Cha¥ity registration number 1093419 (England and Wales) Company registration rtumber4492250 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL • xeinadin BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Mr M R Cashin MA Mr M S Fumi5S Mrs S J Higginsffi OBE Mrs CAAHoward Mr D I Pottin9er CtNJTh￿P Mr P J Adam5 {Appointed 16 September 20241 I￿)￿?]nted 23 Jwje 2￿25) {App)intgd 23 JLme 2025) rAEAmis PArJ P SlhTett S•cr•tary PArDJB CharÈty nurnber (England and Wal•sl 10W3419 Company nurrthar Reglstered offie• CH43 2JD Sollcltors JrKfft & Co LLP 6 St JLth Street CH1 1DA Lanr25tw Hwse Invgstment adviso Ratht￿￿e InveStm￿tt Managèm8nl Put of Livww Pi8r Head K4erS￿tde L3 1NW BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONTENTS Page Governors. report Stalement of govemors. resportsibllrt￿S 16 Independent auditorfs report 17-20 statement of financial activities 21-22 Balance sheet 23 Statement of cash flows 25 Notes to the financial staternents 26-48 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 The governors present their annual rerK)rt and consolidated finanaal slalements for the year ended 31 August 2025. The fin8nci81 stslements have been prepared in 8Ctord8nce wth the a￿OuntIng wlictes set oth in note 1 to th8 financial statements and c￿pIY wlh the chan￿$ govemiThJ document. the Companies Act 2006. FRS 102 'The Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republ￿ of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "k¢ounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice ap￿ICable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance wlh the Finanaal Reporting Standard ap￿￿ble in the UK and Republ￿ of Ireland IFRS 102)" ObJe¢tlves and acfjvitles The School's ststed objecls are.. 'To further the education (academic. social, moral and physical) of pupils atten¢Sing Birkenhead School lineluding Birkenhead Preparatory School) in accordance Vlith Christian winaples,. (The above is extracled from the Mem¢Jrandum ofAssocaation of Birkenhead Sctsx•l}. The School's puNished aims are to.. provide an open and happy community in whth endeavour and xhievemenl flourish., offer a well-proven route to academic sUC￿S. sethng lo enable students to realise their potential and prepare them for later life-, create a caring and structured environment in vthiol students grow in self-confidgxe and enjoy many opportunities for teaMV￿rk and pefsonal devek)pmenL set high standards for itself and for its students, nol jusl academic bth also personal standards of integrity. self4isciptine. compassion and respect for olhers. In the fvrtherance of these aims, the ￿001'S Govemors. as the charity truslees. have complied ¥Mth their duty in $4 of the Charities Ad 2D11 to have due regord to Ihe Charty Commisgon's published general and relevant sub- section guidance concerning the operation of the Publ￿ Benefit requirement under that Act. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Achievements and perfom)ance Birkenhead School knoks to make a differen￿ lo Ihe lives of students by inspiring a lifelong love of learning and supporting slLHlent5 to excel academicalty, emotionalty and soaally ￿thin the educational setting. The School's Independen￿ allows il to be responsive to chaThJe and innovate to engjre that a firsl-class education is provided for all students, wlh academi¢ resums regularly ￿atIng the s￿￿￿ as one of the leading independent schcL)Is wrthin the North West and UK. Of course. the cufticulum offered 81 Birkenhead Schoc4 Iwks to educate beyond the ststutcKy requirements and this extends from the Early Years. Foundab"on Stsge in the Nursery to A Levels in Ihe Sixth Fotm. A wde range of c curricular oppk)rtunities are available, induding programmes such as 'Enrith and Explore.. 'Future Skills,, 'Bayond the Curriculum, and the 'Nicholls Lecture Series.. These offer educational oppDrtuntties for students distinct from those Offer￿ lo their peers elsewhere. During the year ended 31 sl August 2025, the School educated approx. 316 12024- 3201 pupils aged $11 in Prep and approx. 524 {2023= 510) students in Seniors, induding approx. 100 Sixth Fomi students. Following the move lo C￿edUcation 2cr0&8 all years in 2008. girls Contin￿ to thrive in the School. constituting aF)prox. 45% of the students across the Sthool lof school age). Around 140 children {2023'. 130) were cared for wthin the Eady Years provision. School fees from September 2024 were as lollows.. Nursery lfiJlPb"me, including catering) - £4.659 per term,. Pr& Prep Ifull-tirnel - £4,040 per term" Receplion- £3,425 per temi. Prep (Years 1-21- £3,695 per lemi.. Prep Iyears 3*} - £3.915 per term Seniors (Year 7- 8)- £4.565 per term.. Seniors (Year 9 to Year 111- £5.185 per term., Sixth Fc¥rn - £5,250 per term. Following the imposition of VAT on independent schools in JanLWI 2D25. scthool fees were revised as follow5.' Nursery Ifull-time, including catering} - £4:875 per temi.. Pr&Prep Ifulktime) - £3.81 D per lemi. Re￿Ption - £3,768 per term., Prep (Years 1-21- £4,064 per temi,. Prep (Years M) - £4.307 per term Seniors (Year 7- 81- £5,022 per lem,. Seniors (Year 9 to Year 111- £5.704 per lerm: Sixth Fomi- £5,766. School Exam Results Highlights of the Summer 2025A Level and GCSE resutts indude= A Levels.. 61 DA of all grades were awarded A" 5-YearA'.B average.. 76% GCSES". 45% 01 all grades wefe awarded grades 9-7 S-year ￿7 average.. 55% The majority of students progress on lo unIVer￿ty, includiThJ some of the mosl competib￿ courses at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities_ Increasingly. some students are seeknng degree apprenticeships. trx)th with local and national employers, with recent posibons gained in orgonisations induding Dyson. Airbus, the BBC, Amazon, Redrow and Microsoft. