BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL AL REPORT AND LIDATED FINANCIAL TATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Company reglstratlon number: 4492250 Charity registratlon number: 1093419
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Contents Notice of the Annual General Meeting Trustees, officers and advisors 4-18 Trustees. report 19-22 Auditors, report 23-24 Consolidated statement of financial activities 25 Balance sheets 26 Consolidated statement of cash lknvs 27-47 Notes to the financial statem8nts
BIRKENHEAD SCHOO NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is her8by given that the Annual General Meeting of Birkenhead School will be held at the Meeting Room Birkenhead School on Monday 24th March 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for the following purposes: To recelve and adopt the report of th8 directors and the flnancial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024,. To 818Ct directors, one third of whom r8tire in accordance with th8 Articles of Associatlon and being ellgible. may offer themselves for re-election; To transact any other business appropriate to be dealt with at an Annual General Meeting. By ord8r of the Board D. J. Byme Secretary Date..
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 GOVERNORS Mr M. R. Cashin MA (Chaimianl Mr P.J. Adams (appointed 16 September 2024) Mr A.J. Cross LLB (Hons) (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr M.S.Furniss Mrs J.L. Greensmith CBE. DL (resigned 20 January 2025) Mrs S.J. Higginson OBE (appointed 18 September 2023) Mrs C.A.A. Howard (appointed 21 August 2024) Mr D.l.Pottinger Mr E.N. Rice FRICS Mr W.D.C. Rushworth BA Dr N.J. Thorp (appointed 18 September 2023) HEADMASTER Mr P.R. Vicars MA SECRETARYIBURSAR Mr D.J. Byrne (from 8th August 2024) Mr M.J. Tumer (to 2nd S8pt&mber 2024) REGISTERED OFFICE The Lodge 58 Beresford Road Oxton Wirral CH43 2JD BANKERS National Westminster Bank PIC 6 Grange Road West Charing Cross Birkenhead CH414DF AUDITORS Xeinadin Audit Limited 46 Hamilton Square Birkenhead CH41 SAR SOLicrroRS Jolliffe & Co LLP 6 St John Street Chesler CH1 1DA Bemians LLP Lancaster House Tithebarn Street Mercury Court Liverpool L2 2QP INVESTMENT MANAGERS Rathbone Investment Management Port of Liverpool Building Pier Head Liverpool L3 1NW
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The 'School' comprises 8irk8nhead School, a company limited by guarantee (company no. 4492250) and a registered charity (charity no. 1093419); a wholly4)wned trading subsidiary, Novitas Services Limited (company no. 4501547), which transferred its activities to Birkenhead School at the end of August 2009 and is now dormant,. and Birkenhead School Foundation Trust (charity no. 1068650). The Birkenhead School Foundation Trust (Foundation Trust) produces its own independent audited accounts. Novitas SeNic8s Ltd is a wh01tyn8d donnant subsidiary of Blrkenhead School and its directors are all Governors of the School. Th8 Foundation Trust is a s8parat8 charity. effectivety under the control of the School. Its trustees ara appointed by the School and include Govemors. senior officers of the School and other appointees. Govornanc• and managom•nt The School's Govemors. who are the dlrectors and trust8es of the charlty, are listed on Page 3. Th8y ar8 also the members of the company and are potentialty liable for £1 each in the event of the winding up of the company. The Board of Govemors nomally meets once each term and it has a Finance and General Purpose's sub-committee and an Education sub-committee. In this report Govemors are also refeed to as Trustees. The Board delegates the day to day running of the School to the Headmaster, who is the Chief ExecutNe of the business, and the senior officers of the School who. together, comprise, 'the Executive,. In addition to the Headmaster. members include the Bursar. Head of Prep. and three Deputy H8ads. Paul Vicars joined the School as Headmaster on 1 September 2016, having previousty served at Shrewsbury School. Mark Tumer (Bursar) left the School at the end of the 2023124 after 12 years, seNice. The board of dlrectors would like io thank Mark for his dedication and contribution to the school during these years. Arrangement for settlng pay and r•mun•ratlon of key manag•m•nt p•rsonn•l A subset of the govemors form the Remuneration Committee. vtho annualty revi8W th8 salaries and bonuses for roles appointed by the Govemors (Headmaster, Bursar. Head of Prep) and advise on remuneration for the other executive roles. Governor selectlon and tralnlng The Board of Governors is conscious of the need to keep within its number a wide range of skills and experience. New Governors join the Board by invitation and care is taken to maintain th8 range of skilL£ and experience. New Gov8mors are offed training on appointment and training for all Governors is arranged from time to time. Rlsk as8•ssm•nl The major risks to which the School is exwsaj (as identffied by the Govemors) have been reviewed and systems established to avoid and to mitigate these risks. OBJECTIVES AND ACTNrriES The School's ststed objects are: 'To further the education (academic. social, moral and physical) of pupils attending Birkenhead School (including Birkenhead Preparatory School) in accordance with Christian principles,. (The above is extracted from the Memorandum of Association of Birkenhead School).
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The School's published aims are to: provide an open and happy community in which endeavour and achievement flourish,. offer a well-proven route to academic success, s88king to onable students to realis8 th8ir pot8ntial and prepare th8m for later lrfe., create a caring and structured envlronment In which students grow in s8ff-confid8n¢e and enjoy many opportunitl8s for teamwork and personal development,. set high slandards for itself and for its students, not just academic but also personal standards of Integrlty, self4isciplin8, Compassion and respect for others. In the furtherance of th&s8 aims, the School's Governors, as the charity trustees, have compli8d with their duty in s4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's published general and relevant sub-section guidance concerning the op&ration of the Public B8n8fit requirement under that Act. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Birkenhead School looks to make a difference to the lives of stud8nts by inspiring a lrfelong lov8 of leaming and supporting students to excel academically, emotionally and socially wlthln the educatlonal settlng. The School's Independence allows it to be responsive lo change and innovate to ensure that a first-class education is provided for all students, with academic results regularfy placing the School as one of the leading independent schools within the North W8st and UK. Of course, the curriculumm offered at Birkenhead School looks to educate beyond the statutory r8quirements and this extends from the Early Years, Foundation Stsge in the Nursery to A Levels in the Sixth Form. A wide range of co-curmicular opportunities are availablè, including programmes such as 'Enrich and Explore,, 'Futur8 Skills,, 'Beyond the Curriculum, and the 'Nicholls L8Cture Seri8s'. Those offer educational opportunltles for students distinct from those offered to their peers elsewhere. During th8 year 8nd8d 31st August 2024, thé School 8ducat8d approx. 316 {2023.' 320) pupils aged 5-11 in Prep and approx. 52412023.. 510) students in Seniors, including approx. 100 Sixth Form students. Following thé move to CO-edu¢ation across all years in 2008, girls Continue to thrive in the School, constituting approx. 45 % of the students across the School (of school age). Around 140 children (2023.. 130) were cared for within the Early Years provision. Holiday activity weeks were provided by third parties who undertook a mixture of Birk8nhead School Activity Weeks and Kings Camps weeks. Kings Camps are part of th8 Kings Active Foundation, a UK registered charity. School fe8s from September 2023 were as follows.. Nursery Ifull-tlme, Includlng caterlng}- £4,875 per tem., Pre- Prep (full-time) £3,810 per term; Reception £3,235 per term; Prep (Years 1-6) £3,695 per term. Seniors (Year 7- 8)- £4.520 per term., Seniors (Year 9 to Year 11) - £4.895 per term,. Sixth Fonn - £4,955. School Exam Results Highlights of the Summer 2024 A Levgl and GCSE r8suIts include: A Levels.. 26°/0 of all grades were awarded A. 62 % of all grades were awarded A".A 83% of all grades were awarded A'.B
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 GCSES: 21% of all grad8S W8r6 awarded grade 9 590A of all grades were awarded grades 9-7 Th8 majority of students progress on to university, including some of the m05t competitive courses at Oxbridge and other Russ&ll Group univèrsities. Increasingly, some students are seeking degree apprenticeships. both with local and national employers, wlth recent positions galn8d in organisations including Dyson, Airbus, the BBC, Amazon. Redrow and Microsoft. PREP (Includlng EARLY YEARS) Prep and Early Years children had another vibrant and Inspiring year. enjoying all the many opportunities afforded to th8m, thanks to th8 dedication, enthusiasm and creativity of the stsff. The curriculum went from strength to strength, stsrting in Early Years where a unlque blend of stsff-planned and child-lnltlated actlvllies saw the children develop their leaming through play. imagination and physical activity. Nursery children were often seen out and about during their daily walks around the campus, and they thoroughly enjoyed regular visits to th8 pond in Seniors. the joy of discov8ry as they followed the lrfe cycl8 of frogs was a particular highlight. The daily singing. dancing and learning actions at story time was enjoyed by all. and for the Rising 3s, growlng variety of fruit and vegetables in the Nursery garden was a tnjly rewarding learning experience. In Pre-Prep, the 'people who help us, topi¢ was very popular. Through role-play, the use of resources and props, and through meeting a variety of professionals (eg. a policeman, a paramedic and a dentist), this topic really came alive. Our Early Years children were highly engaged with thelr curriculum and the independence and interpersonal skllls developed over the year will no doubt be excellent preparation for an exciting leaming journey through Prep. There were some hlghly effectlve developments to the Prep currlculum over the year, not least the Introductlon of the 'Short Write,. providing more opportunities for writing and greater coverage of different written genres and topics. Pupils were also given greater exposure to different styles of mathèmatical problems, expanding their minds and encouraging greater flexibility of thought. A feature of the academic year was an on-going drive to increase cross-curricular ICT opportunities, Wlth a new bank of iPads purchased accordingly. Prep students now enjoy access to three banks of iPads (one for each building) and a superb ICT suite, and each year Digital Leaders are appointed from Years 5 and 6 pupils to assist and enthuse younger pupils with their ICT skills and to test out new tachl The great outdoors has never been more important for children's development a superb antidote to screen time, which, rf not managed appropriately. can have a tendency to dominate some children's lives. The positive impact of learning through nature trails, outdoor investigations and forest school activltles cannot be underestimated. From R8C8Ption through to Year 4. pupils now take part in our bespoke Nature Explorers programrne. participating in outdoor activities that build valuable skills and foster an appreciation for the natural world. The children now work towards various achievement levels over the five years of the course: Acorn, Young Sapling, Mighty Oak, Park Warden, and Park Keeper Awards. The children's engagement with the programme was a joy to see and through expressing their awe and wonder. yrkIng as a team and writing up their findings. we saw many positlV8 impacts on thelr broader learning skills. Little School (Reception to Year 2) enjoyed their first full academic year in the House System. House captains were appointed in September and then a drawing competition léd to the introduction of House mascots. House spirit was in abundance for a number of different events.. a football competition, a 'Children in Need, Bake Sale, an Easter Egg colouring Competition and of course the hugely successful Little School Sports Day. The Play Leaders Programme and the Little School Student Council continued to encourage the early development of leadership skills and our first ever Year 2 Residential Trip saw pupils astounding their teachers V•llth their sense of adventure and growing independence.
