OpenCharities

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

2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1072770 (England and Wales) Company registration number 3638842

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees/Directors
Trustees C A Bradley
A Byam
H Dance
S Duncan (Appointed 2 September
2024)
A Millman
F Murray-Fuentes
M Neild
O Sangster-Bullers (Appointed 2 September
2024)
S Stephens
G Upton
Principal Edward Hicks
Charity number (England and Wales) 1072770
Company number 3638842
Principal address Sansomes Farm Studios
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1ER
Registered office c/o Gravita Oxford LLP
First Floor, Park Central
40-41 Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1JD
Auditor Gravita Audit Oxford LLP
First Floor, Park Central
40-41 Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1JD
Bankers NatWest Bank plc
Oxford

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 5
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 6
Independent auditor's report 7 - 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Statement of cash flows 13
Notes to the financial statements 14 - 26

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, 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 with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

The Oxford School of Drama Trust (OSD) was founded in 1998 as a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered charity to train students for the acting profession. The OSD’s strategy is to offer an education, as well as vocational training, to students from a wide range of social and educational backgrounds.

For this reason, the OSD limits student intake to ensure a consistently high level of support both during and after training. The total intake in September 2024 was 129 students: 54 Foundation Course students, 19 postgraduate students and 56 enrolled across the Three-Year Diploma.

The Trust has committed and highly qualified teaching and administrative staff. The OSD employs five full-time and six part-time members of staff and has up to thirty freelance tutors. The OSD is graded ‘Outstanding’ (Grade 1) by Ofsted and ‘Exemplary’ by Trinity College London.

The OSD provides the following courses:

Public benefit

The Trustees have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

The OSD is committed to ensuring its courses are open to all regardless of background, principally through participation in the Government’s Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) Scheme. The Scheme enables talented students to access financial assistance for the Three-Year and One-Year courses, provided they are under 24 and from households with a gross income of less than £90,000. Those in greatest need — with a household income below £21,000 — pay nothing towards their course fees and can access a living costs grant. Those with a household income of £85,000–£90,000 pay £7,175 in course fees, a reduction of £10,675 on the published rate, with a sliding scale in between. Students aged over 18 who have course fees to pay may also access an Advanced Learner Loan of up to £7,395.

In addition to DaDA, the OSD maintains its own bursary provision, including dedicated bursaries for Foundation Course applicants and for One-Year Course applicants aged over 24 who are ineligible for DaDA — both targeted at those with household incomes under £35,000. Audition fee waivers are also available to reduce financial barriers at the point of application.

The OSD’s Student Hardship Fund provides ongoing support to students experiencing financial difficulty during their studies. During the year under review, awards were made as follows: 12 awards totalling £3,700 in the Autumn term, and 20 awards totalling £4,250 in the Spring term. 32 awards amounting to £7,950 in total. The number of students requiring support continues to rise, and the OSD is actively working to expand its bursary provision through increased fundraising and applications to trusts and foundations.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Outreach and public engagement

During this period the OSD undertook an extensive programme of outreach and public engagement. We worked with 33 institutions, including foundation colleges, performing arts sixth forms and youth theatres, alongside partnerships with the Federation of Drama Schools in Leeds and Swindon. Through this activity we engaged directly with 737 students via targeted Q&A sessions, workshops and first-round auditions, and were represented at two Federation of Drama Schools training fairs and the National Youth Theatre “Playing Up” fair, collectively reaching a further 550 prospective students.

Outreach activity included craft-based workshops and off-site audition opportunities. Second-year students delivered a schools tour, visiting local schools to provide free performances and physical theatre workshops. Foundation Course students also staged the OSD’s first improv comedy performance for a paying audience at The Jericho Pub in Oxford, with all proceeds supporting the Student Hardship Fund.

Public performance activity remained strong across all courses. The One-Year and Three-Year cohorts presented work at The North Wall (Oxford), Jermyn Street Theatre, the New Diorama Theatre and Southwark Playhouse (London), alongside an outdoor Shakespeare production at Sarsden Glebe Gardens in Chipping Norton.

Achievements and performance

Graduate success

The postgraduate cohort graduating in September 2024 achieved an exceptionally strong outcome, with all but one student securing professional representation. This reflects the high calibre of both the One-Year and Three-Year graduating classes and the effectiveness of training in preparing students for sustainable careers within the creative industries.