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 PREP (Includlng EARLY YEARS) Prep and Earfy Years children enjoyed another excellent year of insprring leaming opporlunities, Ixith inside the dassroom and beyond. The breadth of opportunty, strong throug￿$th0O1 links. impressNe facilities, and the talents and commitment of our highty dedicated slaff ensured 1hal all pupils experienced a Mbrant. enriching and happy year_ s8eIr￿ the children in Earty Year5 thrive through play. imagination and physical activity was a particular joy. The extensive use ef Forest School and ¢Xrtdoor leamirKJ Fxo¥idÈd COLJntlèss opportunities for children to develop their understanding of the world aroun(I them, akngside their sense of awe and wonder. Outdoor leaming played a central role in keeping chIld￿n highly engaged while continuously developiThJ their social and communieab.on skills. Nursery pupils lJenefitted greatly from daity walks around Ihe campus. embraang puddltrjumping, outdoor exploration and d8nong in thè Outdoor Classr0￿m. These eXperien￿S not only led lo memorable encounters wlh nalure. but also offered rich insight into the life of the wder School. watching garnes lessons, seeing groups heading to the Music School, 3nd exchanging greetings ￿th staff moviTh3 across the site. In many ways, the School feels like a village. wth the main fiekl at its heart as a village green remarkable enwronment in whith our youngest pupils can grow and flourish. Nursery highlights induded celebrating VE Day with a red, vthite and blue Pl￿1C lunch. planting seeds in the allolmenl and watching them grow. wsitt.ng the Schc#J poTrJ to observe tsdpoles transfomiing into Iroys. and attending a joyful 'Bug Ball.. which inVo￿ed tAJg hunlirvJ, irn8ecl painting and latybird spotting. In PrevPrep, ￿￿[1d Book t)ay was a parbcular highlighL ￿ryth thiklren dressing as favourile characters and enjoying the special experience of Yw 2 pupils reading stories to them. The children were alsD captivated by a wde range of vi&b"ng speake￿. including a denlisl sharing the imE￿anCe of oral hygiene and an interactive session with Chartwells exploring how the five senses shape our relationship with food. One eswially memorable, serendipitous moment occurred when Pre-Pr8p children retuming from a pond visrt were invrted by a Year 10 Drama group lo join in a game of hide and seek - perfecly supporting the otder pupils, dr8matic exploration of childhood experience. The St￿n9th of Prep lies in its ￿rriCulUM. and pupils continue to thrive through a broad, balanced and ambitious programme of 5tudy_ Subject C(￿rdInal0rS and teacher5 work tirelessly to keep learning e￿aging. intelledually challenging and rewarding. Strong foundal'ons in phonics and number work. ￿0￿Side daily reading and mental arithmetic, continue to make a ￿gn￿￿nI drfference to pU￿Ls, progress and ciN)fidence. Beyond the dassroorn. Little Schogl (Reception lo Year 2) pu￿1$ enjoyed several enrichi￿ aditA)nal programmes. During UK Parliament Week, thildren leamed about dem￿￿acy. vots.ng and how de(asions are made in Parliament, engaging thoughtfully in discussions and activib.es that encouraged cfjb.cal thinking and pupil voice. In April, 'Fulure Self Day, Saw Ghildren arrive dressed as the careers Ihey awre to pursue - from astronauts and vets to artists. ballerinas and even 8 He8d of Prep The aswAaled writing. dis(yJssions and reflection further strengthened pupils. confiden￿ and aspirakn"ons. In September, the School introduced a new wdlbeing programme. 'My Happy Mind,, involving Ghildren from ReGepliDn lo Year 6 in weekly timetsbled Ses￿On$ exploriThJ how the brain works end how lo Icx)k aftèr menial wellbeing_ The programme was extremely well received by pupils and parents, resulting in the School achieving Bronze Acueditalion in its ffrst year. AorrtJside Ihis. Ihe iTrJependent leaming programme was futhr developed, offering m￿e opportunities for research. project work and presentations. Year 4 piloted a new English programme. 'Pailw48yS to Write,. which stsccAssfully bridged grammatical understanding and its effective application in uealNe vffiiing. The programme's impact was suffiuenlly strong for it to b8 rolled out across the whole of Prep the follomng academic year. Pupil leadership continued lo flourish. The wotk of both the Prep Student Council and ￿"ttle Sehool Student Council was strengthened further by the introdu¢tion of an Equalty. Diversity and Inclusion Council. This enthusiastic group worked tirelessly lo promote indusion and puiyl voice. most notably thrO￿h organising 8 Celebration of CuKure Day. which gave pupi15 the q)portunty lo share and take pride in their cultures. hèritage and identities BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Across the year, Prep pupils emtrxaced a wide range of enrithment opportunibes. including Safer Inlernet Day, World Book Day, Children's Mentsl Heallh Week and British Scienee Week. Residential trips for all year group5 from Years 2 10 6 helped pupils develop re￿llen￿. independen￿, leadership and teamwork. wilh expectations increasing thoughtfully year by year. Ouldoor learning rèmained 8 defining feature, with pupils engaging in Forest School. the Nature Explorers, programme. por¥J sludies. allotment work and lessons in the Outdoor Classroom. The Civic Award Stheme continued to go from strength to strwW. encouraging chikjren to develop Confidence and skills throLJgh loc21 awareness. self.re11a￿e. 5etvice to others and personal achievement. The annual award ceremony in May was Ihe largest yel. bringing families logeltw for a heart-wamiing evening as pupils received their awards from the Wlrral Deputy Mayor. Councilloy Mary Jordan. Junior Prep pupils partieipatsd enthUsiasti￿lty in a trnad range of House events, including crossall and netball saw notstrAe success. w(th multiple teams enjoying sustained cup runs and strong perfomiances atAJIS tournaments. Girls, sport Continu￿ to flourish. with increasing illvolveffienl and success ?