Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Loughborough Schools Foundation
Governors’ Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 August 2025 Registered company number 4038033 Registered charity number 1081765
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Contents
| Contents | 2 |
|---|---|
| Governors’ report | 3 |
| Statement of Governors’ responsibilities | 23 |
| Report of the independent auditors to the members of Loughborough Schools Foundation | 24 |
| Consolidated statement of financial activities | 27 |
| Consolidated summary income and expenditure account | 28 |
| Consolidated balance sheet | 29 |
| Charitable Company balance sheet | 30 |
| Consolidated cash flow statement | 31 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 32 |
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Introduction
Governors, Trustees & Directors
The Loughborough Schools Foundation is a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 04038033) and a registered charity (Charity No. 1081765).
The following individuals served as Governors during the year ended 31 August 2025 and up to the date of this report, unless otherwise stated:
Co-opted Governors:
----- Start of picture text -----
Name Changes In Year Notes
Dr M Aslam Resigned 6 December 2024
Mr R G Bailey Appointed 2 June 2025
Mrs K L Basey
Mr A Bowden
Dr Y Carlisle Appointed 2 June 2025
Mr J Cimurs
Mrs A Clark Resigned 4 July 2025
Dr J Esson
Dr S Gowers-Cromie Resigned 22 May 2025
Mr P R K Harris Appointed 2 June 2025
Mr R Harrison Foundation Chair to 3 September 2025
Air Vice-Marshal G Howard Resigned 15 November 2024
Foundation Chair from 4 September
Mr S Leese
2025
Mrs R J E Limb Resigned 4 July 2025
Mr R McDonough Appointed 4 November 2025
Mr S Morris Resigned 6 December 2024
Mrs A Murphy
Mr R Saunt Appointed 12 September 2024
Mr J A Wood Appointed 2 June 2025
----- End of picture text -----
Nominated Governor:
| Name | Changes In Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sister C Leydon | Resigned 12 June 2025 | Representing Rosminian Sisters of Providence |
Directors
All Governors of the Loughborough Schools Foundation are registered with Companies House as Directors of the Charitable Company.
Trustees
All Governors of the Loughborough Schools Foundation are also registered with the Charity Commission as Trustees of the Charitable Company.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Professional Advisers:
| Bankers: | National Westminster Bank plc |
|---|---|
| Market Place | |
| Loughborough | |
| LE11 3EA | |
| Solicitors: | Veale Wasbrough Vizards |
| Orchard Court | |
| Orchard Lane | |
| Bristol | |
| BS1 5DS | |
| Bird, Wilford and Sale | |
| 20 Church Gate | |
| Loughborough | |
| LE11 1UD | |
| Auditors: | Cooper Parry Group Limited |
| Sky View, Argosy Road | |
| East Midlands Airport | |
| Castle Donnington | |
| Derby | |
| DE74 2SA | |
| Tax Adviser: | PKF Smith Cooper |
| Prospect House | |
| 1 Prospect Place | |
| Derby | |
| DE24 8HG | |
| Investment Advisers: | Charles Stanley & Co. Limited |
| 25 Luke Street | |
| London | |
| EC2A 4AR | |
| Insurance Broker: | Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers |
| Beacon Tower, Colston Street | |
| Bristol | |
| BS1 4XE | |
| Land Managers: | Mather Jamie |
| 3 Bank Court, Weldon Road | |
| Loughborough | |
| LE11 5RF | |
| Registered Office: | 3 Burton Walks |
| Loughborough | |
| LE11 2DU |
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Reference Information
Loughborough Schools Foundation is an educational charity administered by Governors, who also serve as the Trustees of the Charity and Directors of the Company. The Foundation comprises three independent schools and one nursery, all located in Loughborough.
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Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) was founded in 1495.
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Loughborough High School for Girls (LHS) was founded in 1850.
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Fairfield Preparatory School became autonomous in 1969, having previously operated as the junior school of LHS.
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Our Lady’s Convent School, founded in 1850, was subsumed into the Foundation on 1 September 2015 and renamed Loughborough Amherst School (LAS) in 2018. Following a formal consultation process, LAS closed on 31 August 2025.
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The Loughborough Nursery, established by LAS, opened in October 2016 and continues to operate as part of the Foundation.
Throughout the Governors’ Report and Financial Statements, the company and the charitable trust are referred to collectively as the Foundation.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Foundation is a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 4038033) and a registered charity (Charity No. 1081765). It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Governors of the Foundation, as Directors of the Company and Trustees of the Charity, provide strategic leadership, ensure policy and financial oversight, hold senior leaders accountable and manage risks to guide the Foundation’s long-term success. A formal Scheme of Delegation sets out the responsibilities between the Governors, Committees, and the Executive Leadership Team.
Executive Leadership Team
The day-to-day management of the Foundation and schools is delegated to the Foundation Executive Leadership Team, which includes:
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Loughborough Grammar School (boys aged 10-18, day and boarding) Headmaster: Mr. J Neville, MA (Oxon), MPhil (Cantab) from 23 February 2025
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Loughborough High School (girls aged 11-18, day school) Head: Dr. F Miles, MA (Cantab), MBBS
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Fairfield Preparatory School (co-educational day school, aged 3-11) Headmaster: Mr. A R Earnshaw, BA, NPQH
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From September 2025, Loughborough Nursery operates under Fairfield’s line management
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Loughborough Amherst School (co-educational day and boarding school, ages 2-18 ) and Loughborough Nursery
Headmaster: Mr. J Neville, MA (Oxon), MPhil (Cantab) until 23 February 2025 Loughborough Amherst School formally closed on 31 August 2025.
The day-to-day management of educational, pupil development and pastoral matters is delegated to the Heads, supported by their senior staff. Appropriate interim arrangements were put in place as necessary during the year.
In addition to the Heads, the Foundation Executive Leadership Team includes non-educational leadership roles:
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Bursar – Mr D Goodacre
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External Engagement Director – Mr R Langley
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Transformation Director – Mr A White
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
The Bursar and External Engagement Director oversee centralised functions including finance, estates and grounds management, health and safety, compliance, catering, network services, commercial activity, marketing and the Foundation’s subsidiary companies. The Director of Transformation leads strategic change, oversight of key transformation initiatives to inform future governance and structural decisions and human resources.
Governance Assurance
All Governors give their time freely and no remuneration was paid during the year. Reasonable travelling and associated expenses were paid in accordance with Foundation policy. No Trustee/Director, or person connected with a Governor, received any benefit either from a means-tested Foundation bursary or a scholarship awarded to a pupil.
Professional indemnity and liability insurance is in place for Governors.
Membership of Relevant Professional Bodies
The Heads of the Foundation’s schools are members of the following professional associations:
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Loughborough Grammar School – HMC and The Society of Heads
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Loughborough High School – GSA
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Fairfield Preparatory School – IAPS
The Foundation is a member of both the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) and the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS). These affiliations form part of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and provide valuable platforms for sharing expertise, knowledge and best practice across the independent sector. They also play a key role in representing the sector’s interests to Government and regulatory bodies
Governor Recruitment and Training
The Board of Governors requires a broad and diverse range of skills and experience to fulfil its responsibilities effectively. The Governance Committee (formerly the Nominations and Governance Committee) oversees recruitment, selection, induction and succession planning for Governors.
Governor vacancies are advertised when they arise, and the Foundation has diversified its recruitment methods, including the use of a recruitment partner to target candidates with specific skills and experience. A skills audit is maintained and regularly reviewed to inform both recruitment priorities and Governor development.
The Board recognises that its current composition is less diverse than in previous years, following recent resignations. Addressing this remains an ongoing priority, and the Board continues to work towards agreed diversity goals.
All newly appointed Governors undertake a structured induction programme, including meetings with members of the Executive Leadership Team and relevant Committee Chairs. Governors are asked to complete a Core Training Programme at different stages of their governance journey. This programme ensures consistent onboarding and supports Governors in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
Governors are also encouraged to attend external development opportunities to complement internal training. The Foundation is a member of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS), and Governors are encouraged to participate in its conferences and seminars. A record of Governor training is maintained.
Governance and Committee Structure
The Board of Governors exercises oversight and strategic control of the Foundation through a combination of functional committees and individual School Boards, which operate as committees of the main Board with a specific focus on each school. Members of the Executive Leadership Team attend Governors’ meetings to support informed decision-making.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Each School Board provides a forum for Governors to engage with school-specific matters, particularly academic and educational issues and to represent the school during ISI inspections. Each Board comprises at least three Governors and meets termly.
An external review of governance was completed in March 2023 and implementation of its recommendations continued throughout 2024/25. This included a detailed consideration of the Foundation’s governance and leadership structure, which led to the decision to create a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role to provide unified strategic leadership across the Foundation. The role was developed during 2024/25, with the recruitment process launched in September 2025. The new CEO, Mr Chris Staley, took office in January 2026. The CEO reports to the Board and leads the Foundation’s strategic direction, enabling Heads to focus fully on their individual school communities.
An internal governance review was also undertaken during 2024/25 to assess committee effectiveness and streamline responsibilities. As a result:
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The Operations and Compliance Committee was disbanded.
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A dedicated Health & Safety Governor role was introduced.
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Oversight responsibilities previously held by the Operations and Compliance Committee were redistributed, with some functions absorbed by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and others streamlined to remove duplication.
Committees in Operation During the Year
School Boards (Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, Fairfield Prep School, Loughborough Amherst School)
Focused on academic and educational matters and served as the primary interface between Governors and the schools. Each School Board also includes an Assistant Nominated Safeguarding Governor, who supports the Foundation’s safeguarding responsibilities at the individual school level and acts as a point of liaison with the Foundation Lead Governor for Safeguarding.
Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
Oversees financial performance, long-term planning, investments, reserves, external audit, internal reviews and risk management. Strengthened during the year to absorb additional responsibilities related to compliance and risk. Composed of at least three Governors, including the H&S Governor, and meets termly.
Governance Committee (formerly the Nominations and Governance Committee)
Oversees governance practices across the Foundation, including recruitment, selection, induction and succession planning for Governors. Also leads on structural governance reviews. Composed of representatives from the School Boards and chaired by the Foundation Chair. Meets termly.
Remuneration Committee
Determines the remuneration of the Foundation’s senior officers. Composed of the four School Board Chairs and chaired by the Foundation Chair. Meets annually.
Subsidiary Trading Board
Oversees the Foundation’s incorporated subsidiaries. Composed of three Directors, two of whom are not Trustees of the Foundation.
