The Unicorn Trust
(A company limited by guarantee}
Registered Charity Number 1070807
Company Number 3588494
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended
31st August 2024
Wenn Townsend
Chartered Accountants
Oxford

The Unicorn Trust
Contents
Page
Legal and administrative infomiation
Report of the Trustees
Report of the independent auditor
Statement of f inancial activities
Balance sheet
10
Cash f low statement
11
Notes f oming part of the f inancial slalements
12-20

The Unicorn Trust
Legal and administrative information
GovernorslDirectors:
A Strivens (Chair of Govemors)
M Frostick {Deputy Chair of Govemors)
N J Macdonald
D Ward
J Bennett (Resigned 29th June 2024)
A Arul
N Hargreaves {Resig ned 13th December 20241
F Love
M Small (Safeguarding Govemorl (Resigned 31 sl August 20241
S Piper
N Dinsey
A Blackmore (Appointed 2nd March 2024)
Company Secretary:
K Johnson
Headteach er:
ADay
Registered Office:
20 Marcham Road
Abingdon
Oxon
OX14 1AA
Audltor:
Wenn Townsend
Chartered Accountants
30 St Giles
Oxford
OXI 3LE
Bankers:
Handelsbanken
Suite F
Windrush Court
Abingdon Business Park
Oxon
014 1SY

The Unicorn Trust
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st August 2024
Structure and Governance
The Trustees, referred lo as G0vem0￿, are also Directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies
Act 2006 and are named under the legal and administrative details sel out on page 1. They submit their
annual report and the audited f inancial statements for the year ended 31 sl August 2024.
The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP)"Accounting
and Reporting by Charities" and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland {FRS 102) (effective 1 sl January 2019) in preparing the annual ￿port and f inancial slatements of the
Charity.
The Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on the 13th June 1998 and
began operations on the 1st September 1998.
The Charity is govemed by a memorandum of association drawn up on the 13th June 1998. Th8 Board of
Trustees. along with the Headleacher, oversees the Charity and meet on a regular basis.
The Unicom Trust is regulated by The Charity Commission for England and Wales, and, for its educational
services, by Of sled. through the Independent Schoo15' Inspectorate.
Board. Committees and Trustees
The governing body brings a breadth of experience. knowledge and professional skills to the organisation. 11
provides induction and training lo new tnjstees. 11 is supported by the Cled( to the Govemors.
The Board delegates detailed discussion and scrutiny of its key responsibilities to ils regular working
Committees as set out below. The Board and it5 Committees meet at least once a temi on a fomial basis,
and regular rneetings are held between trustees, the Headteacher and senior staf f throughout the year.
Standing Committees are=
Govemance Committee (chaired by Andrew Strivensl
Education Committee (chaired by Marion Frostick)
Finance and Estates Committee (chaired by Andrew Strivens)
Remuneration Committee {chaired by Ary Arul)
Fundraising & Marketing Committee {chaired by Naomi Harg reaves during the year)
We are extremely grateful to Julia Bennett who resigned at the end of the year, for all the dedication and
support she gave over many years of voluntary service. Malt Sm811 temporarily stood down from the Board to
take on the role of Acting Headteacher, following a restructuring of the Trust's leadership positions. with
effect from 1 September 2024.
Our Vision
To tTrnsform the lives of children with leaming diff erences and their f amilies.
Mission Ststement
To equip our students wth the necessary skills and confidence lo become independent leamers, so that they
can recognise their personal strengths and communicate their individual needs, goals and values as they take
on the next chapter.
Our Core Values
Respect where this means Self-Respe¢t, Tolerance, Understanding, Acceptance, Healthy Living and Mutual
Respect
Detemiination ￿lating to - Focus, Perseverance. Resilience, Aspiration, Challenge, Dedication
Teamwork through - Friendship, Fun, Communication, Kindness. Contribulion, Positivity