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The number of children participating in our Civic Award Scheme grew this year after a very successful launch in 2022. The Scheme is a personal development programme made up of five strands for the children to complete: local awaraness, sèlf-r&lianc8, service to others, personal achievement in physical activities and wide use of leisure time. In May, there was a special ceremony where the children received awards from the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Chery Povall, JP. As the children complete each level of this scheme. they advance to the next level, and as new children join at thè lower levels, so the scheme grows. It tnjly is a wonderful programme which complements the ethos and values of our School so well. Every year group from Year 2 to 6 enjoyed a resldentlal adventure trlp and, In addltlon to thls. there was a skl trip for Years 5 and 6. 59 children and 8 staff headed to Alpe d'Huez at Easter for a supert) week of skiing, with lessons cat6ring for all abilities from beginners to advanced, and numerous après ski activities. Our group was comm8nded by ski instructors, hotel stsff and airline crew for thelr superb behaviour and manners. and staff leading the trip said the children were a d81ight to look after. Within the Junior Prep years, a broad range of House comp8titions took plac8 OV8r th8 year. Football, Cross Country, Rounders, Cricket, Boccia. Ch8ss and th8 House Quiz were all keenly contested and hugely popular. Th8s8 friendly competitions brought the children together from different year groups, building teamwork and House spirit and of course the biggest House competition of them all was Sports Day. It had to bè reschèduléd due to rain, but when it finally oc¢urr8d tt was a truly memorable event, with over 200 children involved and a wonderful atmosphere on School Field wlth parents and grandparents In support, a barb8CU8 and even a Pimms tentl Added to the many House points won from all these competitions, were the points awarded throughout the y6ar for good work, kindness and good manners. Each week, House points were collated with individual winners ¢8labrat8d in assembly and the winning House announced. The accumulation of all those points ultimatety led to the announcement of the wlnning House at the end of th6 summer term. Thls year's House Championship winners were Bidston and they enjoyed a sp8cial celebration on an inflatsble obstacle course on McAllester Field in the final week of terml The after-school programmè saw th8 introduction of some very popular new Clubs run by our teach8rs, such as Photography Club and MIMIC (Music, Imaginative Movement. Individuality and Creativity). An additional externally run Chess club was also launched; this was in response to the increasing interest amongst Junior pupils to play Chess and their desire to be coached by an expertl All in all, over 50 clubs were offered each term and It was clear that our co-curricular offering over the course of the year gr8atly enriched the children's experience of School. Another action-packed year of sport saw all pupils from Years 3 to 6 given opportunltles to comp8t8 in a variety of sports throughout th8 year. Our inclusive approach allowed everyon8 to develop their skills, build confidence. and experience the thrill of team sports. With fixtures in netball, lacrosse, cross country, gymnastics, football, rugby, cricket, rounders and athletics, there were opportunities for everyone. Dedication, team spirit and d8t8rmination were seen in abundance, with particular success enjoyed in cross Gountry and athlètics. At the AJIS Cross Country Championships at Rossall School. w8 won the Year 5 Girls. race and the Year 6 Boys, race. The AJIS Indoor Athletics Championships in late January was another highlight; we won three gold medals, 8 silver medal, and two bronze medals. And we ware also the overall winners of the Wirral Schools Indoor Athletics meeting, which was an outstanding team achievement. Music and Drama featured strongly throughout the year, with pupils performing in Musical Serenades, School Concerts, Christmas Shows, Carol Setvices, Form Assemblies and our Year 6 Musical Production, 'Th8 Jungle Book,. As enthusiastic as ever, Year 6 gave th8ir all and produced tsvo truly memorable performances of this much-loved show - a very fine way to round off their time in Prep.
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 SENIORS (Yoar 7 to Upper Slxth) Sclenco Providing inspiring opportunities Continued to be the mindset of the Science department, and all staff across Birkenhead School, with the culmination being another year of outstanding GCSE and A Level results. Outslde of the regular currlculum, where a partlcular feature remalns the learning derlved from undertaking experiments. the department providèd a number of r6gular clubs, trips, competitions, outreach and leadership opportunities. Regular clubs, typically weekly. included Junlor Science, Astronomy. Dissection Club, a Science Research Group, and Advanced Tutorial Groups (ATGS) for Sixth Fomi Medics, Dentists, Vets and Engineers. Durfng Easter 2024. approximately 30 stud8nts and 3 staff enjoyed a space exploratlon Insplred trlp to Texas. This included the opportunity to view the eclipse. During the year, the Sixth Form chemists visited Liverpool University to experience working in a university lab: their tasks inVoed both preparing and analysing organic compounds. Lower Sixth students also att8nd8d a Royal Sociéty lecture on Artificial Intelligence in York. As part of the School's Futures Programme, the Engineering group visited Airbus, AMF Engin88ring Ltd and NSG Environmental Ltd during the course of the academic year, whlle the Sixth Forni Biologists and Psychologists enjoyed a 'Brain Day, on site. inspired by external speakers. The Sclence department view external competitions as important opportunities to stretch learnlng. During the year, students participated in Biology and Physics Olympiads, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. the RSC Top of the Bench Chemistry Competilion at Liverpool University. a STEM competition at The Grange School, and UK ROC - a rocket building competition. A further feature of the department is the partnership work with local schools and cubs and brownie groups. This work included the long-running and ever popular two Science evenings in October where the School's Science Leaders {approx. 30 Year 7 to Uppér Slxth with a passion for sclence) helped inspire over 150 local primary school ag8 children wilh experiments and demonstrations on the School sit8. The d8partment also contributeg fully to the 'Be Inspired, programme on a numbèr of Saturdays during the Summer Term. English The English Department offered a diverse array of activities to nurture the students, literary and creative talents. Th8 many highlights included a visit by talented actor, director, producer, and filmmaker. Celyn Jones, who conducted engaging workshops with Year 9 students, focusing on the art of filmmaking and its connections to their study of'small Island. These sessions provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of storytellin9 through film. In 'Form Time Philosophy,, students in Years 9, 10, and 12 had th8 chance to explore various critical schools and thinkers, includin9 Plato, Kant, Hegel, Marx. and Nietzsche. The annual Ghost story event, now in its fourth year, has seen the publication of two volumes of ghost stories featuring introductions and unpublished works by the renowned author, Ramsey Campbell. This event has bé8n a platform for students from Years 7 to 13 to display their wrilin9 talents. Th8 d8partm8nt's dedication to nurturing creative wrltlng talents was further highlighted when trwo students emerged as finalists in the prèstigious Athenaeum writing competition for students aged 16-19 across Merseyside. In March, the School hosted the Merseyside and Greater Manchester heat of the National Reading Champions Quiz, with twenty-five teams participating from fourteen local schools.
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 SENIORS (Yoar 7 to Uppor Slxth) Engllsh The year was a busy and exciting one for the students in English. wlth numerous events showcasing their talents, creativity, and teamwork. One of the standout successes was the Ghost Story for Christmas event, which proved to be a hit once again. Students from Y6ar 7 through to Upper Sixth read oul th8ir contributions to our published anthology of ghost stories, captivating the audience wlth their spooky tales. This year, we were honoured to have acclaimed horror wrlter Ramsey Campbell serve as a judge for the ev8nt. Another 6XCiting event was the Natlonal R8ading Champions competition, whlch we host8d this year. Teams from over ten schools In the region competed in a fun and engaglng event, which was enjoyed by all involved. Our students P8rformed excellently and showed great enthusiasm and dedication to the art of reading. Poetry by H8art returned this year, with Year 7 students perfomiing their poems In our Intèrnal Beyond The Currlculum competition. Whlle we W8r8 not successful In reaching the flnal at th8 Globe Theatre In London. It wa5 a fantastic experlence for all Involved and demonstrat8d the talent and commltment of our students to the spok8n word. In a major achievem8nt for th8 school, the Rotary Debating Comp8tilion Youth Speaks saw our t8am progress to th8 national finals for the first tlme ev8r. This was a remarkable accomplishm8nt, with one of the School's students aw8rded Best Opposition Speaker for his lively, fluent, and engaging delivery. Th8 year was also fl118d with exciting theatre trlps, offerlng sludents the chance to experlence a varl8ty of productions. Among the highlights were Macbeth, Life of Pi. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Six, all of which left our students with plenty lo reflect on and discuss. Languag08 Academic perfomiance has remained strong in Modem Languages, culminating in impressNe grades in the external examinations In summer 2024, where French was the subject attaining the top value-added score in the School at GCSE. In February half tem, a group of foty A-Levél and GCSE students participated in a 3-day trip to Madrid, providing them with opportunities to learn more about the Spanish language, history and culture. Six students from Year 11 and the Sixth form gained a bronze award in the UK Linguistic Olympiad competition. The younger childr8n from Years 3 to 6 wer8 able to extend their knowledge of French culture and language during their weekly French Club sessions.