￿OSS football. netball. lacrosse and cftckel. Cross-counlry and athletics were highlights of the year. wth teams athieving significant s￿￿SS in local competitions, qualrfying fLir county and regi¢)nal evenis. and several puyls Sele￿ed to represent Wirral Sthools. Gymnastics also woved successful, wth strong perforniar￿e5 10(xlty arKI at AJIS levd, including many individual medal successes. Sporting life was furthèr enriched through well attended dubs. parbupation in regIc￿al and nattonal Competitions in football and ches5, and thtee highly SLwessful Sports Days, yJppY)rted by excellent parenlal attendance. Overall. the year was characterised by commilmenL resilien￿ and teamwork. reinforung the ￿ntral role swrt plays in Prep Music and Drama remained a vityant and highty w￿ble part of Sclvjol ITfe. offering puptls across Pre-Prep, LTttle Schcx)l and Prep frequent opportun"rties to perform. collaborate and build eonfidence. In Little School, pupils enjoyed memorable performance exFeriences rooted in creabwty arKJ enjoyment. In December, children presented 'The Ordinary Ox,, delivering a delightful production full of confident ￿nging. expressive movement and carefully learned lines. The performance wa5 bYJrrtEty r￿1Ved by farnilies aThJ provided a valuable earfy expèrience of performing before an audience. Later in the year, the Little Summer Concert brought the community logelher in the Outdoor Classroom, showCa￿ng songs. choreograFkny and original group Fxjems written by pupils, alongsde a joyful ch(Nr performance. The COn￿rt captured the spirit of cLJnfidence. creativty and sheer enjoyThEnt that characterises Little School. In Junior Prep, perfomances featured strongty throughout the year, induding a fvll programme of Chrislmag Chapel servi￿s, the Schod Christmas Conce¢ forni assemblies, and informal and fomial concerts. These events continued lo support pupils in developing Musi￿1 skill. confidence and a love of perforn￿n￿. The Spring Serenade. an informal after school concert, was largest ever held, wrth over 50 pvpils performing. The quality of perfomiances and Coll￿en￿ disFAayed reflected strong engagement with curriculum music and instrumental learning, and highlighted the value of supporbve. informal perfomiarts opportuniknes. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 Drama reached its culmination wth the Year 6 musical prod￿lI0n. 'A8ddin'. perfomed to two enthusiastic audiences at the end of the Summer Tern. The prryJu¢tion showcased the ambibon, (*ealivity and cownmilmenl of the entire year group and served as a powerfvl and memorable condusion lo their time in Prep. Beyond the theatri￿1 success, thè prixluth.on played an important pasloral role. fostering teamwork. resilience and sharecl achievement, powerfully refiected in pupiLs' own y￿lL1en accounts of the experien￿. Across all phases, pupils benèfitted from the (le(fication and experb.se of staff and visrting sFeThalisls. Together, mU￿t and drama continue to make a signrficant contn"butic¥) to pupils. confidence. creativity and sense of belonging within the Schod communty. SENIORS (Year 7 to Upper Sixlhl Academlc Hlghlights Sclence Providing inspiring opportunities continued to t* Ihe mirKlsel of the scien￿ department. Outside of the regular curriculurn, where ? parti￿lar feature remains the teaming derived from undertaking experiments. the department provided a number of regular dubs. trips, com￿lItiOns. outreach aThJ leadership opportunities. Regular clubs. typically weekly. induded Junu St?ence. Astronomy. Dissecthjn Club, a Saence Research Group, and Advanced Tutorial Groups IATGS) f¢x Sixth Form Medi(s. Denkn"sts, Vets and Engineer5. The Rocketry Club ran beiween September and April, culminating in the wional aKKI nakn.onal UKROC competition. During the academic year. Lower Sixth stu(knts visf(ed the Liverpwl Schoot of Tmpical Mediune and the Ainsdale Nature Resetve. Students from Years 7 to 9 are I￿king foTh¥ard lo their vtsit lo Futuroscope in France during the OGiokr 2025 half-t￿m. As part of the School's Futures Progrdfflme. the EryineeriThJ group Msited Airt)us. NSG Environmental Ltd. and Yozu, a software developwnenl company. while the Sixth Fomi Biologists and Psyth)logists enjoyed a'Brain Day, on site, inspired by extemal speakers. As part of preparing for Seniors and instyrirE a love of Scien￿ in our Piep Year 5 & 6 students. science transition events took plxe during Friday lunth times. The Science department Mew exlemal comFetitions as important opportunities to slrelch learni￿. During the ye8r. students parbcipated in B￿lOgY and PhysKs OlymFqads {ihe Lower Sixth recording a wn at Edge Hill University), the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. the RSC Top of the Ben¢h Chemistry Competition al Liverpogl University, a STEM compelttion at The Grange School, 8r)d UK ROC - rocket ￿1]dIng competition. Outstsnding results were gained by a Lower Sixth team who entered cambr￿Jge.S 3C's Challenge. A further feature of the department is the partnèrship work with local schools and cubs and brownie groups. This work included the long-running and ever popular Science evenI￿S in October where the School's Saen Leaders lapprox. 30 Year 7 to Upper Sixth with a pa￿On for saence) helped inspire over 150 local primary school age Ghildren ￿th experiments and demonstratrjns on the Schwl sile. English The English Department enjoyed another insFMring and Prod￿11¥e year. rith with creativtty, scholarship. and cultural experiences. A wide range of theatre ￿$it$ tr￿ught literature vividty to lrfe. wth students attending perf0M￿nceS of Dear Evan Hansen. An Inspector Calls. Of Mice and Men. and Hamilton at the Liverpool Empire. Year 8 also enioy8d an Open- air production of Romeo and Juliet at Royden Park, a magical highlight of the SummerTerm. Public SpeakIr￿ aThJ perIomian￿ rerwned ￿fftaI to the departrnent's ethos. Year 7 students took part in Poetry by Heart. delivering confident reatations of dassic arKI modem pcems. The Rotary Club Youth Speaks debating ccynpelition saw further succ8SS, With the Intem1￿lAte Team wnning the k)cal iound and progressing to the next stage at Wrexham Universty. Studerrts also developed persuasive speaking and ctiticzl thinking skilLs through engaging Debate Mate workshops. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 The ￿Xth annual Ghost Story for Chrislmas event shryKawJ outstsnding uealive wriling from Year 7 to Upper Sixth, SUPPDrt@d by guest readers and acclaimed horror author Ramsey Campbdl. The resulting anlholcgy. illustrated by Upper Sixth student Emily McGralh. rellects the strength of student talent across the school. Academic enrichment continued through the Shakespeare Study Group, university workshops on ROrr￿￿tiC protest writing, and Sixth Fomi svider reading sessions on ￿ng Lear, Keats, and Arcadia. It has been a year th81 truly ￿lebrated language. literatu￿. and imagin8b.on at Birkenhead Schoc4. fvlaths This w8S 8wther busy year for students taking part in th@ ann(JaJ UKMT challenges. On the 25th September our Upper and Lower Sixth female mathemabcians ￿ part in ts annual Girls, Malhemalical Olympiad, wth distinctions and merits amongst the achievements. The UKMT Senior Challenge took Pl￿ on 1st Oclober 2024. Al of the Sixth Fomi mathemat￿lan$ look part, with five students ￿￿1VIng Gold certificAtes progressing lo take part in the Andrew JobbiThJs Senior Kangaroo competition. One slud@nl in parbcular excAl8d. and Ihus progr8&8ed to take part in thè pr8stsgious British Malhemalical Olympiad competition. On the 29th January it was Ihe lum for the Intermediate Challenge.. over 40 students from Years 10 & 11 t¢)ok part. On the 1st May the jUn￿r ChaI￿r￿je took pla￿.. five studerrts achieved gold wfificates. induding one student from Year 7. In February. Birkenhead School hosted the regional finals of the UKMT team challenge. Our team perfgrmed well, coming third on the day and narro%•Ay missing progression lo the National Finals in London. In collaboration wth the English department, Year 10 wsited the Chester St(Kyhouse to watch the stage adaptation of Rob Eastaway's book'much Ado About Numbers.. As the tiue ￿gesIs. this looks at hc)w the connect.on between Ihe two subjects could be seen wthin ShakesFeare's work. The show was hosted by the aulhor himself and was both entertaining and infomative w'rth lots of opportunib'es for audien￿ parbapation which kept pupils engaged Ihrough¢xrt the perfornian￿. In January. all Year 5 students spent a fvn moming In Bushell Hall exploring maths through different activities. The students played maths strategy games and worked together in leams to sofve differenl mathematical probleffls. All of the activitiès were differentiated so that all stLJdents were able lo contribute pcmnls for their team. Languaggs Children from Y8ars 3 to 6 build on their knO￿edge of French cJJlture and language developed within Prep by attending a weekly French Club session wlh the Head of Modem Languages from Seniors. During the ojurse of the year, three Year 9 sludenis achieved medals in thè annual UK Linguistic Olympiad CDmpetition.' Mo silver arKI one bronze. Geography The Geography Depatbnent has enjoyed arother strory aTrJ successfijl year. wth consistenuy excell￿t feedback from both students and parents. 11 ￿ntinUeS to be a very popular subject at l)olh GCSE and A Level. with three cksses running in Ixsth Year 1 D and Year 11 reflecting sustained St￿￿ent enthusiasm for the subjed arKI its rdevance to today's world. Geography continues to offer an ex￿PtiOnal raThJe of enhanced Curriculum opportunities. During the 202¥2025 academtc yèar, over 75 students parbcipated in an overseas fieldwork visit to Iceland, while a fvrther 40 students travelled lo Italy. Amosl 60 students took part in a three-day residential field course lo North Wales, and A Level students benefited from a four-day residential field course to South Wales. ademic enrichment has also been a key f¢xys. Students w￿aged vith an online Hazards Conferen￿, benefited from a lecture deliVe￿d by an Old Birkonian who is an industry wthin the focKJ industy, and also partiupated in lectures prowded by the University of Bimiingham. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 The year has alsu seen a signtfionl development in Ihe department's appmach to cuniculum delivery. In order lo enhan￿ students. digital literaGy and iemain at the forefront of Geography education, the department has transitioned to a digital delivery modd using Mwjsoft OneNote Class Notebook. This has been irnplemented with Year 1 D and Year 12 frcAn September. and extended to Key Sl¥ 3 frrm January. Looking ahead, alongside the established Iceland aTrJ Italy trips, the department wll be Y￿rking in partnership wlh the Biology Department to lake 30 stL￿erEtS on al￿nt eXped￿"on toArcb"e Sweden. Hlstory Ac4demic performance has remained strong in Hist(Ky at both GCSE and A Levels, very impressiv8 grades in the extemal examinats"(Ins in summer 2025. A numbei of Students conts.nue to chwse History or a History-relaled coursè as their degree subjecL During the year. Sixth Form students entered a rarvJe of essay competibons, induding the Vellacott History Prize run by Peterhouse College. Cambridge. Other entries were made to the cOm￿ti[10n run by The Foundation for the History ofTotalitsrianism. Three-times weekly History dinics as ￿￿11 as the ever-px)pular Polrtics Club have all proved attractive in the past year. A trip to the Liverpod Slavery Museum a(kJed to the students. undeTStsndiThJ of the Slave Trade, an importanl facel of our studies at Key Stage Three. Religious Studies The Religious Studies department enjoyed a successful year some very ￿eaSing