Theatre

Graduates of the OSD have continued to achieve significant success across the UK theatre sector, including prominent roles in the West End, national tours and leading producing houses. Jude Owusu appeared in the West End production of The Duchess of Malfi alongside Jodie Whittaker, while Grainne Dromgoole performed in The Merchant of Venice 1936 in the West End. Hari Kang featured in the national tour of A Man For All Seasons before joining its West End transfer, and Shaofan Wilson made her West End debut in My Neighbour Totoro following its acclaimed Barbican run.

Tanya Reynolds performed in the Barbican’s production of The Seagull opposite Cate Blanchett, subsequently nominated for Best Revival at the 2026 Olivier Awards. Lewis Mackinnon appeared in More Life at the Royal Court Theatre, and Nojan Khazai performed in the RSC’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. Sam Perry and Jake Neads featured in Ralph Fiennes’ season at Theatre Royal Bath, with Sam Perry continuing into the West End transfer of Grace Pervades. Lee Rufford returned to the West End cast of Till The Stars Come Down, and Ashley Byam joined the touring company of the National Theatre’s Dear England.

New and emerging work was also strongly represented. Daniel Burke and Zena Carswell toured nationally in The Girl on the Train, while Gemma Barnett reprised her role in Revenge: After the Levoyah at The Yard Theatre following a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run. Tanya Reynolds and Angus Cooper starred in 1536 at the Almeida Theatre, nominated for Best New Play at the 2026 Olivier Awards. Maimuna Memon received particular acclaim for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 at the Donmar Warehouse. Farah Ashraf and Aiyana Bartlett toured their two-hander Santi & Naz to eight venues across the UK, while Youth In Flames — written and performed by Mimi Martin and directed by Jessica Whiley — transferred to the Brits Off Broadway festival in New York following a sold-out run.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Television and Film

Graduates continued to make a strong impact on screen. Kiran Sonia Sawar appeared in Slow Horses as Agent Giti Rahman, earning a Scottish BAFTA nomination. Dipo Ola co-starred alongside David Mitchell in the BBC series Ludwig — renewed for a second series — with Ella Bruccoleri and Naveed Khan also featuring. Angus Cooper and Molly Chesworth appeared in Netflix’s Black Doves, with Chesworth returning alongside Babou Ceesay for the second series. Catriona Stirling appeared in the lead ensemble of Netflix’s Dept. Q, also renewed, while Cassie Bradley took roles in Channel 4’s Pushers and the BBC’s What It Feels Like For A Girl, both receiving nominations at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards.

Feature film work included Frazer Hadfield in Better Man, portraying Robbie Williams’ close friend, and Catherine McCormick and Rosanna Adams appearing alongside Colin Firth in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth. Celyn Jones and Leisa Gwenllian featured in films selected for the BFI and British Council’s “Great 8” showcase at the Cannes Film Festival. Multiple alumni, including Gemma Barnett and Arthur McBain, appeared in short films selected for BFI Flare Festival.

Awards and Recognition

Graduate achievements have been recognised at the highest level. Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer achieved extraordinary international success, winning six Emmy Awards, three BAFTAs, two Critics’ Choice Awards, two Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Peabody Award. Maimuna Memon was awarded the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Across television, multiple productions featuring OSD graduates received BAFTA nominations, further demonstrating the breadth of the school’s alumni across the industry.

These achievements reflect not only the strength of the OSD’s training, but also its ongoing commitment to widening access and supporting students from diverse backgrounds to enter and sustain careers within the creative industries.

Financial review

The charity achieved a deficit of £11,771 in the year. This is made up of £16,595 deficit in unrestricted funds and £4,824 surplus in restricted funds.

Reserves policy

As at 31 August 2025, the charity’s total funds were £1,377,864 of which, £56,615 was represented by restricted funds and £366,004 by designated funds including the net book value of the charity’s leasehold buildings), leaving a balance of £955,245 on general funds.

The Trustees consider that reserves ideally need to be sufficient to cover expenditure for a period of six months. This would equate to approximately £600,000.