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Art Art is a popular subject at both GCSE and A Level, with our largest A Lev81 group yet embarking on the course this academic year. Positive Value-Added scores indicate the strength of the subject, inGluding a score of 0.58 for those GCSE students with a SEND profile. 500A of A Level students achieved A.. Alongside the academic demands of the subject. art teaches the value of creativity as a means for personal development, critical thinking and self-reflection, with the aim of helping students sucGessfully navigate an ever changing and challenging workl. Exam groups have access to the department and staff 3 times a week in aflerschool academic clubs to assist and extend coursework. A weekly lunchtime Creative Club for Year 7 9 students allowed for fun projects outsidé of lessons. A d8dicat8d lunchtime club for Year 9 provided extensions tasks while afterschool SMART sessions in the summer temi offered the opportunity to experiment with new techniques including batik. In early October, Sixth Form students travelled to London. firstky visiting Tate Modern to view the extensive permanent collection. then the 'Capturing the Momenf exhibition of contemporary painting and photography; viewing art on a phone is no substitute for seeing work 'in the flesh,. A tube ride across London to the Victoria & Albert Museum to the sold out 'Chanel' exhibition: this infamous show was a dream comè true for the fashionistas in the group. Two outstanding hands-on workshops contributed to the School's 'Arts Festival, across October and November this year alongside the Music, Drama and English departments. The first focused on graphic style illustration with artist 'Emelbi', who impressed Year 9 students with his quirky graffiti portraits created using pen, pencil and highlighter. Students from Years 11 and the Upper Sixth participated in an 'Everyday Objécts Workshop, with intemationally respected artist Lisa Milroy RA-, it was fascinating to hear about her ideas and working practice. A busy Bushell Hall exhibition, celebrating GCSE & A Level art, combined with an Evening of Art and Music. made for a wonderful showcasè of student talent. The three-week festival induded num8rous lunchtime events including a fun cuiy Pudsey Bear activity18d by Lower Sixth students. Over the February half-term. students and staff travelled to Madrid for a Spanish and Art Cultural visit. The busy itinerary included a walking tour of historical sites and visits to the Atlético Madrid Football Stadium and Las Ventas Bullring. In the Reina Sofia Art Gallery, stud8nts saw 'Guemica', the iconic anti-war painting by Pablo Picasso, whereas in El Museo Nacional del Prado, they saw works by masters of European art including Goya and Velasque,. the value of this experience was evident in subsequent A Level studies. On the last aftemoon. students and staff attended a cookery course, taught in Spanish, whefe they prepared classic dishas including paella and tortilla. In June, pupils from local primary schools attended 3 Saturday art sessions, run by the department as part of the School's 'Be Inspired, programme. During the year, the department also assisted with sets and props for the Scuttl8rs and Oliv8r productions. An intense Summer Tenn of extemal exams led to impressive work, much of which was on display during Birkonian Week and at the Arts Awards Evening. Once again. Year 7 to 9 students received Amazing Artist awards alongside prizes for the older years. student work is regularly c8lebrat8d and événts communicated through #birkenheadschoolart Instagram. It currently has 1,195 followers including parents, schools, art colleges, galléries and other artists. io
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Ci%CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES It is cl6ar, both from on-site observations and feedback from parents. both prosp8ctlV8 and current. that all stakeholders place significant value on co-curricular actlvltles. Th8 School takes great pride in the diverslty and extensive provision of co-curricular activilies, and we continue to invest in coaching and resources. with increased investmenl in both areas this year. In our most r8c8nt student voice survey. over 80°/o of respondents participate In School co<urrlcular actlvities. with many others attending clubs for non-competitive reasons. Sport The School continued to offer competitive and recreational opportunities across the whole School and in a range of sports including Athletics, Cricket, Football. Golf, Hockéy, Lacrosse, Netball, Tennis, Rounders, Orienteering, Cross-country and Rugby. In addition to this cor8 provision, recreational clubs offered a breadth of opportunity across sports such as Badminton, Tab18 Tennis and Gymnastics, and activities including Yoga, Climbing and Dance. Sport In The Pr•p The integration and planning for sports development are clearly paying dividends between Prep and Seniors. The Prep had an excellent year in sport with the usual strong performances in Netball, Football, Cricket and Rugby becoming established in the Prèp programm8. Th8 levels of participation and p8rformanc8 in the Prep in AJIS {Associatlon of Junlor Ind8P8ndent Schools) sports festlvals and Interhous8 competitions are outstandlng in comparison to oth&r local primary education providers. Staffing resources from Seniors staff and external coaches have assisted the development of the Prep programme, with Prep sport going from strer)gth to strength providing a conveyor b8lt of talent into Seniors. New sports are being developed within the Prep such as Lacrosse, Hockey and Cross Country to support the Senior5, programme. Tennis has continued to thrlve, helped by the LTA programm8; as a result, we were able to enter senior teams in the Cheshire Cup for boys and girls. This will enable the development of a strong senior school Tennis programme in the future. Sport In Sanlors The School prides itself on high levels of participation and achievement in Seniors with a signrfiGant numbor of students attending lunch and after-school practices in addition to the curricular provision of PE & Gam88. The School is reaping the dividends of investing in high-level coaches, and stsff coaching development is enhancing students, progress. The Focus sports of rugby, cricket and netball are thriving. Netball teams continue to reach the latter stages of national and regional events. The rugby teams ar8 increasing their performance levels, with the fixture list developed over recent y8ars to offer greater challenge. Th6 rugby 7s programme is also currently doing exceptionally well, whilst participation in Hockey and Lacrosse is d8vek)ping strongly. The School has national prominence in lacrosse: for example, the U14 team reached the semi-finals at th8 National Championships in March 2024, while the U12 téam are Northern Champions. In 2024-25, the boys. and girls, hockey teams are enter8d into the Independent School's Hockey Cups at U13 and U19 age groups for the first tim8. In Seniors, competitive teams are fielded in local, regional and national leagues and tournaments. In a typical year. this would include six boys. Hockey teams, eight Rugby teams, seven girls, Hockey teams, fwe La¢ross8 teams, eight Nelball leams and six Cricket teams wmpeting weekly during the relevant season. The School prides itself in delivering high participation rates of students 8njoying sport across all year groups with many contributing across a vast number of Gross-curricular activities of the School. In total, the School played over 600 fixtures in all sport during the year- with the most important features being the enjoyment.
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEE ' ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 health benefits and the range of skills and values that the students learn from playing sport and representing their School. Several students are curr6ntty part of various sporting talent pathways: in Rugby Unlon, Sale Sharks, and Cheshire RFU,. in Lacrosse, the England Performance Pathway and Ch8shir8 County: in Netball, Manchester Thunder, Loughborough Lightening, Leeds Rhinos, Bimiingham Bears, Cheshire and Merseyside County Netball and national age-group academies. The School has a number of cricketers in the Cheshiré and Lancashire programmes. In Ho¢key, players enjoy the JAC academy pathways and at an elite level In the Pennine Pumas, and national age*roup selection. In Lacrosse, a number of girls play for the county and are in the U18 England Academy. Students also participate in other sports programmes operated by each sport's associations or professional clubslfranchises and a number alumni (Old Birkonians OBS) play in high- level local and natlonal 18agu8S: these include Caldy 1st XV rugby, Oxton, N8Ston 1st Xl cricket, netball for Wales U23s, hockey in the National leagues. Two OBS currently play LacrosselBox Lacrosse for England andlor GB. The Fltn8ss Sulte has seen a blg Increase In usage by students and staff, beneflttlng from recent capital investment. A successful Strength and Conditioning program has utilised the expertise of an elite local company and has delivered significant performance benefits to the students. There has also b88n investment in the climbing wall with new holds, hamesses, equipment and ongoing training for relevant staff. The School continues lo share its sporting facilities with several clubs and schools in the area, including on a hire basis, at reduced rates where applicable. This year we have rolled out the 'Bridg8s' sports festivals to link with local primaries to inspire local children. This scheme offers festival visit opportunities to local Primary and Prep Schools. comblned wlth coaching in Cricket, Rugby, Hockey and Netball. The sports department also enjoyed being heavily involved with the 'Be Inspired, programme, offering a rangè of sporting activities on each day the programme ran over the Summer Temi.. colleagues and senior students supported enthusiastic youngsters from the local community in énjoying th8 range of sports offered. The end of the School year was celebrated by holding the Sports Awards for the Seniors and th8 traditional Sports Days for both Prep and Seniors. Thes& events provided a real celebration of Birkonian sporting endèavour and sklll, and w8r8 W811 att8nded by students, parents and staff. The School enjoys participating in flagship national tournaments. 3 Rugby teams participated in th8 Rosslyn Park National 7$ while the 1st and U14 squads participated in the Lacrosse Nationals at Aldershot. In Juty, the School's cricketers toured Sri Lanka wilh 34 students and 6 staff enjoying an action packed 14 days of sport, culture and spectacular sights. In the lead up to the tour, we had a very well attended Sports Personality Dinner with Graham Gooch OBE as guest speaker. In March, 60 pupiL8 and 6 staff had a wond8rful week of skiing in La Plagne with good snow and excellent spirit de corps displayed in a memorable trlp. Drama Drama continues to grow in popularity and student participation both within the academic curriculum and in School productions. Student and staff led lunch-time clubs include dancing, acting and preparation for GCSE and A Level déviséd pieces abngside opportuniti8S to 8njoy talking through plays and shows recently attended.. during the year, trips to watch Hamilton, Blood Brothers and Dear Evan Hansen were popular wlth large numbers of students. It was a particularty busy year for School productions. with a gritty drama 'ScUttrS. entertaining audiences in Novèmber, while the full School production of 'Oliverf played to g soldaout performances in March: becoming regular feature of the calendar is the Matinee Lunch performance attended by an increasing number of Old Birkonians each year. l2