Additional Governance Roles
In addition to the formal committee structure, the Board has appointed Foundation Lead Governors for the following key areas:
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
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Safeguarding
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
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Health & Safety (H&S)
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
These roles provide strategic oversight and ensure that the Foundation maintains high standards of compliance, inclusion and pupil welfare across all schools.
Going Concern
The Trustees remain confident that the Foundation is able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due, as well as continuing to invest in the fabric of the buildings and the facilities and equipment required to provide an excellent education at the Foundation’s schools. Whilst the Foundation has net current liabilities of £60k this includes a mortgage on a property of £534k which is due for renewal in 2026 and which we fully expect to refinance on normal lending terms. Excluding this the Foundation has net current assets of £474k. The Foundation holds sufficient cash reserves, minimal debt, and continues to generate sufficient funding and operating surpluses to meet its financial obligations. The Trustees note that the 2024-25 result was affected by the extraordinary costs for the closure of Loughborough Amherst School and following this closure in summer 2025 the Foundation will see a significant reduction in costs and is in a stronger and more stable financial position moving forwards.
The Foundation prepares budgets and long-term forecasts to understand its financial position, model risks and scenarios, and continually takes action to ensure that it can remain in a financially sustainable position and deliver its charitable objectives. The longer-term forecasting that has been completed shows that the Foundation will continue to generate operating surpluses and maintain sufficient cash funds to continue meet all its financial obligations.
Based on this assessment the Trustees are confident that the Foundation can continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future and the financial statements have therefore been prepared on a going concern basis.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
STRATEGIC REPORT
The Foundation remains committed to delivering an outstanding academic experience, a nurturing pastoral environment and a rich co-curricular offering across its schools. In our senior schools we are relatively unique in offering single sex education on one co-ed campus and this gives our pupils the best of both worlds in their experience with us and allows our educational leaders to deliver a better and more rounded experience for pupils. Despite Government policy and external factors creating an exceptionally challenging year we have responded to these challenges and continue to maintain high pupils numbers and a strong financial position. As ever, our pupils continue to make us proud with their outstanding achievements as we support them to develop and grow for the next step in their journey, wherever that may be.
Key Performance Indicators
The Foundation assess its success in the implementation and pursuit of its Charity strategy by following key performance indicators:
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Academic results
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Pupil numbers in the schools
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The achievement of pupils in all areas of education development including sport, music and drama
Academic Excellence at Loughborough
The Foundation is proud to report another year of strong academic performance across its schools, reflecting the dedication of pupils and staff and our continued commitment to excellence.
Loughborough Grammar School
A Level A: 18% A–A: 45% A*–B: 71%
GCSE
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Grades 9–8: 40%
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Grades 9–7: 59%
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Grades 9–5: 92%
Loughborough High School
A Level A: 30% A–A: 64% A*–B: 87%
GCSE
Grades 9–8: 51% Grades 9–7: 69% Grades 9–5: 92%
Loughborough Amherst School
A Level A: 4% A–A: 18% A*–B: 47%
GCSE
Grades 9–8: 24% Grades 9–7: 37% Grades 9–5: 77%
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Fairfield Prep
The 2024–25 academic year has been another highly successful one for Fairfield Prep School. We were also delighted that, as in previous years, every Year 6 pupil who applied for a place within the Loughborough Schools Foundation was successful in gaining entry to either Loughborough Grammar School or Loughborough High School. Alongside an impressive number of academic and music scholarships, it was particularly pleasing that several pupils were awarded sporting scholarships, an exciting first in Fairfield’s distinguished history.
In November 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) judged Fairfield to be fully compliant across all five regulatory standards. The report was particularly complimentary about our EYFS provision, noting the expertise and dedication of staff and the excellent range of learning opportunities available to our youngest pupils. The few recommended next steps were limited to minor enhancements, all of which are already being addressed as part of our ongoing School Development Plan, an outcome that represents the very best result the governors and staff could have hoped for.
ISI Inspections
In November 2024, all Foundation schools underwent full inspections by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). These inspections provided valuable external assurance across key areas including educational quality, safeguarding, leadership and governance. Each school met the required standards in all categories, affirming the Foundation’s commitment to high-quality provision and pupil welfare. The inspection outcomes have informed ongoing strategic planning and reinforced confidence in the schools’ educational and pastoral approach.
Pupil Numbers
The pupil numbers remain strong and at the start of the year were 791 at Loughborough Grammar School, 522 at Loughborough High School, 448 at Fairfield Preparatory School and 291 at Loughborough Amherst School. An average of 130 children also attended the Nursery setting throughout the year, equivalent to 69 Full Time pupils.
Sporting Achievement at Loughborough
Our sports programme focuses on both high performance and inclusive participation and has continued to grow.. With a wide range of specialist coaches and teachers we continue to see high participation levels at all age groups across a range of sports and strong performance from both individuals and teams at a competitive level.
This year we were excited to launch our sports scholarship programme, with expert external assessors from Loughborough University supporting assessments across Year 7, 8, 9 and 12. Scholars joined the Foundation in September 2025. Alongside this, the Student Athlete Programme successfully supported 16 pupils this year, providing tailored academic and sporting guidance.
The Foundation’s football programme has expanded significantly, with national placings for LGS teams including a top-15 finish for the U15s, and our boys and girls football teams at Fairfield reaching the IAPS National Finals From September 2025, football will feature on the games programme across all senior schools, with a comprehensive boys’ offer and a growing girls’ programme.
Our pupils achieved notable success across a wide range of sports:
National Champions:
Loughborough High School First XI Hockey Team – Winners of the England Hockey Tier 2 Cup Loughborough High School Under-14 Badminton Team – Champions of both the England Schools Badminton competition and the School Sport Magazine Cup
National Finalists:
Fairfield Prep School Under-11 Boys and Girls Football Teams – Finalists in the IAPS National Football Competition Loughborough Grammar School U15 Football Team – Semi-finalists in the ISFA National Bowl Loughborough Grammar School U16 Badminton Team – Ranked in the top 10 nationally
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
County Champions:
Loughborough Grammar School – County champions in U15 & U16 Rugby Loughborough Grammar School – County champions U14–U16 Badminton Loughborough Grammar School – County champions U15 Cricket Loughborough High School – County champions in U14–U16 Badminton Loughborough High School – County champions in U15 Indoor Cricket
Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School – county champions in Key Stage 3 Swimming
Every pupil in Fairfield from Year 4 to Year 6 was offered the opportunity to represent their school in sport each term, reflecting our commitment to inclusive participation.
The Foundation also continued to develop its trips and tours programme, including domestic fixtures and a longhaul rugby tour to South Africa in July 2025.
Strategic partnerships with Loughborough University, Leicester City Football Club, Nottingham Forest Football Club and national governing bodies have strengthened our outreach and visibility. Staff continue to contribute nationally, including representation on the RFU National Schools Board and presentations at PGCE programmes as well as hosting student teachers from Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University and being one of the Loughborough University ITap Centres.
Outstanding Music at Loughborough
Our pupils benefit from a dedicated music faculty located in a purpose built building including recital hall and numerous practice rooms on campus and benefitting from instruction from many professional musicians and teachers. Music is highly visible across all of our schools , with over 200 concerts and events annually and maintaining strong engagement with pupils, parents and the wider community. The department’s work is underpinned by a commitment to excellence, inclusion and outreach with one of the highlights of the year being our annual spring concert at De Montfort Hall Across the board range of instruments we support, during the year we were delighted to replace and upgrade our entire range of pianos. This included purchasing a Bösendorfer grand piano for our recital hall for our pupils to use, but also a range of other high quality pianos to support a wide variety of different genres.
This year saw strong academic outcomes in both GCSE and A Level Music, with 100% pass rates and high value-added scores. Performance exam results were equally impressive, with 71% of all entries achieving Merit or Distinction and 84% of Grade 6–8 candidates reaching the same standard. Two diploma-level awards were also achieved.
Pupils secured places at leading institutions including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Durham University and Leeds University.
Outreach and community engagement remain central to the department’s ethos. Initiatives included:
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Weekly Twinkle Tots and Mini Maestros parent and toddler groups, engaging over 50 families
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Planning for The Big Sing 2026, a major event involving 400 primary pupils which will culminate in a performance at De Montfort Hall
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Partnerships with Charnwood College, Ashmount and Netherhall Special Schools, and regular performances at town and charity events
Staff are active nationally, contributing to professional associations, adjudicating competitions and performing professionally. The Director of Music was recently elected President of the Music Teachers Association and will contribute to national curriculum strategy and advocacy.
Broad Co-curricular at Loughborough
Beyond music and sport all schools in the Foundation offer a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment activities for our pupils to both enjoy and support their broader development. In fact there are over 140 clubs and societies across the Foundation giving every pupil a chance to find something to suit their interests!
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
We maintain a large Combined Cadet Force, offering pupils significant personal development by building leadership, discipline, confidence, and resilience and our Royal Air Force cadets proved themselves to be the best in the country in retaining the Royal Air Squadron Trophy for the second year in a row. We also remain both proud and humble in our involvement in the market towns’ annual service of remembrance.
Performing arts thrive at Loughborough with a vibrant and inclusive offering, In additiona to regular creative and performing opportunities within the schools, pupils led our large productions of Madagascar at Fairfield, and Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid across our senior schools.
Strategic Developments
This year has been defined by two major strategic developments: the closure of Loughborough Amherst School and the continued evolution of governance and leadership, including the creation of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role.
Responding to Changes in External Environment
As a result of a new Government taking office in July 2024 there were some significant changes in policy towards independent schools and additional taxes affecting all businesses. It was confirmed in July 2024 that independent school fees would become subject to VAT from 1[st] January 2025 and that independent schools would also lose charitable business rates relief. These policy changes had been previously identified as a risk. In addition, in October 2024 it was announced that businesses, including the Foundation, would be subject to a significant increase in employers national insurance taxes and that the National Living Wage would increase far in excess of inflation. These Government policy changes build on the longer-term trend of falling birth rates affecting education nationally.
For 2024/25 a significant focus of the Foundation was in preparing for, and responding to the challenges that the Government taxes and policy changes created, whilst trying to maintain the quality of our academic, co-curricular and pastoral offer.
Closure of Loughborough Amherst School
Following a formal consultation process initiated in January 2025, the Board made the exceptionally difficult decision to close Loughborough Amherst School at the end of the 2025 academic year. This decision was taken with deep regret and only after extensive engagement with stakeholders and thorough consideration of all available options.
Over the course of the year, the Board convened many times to ensure that feedback from parents, staff and the wider community was carefully reviewed. The consultation process included town hall meetings, a formal staff consultation, engagement with parent groups and direct correspondence with families. These forums revealed a profound emotional connection to Amherst and the Board acknowledges the distress this decision has caused.