The Unicorn Trust
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st August 2024 {continuedl
Objectives
Continue to deliver high quality teaching provision, ensuring all pupils leam, Ihrive and fulfil their
potential.
2. Continually develop our teaching expertise in dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, speech and language
leaming diff erences.
3. Slep change our facilities provision to support and enhance our teaching provision.
4. Extend the impact of The Unicom School through a broad outreach programme.
5. Operate on a f inancially sustainable f ooting. f unding new inilialives through Ope￿tIOnal cashf low and
f und raising.
How we meet our objectives:
We offer the national cU￿]cUlum, tailored to the individual needs of each child, and we teach using a
multi-sensory approach.
We have a maximum of twelve students in each class, supported by both a teacher and a leaching
assistant.
Our staff are highly skilled and experienced at supporting students with leaming differences.
We offer daily one-to-one sessions up to year 8. and study skills groups for years 9 and above.
We use assistive technology throughout the school, even within the primary years.
We are aware that students only leam when they feel safe. and we support them pastorally to create
this environment.
We focus on supporting the whole student, placing equal importance on supporting their mental health
as well their academic joumey.
We provide on-sile therapies including Occupational Therdpy. Speech and Language Therapy,
Creative and Play therapies, Social Communication Sessions. and Emotional Support and
Couns811ing.
We build on our studenls. strengths and passions to provide tailored career guidance, helping to
prepare them f or adullhood.
We support parents and carers with their joumey, providing them wlth the inf O￿ation and resources
to empower them to support their children outside of the school.
We have a safeguarding team led by our full-lime, Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Achievements and performance
The School had 119 children on roll at the start of the year in September 2023 through to the end of the
academic year. Circa 60°/o of our pupils are funded by Local Authorities. Mr Andrew Day continued as
Headleacher and Mrs Alexandra Foster as Deputy Head and SENCO, acting as Head for part of the year.
To dale school fees and donations have been the Charity's main source of income. In the f inancial year ended
31st August 2024 donations received amounted to £143.347 {2023: £93,166). School fees received amounted
to £3,334,50012023.' £2.725.8481. Total receipts amounted to £3,920,68312023: £3,301.079).
Costs of all the Charity's activities. including salaries, staff pension scheme, eq uipmenl and general running
costs amounted to £3,506,917 12023: £3,005,963) leaving a surplus of £413,76612023'. £295,116) for the
year.
The School continues to provide full time education in line with the National Curriculum and continues to
benefit from its CReSTeD. Elklan. and ASDAN accreditations.
Academic Overview
Academically this has been a very successf ul year. All our Year 11 graduates moved on to sixth f omi school
or college, and we achieved our best GCSE results yel. On average our year 11 students progressed up three
grades over the last three years and they all achieved grade 4 or above in English Literature, Art, Food and
NLStrilion and the ASDAN qualif icalion.