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Mus1¢ Co-curricular Music provision has continued to grow throughout the yéar, with large numbers now both receiving weekly tultlon In an impressivety wide range of instruments and taking part in the two major Whole School concerts at Christmas and during Birkonian Week. Unique to Birkenhead School. as a day school, as far a5 Wg know, are our weekly services of Choral Evensong, sung by the Chapel Choir, which continued to take place in the School Chapel tog8th8r with the occasional special seasonal services. Nine Lessons and Carols is always a particular highlight, and proves so popular that it needs to happ8n tWiC8 on the same day in order to accommodate the vast numbérs who would like to attend. Technology contlnued to be utilis8d well in Chap81, with selected services also being INestreamed on the Music YouTube channel. Th8 annual Festival of Arts was agaln a blg success wSth ov8r a fortnight of events In November featurlng musicians of all ages, with highlights being the 'Come and Sing. Evensong servic8 in Chap61, Jazz Night, Art Exhibition, as well as a number of insplrlng workshops18d by visiting professionals. As well as these opportunltles to slng and play as part of a group. solo opportunities for young muslclans of all a9es and 8XP6riences took place frequently, with the more informal tennly 'Serenade' concerts for our less advanced performers together with two Chamber Music Concerts for the more experienced. Trinity and ABRSM practical and th80ry examinations continued to be suc¢8ssfully pass8d by students of all ages, and we had several of our more experlenced musicians represent the School as members of the Natlonal Youth Choirs. National Children's Orchestras, National Youth Music Theatre, Junior Royal Northern College of Music, Liverpool Philhamonic Youth Company (choirs, bands and orchestras). Wirral Symphonic Wind Band, Out of the Blue big band, H8swall Concert Band, and Early Music Youth Orchestra and String Academy. Duko of Edlnburgh Award Scheme During the academic year, 84 stud8nts participated in the Bronze programme, 15 in Silver and 10 in Gold. Expedition training was conducted durlng the year in route planning and navigatlon, camp ¢raft and first aid. The practice and qualifying expeditions made full use of the hi115 of NE Wales and the Snowdonia mountains, with the qualifying expeditions taking place in Jun8 and July. shortly before and after the ènd of the Summer Term. The students have participated in a wide variety of volunt88rlng proj8Cts in support of their awards, including working with animals at Tam-o-shanter fami, h81ping in a variety of charity shops, fundraising for organisations such as The Hive, Hubbub, and Islamic Relief and coaching young chess players at Dawpool Primary School. Others have volunteered to support activities on site at Birkenhead School, such as singing in Chapel and acting as a sports leader, coaching prep school children. Other Co4urrlcular Clubs The provision of a broad rang8 of lunchtime and after School co-curricular clubs continues to be a f8ature of the School. In addition to the considerable sporting, drama and musical provision, thes8 clubs range from publ1¢ speaking and debating to yoga, table tennis and astronomy. Some lunchtime clubs are offered by members of the Sixth Form. These have added great diversity to the provision, and leadership from the students, and include a Fllm Soclety and a Sports Analysis club In recent years. Sixth Form students also off8r clubs to Prep Students and Girls, Rugby. Drama and Public Speaking are popular. Futures Pmvlslon The School's provision of 'Fulures' advice is extensive. A dedicated Futures Team of staff provide bespoke support and guidance to both studenls and par&nts in preparing students for university. Gap years, apprenticeships and the world of work. This includes 'off-tim8tab18' 8vents for members of Ihe Sixth Form such as the Futures Moming and the Futures Conference which take place throughout the Summer Term. Roles within the Futures Team include specialisms in UCAS, Oxbridge applications, Futures skills (including thé various aptitude tests for high tariff courses). apprenticeships and internships and overseas university applications. 13
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Face to face advice Is supported by a regular Futur85 Newsletter that Includes a range of advice on degree courses. the latest apprenticeship opportunities and readinglonline course suggestions. The newsletter is available on Firefly and senl to parents. Futures advice stsrts in Prep developing an awaren8ss of different areas within the world of work and continues into S8niors including the use of Morrisby tests in Y8ar 10 which are followed by individual interviews with a member of the Futures Team. The Futures Team is supported through the use of Unrfrog sothvare. an int8grat8d platform which assists stsff. students, parents and guardians in researching and preparing for application to university courses and apprenticeships. A feature of the Futures provision is the strong support of the Old Blrkonlan So¢l8ty, and alumnl are to the fore In supporting current students andlor recent leavers through specific car8ers advice, work experience, mock InteNlews and apprentlceship programmes. Insplrlng Talks Sor1•• During the 2023-24 academic year, thè School's Inspiring Talks Series continued to welcome hlgh-profila speakers to the School for both public and student events. The serles Included.. The weekly Nicholls Lecture for Sixth Form students durfjng the Michaelmas and Lent tenns The Boumphrey Lecture Series for Prep puplls in Years 5 and 6 Author talks for both students and the wlder communlty held In conlunctlon wlth a local Independent bookshop The No Limits Series in Seniors The annual Sports Personality Dinner Toplcs covered by the Nlcholls Lecture Serles, and deliv8r8d by parents, prospective parents and numerous Old Blrkonians ranged from the NHS, Food Product D8sign and BAFTA Award winning filmmaking. to Financial Acquisitions & Mergers, Premier League Refereelng and Video Confer8ncing Skills. Seniors students also enjoyed a talk from TV presenter and author, Louise Minchin, as part of the School's No Limits Series. In Prep. younger children were delighted by Boumphrey lectures delNered by author Anna James. Sue Hlgginson OBE and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, and from lan Boumphrey himselV. In conjunction with a local ind8pend6nt bookseller, th8 School also hosted public events, welcoming TV presenter Julia Bradbury. HOll00d and TV actor Richard Armitage, journalist Bryony Gordon, and journalist and TV presenter Liz Earle. Th8 annual Sports Personality Dinn8r, h81d in May, welcomed former England Cricketer, Graham Gooch, OBE. who spoke at the black-tie event. The dinn8r raised funds for the School's cricket tour to Sri Lanka and for tha local Sri Lankan charity, Foundation of Goodness. Parents, Assoclatlon (PA) During 2023-24, fundraising and community connections remained a focus for the Parents, Association. Highlights of the year included the annual Fireworks Display and Christmas Bazaar. The PA also launched '300 Fundraising Club, during the course of the year to further support their fundraising efforts. Funds raised by the PA supported a wide range of activitl8s across th8 School.. for Gambit chéss sets and digital timers for the Junior Prep Chess Club,. 8quipm8nt for th& Y8ar 4 Board Games and Construction Club., dans in Pr8-Pr8p to provide calming, safa spaces for èmotional wellbeing; playground furnituré and 8quipment 14
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 for Little School: sound equipment for School productions and concerts; hoodi8s for the lacrosse teams repr8senting the School at the National Lacrosse Competition,. a public-speaking training day for students in Years 6 to 9 to support future debating comp8titions,' contributions toward the Sri Lanka Gricket tour,. support for th8 Texas science trip, enabllng students to m88t an astronaut at NASA,. ice creams for each student participating in Sports Days and the Year 6 Jungle Book performance; and a contribution toward the Sixth Form Leavers, Ball. Blrkonlan Waek The concluslon of a busy academic year was appropr18t8ly marked by a range of celebration and awards events in Birkonian Week including the Creative and Performing Arts Awards, Sports Awards, 1st Team Awards and BBQ, Chap81 ChoSr Dinner, Sports Day and Speech Day. Communlty Involvemenl and Charltabla Glvlng Students and families of Birkenhead School continue to demonslrate significant community invOeMent and charitable giving. supporting causes both locally and globally. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the School's wlder provlslon across Wlrral Is the 'Be In5plred' programme. Now in its fourth year, this popular initiative seas over 30 local Year 5 childr8n from a number of local primary schools, attend four Saturdays at Birkenhead School wh8r8 they enjoy a range of a¢ad8mlc, sporting, drama, design and 'soft8r skills, 8nrichment sessions. Th8s8 sessions are run by School stsff, volunt88r parents and members of the Sixth Fom) helping 8ach group. The course ¢ulminat8s in a priZeiVing and lunch event for th8 children, their parents, and their teachers on the final Saturday. Similar excitement each year Is gen8rat8d by the Iwo Science Evenings held in October. The School's Science department, including teachers and technicians, and aided by the School's student Science Leaders helped Inspire over 150 local primary school age chlldren with experiments and demonstrations. Th8se events are always popular and heavily over-subscribed. With the School's wholehearted commitment to ¢O-curricular activities. it is a feature of the School to run a number of primary age events aiming to inspire a love of sporting, music and creative pursuits. During the 2023- 24 academic year, the School hosted rugby and cricket primary school festivals, invited a number of primary schools to VtCh the Seniors musical, alongside author tslks, and DT and sport workshops. The School also hosted local and r8gional events including the National Reading Quiz and Maths Otympiad. The School's Communlty Club show excellent leadership for student invofvement in local charities, working with Hubbub UK for the second successive year to support more sustainable clothing initiatives with a second-hand cloth8s project and driving th8 School's collection of Christmas jumpers which were than distributed to members of The Hive, Wirral Youth Zone. The School is also a member of The Hive 100 Club. a collection of businesses, organisations and individuals that support the outstanding work of this charity. During the year, student activities have rals8d funds for a number of charities, which include.. The Hlve; Kaola North-W8st,' N80 Community" Charles Thompson Mission" Clalre Hous8. Sav8 the Children; NSPCC; UNICEF. Teenage Cancer Trust. and Change a Child's Lrfe. During the year, the SGhool also lets out its facilities to a number of local clubs, charities and faith-based groups, often at reduced rates. 15
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE REVIEW Fee Support Trustees do not want the cost of education at Blrkenhead Sthool to prevent any eligibl8 child att8nding the School. Gross fees were discountèd by £1,182k (2023.. £1,078k). through bursaries. scholarships and other discounts (9.70A of gross fees. 2023: 9.40kn). In particular, bursary support under the auspices of the Foundation Trust represented around S.50A (2023.. 5.30AI of gross fee Incom8 and b8nefitt8d 76 pupils (2023.. 71). A smaller number of pupils - 36 (2023: 39) - receNed transformational bursaries of between 75¥0 and 100OA. Some fee support is provided for from returns on investrnents and some directty from generous benefactors. During the course of the academic year, the School continued ts education of three Ukrainian stud8nts (two in Year 4,. one in Year 11) and support of their families who had fled Ukraine following the invasion by Russia. and who were initially being hosted by cuent School families. These students were provided with full bursaries, alongside assistsnce with the provision of unrform and other School 8quipm8nt. Access Scholarships continued to provide assistance to enable abl8 pupils with a proven academic record to enter at Year 7 or the Sixth Fomi from other educational backgrounds. Some spectfic support towards the latter is provided by tsvo charitablè trusts undèr the management of the Old Birkonian Society Council. In addition, the School has awarded financial scholarships to 58 Seniors students (2023.. 51) for academic or musical excellence. This support totalled £110k (2023: £81k) and repsented 1.4°A of gross fees in Seniors. Some r8C8iving scholarships also qualffied for means-tested bursary support and are included in those figures as well. Som8 further scholarships are now honorary - continuing the emphasls of provldlng financlalty for those most at need while recognising excellence. The progress of pupils receiving scholarships is reviewed at least every couple of years to ensure that pupils continue to progress in line with their abilities, stretchlng their pot8ntial yet further. Facllltles The Schools, sports faciliti8s ar8 made available to the public for use wherever feasible and are discounted for charity or educational use. As highlighted above, many are used for inter-school events through the year. The School follows a programme of planned maintenance and development to ensure thal its estate remains fit for purpose and efficient. The School continued to facilitate 'GWed" productions throughout the Summer of 2024. 16