Despite exploring multiple alternatives, the decision was ultimately driven by long-term strategic and financial considerations. These included a declining trend in pupil numbers, demographic shifts and the need to consolidate resources in response to the implementation of VAT on school fees and increases in costs. The Foundation’s priority remains the provision of high-quality education, and this decision, though painful, was necessary to safeguard the future of the wider Foundation.
Pupils successfully transitioned to continue their education in a variety of schools, including those within the Foundation, and the pupils sitting exams in years 11 and 13 achieved success in light of these difficult circumstances.
To minimise compulsory redundancies the Foundation supported staff to redeploy into alternative roles within the Foundation and also implemented a voluntary severance scheme. This approach was designed to support staff in making informed decisions about their future and to reduce the overall impact on the workforce.
Boarding at Loughborough High School
In response to the closure of Amherst and the need to maintain continuity for boarding pupils, the Board approved a strategic decision for Loughborough High School to return to boarding. A material change application was submitted in the summer term of 2025 and formally approved in October 2025.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Governance and Leadership Review
In response to the increasingly complex educational and financial landscape, the Board had previously approved the creation of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role to lead the Foundation into its next strategic phase and commenced the recruitment process. This marks a significant evolution in our governance model and reflects our commitment to strategic coherence, operational agility and long-term sustainability.
The CEO will serve as the single point of executive leadership, reporting directly to the Board of Governors. This structure enables more streamlined decision-making and governance, allowing the Foundation to respond with greater confidence and agility to sector-wide opportunities and challenges. The CEO will work closely with the Board, Heads and Central Services to develop and deliver a unified Foundation strategy that supports growth, encourages innovation and ensures the effective use of shared resources.
Loughborough Grammar School Leadership
This year marked a significant leadership milestone for Loughborough Grammar School with the successful appointment of a new Headteacher. Following a period of interim leadership, this permanent appointment brings renewed clarity and strategic direction to the school.
The Board has actively supported the new Headteacher’s transition, helping to shape a long-term vision that reflects the school’s values and aspirations. This leadership development is expected to bring renewed consistency and confidence to the school community, enabling a sharper focus on academic excellence and pastoral care.
Marketing & Recruitment Strategy
The Marketing & Recruitment Strategy continued to evolve over the year, taking a data and insights-led approach to navigate the challenging market conditions. The development of value propositions for each of the schools within the Foundation has strengthened content through social media, recognised as a core channel for prospective parents, and delivered increases in engagement. A significant body of work has taken place to redevelop the Foundation’s websites ready for launch early in the 2025/26 academic year.
A concerted effort has been made to build brand awareness across key regional recruitment hotspots through a mix of advertising and PR activity across digital, print and out-of-home channels. This has been supplemented with the commencement of relationships with, amongst others, Leicester City Football Club (community partnership) and the East Midlands Chamber (membership) to further increase brand visibility.
Improvements have been made to key recruitment events, such as the Foundation’s Open Morning, to enhance the customer experience for prospective families. More stringent analysis of the recruitment pipeline has enabled improvements in conversion from enquiry through to enrolment.
Financial Review
The Foundation has continued to navigate a challenging external environment which during 2024/25 included independent schools becoming subject to VAT, increases in taxation, ongoing inflation and falling birth rates.
Independent schools becoming subject to 20% VAT from 1 January 2025 meant that school fees needed to be exceptionally increased, although through recovering VAT on our purchases and a number of other savings and efficiencies we were able to limit the impact to parents to 15%. This was in line with most other independent schools. We do however recognise that this was a significant increase for parents, many of whom make difficult choices to prioritise the benefits of an independent school education.
Total income for the year of £36.5m (2024: £38.3m) was lower than last year. By limiting the impact of VAT to our parents to 15% this led to revenue from school fees reducing from £35.6m to £34.5m (3%), as the Foundation doesn’t keep the 20% VAT on school fees and pays this over to HMRC. We saw another strong year of donations and legacies at £0.9m (2024: £1.7m) and continue to be well supported by our alumni community, with 2024 being particularly high as a result of a large legacy from Derek Greasley which will support pupil bursaries for many years to come. Our investments continued to perform in line with our expectations and generated income of £0.5m (2024: £0.5m).
Total expenditure of £37.1m (2024: £36.6m) is +1.5% higher than 2024. The Foundation managed to successfully control costs despite the removal of exemptions for business rates and increases in employment taxes and national
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
living wage part way through the year. The Foundation also benefitted from being able to recover VAT on some of its purchases and has been working to recover VAT on major building projects in line with the applicable rules. We continue to monitor our costs to make savings and efficiencies whilst still prioritising the quality of our educational, pastoral and co-curricular programme.
Extraordinary costs in relation to the closure of the Loughborough Amherst School were £2.9m, which includes the write off of historical spend on the leased premises. Whilst the closure of the school was an incredibly difficult decision to make, it will provide long term financial benefits and stability to the Foundation.
The overall result for the year is a net expenditure of £3.6m (2024: net income of £2.1m). Excluding the extraordinary closure costs the movement on unrestricted funds is a surplus of £0.1m (2024 £1.3m) and the Foundation will in the future benefit from a lower cost base from consolidating its activities onto our Burton Walks campus and Quorn playing fields.
| Net movement on unrestricted funds Extraordinary Costs – Amherst closure Net movement on unrestricted funds before extraordinary costs |
2025 £000 (2,769) 2,864 95 |
2024 £000 1,336 - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,336 |
Some turbulence within financial markets returned during the year as a result of US trade policy, leading to the Foundation’s investments falling in value by £0.1m at the end of the year (2024: gaining by £0.3m). The overall cash position remains healthy with cash balances of £3.9m (2024: £9.0m). The Foundation spent £1.2m on new property plant and equipment during the year (2024: £1.9m) , which is below the depreciation charge of £2.1 million. 2024 saw the development our new sixth form centre in Loughborough Grammar School which opened at the start of the autumn term in September 2025. This created a fantastic new study, wellbeing and social spaces and included a new café. This was generously supported by the Shepherd family. The Foundation’s challenge for the future is ensuring that sufficient surpluses are made to continue to invest in the excellent facilities that are currently on offer.
The Foundation’s two subsidiary companies had a good trading performance. LSF Shop LTD made a profit of £18,000 compared to £34,000 in 2023-24, with the closure of the Amherst school reducing uniform sales in summer 2025. Thomas Burton Development LTD made a profit of £225,000, increasing from £144,000 in the previous year as a result of the increased hire of school facilities. Profits from both companies are gifted to the parent charity.
Covid 19 Pandemic
Repayments for the CBILs loan (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) were made through 2024/25 with £0.6 million outstanding at the year end. This is due to be fully repaid in June 2026. No funds were received in relation to the Covid 19 Pandemic during the year.
Investment Policy/Performance:
The investment objectives are to generate the highest possible returns, which are commensurate with a low to medium level of risk. The Foundation does not specifically invest in ethical investments and its investment portfolio is managed by two investment managers: Charles Stanley Wealth Managers and CCLA Investment Management Ltd. The value of the portfolio increased from £5.1m to £6.8m during the year, with a large legacy donation received in cash towards the end of 2024 being invested in the portfolio in the year.
The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee routinely review the investment portfolio and compare performance to relevant benchmarks, such as the FTSE 100, the FTSE All share and the MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Balanced Indices to benchmark performance.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Reserves
The Foundation aim to hold funds which are sufficient but not excessive in order to fund current operational requirements and future development. The Foundation is mindful of the need to maintain a level of reserves which enables the organisation to respond to circumstances and mitigate risk, including ensuring compliance with the terms of the mortgages and bank loans. The Trustees review the reserves policy on an annual basis.
The Foundation aims to hold a minimum of £2m (cash balances) at all times which is approximately one month’s net operating costs. The value of cash held at 31 August 2025 was £3.9m (2024: £9.0m) and, as part of that the value of unrestricted cash was £1.5m (2024: £4.7m).
The Foundation total reserves at 31 August 2025 were £66.6m (2024: £70.2m) and these comprised endowment funds of £45.6m (2024: £46.6m), restricted funds of £7.4m (2024: £7.2m) and unrestricted funds of £13.6m (2024: £16.4m). The unrestricted funds include certain tangible fixed assets and related mortgage loans, which are functional assets used in the day-to-day delivery of educational activities by the Foundation. Excluding the value of these fixed assets and related mortgage loans, there is a deficit of unrestricted funds of £4.1m (2024: £2.3m). Although this balance of unrestricted funds is negative, this is not uncommon across the independent schools’ sector and demonstrates the Foundation’s investment of its operating reserves into new school buildings and an ongoing program of refurbishment, development and investment in order to maintain the excellent teaching facilities for our pupils.
Philanthropy and Alumni Relations
The ability of the Foundation to offer wider access through financial support is reliant upon the ongoing generosity of the Schools’ core community (parents, alumni, staff, governors and friends) alongside that from external companies, trusts and foundations. Fundraising efforts are underpinned by a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy which delivers key events, communications and a volunteering programme.
Fundraising efforts and initiatives primarily support bursaries and relieve hardship for parents where the pupil’s education and future prospects would otherwise be at risk. Funds have also been raised to enhance the pupil experience by establishing prizes, strengthening sport and music, and providing travel and cultural opportunities. During the year £0.9m was raised (2024: £1.7m) with 2024 seeing the hugely generous legacy from Derek Greasley.
Grants and bursaries are awarded based on educational ability and financial circumstances, subject to the restrictions imposed by the donor of the funds.
The Foundation uses an in-house team for the purpose of fundraising and is fully registered with the Fundraising Regulator to which it pays the statutory fundraising levy and abides by their Fundraising Code of Practice.
There have been no failures to comply with the scheme or standards and no complaints received by the Foundation about its fundraising activities. The Foundation has taken all reasonable precautions to protect vulnerable people and other members of the public from unreasonably intrusive or persistent fundraising.
Employment
The Foundation is an equal opportunities employer; and has a responsible approach to employment legislation. The Foundation met the statutory requirements to provide a report on gender pay equality and will continue to monitor this area and make changes, when and where they are practicable.
The Foundation welcomes applications for employment from disabled persons and assists, whenever practicable and taking into account HR best practice, the recruitment, training, career development and promotion of disabled people. Should an employee become disabled during their employment we make all reasonable adjustments to ensure they can remain in employment; and where necessary facilitate re-training.
The Foundation encourages the continuous development and training of its employees and the provision of equal opportunities for the training and career development of all employees.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
The Foundation is committed to engaging with its employees. A variety of methods are used to achieve this, including team meetings, Common Room briefings and our staff representative groups. Since early 2022 the Foundation has voluntarily recognised the teacher’s trade union NASUWT.
