sports, but there are opportunities to take part in everything from squash to yoga to water polo throughout the year. There is also a strong Equestrian programme, with a new Outdoor Arena opened in 2018 including Dressage and Show Jump facilities.

Students can also take part in large and small-scale performing arts productions including theatre, dance, and music, as well as backstage activities and broadcasting through Ampleforth Television.

A particularly high number of students choose to participate in the Combined Cadet Force, with Army and RAF sections offered. Many also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award, with regular expeditions to the North Yorkshire Moors, the Dales, the Lake District, and Scotland.

There are a myriad of clubs and societies on offer, with every possible hobby catered for, from debating to Land Rover restoration to a Highland pipe band.

Students also participate in copious volunteering opportunities throughout the year and a dedication to service lies at the heart of an Ampleforth education.

6

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Spirituality

Ampleforth's grounding in Gospel values offers a way of life which is a contemporary response to the needs of young people today. Students, staff, and parents are invited into a transforming encounter with Christ through active participation in the life of a living Christian community.

All at Ampleforth are formed by the Word, the Sacraments, and good works. Student led Lectio groups, service projects and charitable initiatives are not taken for granted and flourish here. The spiritual life and mission of the college is an invitation extended to every single student regardless of background.

Boarding

There are eight boarding houses at Ampleforth: three for girls, four for boys, and a dedicated Junior House for Years 7 and 8. Each House is home to up to 70 students of all ages who live in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, usually described as a second family.

The vast majority of students are boarders, but day students are fully integrated into the life of a House and are allocated their own study space, as well as having the option to stay overnight on occasion. Spirituality is a key part of House life, and morning and evening prayers, Mass, and seasonal prayers are centred on each student’s House and House Chapel

Key objectives and achievements for this year included:

Ampleforth College – To offer each pupil the opportunity and invitation to encounter Christ and to share their Christ-given gifts with others, as well as to learn to serve the needs of others and grow in understanding of ourselves on a spiritual, intellectual, and personal level. An Ampleforth education seeks to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Ampleforth teaches by its holistic view of education that the more you put into the shared life of the College, the more you learn, grow and begin to understand. All pupils are engaged with their studies as a Benedictine scholar, an approach which is centred on attentiveness, listening, respect, curiosity, writing, praying and discussion. Outstanding pastoral care of each pupil continues to be the outstanding feature of the College.

Inspection

The College has been busily preparing for a full Ofsted Inspection, verification visits from HMC and AGBIS, as well as an impending Diocesan Inspection.

The transformation of the membership of the Governing Body, demanded by the DofE is not complete.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Plans for and review of 2023-2024

The Robin Dyer cricket nets have been completed in October 2023. Work on making the boarding side of Ampleforth more cohesive and centred in the middle of the campus has been undertaken. A comprehensive review of the curriculum is ongoing. The new gates and fence have been installed and are an impressive addition to the campus, as well as ensuring the safety of pedestrians and underlining the college’s commitment

7

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

to excellence in safeguarding. The commitment of the college to the full range of co-curricular life and the benefits of full boarding remains undiminished, although the college remains family friendly and flexible in response of the needs of individual pupils.

Fundraising

All fundraising staff are professionally trained , and all activities of the department are carried out in accordance with standards and guidelines set by the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE). Donors are kept informed of how their donations are being used and the impact their philanthropy has for Ampleforth. Where the donor restricts the application of their donation, the gift is applied to the purpose originally intended. Donors' rights to privacy are also respected and the College fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Members of staff and students organise various fundraising events and activities in support of the wider community and charitable causes. The college does not use any commercial participators or professional fundraisers. The college is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and as a result has signed up to the Code of Fundraising Practice, and no complaints have arisen this year.

Employees

The College’s policies for recruitment, training, career development and promotion of employees are based on the role and capability of the individual and give those who are disabled equal treatment with the able bodied. In addition , the College does not discriminate against employees or potential employees on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, political beliefs, sex , or marital status. Where appropriate employees disabled after joining the College are given suitable training for continuing employment with the College or elsewhere.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Financial results for the period are shown on page 15 of the financial statements.

Gross fee income was £15,422,000 (2022: £16,236,000) before scholarships and bursaries of £2,174,000 (2022: £2,395,000). The net incoming resources for the year were £2,313,000 (2022: Incoming £1,624,000).