The Unicorn Trust
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st August 2024 {continuedl
We have now been running the ASDAN PDP (personal development programmel for five years. This
qualification supports young people lo develop life skills that will help them progress to f urther education and
in a workplace, and for independent living. During 2025 The Unicom School wll apply to be an ASDAN centre
of excellence on the advice of the moderators due to the positive way thal we deliver the PDP course.
This year twelve students left us in-year lo move back into mainstream education. These transfers are only
possible thanks to the skills and conf idence they have gained al The Unicom School.
We continue to be at the foref ronl of using assistive technology to support our students, leaming. Students as
young as Year 3 are taught how to use Immersive Reader and Dictate. supporting ihem to begin to become
independent leamers. In September we were thrilled when Ihe school was recognised as the only SEN
Microsof I Showcase School in the UK, highlighting our expertise in IT and assistive technology. Following this
we were shortlisted for the British Dyslexia Association Organisalion Award for our use of assistive
technology.
We continue lo offer our students the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular aclivilies. This
year our students took part in a Young Voices concert in Bimingham, visited the London Science Museum,
Harcourt Arfooretum, and Oxford Natural History Museum. We are also extremely proud of our students who
achieved their bronze or silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Ihis year, as well as those students who have
submitted their work to the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists, Summer Show and the annual Young
Writers Competition. We continue our partnership wlh Music for Autism, which gives our students the
opportunity lo engage with woAd-class musicians, and they are lucky to have heard from a wide range of
inspirational speakers. These include, but are not limited to. Anna Shackleton (Great Great Niece of Sir Emesl
Shackleton), Cassie Patlen (Olympic swimmer), Alex Tait (Baker and Author). Gary Hibbins (Mental Health
Advocalel and Eve Wersocki Monis {Dyslexic Author).
Our students, mental health and wellbeing continues to be at the foref ront of everything we do. For the f irsl
time we have been able to fund a full-time mental health lead who is available to support our students
throughout the school day. They head up a team of Iwo Emotional Literacy Support Assislanls and a Creative
Arts and Play Therapist. In January 2023 we also welcomed Briggs, a certified Therapy Dog to the school,
who has been extremely well received by all our sludenls. In October 2022 we were humbled lo receive the
Camegle Centre of Exc811ence Mental Health Gold Award, whlch recognises our school-wde approach to
mental health support f or both students and staff. This continues to be updated annually.
Fundraising
All fundraising activity by The Charity is carried out in-house, led by our Head of Fundraising. We do not
employ any third-paty suppliers to help us raise funds. When running fundraising events, the Head of
Fundraising is supported by an active group of volunteers, made up of staff, parents and f riends of the school.
In particular. the school has an 8Ctive Parent Teacher group who help to organise the school's annual
Christmas and summer fairs. All volunteers who fundraise for the school are required to confinn that they
comply with Ihe Code of Fund raising Practice.
The Charity has dtje regard to the Code of Fundraising Practice in the UK. There have been no complaints
aboul f undraising activity this year.
The Fundraising events that have taken place this year are-.
School Christmas Fair- December 2023
Blenheim 7K Running Event- May 2024
School Summer Fair- June 2024
In line with our Fundraising Strategy, our focus over the coming year is to increase income f rom Individ uals
and Friends of the School, with a longer-term focus on Twsls and Foundations. This growih is needed to
ensure we meet the funding needs of a new sile project of The Charity, which will be phased capital works.
All the Charity's marf<eting activities are undertaken directly to ensure that this activity is not unreasonably
persistent or intrusive. No extemal marketing campaigns are undertaken, and f undraising communication to
the school community is a minor part of those communications and limited to specif ic events or initiatives.

The Uni¢orn Trust
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st August 2024 {¢ontinuedl
Public benefit
The Trustees have complied with their d uly to have d ue regard to the g uidance on public benef it published by
the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties through the introduction of specialist
educational outreach activities to other schools, parents and professionals.
Our staff continue to support local teachers. leaching assistants, Parents and carers, shaiing their knowledge,
skills and experience of how to support children with leaming differences. This year we have shared best
practice with over 30 teachers from local schools through our carousel and outreach events. We have also
hosted students and teachers from Oxford. Texas and Gemiany and our Deputy Head has delivered sessiors
to PGCE and B-Ed students on leaching students with special educational needs. We have also shared best
practice around the use of assistive technology with our staff speaking at the British Dyslexia Show. EduTech
Amsterdam and the BETh Global Technology Show.
We have continued with our assessmenl centre to provide parents in the local area access to earlier
d lag nosis for their children through f omial assessments, assessed by qualif led specialist staff . Children can
be assessed f or dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and autism.
Future plans
We have purchased a sile a short distance from our existing location which is for the expansion of The
Unicom School. We have spent a lot of the academic year on the purchase and design of the additional site.
The plans are for our Key Stage 4 to be based at the new location and introduce a Key Stage 5 provision
based on independence including lif e skills and careers f rom 1 September 2025.
Not only will this enable us to increase the number of students who we can support and widen subject
options, but we wll also be able to offer a post-16 provision for the f irst time.
We have designed The Unicom School wrth wellbeing and engagement at its core, and this wll remain the
focus as we look to build on our experience and expertise so that we can support even more children with
leaming d iff erences.
Alongside our plans for growth, we will continue to provide the same wodd-class specialist provision for our
current students. W8 are Increasingly being regarded as a centre of excellence at a national level and ar8
invited to speak at various events. Events we have attended during the year are the Dyslexia Show and
EduTech Europe.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board and senior management team maintain a constant walch over risks to the organisation.
maintaining a risk register of the more signif icant risks that can be anticipated. The register is scrutinised by
the Board and senior management on a regular basis and updated and actioned as appropriate.
Reserves policy
The Charity cU￿entlY has £268,923 in respect of free ￿serveS (excluding restricted funds and f ixed assets).
due lo the purchase of the new site. The Trustees regularfy monitor the Charily's financial and cash flow
position to ensure that il has sufficienl working capital available to meet any foreseeable expenditure and
protect f rom the exposure to known risks plus contingency f or unexpected events. The organisation aims to
maintain reseNes al a minimum level equivalent to 20 1¢ of annual school f ees.
Auditors
A resolution proposing ihat Wenn Townsend be re-appointed as auditors of the charity will be pul to the Annual
General Meeling.

