Charlty reglstratlon number 1072179 (England and Wales) ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Mr N Branson Dr D Davies Mr J Mclntosh MrA [ttOn Presldent The Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt DL Charity number 1072179 Reglstered offlce 25 Station Road Reepham Norfolk NR10 4LF Independent examlner Mewn Clarke FCCA Baker Clarke FDV Limited Swiss House Beckinghem Street Tolleshunt Major Essex CM9 8LZ Bankers HSBC Howardsgate Welwyn Garden City Herts AL8 6BH
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR CONTENTS Page Trustees Report Independent examiners report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements 9-14
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Objectlves and actlvltles 1. Purposes and Alms To advance the education of young people under 25 by providing opportunities for them to participale in a variety of musical activities, including orchestra, choirs and other music groups. To promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art of orchestral and choral music in all its aspects by the representation of public orchestral and choir concerts and by such other charitable ways as the trustees shall from time to time determine. 2. Ensurlng our work dellvers our alms We review our aims, objectives and activities regularly. These reviews look at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work. The reviews look at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The reviews also help us ensure our aims. objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activitles In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribLrte to the aims and objectives they have set. 3. The focus of our work Our principal activity is the annual Orchestra Course, which takes place over the October half-term. This comprises five-day Residential Course during which a programme of music is fehearsed for the Annual Concert which takes place in a national venue on the final aftemoon. Music for the Annual Concert is always chosen to present a challenge to our musicians - extensive tuition and sectional rehearsals being given during the course by our professional tutors to ensure that such challenge is met vdith resounding success.
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4. 2024 Actlvlty Report Following the incredible success of The Rite of Spring in 2022 and the widely praised coronation-themed programme of 2023, the English Schools, Orchestra IESO) has continued to push the boundaries of musical excellence in 2024. This year marked a significant milestone with the appointment of Lewis Gaston as the new Musical Diredor, following his successful role as Guest Conductor in 2023. The 2024 course, which took place from Wednesday, 30th October to Sunday, 3rd Novemt*r, returned to Mount Grace School in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire for the second consecutive year. Residential students once again enjoyed the comfort and camaraderie of Lincolnsfield Residential Centre, where they were treated lo home-cooked meals and a variety of evening activities that encouraged relaxation and creativity outside of rehearsals. This year's orchestra featured 68 talented students, maintaining a slightly smaller but highly focused group due to the complexity of the repertoire. Alongside 10 dedicated mentors, the orchestra ¢Jelved into a challenging and diverse programme that showcased the full breadth of their collective talent. The fesidential nature of the course played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and focus, with a high per¢enta9e of students choosing the residential option. This has helped solidify the ESO'S repLrtation as a truly national ensemble, drawing students from all comers of the country. The concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday, 3rd November was a fitting culmination of the week's hard work, coinciding with the venue's 20th anniversary. The programme for 2024 included: Wagner- Overture from Die Meistersinger von Nomberg Gregson - Tuba Concerto (with soloist Chartie Jones) Bruckner- Symphony No. 7 in E major The evening opened with Vlagner's overtu from Die Meistersinger von Ndmberg. a rousing piece that showcased the orchestra's precision and unity. Next, Edward Gregson's Tuba Concerto featured soloist Charlie Jones. who delivered a captivating and lyrical perfomance. The concert concluded with Bruckner's Symphony No. 7, a towering work that demanded both maturity and focus. The Adagio. with its evi)cative Wagner tubas, was particularly memorable, capturing the grandeur and emotion of the piece. This year also marked a shift in the orchestra's leadership team, with Natalie Johnson-Hyde joining the course and concert as she takes on increasing managerial responsibilrties. Her involvement signals a thoughtful approach to the orchestra's ongoing development and future. The Trustees took the opportunity to honour Bob Pepper for his extraordinary vision and dedi¢ation over three decades. A formal presentation after the concert acknowledged his immense contribution and lasting legacy in establishing and maintaining the orGhestra. Looking ahead, 2024 marks a turning point for the English Schools, Orchestra. Wth Lewis Gaston now firmly in place as Musical Director, the ESO is well-positioned to build upon its legacy of excellence and continue inspirin9 young musicians for many years to come. Applications for the 2025 course will open in February 2025, and we look fopNard to welcoming another group of exceptional young musicians for what promises to be another exciting year.