The net income includes a donation of £2,752,000 that relates to a write off of a historic balance with Ampleforth Abbey Trust with their agreement.

Cashflow remained strong, the result of ongoing improved operating results, better collection of fees and improved working capital management.

Reserves policy

Historically and from the formation of the College any surpluses generated by it were transferred to the Ampleforth Abbey Trust. The only reserves that were retained were sufficient to cover working capital requirements.

8

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

The Governors have identified the need to build up a general fund reserve and are considering the level required.

Going concern

At the year end the College had net assets of £1,409,000 (2022: liabilities £2,528,000). The College made a surplus in the year.

The Governors have prepared detailed forecasts which have been flexed to take account of the current environment to the best of their knowledge and its expected impact on pupil numbers.

Cashflow has continued to improve during the year and post year end , and the College has a net current asset position. This is sufficient to confirm the College as a going concern, after taking into account reasonable sensitivity analysis around the most recent forecasts.

The Governors’ report and strategic report is approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Mr E Sparrow Chair of Governors

Date 16[th] May 2024

9

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of St Laurence Education Trust for the purposes of company law and also referred to as the Governors within these accounts) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The T rustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the reparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Independent Auditor’s Report to St Laurence Education Trust, a Company Limited by Guarantee

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of St Laurence Education Trust for the year ended 31 August 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards,

10

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

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 financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s 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 financial statements 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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of 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. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the 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 during 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.

11

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

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 during the audit:

Matters on which we are Required to Report by Exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained during the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report and Strategic Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 10, the Trustees (who are also 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.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s 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 to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our

12

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

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. 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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.

Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:

We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the Trustees, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls, and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the charitable company by discussions with Trustees and updating our understanding of the sector in which the charitable company operates.

Laws and regulations of direct significance to the charitable company include the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Further the charitable company is subject to other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, through significant fine, litigation or restrictions on the charity’s operations. We identified the most significant laws and regulations to be the Independent School Standards as found in the Education and Skills Act 2008 and guidance issued by the Department for Education.

Audit response to risks identified:

We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the charitable company’s records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities including Ofsted reports to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the charitable company’s policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.

During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.

13

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members and the Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to 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 charitable company, the charitable company’s members, and Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Saggpeng LLP

Sally Appleton (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Saffery LLP

Chartered
Accountants		 Saffery LLP
Mitre House
Harrogate
HG1 5RX

Statutory Auditors

Date: 20 May 2024

Saffery LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

14

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Statement of financial activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31st August 2023

Income from:
Note
Charitable activities
School fee income
2
Ancillary trading income
2
Other income
Grant Income
2
Sundry Income
2
Other trading activities
Other activities
3
Investments
Bank and other interest
4
Donations and legacies
Donations
5
Donations from Ampleforth Abbey Trust
Total incoming resources
Charitable activities
Education and grant making:
Total expenditure
6
Net income/(expenditure)
Fund transfer
Fund balances brought forward
Fund balance carried forward		 2023
£'000
Unrestricted
13,511
404
-
-
123
120
2,752
16,910
15,001
15,001
1,909
200
(949)
1,160		 2023
£'000
Restricted
-
-
-
-
-
677
-
677
273
273
404
(200)
45
249		 2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Total
Total
13,511
15,089
404
396
-
-
-
142
123
3
120
14
677
1,279
2,752
-
17,587
16,923
15,274
15,299
15,274
15,299
2,313
1,624
-
-
(904)
(2,528)
1,409
(904)

All the above results are derived from continuing activities. There are no recognised gains and losses other than those passing through the statement of financial activities.

The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

15

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Balance sheet

as at 31st August 2023

Note 2023 2022
£'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 958 420
Current assets
Stocks 9 91 86
Debtors 10 924 1,081
Cash and deposits 4,019 4,460
5,034 5,627
Current liabilities
Creditors payable within one year 11 (3,855) (3,362)
Total assets less current liabilities 2,137 2,685
Long term liabilities
Creditors payable after one year 12 (728) (3,589)
Net assets/(liabilities) 1,409 (904)
Reserves
Restricted funds 15 249 45
Unrestricted funds 15 1,160 (949)
1,409 (904)

Signed on behalf of the Board of Governors and authorised for issue by:

Mr E Sparrow, Trustee

16 May 2024

Registered company number: 3415320

16

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31st August 2023
Note
Net cash inflow from
operations
16
Cash inflow from operations
Cashflow from investing activites
Purchase of fixed assets
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period		 2023
£'000
2022
£'000
213
1,640
213
1,640
(654)
(407)
4,460
3,227
4,019
4,460

17

Notes

(forming part of the accounts)

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared under the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS102) and Financial Reporting Standard 102. The accounts are drawn up on the historical cost basis of accounting. The Trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Going Concern

At the year end the trust had net assets of £1,409,000.