Salaries
The arrangements for setting the pay and remuneration of the Foundation’s key management personnel and any benchmarks, parameters or criteria used in setting their pay are detailed in note 8 in the notes to the financial statement.
Future Plans
The Foundation will focus on embedding the new leadership structure and finalising the appointment of the CEO. Strategic priorities for 2025/26 include:
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Continued delivery of our outstanding educational and co-curricular offer
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Launching the revised EDI Strategy
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Expanding boarding
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Strengthening pupil recruitment and retention
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Finalising the nursery strategy and Amherst site planning
Risk Management
The Trustees are responsible for the identification and management of the risks faced by the Foundation, including the individual schools. Day-to-day oversight of risk management is delegated to the Bursar and the wider Executive Team, who are responsible for implementing controls and monitoring risks. The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee provides more detailed oversight on behalf of the Board of Trustees, particularly in relation to strategic risks.
Risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated through established controls and continuous improvement efforts. The Foundation’s risk management strategy includes:
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a differentiation between strategic and operational risks;
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clear management and review responsibilities for both operational and strategic risks, with first line and second review responsibilities identified and agreed;
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termly review of all risks by the Executive (Operational Risk) and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (Strategic Risk);
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clear mechanism for the escalation of risks to the Governing Body;
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the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified; and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risk materialise.
The Trustees group risks into six categories:
- Governance – those risks which may arise from the direction, decision making or control environment. For example, the risk that governors or those charged with management may take a risk outside of their authority. Controls include the Foundation’s strategy, which informs decision making, an established governance structure and a clear distinction between governance and executive management.
To further strengthen governance controls, the Foundation reviewed the governance and leadership structure and has introduced a Chief Executive Officer role to provide strategic leadership across the organisation and reinforcing the distinction between governance and operational responsibilities.
- Regulatory – these are those risks which relate to the market and environment in which the Foundation operates, and which may influence our stakeholders and/or the Foundation’s business model (e.g. any change in regulatory environment). To manage risks in this area, the Foundation has established mechanisms to analyse forecasts of potential changes in the charitable and education sectors, with the aim of anticipating regulatory change and implementing any mitigating actions.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 August 2025
- Financial – the Foundation operates in a financially sensitive environment, where external policy changes, economic pressures and demographic shifts can significantly affect sustainability. A major development was the introduction of VAT on school fees in January 2025, which continues to present a substantial challenge to affordability for families and may influence pupil recruitment across the sector.
In addition to VAT, the Foundation faces broader financial risks including rising operational costs, inflationary pressures, increased pension and staffing costs and sharper competition. These factors require careful financial planning and strategic agility.
To support long-term resilience and informed decision-making, the Foundation has an established 10-year financial forecasting model and financial strategy. Together, these tools support strategic decisions around fee structures, investment priorities and resource allocation, ensuring the Foundation remains financially robust while continuing to deliver high-quality education.
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Reputational – risks to the Foundation’s reputation may arise from decisions or actions taken by staff, pupils or the organisation itself. These risks can have immediate or long-term effects on pupil recruitment and financial stability.
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The closure of Loughborough Amherst School had the potential to generate reputational risk, particularly in relation to stakeholder confidence and public perception. The Foundation took proactive steps to manage the transition with care and transparency. Mitigation measures included a comprehensive communications and engagement plan, alongside support for affected pupils and staff to manage the transition sensitively and responsibly.
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Technological – risks associated with the Foundation’s reliance on digital infrastructure, including cybersecurity threats, data protection and the integration of emerging technologies. This is currently recognised as a particularly high-risk area in line with the national trend. In response, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee conducted a deep dive review during the year to gain assurance over existing controls. The Foundation has implemented robust cyber-security measures, regular system audits and staff training. It also continually assesses the impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure safe and effective integration into educational practices.
A key development in this area was the Foundation’s review of pupil image use in marketing and communications. This initiative responded to new AI-related child protection offences, a sharp rise in AIgenerated child sexual abuse material reports and updated sector guidance. Mitigation measures included reducing the use of identifiable pupil images, securing explicit consent, removing metadata and exploring alternative visual formats. These actions reflect the Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding in the digital age and its proactive approach to managing reputational and technological risk.
- Operational – risks arising from the day-to-day activities of the Foundation and its schools, such as health and safety, site security, and compliance. These risks require active and ongoing management by the Executive Team and other senior leaders. Each operational risk is assigned to a named executive lead and monitored regularly. Controls include up-to-date accreditation, comprehensive policies and procedures, and regular staff training.
Public Benefit
The Foundation continues to make a meaningful and measurable difference to both its pupils and the wider community. The Governors confirm that they have given due regard to the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission, particularly as it applies to independent schools.
Financial Support
The Foundation remains committed to broadening access to its schools through bursary provision. During 2024/25 means-tested financial assistance totalling £1,345,000 was awarded in the following areas:
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
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Long-term Foundation Bursaries (School Assisted Places (SAPs)), available to entrants to Loughborough Amherst School, Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School, who meet the general entry requirements at the point at which the pupil enters the school. These awards are made on the basis of parental means and involve an assessment of those means. During the year 119 pupils received assistance, of these 13 pupils received 100% fee remission for the year. The awards are subject to annual review.
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Means-tested hardship bursaries where short-term support was required for a period of less than 12 months as a result in a change in parental circumstances.
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In some instances of additional financial assistance has also been provided towards ancillary costs, including lunches, transportation and school uniform. Funding for this has been possible through the generosity of donors to our ‘ Beyond your Bursaries’ scheme.
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The Foundation also receives funds in the form of bequests or donations that are intended to support pupils meeting specific criteria set up by the donor.
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The total funding for assisted places of £1,345,000 has increased from the prior year (2023/24: £1,258,000). This assistance was made available to 5.8% of the pupils and represents overall 4.0% of the tuition fee income.
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Where appropriate we work with families to support them to access funding from other charitable sources. As these are funded externally this funding is not included here.
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The figures which have been quoted in the preceding part of this section are the direct costs of providing financial assistance to pupils. These figures do not include the significant costs of the management time at various levels of dealing with and processing these awards, or the cost of targeted advertising which aims to stimulate applications from those who are eligible.
Educational Outreach and Partnerships
The Foundation actively fosters collaboration between independent and state sectors, sharing resources and expertise to enhance educational outcomes.
Educational Experiences
The Foundation believes that education should be shared. Its schools actively collaborate with state schools, universities and community organisations to extend learning beyond their own pupils.
Over 250 pupils from state schools attended 11 academic masterclasses in subjects including mathematics, computing, science, languages, art and history. These sessions were designed and delivered by Foundation staff and were offered free of charge to ensure accessibility.
Loughborough Grammar School hosted a Classics Day for Adults, attended by 50 members of the public and ran an Art Workshop for Year 5 and 6 pupils from Costock C of E Primary School. Pupils from local state schools were invited to attend school productions, including a performance of Mary Poppins. Warren Hills Primary School took part in Combined Cadet Force activities as part of their elective day, now a reoccurring annual event.
Fairfield Prep School hosted events such as the Leicestershire Chess Championships, sharing facilities and expertise with local schools and promoting inclusive access to enrichment opportunities.
Educational Expertise
Loughborough Grammar School hosted a free academic conference for 35 teachers and PGCE students, reinforcing its role as a centre for educational excellence. Outreach included Oxbridge and Medicine preparation sessions for 100 high-achieving pupils from local state schools. Staff also led CPD workshops, facilitated subject network meetings and supported sports moderation sessions with local schools.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
The Foundation maintained its Initial Teacher Training partnership with Loughborough University, supporting trainee teachers. Staff at Loughborough High School delivered CPD to teachers in the wider community through three events held during holidays and weekends. Fairfield Prep School hosted students and apprentices from Loughborough College, offering placements and mentoring that support the development of future educators.
Teachers also contributed to external examinations as markers and assessors and staff rom across the Foundation served as governors in local state schools and trustees of charities.
Community Engagement
The Foundation plays an active role in the local community, offering facilities and staff expertise across music, sport and volunteering.
Music
Music is a powerful connector, and the Foundation’s Music Department continues to use it as a bridge between schools and the community. Outreach included:
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Pupils from Ashmount School were welcomed into the Foundation, where they recorded a piece of music, an experience that celebrated inclusion and creativity.
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Music-based assemblies reached over 800 pupils in local schools, introducing young audiences to live performance and musical storytelling.
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A musical workshop was hosted for 15 pupils from Netherhall School, offering hands-on experience and sparking curiosity in composition and performance.
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Concerts were held for 40 students from Charnwood College, showcasing the talents of Foundation musicians and encouraging musical dialogue between schools.
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Pupils performed at major community events, including the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On and the opening of Loughborough Fair, brining music into the heart of the community.
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Monthly lunchtime concerts at Loughborough Parish Church and the Loughborough Singers community choir enriched the cultural life of the town.
Sport
Sport at the Foundation is about more than competition, it’s about inclusion, development and collaboration. The Sports Department has continued to work closely with local schools and community groups to promote physical activity, leadership and shared learning.
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The Foundation hosted Area Athletics Finals for Years 7–10 and Years 11–13, welcoming pupils from multiple state schools and providing professional facilities and staff support.
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GCSE cluster moderation was delivered for five local primary schools, helping ensure fair and consistent assessment while building relationships between educators.
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Team Leicestershire competitions in netball, athletics, and football were hosted across Foundation sites, offering pupils the chance to compete and connect.
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A Prep Touch Rugby competition was run for local rugby clubs, fostering early engagement in sport and encouraging teamwork and resilience.
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PGCE and NTU trainee teachers were supported through placements and mentoring, with Foundation staff contributing to course development and practical training.
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Curriculum sessions were delivered at Loughborough University, including a theory session on Concept Curriculum and a talk by an Early Career Teacher on the realities of the first year in teaching.
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The Foundation chaired the first Midlands Schools Football Meeting, bringing together staff from independent and state schools to collaborate on regional sport development and share best practice.
Volunteering
Pupils and staff across the Foundation make a meaningful contribution to the wider community through a broad range of volunteering activities. These initiatives support educational development, community wellbeing and personal growth, while helping young people to understand their role in society and the difference they can make.