As at 31 August 2025, after having designated funds to represent the investment in the new Theatre and Library/ Office Development, for the Barn Development works and the Septic Tank replacement, there was a balance of £955,245 on general funds. £173,108 of this was represented by the investment in Oxford School of Drama Limited leaving a balance of free reserves of £782,137. The Trustees are therefore satisfied that the charity’s reserves remain at an appropriate level.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Major risks

The Trust maintains risk management and other policies as listed in the Annual Return. The Trustees consider the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the charity to be:

The risk management policy covers the areas recommended by the Charity Commission: governance and management, operational, financial, environmental and external, and law and regulation compliance. Specific policies also cover complaints handling and conflicts of interest. The Board keeps risk management under continual review and conducts a formal risk assessment once a year, which is discussed and approved by the Trustees. Major risks are reviewed and assessed, and appropriate control systems are established.

Plans for future periods

During the year the OSD continued to strengthen its organisational, academic and governance frameworks in support of long-term sustainability. Work progressed on the exploration of potential university partnerships, and new trustees — including younger members — were appointed to broaden the range of skills, experience and perspectives within the Board. A revised timetable structure was introduced to support more coherent training delivery, and a new online donation system was implemented to enhance fundraising capability and donor engagement. The public performance programme was also expanded through a new showcase venue and an increased number of performances.

The OSD continued to develop its external partnerships and widening participation activity. A new partnership with Headlong was established, with further exploratory discussions undertaken with local performance venues, a headshots provider to help reduce student costs, and potential sixth-form partners to support the recruitment pipeline. Outreach activity was expanded through a revised approach aimed at increasing accessibility and reach.

In parallel, the Board undertook forward planning in relation to leadership succession, including preparation for the retirement of the Executive Director and the recruitment of a successor. These developments form part of the OSD’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement across governance, curriculum and student experience.

Looking ahead, the OSD aims to enhance its fundraising efforts, further rebalance the curriculum to reflect a wider range of perspectives, improve facilities to better support students and staff, and expand its friends’ scheme to foster greater community engagement locally and among graduates. Plans are in place to strengthen communication strategies, develop new partnerships with like-minded organisations, expand outreach initiatives, and increase accessibility for individuals from all backgrounds.

Structure, governance and management

The Trust is governed by the provisions of its memorandum and articles of association, and the accounts comply with current statutory requirements and the Trust’s governing document.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

C A Bradley A Byam H Dance S Duncan (Appointed 2 September 2024) A Millman F Murray-Fuentes M Neild O Sangster-Bullers (Appointed 2 September 2024) S Stephens G Upton R Bhari (Appointed 2 September 2024 and resigned 26 June 2025)

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Recwilmenl 8nd 8ppointmenl of trustoes The Trustees have the power to appoint additional people 08 Tru6t¢es, bul any TNstee so appThnted Shall on5y hc4 offic until the lollowing Annual General Meeting. whèr8 thay can seèk re-election. New Trustees are providad with a comprehengve induction pack conlormitYJ lo the recommendations of the Charity Commission. Thi5 includes.. Charity Cornrnission booklet CC3- The Essential Trustee.. ￿￿t you need lo kntr￿. and infofmalion on the responsibilities ol Trust88s Memorandum anu arti¢le$ ol a8soclation A¢¢ounls for the last three years incorporating Tru8tee8' report8 Minut&8 of the108t three board meeting BrEf hiBlory of the OSD and chfonology of 8ignlficanl •venls Organigjlional chart and current OSD proBP8cIu8 Scheijuie ot dates tor lurther meetings and Diographie8 of Tru81ees w41n dale8 ol appoiTilrTiiiiII Détsils ol cc4)IrgCtual obllgatlon8 And 8ummBry of the Tru8t'8 in4ur8ncg poli¢ie8, induding Iru$toe5' liability insurance Det¥ll$ ol gny current litigation being undertaken by or 8gainBI Ihe Tru81 L)&talls ot the charily'B professonal Jdv18er8. including sulicilors, r)8nKer¥ gnii gxlvrii41 ¥udllors Policy documents including Risk Management, Health and Safely, Equal Opportunrtl83, Di8abilNy Equallty. Saleguardlng ￿gnItY & Respect, Privacy, Environrnontal. ICT, Di8oplinary and Gflevance policieB Or9eni8alion&t slructurn The Tru81ees are in ov•rall control ol the Tru8t and con8ider stralagic i86U08. 08y-tO-day manggamanl 18 delegated lo Ihe Principal. Key M8naoement Perstinngl Romuneralion The pay 8nd rgmunerotion ol the charity'5 key management personnel 18 fe-evalual&d 8nnually. Every three to fNe year8 the Tru81ee8 undertake a comporauve analy61B ol th8 pay and remunoralion of key managerngnl p8r8onnal In 8lmilar organi8alionB Bs a b8nchrnBrk. D1•c1￿Ule of Inlom)•tlon to audltor Each ol the Tru$l898 has confirrned th81 there l¥ no infcfmats.on of which th8y ar& aware whlch is felevanl lo Ihe 8udit, bul ol which th8 auditor is unaware. They have further confiTrned th8t they have taken approplote steps to Jentify such relevant inlorrnalion Bnd to estgblish that the audltor ig aware o18uch inforrnation. This report ho$ been prepared in accordance with the Sm811 ¢¢ffjapni&8 Ragimo uThJ8r Section 419(21 of the CompanieBArt 2026, The Trustee ' port was approved by the of Trust•es. Neilj Dal8.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Oxford School of Drama Trust for the purpose of company law, 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 Trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust 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 Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Oxford School of Drama Trust (the ‘Trust’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 Trust 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 Trust’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 other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 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 in the course of 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.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Trust and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the Trustees' report.