The Governors have prepared detailed forecasts as part of the recovery plan which have been flexed to take account of the current environment to the best of their knowledge and its expected impact on pupil numbers, including the current position with regard to overseas students and visas. Cashflow continues to improve and is sufficient to confirm the trust as a going concern,even after taking into account reasonable sensitivity analysis around the most recent forecasts.

The following accounts policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Charity's financial statements.

Pension schemes

Retirement benefits to academic employees of the school are provided by The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS). This scheme is a multi employer pension scheme and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the Trust and therefore, as required by FRS102, accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The Charity's contributions, which are in accordance with the recommendations of the Government Actuary, are charged in the period in which the salaries to which they relate are payable.

Non teaching staff are members of a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the schemes are held separately from the Trust in independently administered funds. The amount charged to the Statement of Financial Activities represents the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

I ncome

Fee income represents the amounts receivable for fees, less any scholarships, bursaries or discounts from unrestricted funds. Income is accounted for in the period in which the service is provided. Extras relate to ancillary charges but exclude items where the charity is effectively acting as an agent and is simply recharging for costs incurred on behalf of the students.

Donations, legacies and fund accounting

Incoming resources received by way of grant, donation or legacy to fund general or specific activities are recognised where there is entitlement, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the Charity is considered probable. Donations received for the general purpose of the Trust are credited to unrestricted funds. The Trust may at its discretion set aside funds for specific purposes as designated funds which would otherwise form part of the general reserves of the Trust. Donations subject to specific wishes of the donors are credited to relevant restricted funds, or to endowed funds where the amount is required to be held as permanent capital.

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer-term liabilities. Expenditure is summarised under functional activity headings either on a direct cost basis, or for overhead and support costs, apportioned according to a number of evaluation criteria. These include absorption based upon floor space, number of staff, estimates of actual consumption and time in use.

Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Financial instruments

The Trust only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured as amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Composition Fees

Composition fees represent amounts received in respect of future fees. Interest is added to the amounts annually and the balance is then used to offset against pupils' fees.

Fixed assets

Leasehold improvements are capitalised and depreciated over 10 to 20 years on a straight line basis, and plant and equipment is capitalised and depreciated over 4 years on a reducing balance basis.

18

Notes (continued)

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

2
Charitable activities
a) Fees receivable
Fees receivable consist of:
School fees
Less: total scholarships, bursaries and discounts
Less: Covid related fee remissions
Add back: Bursaries paid for by restricted funds		 2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Total
Total
15,422
16,236
(2,174)
(2,395)
-
-
13,248
13,841
263
1,248
13,511
15,089

There were 214 (2022: 220) recipients of bursaries and discounts. Within this means tested bursaries of £1,362,416 were awarded to 83 students (2022: £1,588,273 to 95 students).

All current and prior year income from charitable activities is unrestricted.

b) Ancillary trading
Extras
Registration fees and retained deposits
All current and prior year trading income is unrestricted.
c) Other Income
Sundry Income
The prior year other income was all unrestricted.
3
Other trading activities
Other activities
Lettings
Interest on overdue fees
All interest was unrestricted in prior year.
4
Bank and other interest
Bank and other Interest
All interest was unrestricted.		 2023
£'000
Unrestricted
-
2023
£'000
Unrestricted
118
5
123
2023
£'000
Unrestricted
120		 2023
£'000
Restricted
2023
£'000
Restricted
-
-
-
2023
£'000
Restricted
-		 2023
£'000
Total
387
17
404
2023
£'000
Total
-
2023
£'000
Total
118
5
123
2023
£'000
Total
120		 2022
£'000
Total
370
26
396
2022
£'000
Total
142
2022
£'000
Total
-
3
3
2022
£'000
Total
14