The Unicorn Trust
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 st August 2024 (continued)
Trustees, responsibilities
The Trustees {who are also the directors of The Unicom Trust for the purposes of company law) are
responsible f or preparing the TnJstees' Report and the f inancial slalemenls in accordance wlh applicable law
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare f inancial slalements for each financial year, which give a true
and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income and expend ilure, of the charitable company f or the year. In preparing these
f inancial statements, the Tnjstees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.,
obseNe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP-
make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent,.
stale whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the f inancial statements.,
prepare the f inancial statements on the going concem basis unless il is inappropriate to presume that
Ihe charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adeq uate accounting records that disclose wth reasonable accuracy
al any time the finan¢i81 position of the charitable company and enable them lo ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible forsafeguarding the assets of the
charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps f or the prevention and detection of f raud and other
I￿egUla￿tIes.
In so f ar as the Trustees are aware..
there Is no r818vant audit infornation of which the charitable company's auditor Is unaware,. and
the Tnjstees have laken all steps that they ought lo have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit inf onnalion and to establish that the aud ilor is aware of thal inf omiation.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Charity and financial infomation
included on the Charity's websile.
Legislation in the United Kingdom goveming the preparation and
dissemination of f inancial statements may differ f rom legislation in other jurisdictions.
This report was approved by the Board on 1st March 2025
Andrew Strivens
Director and Chair of Governors

The Unicorn Trust
Independent Auditor's Report to the members of The Unicorn Trust
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Unicom Trust Ilhe 'charitable com pany'l for the year ended 31slAugust
2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet. the Cash Flow Slalements. and notes to
the financial slalements, including a sum mary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and Uniied Kingdom Accounting Standards. including Financial
Reporting Standard 102 The FinancialReporting Sl8ndardapplicable in the UK8nd Republic of Ireland(Uniled Kingdom
Generally Acceptsd Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements..
give a Inje and fair view of the stale of the Charitable company's affairs as at 31 st August 2024. and of its incoming
resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended.,
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice,. and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for oplnlon
We conducted our auditin accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS IUKII 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 thalare relevantto our auditof the financial slalements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and
we have fulfilled our other 8lhical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate io provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relatlng to going concgrn
In auditing the financial stalemenls, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in
the preparation of the finaneial stslements is appropriate.
Based on the wort( we have perfomed. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions
that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern for a
period of at least iwelve months from when the financial statements are aulhorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concem 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
Trustees, annual report. other than the financial slalements and our audilorfs report Ihereon. Our opinion on the financial
statements does not cover the other information and, exceptto the exlenl otherwise explicidy stated in our repo¢ we do
not express any fomi of assurance conclusion Ihereon.
In connection with our audilof the financial stalemenls. ourresponsibilty is lo read the other information and, in doing so.
considerwhelherlhe olherinfomialion is materially inconsislentwith the financial stslementsorour knowledge obtsined ui
the auditor oiherwise appearsto be materially missialed. If we identifysuch material inconsistencies or apparent material
m isstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material miss12tement in Ihe financial statements or a
material misslalement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a
material m isstalement of this oiher informatson. we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed bythe Companies Act 2006
In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit..
the infom81ion given in the Trustees. report (incorporating the directors, report) for the financial year for which the
fln8nci81 statements are prepared is consislentwilh the financial statements,. and
the directors, report included within the Iruslees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understsnding of the ch8ritsble com pany and its environment obtslned in the course of
the audit, we have not identified material misstalemenls in the directors. report.
We have nothing lo report respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us lo
report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
branches not visited by us., or
the financial stalernenls are r)ot in agreement with the accoynling records and returns., or
certain disclosures of directors.. remuneration speclfied by law are not made,. or
we have not received 811 the information and explanalions we require for our audit