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

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the Trust for the purpose 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 Trust’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 but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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 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.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

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

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, 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 and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Robert Kirtland (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Gravita Audit Oxford LLP, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants First Floor, Park Central 40-41 Park End Street Oxford OX1 1JD Date: .........................27/5/2026

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
21,857
78,651
Charitable activities
4
1,579,379
-
Investments
5
23,433
-
Other income
6
-
-
Total income
1,624,669
78,651
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
6,829
-
Charitable activities
8
1,654,935
53,327
Total expenditure
1,661,764
53,327
Net income/(expenditure)
(37,095)
25,324
Transfers between
funds
20,500
(20,500)
Net movement in
funds
10
(16,595)
4,824
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September
2024
1,337,844
51,791
Fund balances at 31 August
2025
1,321,249
56,615		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
100,508
4,420
79,702
1,579,379
1,465,890
-
23,433
23,089
-
-
157,535
-
1,703,320
1,650,934
79,702
6,829
15,701
-
1,708,262
1,542,131
47,623
1,715,091
1,557,832
47,623
(11,771)
93,102
32,079
-
35,300
(35,300)
(11,771)
128,402
(3,221)
1,389,635
1,209,442
55,012
1,377,864
1,337,844
51,791		 Total
2024
£
84,122
1,465,890
23,089
157,535
1,730,636
15,701
1,589,754
1,605,455
125,181
-
125,181
1,264,454
1,389,635

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 AUGUST2025 2025 2024 Flx•d asJets Tangible as8els Investments 14 15 213.486 173.108 237,586 216.384 386,574 453,970 Curr•nt a#••l* Stocks D&bl¢x8 C88h at bank and in hgnd 16 17 20 81,874 1,732,9 75,897 1,871,395 1,814,890 1,747,297 Crndllorn: amount8 falllng du• within one yoar 18 1823,400) 1811,8321 N•t current a•¥•ts 991,290 935,e65 T+)tsl lfj•B current Il•blllti 1,377,864 1,389,635 Th• fund• ol the Tru•t Restricted income lunds Urr•8trrted bJnd8 21 22 58,815 1,321,249 51,791 1,337,844 1,377.864 1,389.835 The financ￿1 men18 were appioved by the Tru8tee6 On .. elld Company regi8tralion number 3638842 (England and 12

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
27
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
£
40,136
(1,968)
23,433
21,465
-
61,601
1,671,395
1,732,996		 2024
£
£
173,090
(2,915)
23,089
20,174
-
193,264
1,478,131
1,671,395		 2024
£
£
173,090
(2,915)
23,089
20,174
-
193,264
1,478,131
1,671,395
193,264
1,478,131
1,671,395

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Oxford School of Drama Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is c/o Gravita Oxford LLP, First Floor, Park Central, 40-41 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, 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 with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Group financial statements are not prepared as there is no material difference between the group and charitable company financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable 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 conditions 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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Trust.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

Income includes fees for courses organised by the Trust, associated fees, and deposit interest. Income is included in the income and expenditure account in the year to which the income relates.