19


Notes(continued)
2023
5
Donations and legacies
£'000
Unrestricted
Donations
-
Legacies
-
Donation from Ampleforth Abbey Trust
-
Donation from Ampleforth Abbey Trust (i)
2,752
2,752
(i) group donation from AAT - historic inter company account
6
Analysis of expenditure
2023
6a
Total expenditure
Staff costs
£'000
Charitable activities
Education and grant making
Teaching and welfare
8,186
Premises
573
Other
204
Support costs and governance
1,327
Grants, awards and prizes (restricted)
-
10,290
6b
Governance included in support costs:
Remuneration costs paid to auditor for audit services
Governor related expenses and training including reimbursement of travel
Other		 St Laurence Education Trust
Governors' report and financial statements
31st August 2023
2023
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
£'000
Restricted
Total
Total
567
567
228
-
-
-
110
110
1,051
2,752
-
677
3,429
1,279
2023
2023
2022
Other
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
1,004
9,190
8,919
2,568
3,141
2,672
275
479
365
874
2,201
2,095
263
263
1,248
4,984
15,274
15,299
2023
2022
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
20
20
13
9
21
25
54
54		 St Laurence Education Trust
Governors' report and financial statements
31st August 2023
2023
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
£'000
Restricted
Total
Total
567
567
228
-
-
-
110
110
1,051
2,752
-
677
3,429
1,279
2023
2023
2022
Other
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
1,004
9,190
8,919
2,568
3,141
2,672
275
479
365
874
2,201
2,095
263
263
1,248
4,984
15,274
15,299
2023
2022
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
20
20
13
9
21
25
54
54
1,279
2022
Total
£'000
8,919
2,672
365
2,095
1,248
15,299
2022
Total
£'000
20
9
25
54

Included within Charitable activities is a rental charge of £238,392 (2022: £347,880) from Ampleforth Abbey Trust

20

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

7 Staff numbers and costs

The average number of persons employed during the year directly by the company was 230 (2022: 233).

The average number of persons (full time equivalent) employed by functions was:

Schools:
Teaching and welfare
Premises
Support costs and governance
Other activities
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social Security costs
Pension contributions - defined benefit
Pension contributions - defined contribution
Aggregate employee - benefits of key management personnel
(relates to 4 individuals, 2021: 3)		 2023
157
27
28
7
219
2023
£'000
8,430
825
835
200
10,290
421		 2022
158
27
29
7
221
2022
£'000
8,146
803
843
186
9,978
455

Redundancy and termination payments of £32,750 (2022: £22,266) were incurred during the year relating to 2 employees

The number of staff earning in excess of £60,000 per annum were as follows:-

2023 2022
£60,000 - £70,000 7 6
£70,001 - £80,000 2 -
£80,001 - £90,000 2 1
£90,001 - £110,000 1 1
£120,000-£140,000 - 1
£140,000-£160,000 1 -
£180,000 - £200,000 - 1

Of the above 5 (2022: 6) were accruing retirement benefits under the Teachers' Pension Defined Benefits Scheme and nil (2022: nil) under defined contribution schemes.

21

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

8 Tangible assets

Cost
Balance at 31st August 2022
Additions
Disposals
Balance at 31st August 2023
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 31st August 2022
Charge for the year
Balance at 31st August 2023
Net book value
At 31st August 2023
At 31st August 2022		 Plant and
Machinery
£'000
388
18
(2)
404
117
66
183
221
271		 Buildings
£'000
162
636
-
798
13
48
61
737
149		 Total
£'000
550
654
(2)
1,202
130
114
244
958
420

22


Notes(continued)
9
Stocks
Goods for resale
10
Debtors
Trade debtors
Amount owed from group undertakings
Prepayments
Other
11
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Fees received in advance of term
Amount owed to group undertakings
Confirmation fees
Composition fees (Fees in advance scheme)
Accruals
Other creditors		 St Laurence Education Trust
Governors' report and financial statements
31st August 2023
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
91
86
91
86
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
503
596
-
190
399
267
22
28
924
1,081
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
201
180
2,481
2,341
81
-
182
183
358
153
228
124
324
381
3,855
3,362		 St Laurence Education Trust
Governors' report and financial statements
31st August 2023
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
91
86
91
86
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
503
596
-
190
399
267
22
28
924
1,081
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
201
180
2,481
2,341
81
-
182
183
358
153
228
124
324
381
3,855
3,362
86
2022
£'000
596
190
267
28
1,081
2022
£'000
180
2,341
-
183
153
124
381
3,362