The Unicorn Trust
Independent Auditor's Report to the members of The Unicorn Trust {continued)
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities stslement sel out on page 6, the Trustees (who are also the
directors of the charitsble companyforlhe purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financial
stalemenis and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. and for such internal control as the Trustees
determine is necessarylo enable the preparation of financid statements Ihatare free from material Misstatem￿t.whether
due lo fraud or error.
In preparing the fin8neial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable com pany's ability la
continue as a going concern. disclosing, as applicable, matters relaied lo going concern and using the going concern
basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intènd to liquidate the charitable com pany or lo ￿ase operations, or have
no realistic alternative bul to do so.
Auditor's responslbilities for the audlt of the financial staternents
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial slalemenls as a whole are free from
material misstslemenl, whether due lo fraud or error. and lo issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assuranee. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with
ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstalemenlwhen il exists. Misstslements can arise from fraud or error and a
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expecied to Influen￿ the ewnomic
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial stalemenls.
A further description of our responsibilities for ihe audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Repo￿ng
Council's website al." Www.f￿.Org.u￿laudlt0rsreSponSlbiIitses. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line
wilh ourresponsibilities, oudined above. to delecl material misslatemenis in respect of irregularibes. including fraud. Th e
specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including
fraud is detailed below..
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims.,
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.,
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and iesting to supporting documentation lo assess compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.,
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls. including testing of journal entries and
other adjustments for appropriateness. evaluating the business rationale of significant trdnsactions outside the
normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those
leading to a material misstalemenlin the financi81 statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the
more that com pliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial
statements, as we will be less likely lo become aware of instances of non-com pliance. The risk is also greater regarding
irregularities occurring due lo fraud rather than error. as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion,
omission or misrepresentstion.
Use ofour report
This report is made solelyto ihe charitable company's members. as a body, in accordance with Chaptsr3 of Part 16 of the
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so Ihatwe m ighl state lo the charitable company's members
those matters we are required to stale to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent
pemitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than the charitable company and the
charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Aiay Bahl
A BFP FCA {Senlor Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Wenn Townsend
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Oxford
1S1 March 2025

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The Unicorn Trust
Balance Sheet
At 31st August 2024
Notes
2024
2023
Fixed assets
Intangible f ixed assets
Tangible f rxed assets
11
12
20,355
2,880, 146
27,701
407,008
2,900,501
434,709
Current assets
Debtors
Cash al bank and in hand
13
1,430.536
828,954
879.875
1,444,371
2,259,490
2,324,246
Creditors- amount falling due
within one year
Provision for Liabilities
14
(1,706.1251
111,4001
(1,384,005)
{1,717,525)
(1,384,005)
Net current assets
541,965
940,241
Total assets less Current liabilities
3,442,466
1,374,950
Creditors: amount falling due after one year 15
(1,653,750)
Net assets
1.788, 716
1,374,950
Funds
Unrestricted f unds
Designated f unds
ReslNcted funds
1,500,349
3.925
284,442
1,220,684
154.266
Total Funds
16
1,788,716
1,374,950
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the
Companies Act 2006 relating to smaller companies.
The f inancial statements were approved by the Trustees on 1ST March 2025 and signed on their behalf by..
Andrew
rivens
Director and Chair of Governors
Company number: 3588494
The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these accounts
10