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW The School's finanaal position remains strong. A cash surplus from operations of just over 2.5% of net fee income was achi8V8d. giving trustees the confidence to moderate fee increases. manage pension liabilities and continue with a programme of investrnent in school facilFties. The capital investment programme is currently funded without extemal borrowing. Net operating income was £588k {2023.' £511k). This combined with investrnent gains of £814k (2023: tosses £172k}, an actuarial gain on a defined benefit pension scheme of £42k (2023: £550k. As a result, total ftjnds across the Sch¢)ol Group were £22,205k as at 31 st August 2024 (2023.. £20.761 k). The net cash provided by operating activities was £1.493k (2023.. £286k). Reserves policy Investment income from the reserves is used to provide fee assistance to pupils and thereby to widen access to the School. More fee assistance is provided than can be fijnded by the income of the Foundation Trust. and it is therefore the policy of the Foundation Trustees to seek to increase the capttal held by the Trust. It is the policy of the School to transfer surpluses not required within the School to the Foundation Trusl. The Foundation Trust is also in a position to Gonsider k)ans andlor grants to support signfficant investment in the School. The asset allocation pollcy of the Foundation Trust ensures that there are sufficient liquid funds to cover at least three months, operating expenses. Fundlng sources Around 950/r* of the School's operating income was derived from fees and associated charges. Other notable contributions were: commercial aGtivities. 0.8 /0. investment income 2.90A' and donations 0.50/0. Investment pollcy As noted. the School's reseNes are largely held in the Foundation Trust. Trustees have an investment policy which aims to secure a balance of income and capital growlh in the medium to bng-term. Professional investment managers are employed with their appointment reviewed on a regular basi5. GOING CONCERN After making appropriate enquires. the board of trustees has a reasonable expedation that th8 School has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason. it continues to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going conc8m basis can be found in the Statement of Accounting Policies. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS The School will seek to maintain and increase the availabilty of scholarships and bursaries and to 8ncourage parents of academicalty able children to apply to the School. The surplus income and ongoing reserve are important not least as the investment income generated in the Foundation Trust is used to provide substantial bursary support. Other income will continue to be used to enhanGe the School's provision through improvements to the estate and the School's equipmént. Sound management and governance remains in place to ensure that the School continues to deltver good value during a challenging period for the independent sector. The imposition of VAT, loss of business rates relief and increase in national insurance contributions in the forthcoming financial year has léd to a strategic plan being developed to ensure the School continues to thrive. We remain proud of being able to offer an exceptional product against the backdrop of these new financial pressures. The School agreed to pass on only 10% of the 17
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 1 AUGUST 2024 new VAT liability (on fees) in January 2025 in order to demonstrate we are doing all we can to assist our families and the Birkenhead community. Our transport provislon ¢ontinu8S to grow as we extend our reach across the City Reglon and beyond. The School has recently invested in its first electric vehicle to reduce our Garbon footprint and prepare ourselves for the petrolldiesel ban due to come into force in 2030. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The Trustees (who are also th8 directors of Birkenhaad School for th8 purpos8 of comp8ny18w) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting PraGtiGe). Company law requlres the Trustees to pr8pare financial statements for each financial year whlch glve a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure of the charitable group for that period. In preparing Ihese financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policles and then apply them conslstently: observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP make judgements and estimates thal are reasonable and prudent: prepare the financlal statements on the going concern basls unless It Ss InapproprSate to presume that the charitsble company and group wlll contlnue In operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and group and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wlth the Companles Act 2006. The Trustees are also responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the charitable company and group and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and d8t8Ction of fraud and other irregularities. STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO AUDITOR So far as Trustees are aware there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware. The Trust88s have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make th8mselves aware of any relevant audit infomation and to estsblish that the auditors are aware of that information. Approv d by the Board on 24th March 2025 and signed on its behalf by M.R. Cashin Chairman Company registration number: 4492250 18
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Oplnlon We have audited the financial statements of Birkenhead School (th8 'charitabl8 company,) and its subsidiaries (the 'group'} for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the consolidate statement of financial aclivities including an income and expenditure account, consolidated balance sheet, charity balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting poIiGles. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ir8land' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally A¢¢epled Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and charitsble company's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of the group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., have been prepared in acGordan¢e with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006: and have been prepared in accordance With the Charities SORP 2015 Bas18 for oplnlon We conducted our audit In accordance with Intemational Starsdards on Audrtlng (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our r8sponsibiliti8s under those standards are further dèscribed in the Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the academy In accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial stalements in the UK, Including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfi116d our other ethical responsibilities in a¢¢ordanc8 With these requirements. We b81i8V8 that th8 audit evidence we hav8 obtain8d is sufficient and appropriate to provlde a basis for our opinlon. Con¢luslon$ rolatlng to golng concern In auditing the financial ststements, W8 hav8 concluded that the Trustees, report us8 of th8 going concem basls of accountlng In th8 preparation of the flnanclal ststements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that. individually or co118Ctively, may cast significant doubt on the charty's ability to continue as a going concem for a period of at least Iwelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for Issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibiliti8s of the trustees wlth resp8Ct to going concem are described in the relevant sections of this report. other Informatlon The other information comprises the information includèd in the annual report other than th8 financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other informatlon contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial ststements does not cover the other information and. except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not èxpress any fomi of assur8n¢e conclusion thereon. Our r8sponsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so. Consider whether the other information is materialty inconsistent with the financial stat8m8nts or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misslated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstateménts, we are required to det8rmin8 whether this gives ris8 to a material misstatem8nt in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work w8 have performed, we ¢on¢lud8 that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We havé nothing to report in this regard. 19
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE EMBER F BIRKENHEAD SCHOO Oplnlon on othar mattors prescrlbed by the Companlas Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work underneath in the ¢ours8 of the audit= the information given in the Trustees, report report, which includes the directors, report and Ihe strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial yèar for which the financial statéments are prepared is consistent with the financial statements., and th8 strat8gic r8POrt and th8 directors, r8POrt indud8d within the Trustees, report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Mattèrs on whlch we aro requlred to report by excoptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and charity and its environment obtained in th8 course of th8 audit, we have not identified material misststements in the strateglc report or the directors, report included within the Trustees, report. W8 hav8 nothlng to r8port In r8sp8¢t of th8 followlng matt8rs wh8r8 the Companl8s Act 2006 requlres us to report to you, if in our opinion.. adequate accounting r8¢ords have not been kept or r8tums adequat8 for our audit have not been recelved from branch8s not visit8d by us; or the financlal stslements are not In agreement wlth the accountlng records and retums: or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not recelved 811 the Infomiatlon and explanations we require for our audit, R•spon$lbllltle• of trustoas As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities set out on paga Iwo, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company 18wI are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for b8ing satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such intemal control as the trustees determine Is necessary to enable the preparatlon of financlal statements that are free from material misstatement, wh8th8r due to fraud or error. In pr8paring th8 financial stat8ments, the trustees are r8sponsibl8 for assessing the charitable company's ability to contlnue as a golng concern, discloslng, a5 applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltorfs responslbllltles for tho audlt of the flnanclal statements We have been appointed as auditor under the Companies Acl 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our obj8ctlves are to obtaln reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whol8 are fr88 from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an audito¢s r8port that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assuran¢e but is nol a guarantee that an audit conducted in a¢cordanGe with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstat8ments can arisa from fraud or error and are considered mat8rial if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected lo Influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irr8gulariti8s. Includlng fraud, a Instsncgs of non-compliance with laws and regulations. W8 d8slgn procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in r8sp8¢t of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting IegUlarities. including fraud. is detailed below. 20