Confirmation fees are deposits that are repayable when the pupil leaves the school and are technically repayable on demand, however it is expected that they will be repayable as follows:

Within 1 year
Within 1 to 2 years
Within 2 to 5 years
Over 5 years		 2023
£'000
182
143
367
30
722		 2022
£'000
183
200
374
29
786

Composition fees: Parents may enter into a contract to pay the Schools in advance for a number of years. The money may be returned subject to specific conditions on the receipt of notice. The current year figures include new receipts of £391k, and £232k applied against fees in the year.

12 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Confirmation fees
Composition fees
Amounts owed to group undertakings
23		 2023
£'000
540
188
-
728		 2022
£'000
603
233
2,753
3,589

Notes (continued)

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

13 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31st August 2023 are
represented by:
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Fund balances at 31st August 2022 are
represented by:
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities		 2023
Unrestricted
£'000
5,743
(3,855)
(728)
1,160
2022
Unrestricted
£'000
6,002
(3,362)
(3,589)
(949)		 2023
Restricted
£'000
249
-
-
249
2022
Restricted
£'000
45
-
-
45		 2023
Total
£'000
5,992
(3,855)
(728)
1,409
2022
Total
£'000
6,047
(3,362)
(3,589)
(904)		 2022
Total
£'000
6,047
(3,362)
(3,589)
(904)
2021
Total
£'000
4,151
(3,659)
(3,020)
(2,528)

14 Pension and similar obligations

There are two pension schemes to which contributions were made:

14a The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits pension scheme governed by The Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010 (as amended) and The Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014 (as amended). Members contribute on a “pay as you go” basis with contributions from members and the employer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.

The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the Government Actuary’s Department. The most recent actuarial valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2016 and the Valuation Report, which was published in March 2019, confirmed that the employer contribution rate for the TPS would increase from 16.4% to 23.6% from 1 September 2019. Employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 23.68%.

The 31 March 2016 Valuation Report was prepared in accordance with the benefits set out in the scheme regulations and under the approach specified in the Directions, as they applied at 5 March 2019. However, the assumptions were considered and set by the Department for Education prior to the ruling in the 'McCloud/Sargeant case’. This case has required the courts to consider cases regarding the implementation of the 2015 reforms to Public Service Pensions including the Teachers’ Pensions.

On 27 June 2019 the Supreme Court denied the government permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s judgment that transitional provisions introduced to the reformed pension schemes in 2015 gave rise to unlawful age discrimination. The government is respecting the Court’s decision and has said it will engage fully with the Employment Tribunal as well as employer and member representatives to agree how the discriminations will be remedied. The Government announced on 4 February 2021 that it intends to proceed with a deferred choice underpin under which members will be able to choose either legacy or reformed scheme benefits in respect of their service during the period between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022 at the point they become payable.

24

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

The TPS is subject to a cost cap mechanism which was put in place to protect taxpayers against unforeseen changes in scheme costs. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, having in 2018 announced that there would be a review of this cost cap mechanism, in January 2019 announced a pause to the cost cap mechanism following the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the McCloud/Sargeant case and until there is certainty about the value of pensions to employees from April 2015 onwards. The pause was lifted in July 2020 and a consultation was launched on 24 June on proposed changes to the cost control mechanism following a review by the Government Actuary. The consultation closed to response on 19 August 2021 and the Government is currently analysing the responses.

In view of the above rulings and decisions the assumptions used in the 31 March 2016 Actuarial Valuation may become inappropriate. In this scenario, a valuation prepared in accordance with revised benefits and suitably revised assumptions would yield different results that those contained in the Actuarial Valuation. Until the consultation and the cost cap mechanism review are completed it is not possible to conclude on any financial impact or future changes to the contribution rates of the TPS. Accordingly no provision for any additional past benefit pension costs is included in these financial statements.

14b The St Laurence Education Trust Money Purchase Scheme

The scheme is administered by Legal and General. The employer's contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which the salaries to which they relate are due.