At Loughborough Grammar School, pupils in Years 12 and 13 volunteer weekly in local charity shops, gaining valuable experience and supporting older adults through conversation and companionship. The Voluntary Service Unit also co-ordinates food parcel collections, with the whole school contributing to harvest and Christmas donations for local families and food banks.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Pupils volunteer weekly at John Storer House, providing support to adults with learning disabilities and older people. Their presence is well received and has become a visible and valued part of the centre’s weekly rhythm. During Enrichment Week, pupils work with external partners such as the Canal & Rivers Trust, Beacon Hill, and Ashmount Special School, engaging in environmental and inclusive education projects that broaden their understanding of the world and their place within it.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be a cornerstone of pupil volunteering, with over 160 pupils contributing between 15 and 50 hours each to local and national charities. Pupils also support classroom learning and sports activities in local primary schools such as Rendell and Holywell, building relationships and offering practical help.
A highlight in the calendar is the town Remembrance Day Parade, with over 200 pupils participating. The Foundation’s contingent is the largest outside London and is deeply appreciated by the local community.
At Loughborough High School, sixth form pupils volunteer weekly at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, supporting reading and learning activities for younger children. A member of staff also coaches a local netball team, contributing 200 hours to community sport.
These activities are reviewed annually to ensure they remain impactful and aligned with the Foundation’s charitable objectives.
Charitable Donations and Fundraising
Pupils demonstrated strong commitment to charitable causes, raising £27,600 through events such as bake sales and non-uniform days. Contributions by school:
Loughborough Amherst School £4,000 Fairfield Preparatory School £6,300 Loughborough Grammar School £7,600 Loughborough High School £9,700
Pupils supported causes such as Rainbows Children’s Hospice, and took part in the LOROS Elephant Art Trail, a creative initiative that brought together art and advocacy in support of hospice care. The Combined Cadet Force contributed to community fundraising by attending the West Dalby Primary School Summer Fete, delivering activities and displays that were well received by pupils, parents and staff.
At Fairfield Prep all 445 pupils and 40 staff contributed produce to local charities including John Storer Charnwood, Women’s Aid, and The Carpenter’s Arms. Now in its 33rd year, this tradition instils empathy and community awareness in even the youngest learners.
Sharing Our Facilities
In addition to pupil-led fundraising, the Foundation supported charitable organisations through the provision of facilities free of charge or at reduced rates. Throughout the year, the Foundation welcomed a wide range of groups and initiatives, including:
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Nanpantan Scouts used the Scout Hut three evenings a week for eight months while their pavilion was under construction.
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The Army Reserves and Loughborough Badminton Club used the Sports Hall weekly for indoor football as part of a reciprocal arrangement supporting both organisations.
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Leicester Riders Basketball Club used the Parkin Sports Hall weekly as part of a reciprocal arrangement supporting both organisations.
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Rainbows Children’s Hospice used Foundation facilities for their Christmas Party and summer fundraising events.
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Robbie’s Rugby Festival was hosted at Quorn for the tenth consecutive year
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Charnwood Forest Hockey Club used the Astros for a fundraising event.
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Loughborough Lightning Netball had weekly use of the Parkin Sports Hall for performance pathway training.
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Leicester Tigers Rugby Camps at Quorn, hosted during school holidays.
20
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Economic Impact
In addition to the public benefit arising from the Foundation’s charitable activities, the Foundation makes a significant positive contribution to the local economy.
In 2024/25 it employed on average 733 people, and 82.6% of the £22.9m paid in salaries and employment on-costs (£20.1m in 2023/24) remained in Leicestershire, with an estimated 96.5% remaining in the East Midlands.
We support local businesses. In 2024/25 our total direct spend was circa £9.1m (£10.8m in 2023/24), of which £3.8m was spent in the East Midlands economy.
We estimate that in providing an education to more than 2,000 local children, the exchequer collectively saved more than £16.1m a year which it would otherwise cost to educate those children in local maintained schools. In addition, the introduction of VAT on School Fees from January 2025 resulted in VAT payments to the exchequer of £3.2m (2024/25 £18,000).
Section 172 Statement
The Trustees have acted in a way in which they consider, in good faith, promoted the success of the Foundation for the benefit of all beneficiaries and wider stakeholder groups. The ways in which they have done this are described in further detail throughout this report, specifically:
Stakeholder Section Employees Page 15 (“Employment”) Beneficiaries Pages 9-10 (Academic) and Page 17 (“Financial Support”) Community Pages 17-20 (“Public Benefit”) Economic benefit Page 21 (“Economic Impact”)
21
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
UK Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use data for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025:
| Energy consumption used to calculate emissions (kWh) Energy consumption breakdown (kWh) : gas electricity transport fuel Scope 1emissions in metric tonnes CO2e Gas consumption Owned transport – mini-buses Total Scope 1 Scope 2emissions in metric tonnes CO2e Purchased electricity Renewable electricity purchased Scope 3emissions in metric tonnes CO2e Business travel in employee owned vehicles Total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e Intensity ratio Tonnes CO2e per pupil |
2024/25 9,556,510 7,329,782 2,107,608 119,120 1,341.06 27.19 1,368.25 373.05 -365.6 3.23 1,378.93 0.64 |
2023/24 9,465,300 7,327,242 2,011,735 126,323 1,340.15 16.94 1,357.09 416.53 -408.2 2.67 1,368.09 0.63 |
|---|---|---|
Quantification and reporting methodology
We have followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2024 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting.
Intensity measurement
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per pupil, the recommended ratio for the sector.
Measures taken to improve energy efficiency
We have installed smart meters across all sites and increased video conferencing technology to facilitate staff to work from home and not travel to work for meetings. Under the government ESOS initiative there is a plan and programme of work to improve energy efficiency, including but not limited to installing LED lighting, Solar panels, upgrading the heating systems and motion sensors to control lighting.
Approved by the Board on 15 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Simon Leese Chairman
22
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Governors’ responsibilities statement
The Governors (who are also Directors of Loughborough Schools Foundation for the purposes of company law and Trustees for the purposes of charity law) are responsible for preparing the Governors’ Annual Report, including the Strategic 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 Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102);
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the Governors are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and
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the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The Governors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable companies website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the Board on 15 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Simon Leese Chairman
23
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Loughborough Schools Foundation (“the company”) and its subsidiaries (“the group”) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Parent Company Balance Sheets, the Cashflow Statement and the related notes including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities SORP 2019.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent charitable company’s affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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 company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Governors' 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 Foundation'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 Governors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The Governors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Governors’ report, other than the financial statements and our audit report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.
24
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Governors’ Report (incorporating the Strategic Report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Governors’ Report and Strategic Report have 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 understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Governors’ Report and the Strategic 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:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the parent charitable company’s financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of Governors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit
Responsibilities of Governors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Governors’ Responsibilities set out on page 23, the Governors (who are Trustees of the charitable company for the purpose of charity law and the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the governors 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 Governors are responsible for assessing the groups’ and company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the governors either intend to liquidate the group or the 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.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Our assessment focussed on key laws and regulations the Foundation has to comply with and areas of the financial statements we assessed as being more susceptible to misstatement. These key laws and regulations included but were not limited to compliance with the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation, data protection, anti-bribery and employment legislation.
25
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
We are not responsible for preventing irregularities, including fraud. Our approach to detecting irregularities, including fraud, included, but was not limited to, the following:
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obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Foundation and how the Foundation is complying with that framework, including agreement of financial statement disclosures to underlying documentation and other evidence;
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obtaining an understanding of the Foundation’s control environment and how the Foundation has applied relevant control procedures, through discussions with management and by performing walkthrough testing over key areas;
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obtaining an understanding of the Foundation’s risk assessment process, including the risk of fraud;
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reviewing meeting minutes of those charged with governance throughout the year; and
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performing audit testing to address the risk of management override of controls, including testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.
Whilst considering how our audit work addressed the detection of irregularities, we also considered the likelihood of detection of fraud based on our approach. Irregularities arising from fraud are inherently more difficult to detect than those arising from error.
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 misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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.
Kevin Hodge�s (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of:
COOPER PARRY GROUP LIMITED
Date: 13 February 2026
Statutory Auditors
Sky View, Argosy Road, East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA
26
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Consolidated statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Restricted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| income | income | Endowed | 2025 Total |
2024 Total | |||
| Note | Funds | funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | - | 875 | - | 875 | 1,694 | |
| Other trading activities | 4 | 480 | - | - | 480 | 461 | |
| Investments | 5 | 346 | 190 | 4 | 540 | 560 | |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 34,470 | - | - | 34,470 | 35,585 | |
| Other | 159 | 24 | - | 183 | 49 | ||
| Total income and endowments | 35,455 | 1,089 | 4 | 36,548 | 38,349 | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||
| Raising funds: | |||||||
| Financing costs | 9 | 231 | - | - | 231 | 319 | |
| Trading operations | 9 | 253 | - | - | 253 | 281 | |
| Charitable activities | 9 | 34,876 | 811 | 952 | 36,639 | 35,959 | |
| _ | |||||||
| Total expenditure | 35,360 | 811 | 952 | 37,123 | 36,559 | ||
| __ | _ | ||||||
| Net income/(expenditure) before | |||||||
| gains/(losses) on investments and transfers | 95 | 278 | (948) | (575) | 1,790 | ||
| Gain/(Loss) on investment assets | 11 | - | (91) | (41) | (132) | 319 | |
| _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | |||
| Net income/(expenditure) before transfers | 95 | 187 | (989) | (707) | 2,109 | ||
| and extraordinary items | |||||||
| Extraordinary items | 9 | (2,864) | - | - | (2,864) | - | |
| Transfers between funds | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| _ | _ | _ | _ | _ | |||
| Net movements in funds | (2,769) | 187 | (989) | (3,571) | 2,109 | ||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 17 | 16,367 | 7,232 | 46,559 | 70,158 | 68,049 | |
| _ | _ | _ | ______ | ______ | |||
| Total funds carried forward | 17 | 13,598 | 7,419 | 45,570 | 66,587 | 70,158 | |
| _ | _ | _ | _ | _ |
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing operations.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 32 to 52 form part of these financial statements.
27
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Consolidated summary income and expenditure accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Note Income from charitable related activities Income from non-charitable trading activities Interest and investment income 5 Gross income in the reporting period Expenditure on charitable activities Expenditure on non-charitable trading activities 9 Interest payable 9 Depreciation and charges for impairment of fixed assets Total expenditure in the reporting period Net income for the year (excl. extraordinary items) Extraordinary items 9 Net income for the year |
2025 £000 35,528 480 535 36,543 (34,563) (253) (231) (1,124) (36,171) 372 (2,864) (2,492) |
2024 £000 37,328 461 556 38,345 (33,807) (281) (319) (1,071) (35,478) 2,867 - 2,867 |
|---|---|---|
The income for the current year and prior year arises from continuing activities.