Income received in the year relating to terms starting after the year end is deferred and included as income in the accounts covering the period to which it relates.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements Length of lease Fixtures and fittings 25%

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Investments are held at cost less any impairment in value. Following the transfer of trade from the subsidary company to the Trust impairment has been processed so that the cost less impairment matches what would have been the goodwill on consolidation.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Trust. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Trust reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

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 borrowings in current liabilities.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The Trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Trust's balance sheet when the Trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial 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 arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured 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.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially 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 within one year are not amortised.

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 effective interest method.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Trust’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

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 only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

Depreciation rates

estimated useful life of assets

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

(Continued)

Impairment of investments

value being impaired over 10 years

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 21,857 78,651 100,508 4,420 79,702 84,122

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Drama School
Course fees 1,490,322 1,396,358
Less: bursaries awarded (20,500) (35,300)
Audition fees 18,301 20,135
Box office sales 13,472 14,267
Student transport 53,275 45,602
Other income 24,509 24,828
1,579,379 1,465,890

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 23,433 23,089
6 Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Insurance claim - 157,535

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs - 15,701
Staff costs 6,829 -
6,829 15,701

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Other direct costs
Bursaries (indiviudals)
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
Governance - auditors' remuneration
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Drama
School
2025
£
583,386
69,364
653,970
1,306,720
52,527
337,444
11,571
1,708,262
1,654,935
53,327
1,708,262		 Drama
School
2024
£
498,500
70,141
651,032
1,219,673
47,623
311,714
10,744
1,589,754
1,542,131
47,623
1,589,754

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

9
Support costs allocated to activities
Legal and other fees
Finance
General office
Premises
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Drama School
10
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Impairment of fixed asset investments		 2025
£
36,283
1,403
21,073
278,685
11,571
349,015
349,015
2025
£
11,571
26,088
43,276		 2024
£
5,031
2,492
21,543
282,648
10,744
322,458
322,458
2024
£
10,744
26,865
43,276

11 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Trust during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2025
Number
12
2025
£
527,908
41,160
21,147
590,215		 2024
Number
10
2024
£
446,631
39,416
12,453
498,500

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12 Employees

(Continued)

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
£60,001 - £70,000
£70,001 - £80,000
£80,001 - £90,000
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
Aggregate compensation		 2025
Number
-
1
1
2025
£
174,553		 2024
Number
1
1
-
2024
£
169,932

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold
improvements
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 September 2024
1,025,182
51,552
Additions
-
1,968
At 31 August 2025
1,025,182
53,520
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2024
793,670
45,478
Depreciation charged in the year
23,044
3,044
At 31 August 2025
816,714
48,522
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025
208,468
4,998
At 31 August 2024
231,512
6,074		 Total
£
1,076,734
1,968
1,078,702
839,148
26,088
865,236
213,466
237,586

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

15 Fixed asset investments

Other
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2024 & 31 August 2025 500,000
Impairment
At 1 September 2024 283,616
Impairment losses 43,276
At 31 August 2025 326,892
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025 173,108
At 31 August 2024 216,384

The Oxford School of Drama Limited (OSD) is a wholly owned subsidiary company (company number: 1973452).

OSD's registered office is: c/o Gravita Oxford LLP First Floor, Park Central 40-41 Park End Street Oxford OX1 1JD

OSD previously undertook the foundation course for Oxford School of Drama during the year but now has minimal activity after the operation of the foundation course was transferred to the Trust.

Other investments comprise:
Notes
Investments in subsidiaries
26
16
Stocks
Raw materials and consumables		 2025
£
173,108
2025
£
20		 2024
£
216,384
2024
£
5

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

17 Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors 17,804 32,507
Prepayments and accrued income 63,870 43,390
81,674 75,897
18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Other taxation and social security 18,710 10,992
Deferred income 19 664,285 648,981
Trade creditors 27,426 25,209
Other creditors 94,598 107,279
Accruals 18,381 19,171
823,400 811,632
19 Deferred income
2025 2024
£ £
Other deferred income 664,285 648,981
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities 664,285 648,981
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 September 2024 648,981 630,618
Released from previous periods (648,981) (630,618)
Resources deferred in the year 664,285 648,981
Deferred income at 31 August 2025 664,285 648,981
20 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 21,147 12,453

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

20 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

The Trust operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Trust in an independently administered fund.