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT A DITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD HOOL Extent to whl¢h th• audlt was consldered capable of detoctlng Irr•gularltl•s. Includlng fraud Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectivew had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills lo identify or recognise non<ompliance with applicable laws and r8gulations- we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the group through discusslons wlth trustees and other management, and from our knowledge and experience of charity s8Ctor' we focused on specifi¢ law5 and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the group, including the Companies Act 2006, Charitiès Act 2011, data prot8Ction, anti-bribery. employment. food hygiene, OFSTED and health and safety 18gislation', we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identifièd above through making enquiriès of manag8m8nt team and inspecting legal corrèspond8nc8,' and id8nlified laws and regulatlons were communlcated wlthin the audit team regularly and the team remained al8rt to Instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed th8 SUSC8Ptibility of the group's financlal statements to mat8rial misstatement. including obtslnlng an understanding of how fraud mlght occur, by.. making enqulrles of management team as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, th8ir knowledge of actual. suspected and all8g8d fraud,. and conslderlng the Internal controls in place to mitigate rlsks of fraud and nOn*mplIanC8 with laws and regulations. To address the rlsk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we: performed analytl¢al procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected r8lationships', tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; ass8ssed whether judg8m8nts and assumptions made In detennlnlng the accounting estlmates were Indicaliv8 of potential bias,. and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions. In response lo the risk of irr8gularities and non-cornpliance with laws and r8gulations. we designed procedur8S which included, but were not limited to.. agreeing financial ststement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation. enquiring of managemènt as to actual and potential litigation and claims., and r8vi6wing correspondence with HMRC and relevant regulators. There are Inherent limitations in our 8udit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-complianc8. Audtting standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-complianc8 with laws and regulations to enquiry of thé directors and other managemenl and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be hard8r to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities Is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at- https.'Ilwww.frc.org.ukJauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditorfs report. 21
BIRKENHEAD CHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL U80 of our report This report is made solely to the charity'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 charity's members those matt8rs we are required to state to them in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullést extent pemiltted by law, we do not accept or assum8 responsibility to anyone other than the charlty and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work. for this report. or for the opinions we ha forme Helen Furlong FCCA (SenK)r Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Xeinadin Audit Llmlted Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors 46 Hamilton Square Birkenhead Mers8yside CH415AR 22
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Unrestrlcted Rastrlcted funds funds Endowment Total funds 2024 Total 2023 Not• INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and Legacies Charltable actlvltla8 Fees receivable Catering income Activity courses School trips other income 2,141 70,567 72,708 286,366 11.229,951 813,298 11,229,951 10,287,197 813,296 709,588 7,558 374,919 286,116 520,386 395,684 520,386 395,684 Other tradlng activlties Investment income other Income 99,854 392,447 98,379 12,844 3,110 112,698 396,458 98,379 92,829 291,085 148,352 901 Total 13,552,138 86,521 901 13,639,560 12,484,010 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 295,557 295,557 298,513 Charltable actlvlllos Grants awards and prlzes Teaching costs Catering and welfare Premlses Activity courses School trips 2.509 9,288,053 1.066,568 1,875,222 5,310 512,855 901 3,410 5,323 9,292,867 8.468,657 1,066,568 927,607 1,875,222 1.889,492 5,310 8,439 512,855 374,919 4.814 Total 13,046,074 4,814 901 13,051,789 11,972,950 Net income before gain (losses) 506,064 81,707 587.771 511,060 Gainsl(losses) on disposal of investments Net gainsl{losses) on revaluation of investments 246,431 246.431 (1,754) 565,184 2,492 567,676 (170,607) Net Incom• carrlad forward 1,317,679 81.707 2,492 1.401,878 338,699 23
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL AcTIVlEs contlnued INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDrruRE ACCOUN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Unrestricted Rostrictod Endowment funds funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Note Nèt Incomè brought forward Transfer between fijnds 1.317.679 73.114 81,707 (73.114) 2.492 140.878 338.699 1.390.793 8,593 2.492 1.401.878 338.699 Other recognised gains (losses) Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension scheme 18 42.000 42.000 550.000 Net movement In funds 1.432.793 8.593 2.492 1.443.878 888.699 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 20.590.649 139,006 30.969 20,760,624 19.871,925 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 22,023.442 147,599 33.461 22.204.502 20,760.624 CONTINUING OPERATIONS All income and expenditure has arisen from continuiry activtties. TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES The Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a ststement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. 24
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL ALAN E SHEET AT 31 AUGUST 2024 024 2023 Grou Not• FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets Investments 12 12,817,890 12.628,770 12.792,822 12,599,762 13 7,196,617 33,460 7.094,310 30,968 20.014,507 12,662,230 19,887.132 12,630,730 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 14 993.089 1.421,048 4,497,616 3.278,788 949.550 1,322,398 2.378.987 2,168,164 5.490.705 4.699.836 3.328.537 3,490,562 CREDITORS: amounts falllng due withln ono year 15 (4,232.710) (4,223.282) (3.321,045) (3,302,967) Net current assets (Ilabllltles) 1.257.995 476.554 7.492 187,595 NET ASSETS EXCLUDING PENSION LIABILrrY 21.272.502 13.138.784 19,894.624 12.818,325 Defined benefit pension scheme asset (liabilty) 18 932,000 932.000 866.000 866,000 NET ASSETS INCLUDING PENSION (LIABILITIES} IASSETS 22.204.502 14.070.784 20,760.624 13,684,325 FUNDS Unrestricted: general fixed assets pensK)n reserve 8,273,552 476,553 6,932.827 187,596 12,817.890 12.628.770 12,792.822 12,599,762 932,000 932,000 866.000 866,000 18 16 22,023.442 14.037,323 20,590.649 13,653,358 Restricted 16 147,599 33,461 139,006 30.969 Endowment 16 33,461 30,969 TOTAL FUNDS 22,204,502 14,070,784 20.760,624 13,684,325 The finanGial slatements on pages 23 to 48 were approved by the Board on 241h March 2025 and signed on its behalf by: ashin M.Fumiss Tru tee Trustee Company r•glstratlon No: 4492250 25
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED CA H FLOW TATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 2024 2023 Nots Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles: Cash generated from operations 1.492.921 285,878 Inv•stlng actlvltl•g: Dividends interest and rents from investrnents Proceeds from sale of fixed asset investments Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of fix8d assét invéstmènts 396,458 1,798.960 291,085 1,170,522 (482.550) (1.291.163) (385,648) (2,427,205) Net ¢ash g•nornted from Inv•stlng actlvftles 421.705 (1,351,246) Net In¢r•ase In ca$h and ca$h •qulvalents 1.914.626 (1,065,368) Cash and cash •qulval•nts at th• b•glnnlng of the reportlng perlod 2.676.219 3,741,587 Cash and cash oqulvalents at the ond of th• r•portlng p•rlod 4,590.845 2,676,219 26
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTivrriES 2024 2023 N•t Incoma for tha roportlng parlod (as per tho statoment of flnanclal actlvltlos) 1,401,878 338,699 AdJustm•nts for: Depreciation charges {Gains) on disposal of assets Losses {Gains) on investment Pension fund non cash adjustment Dividends interest and rents from investments {Increas8) decrease in debtors (Decrease) increase in creditors 457,482 446.937 (814,107) (24,000) (396.458) (43,539) 911,665 175.389 11,000 (291.085) (502,499) 107.437 Net cash provld•d by (us•d In) op•ratlng actlvftlos 1,492,921 285.878 ANALYSYS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT The group had no debt during the year 27
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F R THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF ACCOUNTING The flnancial statements of th8 charitabl8 group, which is a public benefft entty under FRS 102. have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their acGounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015),. Financial Reporting Slandard 102 'The Financial Reportlng Stsndard applicable In the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exceptK>n of investments which are includad at market value. GROUP ACCOUNTS These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity, its wholtywown8d subsidiary Novitas Services Limited and The Birkenhead School Foundation Trust (which is under rnrnn controll on a line by line basis. A $8parate statement of financial activities for the charity itself is not presented because the charity has taken advantage of the exernptions afforded by paragraph 397 of the SORP and of th8 Companiès Act 2006. INCOMING RESOURCES All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial ActivttTres (SOFA) when the charty is legalty entitled to Ihe Incom8 and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. FEES AND SIMILAR INCOME Fees recelvable and Charges for setvices and use of premises are accounted for in the period in which the service is provided. Fees receivable are stated inclusive of Contributions from assistance funds and befo deduction of allowances and other remissions allowed by the school. VOLUNTARY INCOME Donations are recognised in the statement of financial activities as incoming resources when receivable 8XC8Pt in so far as they are incapable of financial measurement. RESOURCES EXPENDED All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs r81ating to the category. Where costs cannot be directty attributed to particuSar headings, they have been alloc2ted to activtiies on a basis consistent Wtih use of the resources. Support costs are those costs incurred directty in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. GRANTS PAYABLE The School awards Scholarships and Bursari8S to some pupils, which hav8 th8 effect of reducing th8 fees payable by the parents of those puplls. Scholarships a awarded for academic merit and Bursaries are awarded in response to parental hardship. Awards are made using money from several sources, including that provided by The Birkenhead School Foundation Trust, the Old Birkonian Soaety and the School's ov4n funds. 28