A detailed analysis of the subsidiaries’ trading results are set out in note 4.
Detailed analysis of the expenditure is provided in the statement of financial activities and note 9.
The summary income and expenditure account excludes endowed funds and unrealised gains/(losses) in accordance with Companies Act 2006. The account is derived from the statement of financial activities on page 27 which together with the notes to the financial statements provides information on the movement during the year of the funds of the group.
The notes on pages 32 to 52 form part of these financial statements.
28
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 August 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Investments 11 Current assets Stock 12 Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 15 Provisions for liabilities Provisions 16 Net assets Funds Endowed funds 17 Restricted income funds 17, 18 Unrestricted income funds 18 Total funds |
2025 £000 £000 61,985 6,849 68,834 149 2,515 3,875 6,539 (6,599) (60) 68,774 (867) (1,320) 66,587 45,570 7,419 13,598 66,587 |
2024 £000 212 1,131 8,950 10,293 (6,157) |
£000 63,693 5,086 68,779 4,136 72,915 (2,280) (477) 70,158 46,559 7,232 16,367 70,158 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 15 January 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Simon Leese Chairman Company registered number: 4038033
The notes on pages 32 to 52 form part of these financial statements.
29
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Charitable balance sheet at 31 August 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Investments 11 Current assets Stock 12 Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 15 Provisions for liabilities Provisions 16 Net assets Funds Endowed funds 17 Restricted income funds 17, 18 Unrestricted income funds 18 Total funds |
2025 £000 22 2,878 3,574 6,474 (6,534) |
2025 £000 22 2,878 3,574 6,474 (6,534) |
£000 61,985 6,849 68,834 (60) 68,774 (867) (1,320) 66,587 45,570 7,419 13,598 66,587 |
2024 £000 38 1,492 8,689 10,219 (6,081) |
£000 63,691 5,086 68,777 4,138 72,915 (2,280) (477) 70,158 46,559 7,232 16,367 70,158 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 15 January 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Simon Leese
Chairman
Company registered number: 4038033
The notes on pages 32 to 52 form part of these financial statements.
30
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
| Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 August 2025 Note Net cash flow from operating activities Net cash flow (used)/provided by operating activities 19 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment 10 Purchase of investments 11 Proceeds from sale of investments 11 Dividends, interest and rents received from investments 5 Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Repayment of Loan and Mortgage Net cash generated in financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting year |
2025 £000 (1,912) (1,167) (2,542) 647 540 (2,522) (641) (641) (5,075) 8,950 3,875 |
2024 £000 5,087 (1,907) (96) 123 560 3,767 (1,767) (1,767) 2,000 6,950 8,950 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 32 to 52 form part of these financial statements.
31
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Notes to the financial statements
1 Accounting Policies
Loughborough Schools Foundation is a company limited by guarantee and is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operation and principal activities is to provide a day or boarding school for boys and girls of all ages.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £’000.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Basis of consolidation
The group financial statements are the result of the consolidation of the financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries LSF Shop Limited and Thomas Burton Developments Limited. The financial statements of all companies are made up to 31 August 2025.
No separate SOFA has been presented for the charity alone following exemptions afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
For the year ended 31 August 2025 the parent charity saw a net reduction of funds of £3,571,0000 (2024: increase of £2,109,000)
Fund accounting
Funds held by the charitable company are either:
-
Unrestricted general funds – these are funds, which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the directors.
-
Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charitable company. Restrictions arise when specified by the Memorandum and Articles of Association, or the donor, or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
-
Permanent endowed funds – these are the land and buildings of the schools and investments, which are not free for disposal without replacement.
Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Fees receivable
Fees receivable are accounted for in the period to which they relate. The fees receivable are stated after deducting scholarships and other remissions granted by the charitable company; however, the stated fees include the contributions received from restricted funds for bursaries and other grants.
32
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Investment income
Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies received for the general purposes of the schools are credited to unrestricted funds. Donations and legacies subject to specific wishes of the donors are carried to the relevant restricted fund or to the endowed fund.
Trading income
Trading income, including income from LSF Shop Limited and Thomas Burton Developments, is included when receivable.
Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Expenditure on raising funds
-
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charitable group in the delivery of activities and services for its beneficiaries.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of Loughborough Schools Foundation and its subsidiaries, this includes audit fees.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity comprise both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
Redundancy / termination payments
All redundancy and termination payments agreed during the year are recognised within the year.
33
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Tangible fixed assets
The freehold land and buildings were re-valued as at 31 August 2014 and on adoption of FRS 102 SORP this was taken as “deemed cost”.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:
| Freehold land and listed buildings | - | No depreciation charge |
|---|---|---|
| Other freehold buildings | - | 5 – 50 years |
| Furniture and fittings | - | 10 years |
| Equipment | - | 4 – 10 years |
Items costing less than £500 are written off as an expense when acquired.
Investment properties
Investment properties for which fair value can be measured reliably without undue cost or effort are measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in ‘(loss)/gains’ on revaluation of investments’ in the SoFA. No depreciation is charged on investment properties in accordance with the Charities SORP.
Fixed asset investments
Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘gains/(losses) on revaluation of investments’ in the SoFA. Realised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between sale proceeds and original cost.
Stock
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing stock to its present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the first-in, first-out formula. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Foundation has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event which it is probable will result in the transfer of economic benefits and the obligation can be estimated reliably. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability.
Operating Leases
Operating lease rentals are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
Deferred income
Prepaid fees are held as creditors until the start of the term to which they relate. They are then transferred to the statement of financial activities and recognised as income.
Taxation
Loughborough Schools Foundation is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax under Section 505 ICTA1988.
34
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Pension schemes
Teachers’ Pension Scheme
The Foundation withdrew from the TPS on 31 August 2021, and on 1 September 2022 the Foundation re-joined the TPS. The TPS is an unfunded scheme and contributions are calculated so as to spread the cost of pensions over employees’ working lives in such a way that the pension cost is a substantially level percentage of current and future pensionable payroll. The contributions are determined by the Government Actuary on the basis of quinquennial valuations using a prospective unit credit method. As stated in Note 21, the TPS is a multi-employer scheme and there is insufficient information available to use defined benefit accounting. The TPS is therefore treated as a defined contribution scheme for accounting purposes and the contributions recognised in the period to which they relate.
Defined Contribution Scheme
The School pays contributions on behalf of its support and teaching staff, into two defined contribution pension schemes, which are managed independently of the finances of the School. The schemes are operated on a defined contribution basis, and therefore no surpluses or deficits will arise. Contributions are charged against expenditure in the year in which they fall due.
Going concern
The Trustees remain confident that the Foundation is able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due, as well as continuing to invest in the fabric of the buildings and the facilities and equipment required to provide an excellent education at the Foundation’s schools. The Trust holds significant cash reserves and continues to generate sufficient funding and operating surpluses to meet its financial obligations. The Foundation prepares budgets and long-term forecasts to understand its financial position, model risks and scenarios, and continually takes action to ensure that it can remain in a financially sustainable position and deliver its charitable objectives. The longer-term forecasting undertaken during the during the year and since the year end included assessing the financial viability of all the Foundation’s schools and, as detailed in the Trustees’ report, this highlighted that Loughborough Amherst School was no longer financially viable which led to the very difficult decision to close the Loughborough Amherst School at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Whilst the closure of Amherst School will have some short-term financial impact on the Foundation, the longer-term forecasting that has been completed, which takes into consideration the effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis, changes to the Foundation’s VAT status, expected pupil numbers and changes in these and other market and regulatory changes, shows that the Foundation will continue to generate operating surpluses and maintain sufficient cash funds to continue meet all its financial obligations.
Based on this assessment the Trustees are confident that the Foundation can continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future and the financial statements have therefore been prepared on a going concern basis.
Limited by guarantee
Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to such amount as may be required but not exceeding £10.
Re-statement of prior year figures
Where prior year figures are re-stated, the reason will be stated in the notes section to the financial statements.
2 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Governors are also required to exercise judgement in the process of applying the charitable company’s accounting policies. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:
35
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have made the following judgements:
Leases
The group determines whether leases entered into by the group either as a lessor or a lessee are operating or finance leases. These decisions depend on an assessment of whether the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred from the lessor to the lessee on a lease by lease basis based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, and accordingly whether the lease requires an asset and liability to be recognised in the statement of financial position.
Investment properties
Critical estimates, assumptions and judgements relate to the determination of the carrying value of investment properties at fair value. In determining this, the group applies the overriding concept that fair value is the amount for which an asset can be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. The nature, facts and circumstances of the investment drives the valuation methodology.
Recoverability of trade debtors
Trade and other receivables are recognised to the extent that they are judged recoverable. Management reviews are performed to estimate the level of reserves required for irrecoverable debt. Provisions are made specifically against invoices where recoverability is uncertain.
Management makes allowance for doubtful debts based on an assessment of the recoverability of debtors. Allowances are applied to debtors where events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Management specifically analyse historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when making a judgement to evaluate the adequacy of the provision for doubtful debts. Where the expectation is different from the original estimate, such difference will impact the carrying value of debtors and the charge in the statement of financial activities.
Depreciation and residual values
Management have reviewed the asset lives and associated residual values of all fixed asset classes, and have concluded that asset lives and residual values are appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re-assessing asset lives, factors such as technological innovation, product life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Residual value assessments consider issues such as future market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted £000 £000 Donations Legacies - - 323 552 - 875 Unrestricted Restricted £000 £000 Donations Legacies - - 161 1,533 - 1,694 |
2025 £000 323 552 875 2024 £000 161 1,533 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1,694 |
36
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
4 Other trading activities before consolidation
The Foundation owns the entire share capital of The LSF Shop Limited and Thomas Burton Development Limited. Both subsidiaries covenant any taxable profits to the Foundation. The trading results for the year ended 31 August 2025 for both entities, as extracted from their audited financial statements, are summarised below and all relate to unrestricted funds.
| The LSF Shop Ltd Thomas Burton Development Ltd £000 £000 Turnover 261 247 Cost of sales (177) (2) Gross profit 84 245 Administration (66) (20) Other operating income 1 - Operating profit 19 225 Interest payable (1) - Net profit 18 225 Retained reserves bought forward - - Covenant (18) (225) Retained reserves carried forward - - he aggregate amounts of assets, liabilities, share capital and reserves were: The LSF Shop Ltd Thomas Burton Development Ltd £000 £000 Non-current assets 1 0 Current assets 238 267 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (238) (267) Net current assets / (liabilities) 1 - Creditors: due after more than one year - - Net assets / (liabilities) 1 - Share capital and reserves 1 - |
Total 2025 £000 508 (179) 329 (86) 1 244 (1) 243 - (243) - Total 2025 £000 1 505 (506) 1 - 1 1 |
Total 2024 £000 461 (187) 274 (106) 1 169 (1) 168 - (168) - Total 2024 £000 2 536 (537) (1) - 1 1 |
|---|---|---|
The aggregate amounts of assets, liabilities, share capital and reserves were:
Lease costs of £10,290 per annum are payable by LSF Shop Ltd to the Foundation until expiration of the lease on 1 March 2026.