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR TRUSTEES REPORT ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 How our actlvltles dellver publlc benefit 1. How the Charlty beneflts the school communlty The ESO gives opportunities lo very able young musicians. These young people will all be StavartS of their School and County orchestras. However, with the ESO, the musicians are challenged to a much higher level and they work with olher young musicians who are also at the same high level of performance. This exposure gives the young musicians a degree of confidence and competence otherwise unavailable to them. The knock-on effect is that they bring this confidence back to their own school communlties as role models, Inspiring the next generation of young gifted musicians. 2. How the Charlty beneflts the wlder communlty The ESO gives able young musiclans the opportunity to play music at a standard way higher than they would get at school. They play with other equally highly talented young musicians and learn how to work in a dedicated team. The abilbty to work as an individual and as a team member is a really important part of growing up and offers openings in all sorts of areas to work in the wider community. Many ESO members work as volunteers across a variety of sectors and thelr ESO experience is undoubtedly of significant benefit in their ability to use their interpersonal skills. A very important contribution of the ESO is to offer the wider community the opportunity to hear, at affordable prices, top class musical repertoire played by highly competent musici8ns. Flnanclal revlew As is the case for many charities. the ESO recelves no govemment funding and relles on students, fees, sponsorship and small donations. Expenditure was associated predominately with our Annual fiv&day Course and Concert. l. Prlnclpal Fundlng Sources student fees cover approximately a thlrd of the cost of the Annual Concert. Our wish is to make the course fees manageable to parents who already have annual musical costs to consider. The ESO has a major sponsor, Harrison Catering Ltd. together with regular sponsors, The Street Foundation and George Cadbury Fund. 2. Investment Pollcy At this time, aside from retaining a prudent amounl in reserves each year, most of the Charlty's funds are to be spent in the short temi so there are few funds available for long tem investment. 3. Rosorves Pollcy The Trustees have examined Ihe Charlty's requlrements for reserves in light of the maln risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby funds held by the Charity should be 12 months of the expenditure in order to guarantee the continuatlon of the Annual Concert. A substantial amount of reserve is held in a Charities Aid Foundatlon hvelve-month deposit account. 4. Plans for Future PorlodB The Charity plans continuing the activities outlined above In the forthcoming years. An Annual Concert is the major event lor those very musical 13 to 18 year old students. Music graduates are invited to become mentors to these students on the Annual Course, taklng on leadership roles during rehearsals and the final concert.
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Structure, governance and management 1. Governlng Document The organisation is a Charity. registered with the Charity Commission on 28 October 1998 governed by a Declaration of Trust dated 19 September 1998. 2. Recrultment and Appolntment of Trustees The Charity has five Trustees, chaired by the ESO'S President. All Trustees of the Charity give their time voluntsrily and receive no benefits from the Charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the Charity are set out in note 7 to the accounts. 3. Trustee Inductlon and Trnlnlng To ensure all the correct legal obligations gre met, we make it a smooth and welcoming experience for the prospective trustee. Information is sent about becoming a trustee and including any legal obligations of either party. 4. Rlsk Management The Trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed. Imiere apyopriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitlgate the risks the Charity faces. Significant external risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan which will allow for the diversification of funding and activities. Internal control risks are minimised by the Implementation of procedures for authorisalion of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, students and visitors. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue lo meet the needs ot the Charity. S. Organlsatlonal Structur• The ESO has 8 Board of Truste8s of five members, led by its President, Lord Lingfield, who meet termly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Charity. At present the Board's members c(The from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the Ch8rlty. The Board appolnts a Cour$e Director and a musi1 Dlrector, who lead the Annual Course and Concert, Musical staff are recruited, venues booked, students and mentors recrurted, repertolre chosen In order to create a first-class Annual Concert to inspire 811 who take part. 6. Responslbllltles of the Trusteos Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financi81 year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheel date and of its incoming resources and application of resour¢es, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees should follow best pradice and: select suitable accounting pollcies and then apply them consistently meke judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going Concern basis unless it is not appropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accountlng records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Tru•tc¢• who •*rv•d durin9 th• y•ar and up to the date of sionatur? of the financial statements were.. Mr N Branson Dr D Davies Mr R Pepper Mr J Mclntosh Mr A Illhitton (Retlred 23 March 2025}
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees Report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt D Dr D Davies 12 May 2025
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of English Schools, Orchestra and Choir (the charity) for the year ended 31 Dember 2024. Responslbllltles and basls ol report As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report In respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carrled out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independont oxamlnerfs ststement Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charlty has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. I have completed my examlnation. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charty as required by section 130 of the Cherftles Act 2011. the financial slatements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requir8ments concernlng the lorm and content of financial statements sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, whlch Is not a matter con$ldered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have corne 8¢ros¥ no other matters In cx)nnectlon with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this rep il in order to enable a pro 4Jnderstandlng of the financlal statements to be reached. Signed..,.. Mervyn Clarke F CA. er Clarke Chartered Certified Accguntsnts DV Lld Dated: 12 May 20
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestrfcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Notes Income from: Annual Course and concert Sponsorship and donations Investments 33.671 33,671 34,280 34,280 28,128 1,119 28.128 1,119 21.767 937 21,767 937 56,984 Total Income 62,918 62.918 56,984 Expendfture on: Charitable activities 74,864 74,864 64,378 1.000 65,378 Net expendlture and movement In funds (11,946) (11,946) (7,394) (1.000) (8,394> Reconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 January 2024 4,075 91.590 80,121 3,075 83,196 87,515 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 68,175 3,075 71,250 80,121 3,075 83.196 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from conts'nuing activities.