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnued ACCOUNTING POLICIES (contlnued) TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1.000 are Gapttalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. The substantial replacement of a capital asset as part of a project will also be capitalised. Further IT infrastructure and data-hobjing devices will be capitalised. as will durable music instruments costing more than £250. Depreciation is provided al annual rates in order to write off the Gost of each asset over tts estimated useful lrfe as follows: Land Buiklings Fumiture and equipment Motor vehides Straight line basis over 10 to 50 years Straight line basis over 2 to 10 years Straight line basis over 5 years OPERATING LEASES Payments under operating leases are charged to the SOFA as incurred. 1.10 INVESTMENTS Quoted investments are included in the financial ststements at their market value at the balance sheet date. The investment properties are induded at valuation. Gains and losses arising on the disposal and revaluatton of investments are cakulated by reference to their book value and credited or charged to the SOFA. Dividends and interest thereon are included in the SOFA on a receivable basis. The Trust's investment property was professionally revalued during the 2012-13 financial year. 1.11 PENSION SCHEMES Retirement benefits to employees of the School are provided by the Teachers. Pension Scheme (TPS). the Merseyside Pension Fund (MPF) and a further workplace pension scheme (The People's Pension (TPP) with B&CE Insurance Limited). The TPS and MPF are defined benefit schemes v4hich are externalty managed and contracted out of the State Eamings Related Pension Scheme. Contributions to the schemes are charged to the income and expenditure account so as to spread the Gost of pensions over employees. working INes with the Schcol in such a way that the pension cost is a substsntially level percentage of Guent and futurè pensionable payroll. Th8 MPF contributions ar8 detemiined by independent, qualrfied actuaries on the basis of triennial valuations using the projected unit method. The TPS contributions are set as a matter of national govemment pay policy folbwing regular reviews. The pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and discounted at a rate equÉval8nt to the curr8nt rate of rètum on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and temi to the scheme liabilities. The resulting defined benefft asset or liability ts presented separatety after other net assets on the face of the balance sheet. The TPP was entered as a workplace scheme as a replacement to thé Prudential stakeholder pension on 1st April, 2014 in order to reduce employees, pension management costs and to facilitate compliance with the auto-enrolment regulations. Both are defined contribution schemes for employees. The annual contributions payable a Gharged to the statement of financial activities. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet. 29
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnued ACCOUNTING POLICIES Icontlnued) FUND ACCOUNTING Unrestrictèd funds, which have not been designated for other purposes. are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. R8strict8d funds are funds which are lo be used in accordance wrth specific restrictions imposed by donors or which hav8 b88n rais8d by th8 charity for particular purposes. Endowment funds are retained on trust for the benefit of the charity as a capital fund. Donatlons r8c8ived for the g8n8ral purposès of the School are credlted to unrestrlcted lunds. Donations subject to specific wishes of the donors are carried to relevant restricted funds or to endowment funds, where the amount is requlred to be held as permanent capital. 1.13 GOVERNANCE COSTS These comprlse costs for the running of the charity itself as an organisation. 1.14 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments ar8 initially r8cognis8d at transaction value and subs8qU8ntly measured at their settlement value wlth the exception of bank loans whlch are subsequently measured at amortised costs using the effective interest method. VOLUNTARY INCOME Unrostrlcted funds Rastrlcl•d funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Donatlons General donations Legacies 2,141 70.567 72,708 272.366 14,000 2.141 70.567 72,708 286,366 Included in donations of £272,366 for 2023 is an amount of £46.756 which is restricted. SCHOOL FEES 2024 2023 The school's fee income comprised: Gross fees Less bursaries, scholarships and discounts 12,418.118 11.357,471 (1.188.167) (1,070,274> 11,229,951 10.287.197 30
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnue OTHER TRADING ACTNITIES Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 School shop commission Hire of facilities Fundraising events 15,300 84,554 15.300 84.554 12.844 12.582 64,708 15,539 12,844 99,854 12.844 112,698 92,829 Included In fundralslng events of £15,539 for 2023 is an amount of £15,539 whlch Is r8strlcted. INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestrlcted R•strlctod Endowmant funds funds funds 2024 202 Dividends Bank Interest Common Investments Fund shares Rental income {including recharges) 129,441 148,024 3,110 132,551 148,024 901 114,982 177,513 43.786 894 68.892 901 114,982 392.447 3,110 901 396,458 291,085 For tho yoar ended 31 August 2023 Divid8nds Bank interest Common Investments Fund shares Rental income (including r8charg8s) 173,722 43,786 3,791 177,513 43,786 894 68,892 894 88,892 286,400 3,791 894 291,085 EXPENDrruRE ON RAISING FUNDS 2024 2023 Publicity and marketing Staff costs Fundraising Investment management costs 53,737 163,771 39,676 38,373 80,209 136,798 41,717 39,789 295,557 298,513 31
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued EXPENDrruRE ON CHARrrABLE ACTNMES Staff costs Other osts Support osts Total 2024 Total 2023 re¢latlon Charltablo oxpondlture Grants awards and prizes Teachlng costs Welfare Premises Activity courses School trips 3.410 3,410 5.323 464,809 1,220,081 9,292,867 8,468,657 878,515 140.036 1,066.568 927,607 764.687 245.699 1.875.222 1,889,492 5,310 5,310 8,439 512.855 512.855 374.919 7.346.394 43.407 673.539 261,583 4.610 191.297 Totsl 8.063,340 457.490 2.629.586 1,605.816 12,756.232 11,674.437 For the year ended 31 August 2023 Grants awards and prizes Teaching costs Welfare Premises Activty ¢ourses School trips 5.323 737.414 584,111 806.204 66,000 945.305 134.085 8,439 374.919 5.323 8,468.657 927.607 1,889.492 8,439 374.919 6.899,975 45,269 620.456 247,157 10,134 189,646 Total 7.565,700 446,937 2.877.604 784,196 11,674,437 ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS Th8 Charity apportK>ns its support costs as shown in the tabl8 below. Support costs are allocated on a basls conslstent wlth th8 use of the r8sourc88. Actlvlty Welfare Premlses course• Total 2024 Total 2023 achln Staff costs Depreciation Office costs Recruitment, hospitslty and presentations 23.107 Subscriptions and affiliations 10,851 Bank charges 4,702 Gov8mance costs 277,837 377.238 43.298 75,968 496,504 484,363 3,940 187,958 526.346 60,412 105.996 692.754 2.652 1.245 540 31,889 4,653 2,185 947 55.950 30.412 14.281 6,189 365.676 25.776 17,658 5.542 58,959 1,220,081 140,036 245,699 1.605.816 784.196 32
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES T THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS (contlnued) For tho year ended 31 August 2023 Toachln Aclivity courses Totsl 2023 Welfarn Promlsos Stsff costs Depreciation Office costs Recruitment, hospltallty and presentations 19,200 Subscriptions and affiliations 13.153 Bank charges 4,128 Govemance costs 43.916 360.780 40.765 3.940 12.212 82.818 484,363 3,940 187,958 142,934 32.812 2.169 1.486 466 4.962 4.407 3.019 948 10,081 25.776 17,658 5,542 58,959 584.111 66.000 148.013 784.196 STAFF COSTS 2024 202 Wages and salarles Social security costs Penslon contrlbutlon Apprenticeship lewy 6,829,003 671,214 1,205,353 18,045 6,503.218 648,287 1,018,658 16,698 8,723,615 8,186,861 The directors have recerrfed no remuneration during the year or the previous year. The average number of full time equivalent employees in the period, excluding directors, was: 2024 2023 No. Teaching Teaching supwrt TechniGal support Estates support Administration and Marketing Early years Welfare 78 14 81 21 15 30 22 15 33 166 170 33
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnued STAFF COSTS {¢ontlnu8d) 2024 2023 No. The number of higher paid employees was: £60,001- £70,000 £70,001- £80,000 £80,001- £90,000 £90,001 - £100,000 £100.001- £110,000 £130.000 - £140,000 10 The k6y management personnel of the charity comprise the Headmaster, the Head of Pr8p, Bursar and three Deputy Heads (2 Senlors, 1 Prep) and th8ir 8mploy8e benefits total £762.528 (2023 . £716,749). 34
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnued 10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES Unrestrlcted Restrlctad Endowment Total funds funds funds 2023 Noto INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and Legacies Fe8s receivable Catering income Sports courses School trips Other income 239.610 10,287,197 709,588 7,558 374.919 286.116 46.756 286,366 10.287,197 709,588 7,558 374.919 286,116 Other trading activities Investment income Other income 77.290 286,400 148.352 15,539 3,791 92,829 291,085 148,352 894 Total 12.417,030 66,086 894 12,484,010 EXPENDrruRE ON Ralslng funds 298,513 298,513 Charltablo actlvltles Grants awards and prizes Teaching costs Catering and welfare Premises Sports cours8S School trips 4,429 8,403,886 927.607 1.889,492 8,439 374,919 894 5,323 8,468.657 927,607 1,889,492 8,439 374,919 64,771 Total 11,907,285 64.771 894 11,972,950 Net income before gainsl(losses) Net gains on investments 509.745 (171,746) 1,315 511.060 (615) (172,361) Net Income 337,999 1,315 (6151 338,699 35
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL TES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnuod 10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (¢ontlnued) Unrestrlctod funds Restrlctod Endowment Total funds funds 2023 Net Income brought loard Transfer beeen funds 337,999 1.315 (6151 338,699 337,999 1,315 (6151 338,699 Other rocognlsed galn• Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension sch8m8 550,000 550,000 Not movomont In fund8 887,999 1,315 (6151 888,699 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 19,702,650 137,691 31,584 19,871,925 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 20,590,649 139,006 30,969 20,760,624 NEf INCOME(EXPENDITURE) 024 2023 Resources exp•nd•d Includ• Operating lease payments Auditors remuneration.. for audit services for accountancy services Directors, liability insuranc8 Depreclatlon of owned fixed assets 4,954 12,000 5,000 5,487 11,000 3,970 9,323 457,482 446.937 36
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fumlture and Motor ui ment vehicles Land and Assets under Bulldln s Construction Total Group At 1 September 2023 Additions Transférs Disposals 12,090,719 189,440 3,376,294 246,144 15,713,157 191,570 101.540 482,550 At 31 August 2024 12,280,159 3,567,864 347,684 16,195,707 Depreclatlon At 1 September 2023 Charge for perlod Disposals 166,705 171,036 2,563,441 262,245 190,189 2,920,335 24,201 457,482 At 31 August 2024 337,741 2,825,686 214,390 3,377,817 Net book value At 31 August 2024 11,942,418 742,178 133.294 12,817,890 At 31 August 2023 Company At 1 September 2023 Additions Transfers Disposals 11,924,014 812.853 55,955 12,792,822 11,893,719 189,440 3,339,027 248.144 15,478,890 191,570 101.540 482,550 At 31 August 2024 Depraclatlon At 1 September 2023 Charge for period Disposals 12,083.159 3,530,597 347,684 15.961,440 162,765 167,096 2,526,174 190,189 2,879,128 262,245 24,201 453,542 At 31 August 2024 329,861 2,788,419 214,390 3,332,670 Net book value At 31 August 2024 11.753,298 742.178 133,294 12,628,770 At 31 August 2023 11,730,954 812.853 55,955 12,599.762 At 31 August 2024 land and buildings included £12,075,000 at valuations made in August 2022. whlch were professionally valued by CBRE on a fair value basis, in accordance wtth guidelines issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Land and buildings includes land amounting to £3,886,940 which is not depreciated. This asset is used for direct charltable purposes. 37
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED GUST 2024 contlnu 13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS 2024 2023 Group Market value at 1 September 2023 Additions at cost Disposals at openlng market value Revaluation changes (Decrease) in deposits 7,094,310 5,808,533 1,291,163 2,427,205 (1,548,892) (1,172,276) 564,039 (173,635) (204,003) 204,483 Market value at 31 August 2024 7,196,617 7,094,310 Historical cost at 31 August 2024 6,272.848 6,670,813 The investments comprise: 2024 202 UK Govemment stocks UK equities and funds Overseas 8quitl8s and fund8 Common Investment Funds Cash awaiting investment Investment property in Nanlwich Solar panels 682.032 2,236,953 4.108.031 33.460 93.229 442,250 2,448.176 3,366.902 30,968 297,232 462,842 45,940 42,912 7,196,617 7,094,310 2024 2023 Company Market value at 1 Septemb8r 2023 R8valuatlon Changes 30,988 2,492 31,585 (615) Market value at 31 August 2024 33,460 30,968 Historical cost at 31 August 2024 12,365 12,365 The Investments o)mprise'. 2024 2023 Common Investment Fund shares Investment in subsidiary company - see note 20(a) 30.958 30,966 30,960 30,968 Shares in the Common Investment Fund hav8 been valued by reference to prices quot8d by th8 Fund Managers. 38