37
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
| 5 Investment income Unrestricted Restricted Endowed £000 £000 £000 Bank interest receivable 228 69 - Investment income 54 121 4 Rental income 64 - - 346 190 4 |
2025 £000 297 179 64 540 |
2024 £000 387 120 53 |
|---|---|---|
| 560 |
6 Charitable activities
School income receivable comprised:
| Tuition fees Boarding fees Bursary awards and grants Bursary awards and grants paid for by restricted funds Catering receipts Other fees & grants |
2025 £000 32,036 1,316 (1,345) 683 32,690 1,368 412 34,470 |
2024 £000 33,222 1,267 (1,036) 222 33,675 1,570 340 35,585 |
|---|---|---|
School income was £34,470,000 (2024: £35,585,000) of which £34,470,000 (2024: £35,585,000) was attributable to unrestricted funds and £nil (2024: £nil) was attributable to restricted funds.
38
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
7 Charitable net income is stated after charging:
| Auditor’s remuneration: For audit For other services Governors’ professional liability insurance Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 7 (a) Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension contributions |
2025 £000 49 - 7 2,071 22,912 2,436 3,512 28,860 |
2024 £000 39 - 9 2,184 20,292 2,046 3,243 |
|---|---|---|
| 25,581 |
The number of employees whose contracts were terminated and who left our employment within the financial year totalled 93, with an associated cost of £1,089,000 (2024: 5 employees with an associated cost of £133,000).
In addition to the payments made to employees on termination of employment, a provision of £544,000 has been made in relation to future fee guarantees made to ex-employees whose children remain pupils at the Foundation which were made as part of the overall termination settlement.
The average number of employees in the year was 733 (2024: 759) of whom 286 (2024: 295) were teaching staff and 45 were casual staff (2024: 50).
The number of employees whose emoluments exceeded £60,000 (including any redundancy payments) was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £60,001 - £70,000 | 23 | 9 |
| £70,001 - £80,000 | 11 | 5 |
| £80,001 - £90,000 | 5 | 1 |
| £90,001 - £100,000 | 3 | - |
| £100,001 - £110,000 | 2 | 2 |
| £110,001 - £120,000 | - | - |
| £120,001 - £130,000 | 2 | 1 |
| £130,001 - £140,000 | 2 | 1 |
| £140,001 - £150,000 | 1 | 1 |
| £200,001 - £210,000 | 1 | - |
| ______ | ______ | |
| 50 | 20 |
Contributions were made to the Teachers’ Pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme for 22 higher paid employees (2024: 9). Contributions were paid to a defined contribution pension scheme for 28 employees (2024: 11).
39
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
8 Governors and key management personnel remuneration and expenses
The Governors consider that they, together with the Heads of the four schools and Foundation leadership team, comprise the Key Management Personnel. The Governors give of their time freely and the pay and remuneration of the Heads and Foundation Leadership team are set by the Remuneration Committee and is kept under annual review. A number of criteria are used in setting pay:
-
Nature of the role and responsibilities
-
Competitor salaries in the region
-
The sector average salary for comparable positions
-
Trends in pay
The total amount of employee benefits, including employers National Insurance contributions, employers pension contributions, private medical insurance and accommodation benefits, received by key management personnel is £1,136,000 (2024: £928,000).
The Trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2024: £nil).
40
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
9 Analysis of total resources expended
| Cost of generating funds Trading Financing Charitable expenditure Teaching costs Welfare costs School meals and catering Premises Support costs Financial Assistance including Bursaries and Scholarships Governance costs Extraordinary items Total expenditure |
Staff costs £000 (note 7) 67 - 67 20,278 234 1,040 1,938 3,566 - 379 27,435 1,358 28,860 |
Depreciation Other and Impairments £000 £000 (note 10) 186 - 231 - 417 - 1,987 - 50 - 928 - 2,313 2,071 1,006 - 750 - 99 - 7,133 2,071 701 805 8,251 2,876 |
Total 2025 £000 253 231 484 22,265 284 1,968 6,322 4,572 750 478 36,639 2,864 39,987 |
Total 2024 £000 281 319 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | ||||
| 21,468 113 2,163 6,140 5,377 254 443 |
||||
| 35,959 | ||||
| - | ||||
| 36,559 |
Governance costs are an apportionment of the relevant peoples’ salaries with regard to the long term strategic planning of the charitable company.
Extraordinary items of £2.8m relate to the costs of the closure of Loughborough Amherst School. Costs include the impairment of assets (£0.8m); costs associated with the termination of employment, including fees guarantees for children of the respective employees (£1.3m) and legal costs (£0.6m).
Resources expended total £39,987,000 (2024: £36,559,000) of which the split between funds is as follows;
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total expenditure |
Staff costs £000 28,860 - - 28,860 |
Other Depreciation and Impairments £000 £000 7,496 1,868 750 61 5 947 8,251 2,876 |
Total 2025 £000 38,224 811 952 39,987 |
2024 £000 35,143 336 1,080 36,559 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bursaries and scholarship costs of £683,000 (2024: £222,000) have been charged directly to restricted funds.
41
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
10 Consolidated tangible fixed assets
| Freehold Asset in the land and Furniture Course of Buildings and fittings Equipment Construction £000 £000 £000 £000 Cost or valuation Balance at 1 September 2024 74,568 3,097 11,185 784 Additions at cost 195 495 294 183 Transfers 721 36 27 (784) At end of year 75,484 3,628 11,506 183 Depreciation & impairments Balance at 1 September 2024 (13,875) (2,211) (9,854) - Depreciation charge (1,428) (163) (480) - Impairment charge (771) (31) (3) - At end of year (16,074) (2,405) (10,337) - Net book value At 31 August 2025 59,410 1,223 1,169 183 At 31 August 2024 60,692 886 1,331 784 |
Total £000 89,634 1,167 - 90,801 (25,940) (2,071) (805) (28,816) 61,985 63,693 |
|---|---|
The parent charitable company has elected, in accordance with S35 10(d) of FRS 102, to use the carrying value on 1 September 2014, the date of transition to FRS 102, of any of the above freehold land and buildings previously carried at a valuation as their deemed cost.
The value of the playing fields and listed buildings, which are not depreciated, at the end of the year was £1,600,000 (2024: £1,600,000) and £4,260,000 (2024: £4,260,000) respectively.
No value is included for land other than playing fields. The site is an integral part of the scholastic entity comprising mainly educational buildings for which no alternative purchaser is foreseen. As a consequence, any valuation of the site is impracticable at reasonable expense.
All assets are held for use in charitable activities.
There were no assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
The impairment of assets during the year relate to the announced closure of Loughborough Amherst School.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Charitable company tangible fixed assets
| Freehold Asset in the land and Furniture Course of buildings and fittings Equipment Construction £000 £000 £000 £000 Cost or valuation Balance at 1 September 2024 74,568 3,097 11,168 784 Additions at cost 195 495 293 183 Transfers 721 36 27 (784) At end of year 75,484 3,628 11,488 183 Depreciation Balance at 1 September 2024 (13,875) (2,211) (9,836) - Depreciation charge (1,428) (163) (480) - Impairment charge (771) (31) (3) - At end of year (16,074) (2,405) (10,319) - Net book value At 31 August 2025 59,410 1,223 1,169 183 At 31 August 2024 60,692 886 1,329 784 |
Total £000 89,617 1,166 - 90,783 (25,922) (2,071) (805) (28,798) 61,985 63,691 |
|---|---|
There were no assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
The impairment of assets during the year relate to the closure of Loughborough Amherst School.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
11 Investments
| Listed and Freehold managed Consolidated and charitable company property investments £000 £000 Balance at 1 September 2024 1,210 3,876 Disposal of property - - Additions at cost - 2,542 Disposals - (647) Change in market value of investments - (132) Balance at 31 August 2025 1,210 5,639 |
Total £000 5,086 - 2,542 (647) (132) |
|---|---|
| 6,849 |
The listed and managed investments of £5,639,000 (2024: £3,876,000) comprise £2,125,000 (2024: £2,201,000) charity investments and £3,514,000 (2024: £1,675,000) investments directly listed in the United Kingdom.
There were no investments that constituted over 5% of the market value of the listed investment portfolio.
The freehold property has been revalued based on the independent valuations by qualified chartered surveyors, which were completed in March 2021 for buildings and August 2022 for land.
12 Stocks
| 12 Stocks |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Consolidated | Charitable | Consolidated | Charitable | |||
| company | Company | |||||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Stocks | 22 | 22 | 37 | 38 | ||
| Subsidiaries’ stocks | 127 | - | 175 | - | ||
| 149 | 22 | 212 | 38 |
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
13 Debtors
| 13 Debtors |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Consolidated | Charitable | Consolidated | Charitable | |||
| Company | company | |||||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Fees receivable | 1,816 | 1,816 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Other debtors, prepayments and accrued | 623 | 623 | 1,101 | 1,028 | ||
| income | ||||||
| Trade debtors | 76 | - | 27 | - | ||
| Due from group undertakings | - | 439 | - | 461 | ||
| 2,515 | 2,878 | 1,131 | 1,492 |
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated | Charitable | Consolidated | Charitable | |||
| company | Company | |||||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Prepaid fees | 1,592 | 1,592 | 2,522 | 2,522 | ||
| Fee guarantees | 194 | 194 | 104 | 104 | ||
| Taxation and social security | 1,935 | 1,923 | 563 | 552 | ||
| Trade Creditors | 984 | 952 | 1,165 | 1,122 | ||
| Mortgage obligation | 534 | 534 | 28 | 28 | ||
| CBILs loan | 562 | 562 | 613 | 613 | ||
| Other creditors | 538 | 517 | 685 | 663 | ||
| Accruals | 260 | 260 | 477 | 477 | ||
| 6,599 | 6,534 | 6,157 | 6,081 |
Fee guarantees are repayable when pupils leave. Other creditors include £421,000 (2024: £439,000) of outstanding pension contributions.