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 71,250 83,196 Net current asset5 71,250 83,196 The funds of the charlty Reslricled funds Unrestricted funds 3,075 68,175 3,075 80,121 71,250 83,196 The financial statements Vre approved by the trustees on 12 May 2025 Dr D Davies Trustee
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles Charlty Inforniatlon English Schools, Orchestra and Choir is a Charity, registered with the Charity Commission on the 28th October 1998, registration number 1072179. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's goveming document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021" The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statwnent of cash flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng Goncern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trStee$ continue to adopt the going concem basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charltable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditlons by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Income All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charty is entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following policies are applied to particular categories of income.. Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is induded in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Incoming resources trom charttaDle tra¥lng aGtlvity are •¢count•d for when agm•d. 1.5 Expendlture Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure indudes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates-. Charitable expenditure Comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Accountlng pollcles Icontlnued) Govemance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity and include costs linked to the strategic management ol the Charity. All costs are allocated beeen the expenditure categories of the Ststement of Financial Affairs on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. floor areas, per capiia or estimated usage as set out in Note 6. 1.6 Tanglble flxed assets The charity does not have any Fixed Assets. 1.7 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowngs in current liabilities. Basic financlal assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the 8rrangement Constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is rneasured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Baslc financlal liabllltles Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are inltially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable wrthin one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effedive interest method. Derecognitlon of financlal Ilabilitles Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. Crftlcal accountlng estlmates and Judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements. estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounl of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 50urce3. Thc e)tlmatoo and ••sociatgd assumptions •r• basod on historical •XD8rience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimate5. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects cnly that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both cuffent and futu periods. 10-
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Income from charltable activltles Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Incomlng resources from actlvltles to further the Charity's Objects: Annual concert and course 33,871 34,280 Income from other trddlng actlvltles Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 Sponsorships and social lotteries Other income 26,892 1,236 21,000 767 Other trading activities 28,128 21.767 Income from Investments UnrestrlGted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2024 2023 937 Interest receivable 1,119 11
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Expendlture on charftable actlvltles Charltable Expendlture 2024 Other events 2024 Total Charltable Expendlture 2023 Other events 2023 Total 2024 2023 Annual concert and course Trustee expenses Insurance Governance costs 69,030 878 590 1,246 3,120 72,150 878 590 1,246 59,534 629 562 983 2,670 62,204 629 562 983 71,744 3,120 74,864 61,708 2,670 64,378 Grant fundlng of activities {see note ) 1.000 1,000 71,744 3,120 74,864 62,708 2.670 65,378 Analysls by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 71,744 3,120 74,864 61,708 1,000 2,870 64,378 1,000 71,744 3,120 74,864 62,708 2.670 65,378 Governance costs include.. INebsite costs £97, DBS checks £415, PP&S £661 and Bank charges £73. Trustoes None of the trustees (or any persons connected wlth them) recelved any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. Expenses amounting to £877 for stalionery and sponsorship expenses were reimbursed lo fv40 Trustees. No Trustee or other person related to the Charity had any personal interest in 8ny contract or transaction entered into by the Charity during the year. Taxatlon As a Charity, The English Schools, Orchestra and Cholr Is exempt from tax on income and galns falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen In the Charity. 12-
ENGLISH SCHOOLS. ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Restrlcted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At l January 2024 Resources expended At31 December 2024 Funds held for Donations to Students musical needs 3,075 3,075 Prevlous year: At 1 January 2023 Resources expended At31 December 2023 Funds held for Donations to Students musical needs 4,075 (1,0001 3,075 10 Unrestrlcted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds vthich have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specffic purposes, At31 December 2024 At 1 January 2024 Incomlng resources Resources expended General funds 80,121 62,918 {74,864) 68,175 Prevlous year: At 1 January 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended At31 December 2023 General funds 87,515 56,984 (64,378) 80,121 11 Analys18 of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted funds Z024 Restrlcted funds Z024 Total 2024 At 31 December 2024: Current assetsllliabilities) 68,175 3,075 71,250 68.175 3.075 71,250 13-
ENGLISH SCHOOLS, ORCHESTRAAND CHOIR NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11 Analysls of net assets between fund8 (Contlnued) Unrostricted funds 2023 Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2023 At 31 December 2023: Current assetsl(liabllities) 80,121 3,075 83,196 80,121 3,075 83,196 14-