21 Restricted 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 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 August
September resources expended 2025
2024
£ £ £ £ £
Student Hardship Bursaries 51,853 2,755 (7,950) - 46,658
Mhairi Armstrong Bursary Fund 2,383 - - - 2,383
A.L.L. Bursaries (3,079) 43,896 (44,577) - (3,760)
Garfield Weston Foundation 634 20,000 - (20,500) 134
The Ashley Family Foundation
Fund - 10,000 - - 10,000
The Garrick Club Charitable
Trust - 2,000 (800) - 1,200
51,791 78,651 (53,327) (20,500) 56,615
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £ £
Student Hardship Bursaries 57,583 19,650 (7,380) (18,000) 51,853
Mhairi Armstrong Bursary Fund 2,383 - - - 2,383
A.L.L. Bursaries (3,954) 40,052 (39,177) - (3,079)
Garfiled Weston Foundation (1,000) 20,000 (1,066) (17,300) 634
55,012 79,702 (47,623) (35,300) 51,791

Mhairi Armstrong Bursary fund is monies received to be used for student hardship.

The Hardship Fund is monies received to be used for student hardship.

Advanced Learner Loans - Bursary funds available to those students who have Advanced Learner Loans.

The Garfield Weston Foundation fund is for talented students facing substantial financial hardship.

The Ashley Family Foundation fund is to support Welsh students from lower income households.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

22 Unrestricted 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 which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
September
2024
£
Leasehold improvements
231,512
Septic Tank Fund
157,535
General funds
948,797
1,337,844
Previous year:
At 1
September
2023
£
Leasehold impovements
254,556
Septic Tank Fund
-
General funds
954,886
1,209,442
Analysis of net assets between funds
At 31 August 2025:
Tangible assets
Investments
Current assets/(liabilities)		 Income
Expenditure
Transfers At 31 August
2025
£
£
£
£
-
(23,044)
-
208,468
-
-
-
157,535
1,624,669
(1,638,720)
20,500
955,246
1,624,669
(1,661,764)
20,500
1,321,249
Income
Expenditure
Transfers At 31 August
2024
£
£
£
£
-
(23,044)
-
231,512
157,535
-
-
157,535
1,493,399
(1,534,788)
35,300
948,797
1,650,934
(1,557,832)
35,300
1,337,844
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
213,466
-
213,466
173,108
-
173,108
934,675
56,615
991,290
1,321,249
56,615
1,377,864

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

23 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 August 2024:
Tangible assets 237,586 - 237,586
Investments 216,384 - 216,384
Current assets/(liabilities) 883,874 51,791 935,665
1,337,844 51,791 1,389,635

24 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the Trust had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
Lease payments in the year		 2025
£
208,782
415,636
624,418
199,968		 2024
£
200,852
600,628
801,480
195,129

25 Related party transactions

A Byam (Trustee) was paid £2,868 (2024: £1,972) for professional services provided in the year which is permitted by the charity's Memorandum of Association. No other trustees received any remuneration in either year.

One trustee was paid £Nil (2024: £30) for reimbursement of travel expenses in the year. One trustee made a donation of £101 (2024: £1,522) in the year towards an event.

OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

26 Subsidiaries

Details of the Trust's subsidiaries at 31 August 2025 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
Oxford School of Drama c/o Gravita Audit
Trading company		 Ordinary 100.00
Limited Oxford, First
Floor, Park
Central, 40-41
Park End Street,
OX1 1JD

Oxford School Of Drama Limited made a loss of £3,934 (2024: £2,027) for the year ended 31 August 2025, and had £6,816 of capital and reserves (2024: £10,750).

27
Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
(Increase) in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
Increase in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2025
£
(11,771)
(23,433)
69,364
(15)
(5,777)
(3,536)
15,304
40,136		 2024
£
125,181
(23,089)
70,141
(5)
(11,766)
(5,735)
18,363
173,090

28 Analysis of changes in net funds

The Trust had no material debt during the year.