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued 14. DEBTORS 2024 Com 2023 Grou Grou Com an Fees receivable other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings Tax recoverable 712,539 116,722 155,997 712,539 104,232 155,997 448,280 234,288 484,488 219.296 234,288 470,488 219,296 398,326 7,831 11,478 993,089 1,421,048 949,550 1,322,398 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 rou Grou Com an Fe8 payments in advance Trade creditors other taxation and soclal securlty Other creditors Accruals and deferred Inrne 1,744,046 517.979 166.121 1,597,058 207,506 1,744,046 517,979 166,121 1,597,058 198,078 1,827,625 437.627 164,015 789,149 102,629 1,827.625 437.627 164.015 789,149 84.551 4,232,710 4,223,282 3,321,045 3,302,967 16. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Balance at 1 Soptembar 2023 Galns Losses and transfers Balance at 31 August 24 Income Ex ndltur Unra8trlcted funds Genera5 funds Penslon deficit 19,724,649 13,552,138 13,070,074 866,000 (24,000) 884,729 42,000 21,091,442 932,000 20,590,649 13.552,138 13,046.074 926,729 22.023,442 Restrlcted funds Bursary funding Restricted fundraising 131,531 7,475 73,677 12,844 (73,114) 132,094 15,505 4,814 Pomianent endowment Prize and Scholarship Funds 30,969 901 901 2,492 33.461 Total funds 20,760,624 13,639.560 13,051,789 856,107 22,204.502 Funds are transferred from restricted funds to unrestricted funds within the Group (School and Trust) when they are applled for the intended purposes (8.g. bursary funding, prizes or other grants). 39
BIRKENHEAD CHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnuad 16. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (Contlnued) Comparatlves for the prevlous year Balance at 1 Septemb•r 2022 Galns Losses and transforn Balance at 31 Augu¥t 2023 Income Ex ndltur• Unre8trlct•d funds General funds Pension surplus (deficit) 19,375,650 12.417,030 11.896,285 327.000 11.000 (171,746) 550,000 19,724.649 866,000 19,702,650 12.417,030 11,907.285 378,254 20,590,649 Rastrlctad funds Bursary funding Restricted fundraising 129,097 8,594 50,547 15,539 48.113 16.658 131,531 7,475 Pemianent endowment Prlze and Scholarship Funds 31,584 894 894 (615) 30,969 Total funds 19,871,925 12.484,010 11,972,950 377.639 20,760,624 17. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Group Unrestrlcled funds Restrlcted Endowment funds funds Tangible flxed assets Investments Cash and bank Net current assets (liabilities) Defined benefit pension asset 12.817,890 7.031.062 4.482,111 (3,239.621) 932,000 12,817,890 7,196,617 4,497,616 (3,239,621 932,000 132.095 15.504 33,460 22.023,442 147.599 33.461 22,204,502 Company Unrestrlcted funds Restrlctod Endowment funds funds Total Tangible fixed ass8ts Inveslments Cash and bank 12,628,770 12,628,770 33,460 3,278.788 33.460 3.278.787 Net Current 8ssets (liabilities) Defined benefit pension asset (2,802,234) 932.000 (2,802,234) 932,000 14.037.323 33.461 14,070,784
IRKENHEAD CHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnuod 17. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Compafatlv•8 for the prevlous year Group Unrnstrlctod Restrlcted Endowment funds Total Tangibl8 fixed assets Investments Cash and bank Net current assets (liabilities) Defined benefit pension asset 12.792,822 6.931.811 2.371,512 (2,371,495) 866,000 12.792.822 7,094,310 2,378.967 {2,371,495) 866.000 131.531 7.475 30.968 20.590,650 139,006 30,968 20,760,624 Company Unrestrlcted Restrlctod Endowrnent funds Total Tangible fixed assets Investments Cash and bank 12.599,762 12,599,762 30,968 2,168,164 30,968 2.168,164 Nel current assets (Ilabilities) Defined benefit pension asset (1,980.569> 866,000 (1.980,569) 866.000 13.653,357 30,968 13,684,325 18. PENSION COMMITMENTS The School do85 not operate a pension for ts employees but all empk>yees have the opportunity to bè part of either defined benefit schemes provided by approved bodies in the UK or the defined contribution workplace pension scheme - The People's Pension (operated by B&CE Insurance Limited). (8) Marseyslde Penslon Fund (MPF) Birkenhead School is an adrnitted body of the Merseyside Pension FurKI. the local govemment pension scheme. Members contribute varying rates between 5.8% and 6.8°kn of pensionable salary and the School contributes at set rates agreed between the scheme's truslees and actuaries. This scheme is being accounted for under FRS102, as the projected untt actuarial cost method. Total employèr contributions amounted to £28,777 (2023: £26,022>. Mombershlp numbers at 31 August 2024 Active Deferred Pensioners Wldow 2024 2023 15 19 41
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued 18. PENSION COMMITMENTS (continued) The actuarial assumptions underlying the assets and liabilities as at 31 August 2024 were:_ Assumptlons 2024 Rate of CPI inflation 2023 2.6% 2.8% Rate of salary increases Rate of pension increas8S Discount rate 4.10 4.30/0 2.9¥ 5.6° 4.90 The assets in the Fund and expect8d rate of r8tum were: 2024 £OOO'$ 2023 £OOO's Equities Govemment l)onds Other bonds Property Cashlliquidity other 1,551 660 226 328 207 799 1.666 483 150 385 99 879 Totsl market value of assets 3.771 3.662 Actuarial value of (liabilities) (2,839) (2,796) Fund surplus 932 866 42
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnued 18. PENSION COMMITMENTS (contlnued) The amounts r8¢ognised in statement of financial activities are as follows'.- 31 August 31 August 2024 2023 £OOO's £OOO's Current service cost Net interest cost Admlnistration expenses 25 (48) 28 {16) (1) Totsl included in employee expenses (22) Changes in the present value of th8 defined ben8fit obligations are as follows.. Openlng defined ben8fit obligatlon Currenupast service Cost Interest on pension liabilitTres Members contributions Actuarial {gains)losses on liabilitl8s Benefitsltransfers pald 2,796 25 150 3,334 28 139 107 (2471 (558) (155) Benefit obligations at end of year 2,839 2.796 Changes In the falr value of plan assets are as follows:_ 2024 £OOO's 2023 £OOO's Opening fair value of plan assets Interest on pension plan assets R8m8asur8m8nts Employer contributlons Members contributions BenefittransferS paid Administratlon expenses 3,662 198 149 3.671 155 (18) (247) {1) (155) (1) Fair value of plan assets at 31 August 2024 3,771 3.662 Statement of recognlsad galn8 and108SOS Actuarlal galnsl(losses) recognlsed In the STRGL (42) 539 43
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 contlnuod 18. PENSION COMMITMENTS (contlnued) (b) T•achors' Penslon Sch•m• The School participates in th8 Teachers, Pension Scheme (England and Wales), (TPS) for its tea¢hing staff. This is a multi-employer defined benefits p8nsion sch8m8 and it is not possible or appropriate to identify the assets and liabilities of the Scheme which are attributable to the School. Accordingly, the School accounts for its contributions as if the TPS were a defined contribution scheme. The charge for the year to 31 August 2024 was £1,042,070 (2023 £915,043). Th8 latest actuarial valuation of the Scheme by the Government Actuary was issued on 5 March 2019 relating to the period to 31 March 2016 The key elements of the valuation and subsequent consuliation are.. employer contribution rates set at 23.68Vo of pensionable pay including a 0.08% employer administration charge. total scheme liabilities (penslons currently In payment and the estlmated cost of future beneflts) for sen4i¢e to the effective data £218,100 million, and notional assets (estimated future contributions together with the notional investments held at the valuatlon date) of £196,100 million giving notional past service deficit of £22,000 million th8 SCAPE rate, set by HMT. is used to detemilne the notlonal Investment retum. The current SCAPE rate is 2.4DA above the rate of CPI. Th8 assumed real rate of return is 2.4¥0 in excess of prices and 20/0 in excess of earnings. The rate of real earnings growth is assumed to be 2.2Q/o. The assumed nominal rate of return including earnings growth is 4.450/0. {c) Stakeholder penslon schomo The School started to operate a defined contributions penslon scheme for employees in 2002 when The M8rseyside Pension Fund was closed to new employees. Initially this provision was vi8 the Pwdential stakeholder pension scheme. On 111 Aprll 2014, contrlbutions w8r8 transf8rr8d to Th8 P80pI8'8 Penslon, operated by B & CE Insurance Limited. This has a lower management fee and is compliant with auto*nrolmenl pension regulations. The employers, contribution rate has remained at a maximum of 5Q/o With an exception for the Bursar at 12.5°A. The penslon charge for the year to 31 August 2024 was £190,280 (2023.. £89,850)
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL OTES T THE FINANCIAL TATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued 19. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS At 31 August 2024 the charty had outstanding Cornmitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows 2024 23 Within one y8ar Between Iwo and five years 4.954 13,622 4.954 18.576 18,576 23,530 The School has a (revlewable) commitment to partly fund the fees of a certain number of students who have been granted bursarfes and scholarshlps durlng thelr school carears. The Birkenhead School Foundatlon Trust has agreed to provide 8SSiStance to the School in respect of these fees both in this financial period and in future years. 20. CAprrAL COMMITMENTS At 31 August 2024 the School had capital commitments amounting to £Nil {2023 £Nil) 21. SUBSIDIARY AND RELATED ENTITIES (a) Novltas Servlces Llmlted The Charity owns the whole of the issued share capital of Novitas Services Limited. a company registered in England and Wales. At 1 September 2009 the subsidiary ceased trading and ils activities Wer8 absorb8d by Birkenhead School. A summary of the results of th8 subsidiary is shown on the folhjwing page, these expenses have been consolidaled on a line by line basis in the SOFA. 45
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 1AU ST 2024 contlnu 21. SUBSIDIARY AND RELATED ENTITIES Icontlnued) (a) Novltas Servlces Llmltsd 2024 2023 Tumover Cost of sales Gross profit other income Administrative expenses Surplus of revaluation (3,940) (3,940) ProfitJ{L088) (3,940) (3,940) Tho aggrogate of tho assets, Ilabllltlos and funds wa•: 2024 2023 Assets Liabilit18S 189,120 (351,867) 193.060 (351.867) (162,747) (158,807) Share capltsl Profit and loss account (162,749) (158.809) (162,747) {158,507) (b) Blrk•nh•ad School Foundallon Trust - conn•cted charlty The Birkenhead School Foundation Trust 15 a connectèd. but separately registered charitable trust (registration no. 1068650) 8Stablished in 1998 with the object of applying its trust fund and income to assist the School further its charltsble objects. It Is und8r common control of the School. A summary of the results for the Trust is shown below.. 2024 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Losses (gains) on investments 369,678 1119,933) 811,615 1.901,021 (306,615) (171,746) Net movement in funds 1,061,360 1,422,660 46
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 continued 21. SUBSIDIARY AND RELATED ENTITIES {contlnued) Blrkenhead School Foundatlon Trust- connected charlty Tha aggr•gats of tha assets. Ilablllties and funds was: (b) 2024 2023 Assets Liabilities 8,402,308 <105.842) 7,299,646 (64,540) 8,296,466 7,234.106 Unrestricted funds Restrictèd funds 8.148,868 147,598 7,096.100 139,006 8,298,466 7,235,106 (c) Blrkenhead School The surplus dealt with In the Ststement of Financial Activities of the parent company was £386.458 (2023.. Deficit £530,021). CONTINGENT LIABILrrY On 5Tr1 July 2018, Blrkenhead School entered Into a contract wlth Compass Contract S8rvlc8s (UK) Llmited as the provider of catering and related services. The contract is for 10 years and may be terminated by either paty on the first, third, fifth. or seventh anniversary of the Services Commencement date, being 111 August 2018. As part of the contract Compass Contract Services (UK) Llmlted provlded capltal investment into the catering facilitl8S to th8 value of £350,000. If the agreement is temiinated by either party eartier than 31 July 2028 for whatever reeson, Birkenhead School must pay the following, together with the value of any VAT chargeable th8r80n: Year Liabilty 164.286 127.143 90,000 47