The Unicorn Trust
Cash Flow Statement
At 31st August 2024
Notes
2024
2023
Net cash flow from operating a¢tivlties
19
248,398
809,486
Cash flow from investing activities".
Purchase of tangible assets
Purchase of intangible assets
Interest received
{2,543,9241
180,195)
(3,445)
12.852
26,359
Net cash flow from investing activltles
{2,517,5651
170,788)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from long temi borrowings
1,653,750
Net cash flow from financing activities
1,653,750
Net increasel(decreasel in cash
(615,4171
738,698
Cash at 1 st September 2023
1,444,371
705.673
Cash at 31stAugust2024
828.954
1,444,371
The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these accounts
11

The Unicom Trust
Notes fomiing part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
Accounting policies
{a)
Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements of the Charitable Company have been prepared on a going concem basis
and under the hisloncal cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by
Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance wlh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS
1021 {eff ective October 20191, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland {FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in steding, which is the functional currency of the Charity,
rounded to the nearest £1.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit enlily as def ined by FRS 102.
The significant accounting policies of the Charity are set out below and have been consistently
applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Ib)
Company charitable status
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The Tnjslees who act as directors for the purposes of
company law are the sole members of the company. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the
liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Chartty. The registered Charity
number is 1070807.
Ic)
Fund accounting
General f unds are unrestricted f unds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in
furtherance of Ihe general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other
purposes.
Restricted f unds are f unds which are lo be used in accordance with specif ic restrictions imposed by
donors or whlch have been rdlsed by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and
administering such f unds are charged against the specif ic f und. The aim and use of each restricted
f und is sel out in the notes to the f inancial slalements.
(d)
Investment policy
The Charity invests surplus funds in 8 deposit account until required.
(e)
Income
All income is included in the SOFA when the Charity is legally enlilled to the income and the amount
can be q uanlif led wth reasonable accuracy. Income f rom charitable activities represents School fee
charges and seNices rendered during the year. Fees relating to the Autumn School term received
before the accounting year end are def erred in f ull.
(f )
Expendlture
All expenditure, inclusive of irrecoverable VAT, is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been
classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be
directly altribuled lo particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent
th use of the resources.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions.
Support costs are those
costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Govemance costs are
those incurred in connection with the administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional
and statutory req uirements.
12

The Unicorn Trust
Notes fomiing part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
A¢¢ountlng policies (continued)
(g)
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets wilh purchase costs greater than £500 are capitalised and included at cost.
Deprecialion of f ixed assets is provided, at the followng rates, in order to write off the assets over their
estimated usef ul lives..
Leasehold land and buildings
Freehold buildings
Freehold land
Computer equipment
Off ice f umiture and f ittings
Playground and classroom equipment
100/0 Straig ht line
2 % slraight line after completion
2>33 /0 Straighl line
150/0 slraighl line
10-20 10 Straight line
{hl
Intangible fixed assets and amortisation
Intangible fixed assets with ptjrchase costs greater than £500 are capitalised and included at cosl.
Amortisation of inlang ible f ixed assets is provided, at the f ollowing rates, in order to write off the assets
over their estimated usef ul lives:
Website
20 % straight line
Operating leases
Renlals payable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight line basis over the lease
term.
lil
Pension costs
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme through Scottish Widows for the benefit of
its employees.
Contributions payable are charged to the SOFA in the year they are payable.
Contributlons totallng £26,381 (2023: £18,951) V￿re payable to the schem8 at the end of the year and
are included in creditors.
Ik)
Going concern
The financial stalements have been prepared on a going concem basis as the Tnjstees believe that no
material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected
level of income and expendilure for 12 months from aulhorising these financial statements. The
budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Charity to be able to
continue as a going concem.
Income from charitable activities
2024
2023
Gross fee income
BU￿aries provtded
School trips. In-class support, buses etc
3,382.682
{48,182}
416,477
2,772,647
146.7991
462.129
3,750,977
3.187,977
Donations
Unrestricted Designated
funds
funds
Restricted Total funds
funds
2024
Total funds
2023
Donations
4,945
3.925
134,477
143,347
93,166
4,945
3,925
134,477
143.347
93,166
13