GCSE results. Year 7 studied Judaism and Chiistianity, prodLKing some wonderful projects ¢M Jew"sh Festivals and enjoying a tslk from a local Rabbi. They also had the opportunity to tske part in a Ititer Kn the lo(al area as part of our ongoing work on environmental responsibility and stewardship. Hinduism and Buthhism were studied wthin the Yèar 8 wrriculum and studenls leamt some Bollywood moves in a Dwali dance workshop. F(K the first time. Year 9 had opportunty to study humanism as a world view, which enabled the development of further skills and explorab'on of perspectives debaling the llature of life and death. GCSE stL￿ents visited a kjcal churth to leam about Christian w<￿thIp and the Kadampa Buddhist Centre on Bidston Rd for a medItat￿n workshop, ts)th as part of their work on rdigious pyacti￿S. Design and TeGhnology Design and Technology aims ID provide 3 broad. skills-focused curriculum, wth students in every year group complets.ng three practical projects destgned lo ixjild confidence. iThlependence. and technical eompelence. Students have developed a wde range of pradical skills Ihrough wular use of specialist tools. equipment. and workshop pro￿8$eS, progressing from basic making skills to more advanced manufacture as they move through the School. High levels of engagemerrt are ewdent in lessons. V￿th sludents demonstrating pride in their work and increasing resilience when tac*ling p￿ctical challenges. The departmelll also maintains slrow links th th81(Kal c(xnmunrty. These indude welcoming primary students for Yèar 6 Assessment Days where they WLwk in the workshop to consinjd a cam operated mechanical toy which supports their study into mechanisms within their KS2 curriculum. These outreath activib.es support Irartsition, raise aswratlons. and promote Design and Technology as a fxeab've. practical. aTrJ irKausive subject. Art Art continues to be a POPLJlar sutyecl al both GCSE and A Level with the largest group lo date completing the A Level course in May 2025_ This succe&s reflects the department's commitment to Indi￿dual 51udent pioyress and achievement. Teaching o variety of key 2D arKI 3D skills from which students can begin to develop their own creab've responses helps foster indepeThJence arKI collfiden￿. CrealNty assists peTsonal development, critical thinknng and self-refl8Ction and should never be urKlervalued for it5 ro￿ in a studenys educational jourrw. To assist and extend coursewc¥k, exam groups have a¢xess to the departmenl and staff 2 times a week in after- school academic clubs, increasing lo 3 tirnes a b%tek prior lo exlemal exams. A weekly lunchtime Creative Club for Year 7-8. and separate Year 9 club allows for exp8riences outside of lessons. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 At the start of autumn 2024, Sixth Fomi Art students travelled south for the ever-popular London Galleries trip. The group visited the Royal Academy to see work by ￿temporary artist Michael Crarg Marb"n, followed by a stroll around the commeroal galleries of Cork Street. This inctuded seetrrfJ pieces by Kehinde Whiley, famous for his obama portrait. Students then viewed the Vin￿nI Van Gc*Jh exhibition at the Nab"on81 Gallery. where they were able to appreciate the sculptural texture of his paintings.. an eX￿[le￿e only possible through direct observation. In Novemb8r. Year 9 artists enjoyed an engaging portrait illustrab.on workshop wrth graphic designer ard g￿ffits. artist 'Emelbi' as part of the Schod's Festival of Arts Week. The week incIL￿8￿ various lunchtime workshops plu5 a wonderful evening of Music and Art to showcase a Bushell Hall exhibitson focusing on work by GCSE and A Level Art sludefils. GCSE and GCE Art students rose lo the challenge of Iheir pract￿1 exams in May to produce amaing wot*, demonslraling an imwessive breadth of creativity and iThlividuality. An enjoyable and successfvl addition to the GCSE course was the Year 10 Global FOCKI projeca vthich led to remarkable ceramic food creations. At the end of the year, the Arts Awards evening durirg Birkonian Week ￿lebrated the achievements of many with Amazing Artist awards for students in KS3 alongside prizes for ￿3vI￿3 Yeaf 13 a￿'SIs. Ouiside the classroom. the department has painted staging and props for Treasure Islarnl Littte Shop of Horrorsl Students, athwrk. dass activities. trips arKI events are celebraled and shared vthh the School c(￿MuNItY and beyond through the art Inslagram account. #birkenheadschoolari run by Mts Margerison. It currenlfy has 1288 followers including parents, schools. art colleges, galleries and other artists. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIWTIES 11 is clear, both from or￿sIte observations and feedback from parents. both pt05peGtNe and current, that all stskeholders place significant value on cCounty and Rugby. In addition to this core provision. recreational dubs offered a breadth of opportunity across sports such as Badminton, Table Tennis and GymnastKs, and activitses incI￿11r0 Yoga. Climbing and Dance. In the 202&26 academic year. the provision will develop further with the main sport for girls in the Summer Term being erid(et. During the academic year, Jmost 100 sports leams from Prep to Seniors prayed over 600 5POrts fixtures, winning approx. 