15a
Movements on funds
Restricted funds
Bursary fund (i)
Donations towards bursaries (ii)
Annual fund - Cricket Nets
Annual fund - Fence project
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Total funds		 Balance at
31-Aug-22
£'000
45
-
-
45
(949)
(949)
(904)		 Income
£'000
263
10
204
200
677
16,910
16,910
17,587		 Expended
£'000
(263)
(10)
-
-
(273)
(15,001)
(15,001)
(15,274)		 Transfer of
funds
£'000
Balance at
31-Aug-23
£'000
-
-
-
(200)
45
-
204
-
(200)
249
200
1,160
200
1,160
-
1,409

(i) The bursary fund was set up to provide bursary assistance.

(ii) The bursary fund is made up of parent donations.

(iii) The annual fund in made up of parent donations and other donations.

25

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

15b Movements on funds - Comparative

Balance at
31-Aug-21
£'000
Income
£'000
Restricted funds
Bursary fund (i)
Donations towards bursaries (ii)
Annual Fund (iii)
45
34
22
1,189
25
4
101
1,218
Unrestricted funds
General fund
(2,629)
15,705
(2,629)
15,705
Total funds
(2,528)
16,923
i) The bursary fund was set up to provide bursary assistance.		 Expended
£'000
(1,189)
(59)
(26)
(1,274)
(14,025)
(14,025)
(15,299)		 Balance at
31-Aug-22
£'000
45
-
-
45
(949)
(949)
(904)

16 Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

16a Reconciliation of net incoming resources to net cash flow from operations

Net Income
Elimination of non-operating cash flows:
(Increase)/decrease in stock
Increase in debtors
(Decrease)/increase
in creditors
Depreciation
Net cash inflow from operating activities
16b Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
26		 2023
£'000
2,313
(4)
158
(2,367)
113
213
2023
£'000
4,019
4,019		 2022
£'000
1,624
-
(358)
277
97
1,640
2022
£'000
4,460
4,460

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

17 Related party transactions

£3,112 (2022: £4,521) of travel expenses were reimbursed to 6 (2022: 8 ) Governors during the year.

The Ampleforth Society promotes the interests of former students of Ampleforth College and it provides funds for bursaries at Ampleforth College.

During the year the St Laurence Education Trust paid across £67,055 (2022: £69,664) from net fee income across to the Ampleforth Society and the Society provided £77,000 (2022: £75,810) to St Laurence Education Trust for bursaries.

The following transactions took place with the parent charity, Ampleforth Abbey Trust:

2023 2022
£'000 £'000
- recharges to the St Laurence Education Trust for a proportion of
centrally managed costs. 190 121
- rental charge by Ampleforth Abbey Trust for use of land and buildings 260 264
- balance at the year end owed (to) the Ampleforth Abbey Trust (81) (2,785)
- balance at the year end owed by the Ampleforth Abbey Trust
The following transactions took place with Ampleforth Abbey Trading Limited, a fellow subsidiary of the The following transactions took place with Ampleforth Abbey Trading Limited, a fellow subsidiary of the The following transactions took place with Ampleforth Abbey Trading Limited, a fellow subsidiary of the
Ampleforth Abbey Trust:
Charges from Ampleforth Abbey Trading for use of residential properties, 111 148
other properties and the sports centre.
Purchase of Stock - sports kit - -

27

St Laurence Education Trust Governors' report and financial statements 31st August 2023

Notes (continued)

18 Statement of financial activities - comparative figures by fund-type

for the year ended 31st August 2022

Income from:
Charitable activities
School fee income
Ancillary trading income
Other Income
Grant Income
Sundry Income
Other trading activities
Non ancillary trading income
Other activities
Investments
Bank and other interest
Donations and legacies
Donations
Total incoming resources
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Other income generating activities
Financing costs
Total deductible costs
Charitable activities
Education and grant making:
Donation to Ampleforth Abbey Trust
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Net movements in funds
Fund balances brought forward at
31st August 2021
31st August 2022		 2022
£'000
Unrestricted
15,089
396
-
142
-
3
14
61
15,705
-
-
-
14,025
-
14,025
1,680
(2,629)
(949)		 2022
£'000
Restricted
2022
£'000
Total
-
-
15,089
396
-
-
142
-
-
-
3
-
14
1,218
1,218
1,279
16,923
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,274
15,299
-
-
1,274
15,299
(56)
1,624
101
(2,528)
45
(904)

28