The Unicom Trust
Notes fomiing part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
Grants recelvable
Included within grants receivable are other govemment and local authority grants totalling £Nil 12023=
£7,084).
Income from investments
2024
2023
Interest received
26,359
12,852
26,359
12,852
Expenditure on ch aritable activities
Total
2024
Total
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Teaching and leaching support costs
linclud ing pensions)
Other staff costs
Teaching equipment and
other pupil expense5
Support costs {note 7)
School trips and clubs
Uniforns
2.747,625
15,606
2,747, 625
15,606
2,274.540
17,955
67,346
611.877
55,984
656
67,346
616,178
55,984
656
53,821
553,539
97,312
873
4,301
3.499.094
4,301
3,503,395
2,998,040
Staff costs
2024
2023
Gross wages
Employerfs national insurance
Supply and other teaching 8ssislance
Pension contributDns
Recruitment costs
2,214,818
220.642
104.089
183,540
24,536
1,883,531
166,452
68,913
154,333
1,311
2,747,625
2,274,540
Average number of f ull-time equivalent persons employed..
2024
2023
Teaching
Administration
41
10
58
51
Number of employees eaming wthin the following bands..
2024
2023
£60,001- £70,000
£70,001- £80,000
£80,001 - £90,000
£90,001- £100,000
The Unicorn Trust
14

Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
Support costs
2024
2023
Rent and rates
Utilities and insurance
Repairs and maintenance
PrOMot￿n and advertising
Legal and prof essional
Computer, stationery and office tx)sts
Depreciation and amortisalion
Bad debts
Other
Interest
Govemance costs (see note 8)
136,260
94,511
75,961
25,493
30,230
135,456
78,132
130,075
93,145
48,786
17,055
13,249
113,089
99,007
28,702
1,631
20,041
10,534
9,560
8,800
616,178
553,539
Governance costs
2024
2023
Aud it fee
9,560
8,800
9,560
8,800
Expenditure on raising funds
2024
2023
Fundraising Costs
3,522
7,923
3,522
7.923
10
Trustees, and key management personnel remuneration and expenses
No Trustee was reimbursed for incident81 expenditure incurred in the period (2023.. Nill.
The total amount of remuneration to key management personnel incurred in the year was £214,210
(2023.. £190.1201.
Key management personnel as defined by the Trustees are.. the Tnjstees. Bursar, Head Teacher and
Assistant Head Teacher.
15

The Unicorn Trust
Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
11
Intsngible fixed assets
Website
Total
Cost
Al 1st September 2023
36,732
36,732
36,732
At 31st August 2024
Amortisation
At 1 st September 2023
Charge
36,732
9,031
7,346
9,031
7,346
At 31st August 2024
Net book value
At 31st August 2024
At 31sl August 2023
16,377
16,377
20.355
20,355
27,701
27,701
12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
land &
buildings
Leasehold
land &
buildings
Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
Total
Cost
At 1st September 2023
Additions
Disposals
813,948
2,543.924
(116,883)
62,349
2,372, 300
381,580
89,947
370,019
81,677
{116,883)
At 31st August 2024
2,434,649
471,527
334,813
3,240,989
Depreciation
At 1S1 September 2023
Charge
Charge on disposals
At 31st August 2024
158,154
37,477
248,786
33,309
(116,883)
406,940
70.786
{116,883)
360.843
195,631
165,212
Net book value
At 31st August 2024
At 31st August 2023
2,434.649
275,896
169,601
2,880,146
62,349
223,426
121,233
407,008
16