600k. This is an impressive achievement as sports such as Rugby and Netball have increased tIE quality of Ih&ir fixiure lists Dver the last 3 years to play harder opposition. Hockey and Cricket have notably improved in the provision of coaching and fixiures: which has led lo an Ir￿eaSe in pèrf¢)miances and results. Strong parbcipations rates mean that almost 80% of pupils represent the scho￿ from Years 3 to the Upper Sixth. Dunng the year. the School announced Ihe appoinlment for Septemter 2025 of three eover supervisors who also brit)g extensive coaching qua1rfi1￿knOnS within netball, rugby unKJnlcricket and hockeynadies, ctickel. There were also two further cricket apFx)intrnents which will enhance both the exisb.ng provision and help launch the exciting cricket programme for girls. Sport in The Prep The Prep programme conb'nues to expand. with the Intr￿uctiOn of new sports including Lacrosse and Hockey lo complement and support the Seniors provision. Tennis has also continued to flourish, supported by the LTA programme, which enabled the entry of senior boys and girls. leams into the Cheshire Cup. This marks an important slep in developi1￿ a stroNJ a￿1 sustainable Senior Schcd tennis pri)gramme. The strategic integration and forward planning of sports development across Prep and Seniors is yielding positive resutts. The Prep enjoyed an outstanding year, wth consistentty strong performances in Netball. Football, Cricket, and Rugby now fimly embedded wlhin the Prep Fryramme. Participation levels and competitive Su￿sS in AJIS S￿rtS fesb.vals and Inlerthou5e competitions are exceptional, surpassing those of other local primary schools. The involvement of Seniors staff and external speualist coaches has fLtrther strenolhened provision, enabling Prep sport to go from strerKJth lo strength and creating a clear pathway of talent into Senior5. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 Notable highlight5 this year indude the contin￿1 success of the gids, nelball and boys, rugby wogrammes, the Year 6 Girls Condover Netball Tour. the Year 6 Boys Football Tour to London. and the Yèar 4 girfs aehièving seeond place at the AJIS Netball competition. Sport In Senlors The School prides itself on high levels of parbcipation and xhievemenl in Seniors with a significant number of students attending lunch and after-xh¢x4 wa¢tices in add￿On to the curricu* provision of PE & Games. In Seniors, competitNe teams are fielded in k)cal. regional and nati￿al leagues and tournaments. In a typical year. this would include six ￿Y$, Hockey teams, eighl Rugby teams, seven girls. Ho¢key teams, five Lacrosse teams. nine Netball teams and six tsKket teams competing weekty during the re￿an1 season. The School is reapiThJ the dividerKJs of invesb'ng in high-level coa¢hes, and staff coathiThJ development 1$ enhancing students, progress. Netball teams continue to reach the latier stages of national and regKJnal events. The rugby teams are in￿e051ng their perfomiance ￿v￿$. wth the fixiure 1st developed over recent years lo offer greater challenge-, the U14 Rugby Vll reached Day 2 al the National 7s after winning all 4 rnatches on Day on& The School has nalional prominence in lacrosse. for example. the U15 and U13 teams reached ts semi-ffinals at the National Championships in March 2025. whik the U13 team are Ncthm Champions. seve￿ students are currently part of variou5 sporltng talent palhways.. in Rugby Union. Sale Sharks, and Cheshire RFU., in Lacrosse, the England Perfornian￿ Pathway Cheshire County., in Netball, Manchester Thunder, Loughbor0L￿h Lightening, Leeds Rhinos. Birmingham Bears. Cheshire and Merseyside County Netball and national age-group acadernies. The sch￿ has a number of cricketers in Ihe Cheshire programmes. In Hockey, players enjoy the JAC academy pathways and at an elile tevel in the Pennine Pumas and Tensworth North hockey selection. In Lacrosse, many girls play for Ihe county and tsyo play internats'onally. one in the U18 England Academy and one for￿leS. Students also parb"apate in othèr sp)rts programmes opèrated by each sport's associab.ons or professional clubsl franchises and a number of aluFllni {Old &rkonians - OBS) ￿aY in high-level ILKal ar￿ national leagues-. these indude Caldy 1 st XV rugby, Oxion. Neslon 1st Xl uid(et. netball atjunior intemational repTe5entab"on, hockey in the National leagues. Two OBS ujrrenly play Laerosth Lacrosse for England and or GB. The Fitness Suite has seen a big increase in usage by students and staff. benefitting from recent capital investment. A successful Strength and Conditioning program has ublised the expeth.se of an elile local company ancl has delivered signfficant perforrnan￿ benefits lo the sludents. There ha5 also been investment in the climbing wall with new holds, hamesses, equipment and ongoing training for relevant staff. The School continues to share ils sporting facilities wyth several dubs and schools in the area. I￿ll￿ling on a hire basis. at reduced lates where applicable. This year we continued wth Ihe 'Brhlges' sports festivals to link hxal primaries lo ir)spire local children. This SGheme offers festival visit opportunities lo local Primary and Prep SchcM)Is, combined with coaching in Cricket, Rugby. Hoekey and Netball. The Department ￿s0 continued to do outreach work at Chester Rugby Club. Caldy RUFC and Neslon Sports Club running FL)p-up events with spgrting athities to highlight the qualty of provision at Birkenhead School. The ervj of the School year vrds ￿le￿￿￿ed by holding Sports Awdrds for the Seniors and the trajitional Sport5 Days for both Prep and Seniors. These events prowded a real eelebrafion of Birkonon sporting endeavour and skill, and were well attended by students. parents and staff. The School enjoys participating in flagship nati￿￿ toumaments. F¢)ur Rugby learns participated in the Rosslyn Park National 7s while the 1st. U15 and U13 squads pathcipated in the Lauosse Nationals atAldershol. The nelb811 teams play in a range of national Cups. The tws, arxl girfs, h(N*ey teams are entered into the IndeFEndenl School's Hockèy Cups al U13 and U19 age groups for first time_ In July, the School's Sertior Rl￿bY players toured British Columbia wth 30 studertts and 4 stsff eryowng an action packed 14 days of sport, culture and speclacular s￿hts. In the lead up to the tour, we had a very ￿e11-attended Sports Personality Dinner wilh Dean Richards the former England Briti'sh Lion rugby player as guest speaker. Other louis in Seniors included the U15 Bath Rugby trip and the U14 Condover nelball trip. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Drama Drama al Birkenhead Schwl continues to go from strength lo strength, offering students a vibrant, arnbitious and supporbve environment in whith lo devdop their perf￿nan￿ skills, Erealiyity and confidence. Academically, GCSE Drama numbers COntn￿ lo be Str￿￿, refle(*ng sustained inl?rest and engagement in the subject. This year also mark5 a milestone as the fiwst cohtyt of GCSE students began their iourney into SIL￿Y1 Drama & Theatre Studies forA Level. with numbers sèt to grow as interest in the course develops. Our students have taken part in multi￿e School prodwlions this year, induding the whol&School play Treasure Island and the Upper School mu￿ts1 Little Shop of Horrors. These productions showcased the breadth of talent within the School and provided ValUa￿e Perf¢)rnar￿ experien￿. bolh on stage and behind the scenes. Multiple students in Years 8 and 9 also took part In the ESU Pertormmg Shakespeare CompetiliDn. Two students progressed lo the Se￿nd round and performed lo a hwh starNJard. narrowty missing out on a place in th8 semi- finals. Their achievement reflects both Iheir dedication and resilience. We have conbnued to offer a Tange of enriching op[￿rtUn￿es. Students partiapating in the PerfonnirKJ Shakespeare Competition had the opportunty to take part in a speualisl wotksfvop led by playwright and actor Nick Wilkes, developing their performance skills and confidence. Year 10 Drama students also benefited from a Blood Brothers workshop delivered by former cast member5 from Stage Ed. ptoviding valuable professional insight and an engaging, practycal leaming experience. The CASt of Little Shop of Horrors also took part in a Lon(kn lrip. where they participated in pract￿al workshops an attended performances of Oliver! and Mean Girfs. This experience browJene(l their understs￿lng of professiongl theatre and inspired th￿r own performance work. Drama is a constant presence in School lrfe. LUnd￿"me$ are often dedicated to ￿hearSalS, whether for one of our two major prOd￿tionS or for practical preparakn'on for performan￿ examinations. ensuring students are fiJlly supported in both perf0m￿nCe and assessmenL Our students have also achieved outstanding suc£ess beyond the sch(M)I, wih pla￿ gained at the National Youth Theatre {NYf) and National Youth Musical Theatre {NYMT) anrj British Youth Musical Thèatre IBYMTI. These highly presb'gious inslilutions recognise ex￿pI￿nal talent. highlighting the high standard of training and commitment ￿thin the deparkmenl. Music Co-curricular Music rKovision has cOntin￿d lo grow throug1￿L￿ the year. wtth large numbers now both receiving weekly tuition in an impressively wide range of instruments and taking part in the ￿ major Whol& School concert5 at Christmas and during Birkonian Week. Somewhat uniquè to &'rkenhead School. as a day scho￿, are our weekly Sunday services of Choral Evensong, sung by the Chapd Choir, which continue to take pla￿ in the School Chapel t¢)gether with the o(Lasi)nal special seasonal services. Nine Lessons and Carols is a￿vayS a particular highlight and proves so POPLJlar tFAt it needs to h8ppen on the same day in Ord￿ to accommodate the nufflbers who would like to attend. Technolo continued to be utilised well in Chapel, with selected ser¥￿e$ also being livestreamed on the Musi¢ YouTube channel. The annual Festival of Arts was again a by success, th over a fortnight of events in November Èaturing musicians of all agès, with high[￿hIS beir￿ 'Come and Sing, Evensong seryice in Chapel. Jazz m￿h1, and Art Exhibition, as well as a number of inspiring workshops led by visiting profe5sional5. This year's produdion of Little Shop of Horrors. ￿lch tcxjk to the stage in March. was hugely successfvl. It featured 43 students from Years 9 thrO￿h to 13. 8cc(Mipanied by a professional band, and all ten performances sold out. The level of musicality shov4n by all in the show Wds if)credibty imwessrve. As wdl as these opportunthes to sing and play as part of a group. solo opportunities for YOU￿ musicians of all ages and experiences lake place frequently. wilh the more informal terrnly 'Serenatk' coneerts for less adVan￿d perfomers together with Iwo Chamber Music Concerts the more expe￿n￿d. 10- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 Trinity and ABRSM practical and theory examinations cMtinue lo successfully passed by students of all ages, we had several of our more experienced mustoans represent Ihe ￿007 as members of the National Youth Ghoirs, National Cttildren's Orchestras, Nalional Youth Music Theatre, Junior Royal Northem College of Music, Liverpool Philhamonic Youth Company {choirs. bands and orcheslrasl. Wrral Symphonic Wnd Band, Out of the Blue Big BarKI. Heswall Concert Barmj. and Eaty Music Youth Orthestra and StsingAcademy. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to make a ￿9n￿can1 contribution to students, personal development across the School. This year, 68 Year 10 wk¥ls uNlertwk the Bronze Award and 24 Lower Sixth students worked towards Gold. Bronze participants completed thèir qualfyiThJ exF*dttion in the C￿dIan Hills, whilst the Gold o)hort fxed particularty challenging weather cond￿'0n$ during their Easter practice expedthon. which had lo be curtailed. The L¢)wer Sixkh students demonstrated commendatAe resiller￿ and delerrninatw. subsequently completing a successful practice expedibon later in Ihe year in North Wales. Beyond the expedrtion element, students engaged enlhusiaslically in a broad range of activ¥ties.