45
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
15 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated | Charitable | Consolidated | Charitable | |||
| Company | Company | |||||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Fee guarantees | 631 | 631 | 675 | 675 | ||
| Prepaid Fees | 236 | 236 | 509 | 509 | ||
| Mortgage obligation | - | - | 534 | 534 | ||
| CIBLs loan | - | - | 562 | 562 | ||
| 867 | 867 | 2,280 | 2,280 |
Analysis of Mortgage Loan
| Repayments are due as follows: Amounts falling due: Within one year Between one and two years Between two and five years After five years |
2025 £000 534 - - - |
. . |
2024 £000 28 534 - - . |
|---|---|---|---|
| 534 |
562 . |
Lender Term Security Interest Rate HSBC Bank plc 7 years 85 Castledine Street Variable, charged at 1.55% over base rate
The terms of the mortgage allow repayment without incurring any penalty.
Analysis of CBILS Loan
| Repayments are due as follows: Amounts falling due: Within one year Between one and two years Between two and five years After five years |
2025 £000 562 - - - |
. . |
2024 £000 613 562 - - . |
|---|---|---|---|
| 562 |
1,175 . |
Lender Term Security Interest Rate Natwest Bank PLC 6 years Six residential properties 1 year interest free, interest rate after 1 year owned by the 2.37% over base rate Foundation, along with the Parkin Sports Hall.
46
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
16 Provisions
| Legal & compliance Costs Fee guarantees £000 £000 Balance at 1 September 2024 477 - Charged in year 405 544 Utilised/released in year (106) - Balance at 31 August 2025 776 544 |
Total £000 477 949 (106) |
|---|---|
| 1,320 . |
Legal and compliance costs relate to provisions to defend both known claims and potential litigation regarding employment related matters and potential risks that have been identified but were not fully resolved by the year end.
Fee guarantees relate to the provision of ongoing fee remission relating to the children of staff made redundant following the closure of Loughborough Amherst School in July 2025, which were provided as part of the overall staff termination settlement.
17. Analysis of net assets between funds 2025
| Tangible Fixed assets InvestmentsNet current assets/ (liabilities) Non-current (liabilities) and provisions £000 £000 £000 £000 Restricted income funds Access to Education - 2,984 1,352 - Area of Greatest Need 845 529 662 - Learning Environment 594 - 82 - Prizes - 8 39 - Student Experiences - 123 201 - Total restricted income funds 1,439 3,644 2,336 - Unrestricted income funds 18,191 - (2,406) (2,187) Endowed funds 42,355 3,205 10 - 61,985 6,849 (60) (2,187) |
Total 2025 £000 4,336 2,036 676 47 324 |
|---|---|
| 7,419 13,598 45,570 66,587 |
47
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
Analysis of net assets between funds 2024
| Tangible Fixed assets InvestmentsNet current assets/ (liabilities) Non-current (liabilities) and provisions £000 £000 £000 £000 Restricted income funds Access to Education - 1,158 3,037 - Area of Greatest Need 551 543 871 - Learning Environment 628 - 83 - Prizes - 8 38 - Student Experiences - 127 188 - Total restricted income funds 1,179 1,836 4,217 - Unrestricted income funds 19,211 - (87) (2,757) Endowed funds 43,303 3,250 6 - 63,693 5,086 4,136 (2,757) |
Total 2024 £000 4,195 1,965 711 46 315 |
|---|---|
| 7,232 16,367 46,559 70,158 |
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
18 Movement on restricted funds 2025
| Balance at 1 September 2024 £000 Access to Education 4,195 Area of Greatest Need 1,965 Learning Environment 711 Prizes 46 Student Experiences 315 . Total 7,232 . |
Incoming £000 888 135 (1) 2 65 . 1,089 . |
Outgoing Transfer and adjustment Movements in investments Balance at 31 August 2024 £000 £000 £000 £000 (678) 6 (75) 4,336 (51) - (13) 2,036 (34) - - 676 (1) - - 47 (47) (6) (3) 324 . . . . (811) - (91) 7,419 . . . . |
Outgoing Transfer and adjustment Movements in investments Balance at 31 August 2024 £000 £000 £000 £000 (678) 6 (75) 4,336 (51) - (13) 2,036 (34) - - 676 (1) - - 47 (47) (6) (3) 324 . . . . (811) - (91) 7,419 . . . . |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,419 . |
The Foundation’s restricted funds are made up of donations and bequests from individuals and organisations that come with conditions on how they are used. For 25-26, these have been classified in line with the primary intention for the fund, and are summarised as:
-
Access to Education: to fund or part fund bursaries to provide financial assistance to pupils that require it, and scholarship opportunities for gifted pupils.
-
Area of Greatest Need: funds with scope to be used across a wide range of activities, but with some restrictions which mean they cannot be considered unrestricted funds.
-
Learning Environment: provided to fund new facilities and equipment to improve the learning environment and experience.
-
Prizes: funds restricted to provide pupils with prizes to celebrate the success of our pupils.
-
Student Experiences: funds that are to be used to provide students with experiences to complement their education, such as travel grants and athlete player pathways.
Movement on restricted funds 2024
| Balance at 1 September 2023 £000 Access to Education 2,600 Area of Greatest Need 1,869 Learning Environment 743 Prizes 45 Student Experiences 285 . Total 5,542 . |
Incoming £000 1,732 86 3 2 43 . 1,866 . |
Outgoing Transfer and adjustment Movements in investments Balance at 31 August 2024 £000 £000 £000 £000 (245) - 108 4,195 (32) - 42 1,965 (35) - - 711 (2) - 1 46 (22) - 9 315 . . . . (336) - 160 7,232 . . . . |
Outgoing Transfer and adjustment Movements in investments Balance at 31 August 2024 £000 £000 £000 £000 (245) - 108 4,195 (32) - 42 1,965 (35) - - 711 (2) - 1 46 (22) - 9 315 . . . . (336) - 160 7,232 . . . . |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,232 . |
49
Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
19 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
| 2025 £000 Cash flows from operating activities Net Income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) (3,571) Adjustment for: Depreciation charge 2,071 Impairment of tangible fixed assets 805 Dividends, interest and rents received from investments (540) Decrease/(increase)in stock 63 Decrease/(increase) in debtors (1,384) Increase/(decrease) in creditors (331) Increase/(decrease) in provisions 843 Gain/(loss) on revaluation of investments 132 . Net cash (used)/provided by operating activities (1,912) . |
2024 £000 2,109 2,184 - (560) 2 (225) 1,559 337 (319) . 5,087 . |
|---|---|
20 Analysis of changes in net debt
| Balance at 31 | Cash Flows | Non Cash | Balance as at 31 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Flows | August 2025 | ||||
| £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
| Cash | 8,950 | (5,075) | - | 3,875 | ||
| Loans falling due within one year | (641) | 641 | (1,096) | (1,096) | ||
| Loans falling due after more than one year | (1,096) | - | 1,096 | - | ||
| . | . | . | ||||
| Totals | ||||||
| 7,213 | (4,434) | - | 2,779 | |||
| . |
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
21 Pensions
Teachers’ Pension Scheme
The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) is a statutory, contributory, defined benefit scheme, governed by the Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014. All teachers have the option to opt-out of the TPS following enrolment.
The TPS is an unfunded scheme to which both the member and employer make contributions, as a percentage of salary - these contributions are credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.
Valuation of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
The Government Actuary, using normal actuarial principles, conducts a formal actuarial review of the TPS in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Valuations and Employer Cost Cap) Directions 2014 as published by HM Treasury. The aim of the review is to specify the level of future contributions. Actuarial scheme valuations are dependent on assumptions about the value of future costs, design of benefits and many other factors. The latest actuarial valuation of the TPS was carried out as at 31 March 2020. The valuation report was published by the Government Actuary’s Department on 27 October 2023 and by the Department for Education on 30 October 2023. The key elements of the valuation and subsequent consultation are:
-
employer contribution rates set at 28.68% of pensionable pay (including a 0.08% administration levy) from 1 April 2024 (the contribution rate to 31 March 2024 is 23.68% as set by the 31 March 2019 valuation);
-
total scheme liabilities (pensions currently in payment and the estimated cost of future benefits) for service to the effective date of £262,000 million and notional assets (estimated future contributions together with the notional investments held at the valuation date) of £222,200m, giving a notional past service deficit of £39,800m;
-
the SCAPE rate, set by HMT, is used to determine the notional investment return. The current SCAPE rate is 1.7% above the rate of the Consumer Price Index.
The employer’s pension costs paid to TPS in the period amounted to £2,129,000 (2024: £2,464,000).
A copy of the valuation report and supporting documentation is on the Teachers’ Pensions website.
Under the definitions set out in FRS 102, the TPS is an unfunded multi-employer pension scheme. The Foundation has accounted for its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The Foundation has set out above the information available on the scheme.
Defined Contribution Schemes
The Foundation pays contributions on behalf of its support and certain teaching staff, into two defined contribution pension schemes, the Royal London Pension Scheme and the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools scheme (APTIS). The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the Foundation in independently administered funds.
The pension charge for the year in relation to these schemes represents the contributions payable by the Foundation to the schemes and amounted to £1,380,000 (2024: £779,000).
22 Governor’s expenses
In connection with their role as governors of the charitable company, two governors (2024: three governors) received reimbursement amounting to £323 (2024: £940) for expenses incurred.
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Loughborough Schools Foundation Governors’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2025
23 Operating Leases
As at 31 August 2025 the charitable company had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Expiry date: Within 1 year Between 2 and 5 years Greater than 5 year Total |
2025 £000 275 569 66 |
2024 £000 349 631 - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 910 |
980 |
24 Related Party Transactions
During the year recharges of £81,000 (2024: £71,000) were charged to subsidiary undertakings.
Profits of £243,000 (2024: £168,000) were gift aided to the school in line with covenants.
Included within debtors on the charitable balance sheet are amounts owed from group undertakings of £439,000 (2024: £461,000) of which £207,000 (2024: £229,000) relates to a loan which is repayable within one year and is subject to interest at 0.5% per annum. During the year interest of £1,300 (2024: £2,000) was charged on loan accounts with group undertakings.
These transactions were made in the normal course of business.
25 Capital Commitments
There were no significant capital commitments at the end of the financial year.
26 Controlling party
The Governors consider that the company has no controlling party.
27 Company
Loughborough Schools Foundations has two wholly owned subsidiary undertakings which have been included in the consolidated financial statements.
Thomas Burton Developments Ltd (company number 02750735) was incorporated on 25 September 1992 and has called up share capital of £2. LSF Shop Ltd (company number 02100016) was incorporated on 16 February 1987 and has called up share capital of £2.
The subsidiary registered offices are the same as for Loughborough Schools Foundation which can be found on page 2 of the Governors’ report.
52