The Unicorn TNst
Notes forming part of the financial statsments
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
13
Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Prepayments
1,340, 119
90,417
803,946
75,929
1,430,536
879,875
14
Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade cred itors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and defetTed income
170,686
80,255
64,350
1,390, 834
54,961
65,176
71,877
1,191,991
1,706,125
1,384,005
Def e￿ed income totals £1,292,833 (2023: £1,094,849) in respect of f ees billed in advance for the Autumn
lem.
15
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
2024
2023
Secured bank loan
1,653, 750
1,653,750
The loan is secured against the Charity's assets, including Land and Buildings. The Inte￿$1 rale is
2.25 % over the Base Rate. The loan is interest only for 24 months, at thich point capital repayments
will start. The loan is repayable over 20 years f rom the issue.
17

The Unicorn Trust
Notes forming part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
16
Statement of funds - current year
At 1st
September
2023
At 31st
August
2024
Income
Expenditu re
Transfers
Total unrestrlcted funds
1,220,684
3,782,281
13,502,616)
1.500,34Q
Total designated funds
The Unicom Trust expansion fund
3,925
3,925
Restricted funds:
Christmas carol concert
39,097
Donation for cabins
14,268
Donation forf ronl lawn benches
784
The Unicom Trust expansion fund 100,117
39,097
9,967
784
234,594
14,3011
134,477
Total restricted funds
154,266
134,477
14,3011
284,442
Totsl funds
1,374.950
3,920,683
13,506.9171
1,788,716
Statement of funds
prior year
At 1st
September
2022
At 31st
August
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Total unrestricted funds
999,247
3,220.283
{2,998,846}
1,220.684
Restricted funds:
Christma5 carol concert
Donation for cabins
Donation forf ront lawn benches
Donation for library & art room
The Unicom Trust expansion fund
44,028
{4,931)
{1,540)
(264)
(382)
39,097
14,268
784
15,808
1,048
382
63,349
36,768
100,117
Total restricted funds
80,587
80,796
17.1171
154,266
Total funds
1,079, 834
3,301,079
13,005,963)
1.374.950
The Unicom Expansion Fund is made up of donations where donors have specified the donation is to be
spent on projects relating to expanding The Unicom Trust. The current project is the new location
purchased during the year. The donations currently sat in the f und will be spent d uring 2024125 and will be
transf erred against the expenditure in that year.
18

The Unicorn Trust
Notes forming part of tho financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
17
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestri cted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Fund balances at 31st August 2024
are represented by:
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non<urrenl liabilities
2,889,750
1,981,874
{1,717,5251
{1,653,7501
10,751
273,691
2,900,501
2,259,490
(1,717,525)
11,653,750)
3,925
Net assets
1,500,349
3,925
284,442
1,788,716
Unrestrided
funds
Deslgnated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Fund balances at 31$t August 2023
are represented by:
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
421,512
2,183,177
{1.384,0051
13,197
141,069
434,709
2,324,246
11,384.005)
Net assets
1,220,684
154.266
1,374,950
18
Financial commitments
At 31st August 2024 the Charity had lotal future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable
operating leases as f ollows:_
Land and buildings
2024
2023
Not later than one year
Laler than one and not later than f ive years
Later than f ive years
133,684
233,324
119,448
308,574
367,008
428,022
19
Capital commitments
At 31st August 2024 the Charity had total capital commitments of £2,105,221 (2023= £nil).
19

The Unicorn Trust
Notes formlng part of the financial statements
for the year ended 31st August 2024
continued
19
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from oporating activities:
2024
2023
Nel movement in funds
Add back depreciation and amorttsation charge
Deduct Inte￿St income shown in investing actThiities
Loss on disposal of tangible f ixed assets
(I ncreasel in debtors
Increase in cred itors
413,766
78,132
126,3591
295,116
99,006
(12,852)
{550,661)
333,520
270,716
157,500
Net cash f bw f rom operating activities
248,398
809.486
20