- S￿.11$ devdopment ranged from leaining musical in5tTumenls lo playing darts and chess," physical pursuits inCj￿ noby. I￿Osse, netball and dimbing.. and volunteering commilmenis included supporbng lo¢￿ olarity shops and woviding SPK)rts coaching to younger children. Othar C￿CurrIcUlar Clubs The provision of a br¢)ad range of lunchtime arKI after School ￿-cUm￿j￿r duk>s conkn.nues to be a feature of the School. In addition lo the considerable sportiwJ. diama and musi(31 provision. these dubs range from public speaking and debating to yoga, table tennis, chess and astrcmmy. Futures Provl$lon The School's provision of 'Futures' and cAreers ad￿￿ is exlensive. A dedicated Futures Team of staff provide bespoke support and guidan￿ to both students and parentslguarrfians in prepaRtion for applying to wtverstty. apprenticeships and the wortd of work. In Sixth Form, this indud@s timetsbled weekly ￿s￿on$ to develop stLJdenls' skills to prepare them for life after school, and to exptore their options. Specialist staff are available to mentor students in UCAS guidance. Oxbridge applicati¢y￿. Medical, Denlisty and Veterinary appli(ations, Engineering applications. aptitude tests for high tariff courses. apprenticeships and intemships, and overseas university applications. Futures advice stsrts in Prep developiThJ an awareness of different areas wthin the worfd ofwork and continues into Seniors including the use of our online careers portal. Unjfrog. an integrated plaifomi which assists staff, sludenls. parents and guardians in researching and preparing for fulure pathways. In Years 7 and 8 students will explore career roules and undertake personality quizzes to discover a range of options. In Years 9. 10 and 11, signif1cAnl information is available regarding options, subject choices and routes into careers. This includes a one-2-one meeting wth a Level 6 trained Careers advisor during Year 10. along wlh a Sixth Form Taster Day. Years 10 above are inwted to attend an annual Awenticeship Bieakfast event lo meet employer5 and learn more about becoming an apprentice. Al Senkys year groups undertake careers activities during March as part ol PSHE lessons and lo coincide with NalM)nal Careers ￿￿k. The yearty Careers Fair. thre stvdenls can meet a de range of professionals, also takes Pl￿ during PAarch. Regular vigts lo wOrkpla￿S are also arranged, including lo local companies such as Airbus and NSG Enmronmentsl. as well as a visit in Lower Sixth lo the UK UnNefsity and Apprenlieeship Fair. Students can a(tess careers adviee through¢￿ the year by visiti.ng the Futures area on Firefly. meeting with members of the Futures team, and vithwng winted resources in the ￿brary arKI the Sutton Futures Roorn. A feature of the Futures wovision is the strong support of the Old Birkonian Society. Our 8lumni are invaluable in supporting students wth bespoke adwce. work experience. mock interviews and appfenliceship programmes. 11 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Inspiring Talk$ Seths During the 2024-25 academic year. the SchcM)I's Inspiring Talks Series Continued to host distinguished speakers and comprised.. The Nicholls Lecture Series for Sixlh Fomi sludents The Bournphrey Lecture Series for Prep pupils in Years 5 and 6 Author talk5 for students across various age groups The annual Sports Personality Dinner The Nicholls Lecture Series featured weekty presentations duiing Ihe Mithaelmas and Lent terms by parents, prospeclive parents, and Old Birkonians on topics ranging from Artffici21 Intelligence, Foren%c Psychology, and Cardiology to Taking Risks. Careers. and U.S. Eledions. In Prep. younger pupils enjoyed 8oumphrey knlures. vthich indLKled talks by the Lor¢>Lieulenant of Merseyside and 8 Deputy LieulenanL In collaboration wrth a l¢xal independent tr*Jokseller. the School also organised author events for younger pupils, welcomingA.F. Sleadman. Sue Hoffman, Lindsey Cole. and Lisa J. Allen. Parents, Assoclatlon {PA) Throughout the academic year. the Pa￿nts. AssKiation maintained its focLJs on fiJndraising and fostering community eng￿eMent Key èvents indudeil the annu81 Firewc¥ks Display and Christmas Bazaar. alc￿g$Ide continued support through the 300 Fundraising Club. eSts￿l$l￿J in 2023-24. Funds raised by the PA contributed to a wde range of iniliatives across the Seh¢X)l. including.. Lacrosse team lops for the Lacrosse Nationals Sports kil for the sen•￿$, rtjgby lour to Canada Ice creams for all students on Sports Day Aprons and easels for the SeniorsArt Deparbnewrt A match-fijnded table tennis table for the Junior playground A contributton towards the new Eady Years outdoor area Thesauruses and dictionaries to c<￿￿￿&￿ent the Prep English programme 'Debatemale' public-speaknng Irwning A contribution towards the Sixth Fomi Leavers. Ball Birkonian Week The condusion of a busy academic year was appwvpriately r￿ark￿j by a range of ￿lebratiOn and awards events in Birkonian Week Inc1￿ing the Creativè Pwfomiitvj Arts Awards. Sports Awards, 1st Team Awards and BBQ, Chapel Choir Dinner, Sports Day and Speech Day. Communlty Involvement and Charitable Giving Charitable giwng conknnues lo be a strong expre￿(1￿ of Birkenhead Sthooj's values, with pupils demonstrating generosty. initiatsve and social awareness through a range of hjndraising aetivrties across the year. During the 2024-25 academic year. these included haNesl foL¥J don*"on, Christmas Jumper Day and other non-unifomi days, sponsored 'no social wnedia. and '1￿ bath. thallenge5. iC￿￿￿)p sales and Wdffle Wednesday. A focal point is empowerirKJ and enabling pupils to take 8n acitve role in organising events, encouraging participation and supporting a wlture of service wthin Ihe School Through themed days and these audent-led initiatives, pupils have supported three main charities ihis year. the OAKS Sd)oca, Sièrra Leone, Neo-cornmunity and Save a Child's Life. Looking ahead to 2026, the Schod has Intr￿lUCed a dedicated sludent4ed Chatities W￿k and a Lent Term House fvndraising ￿M￿lItI0￿, wlh the thosen school charities. l*ing Heswall DisaNed Children's Holidays. Claire House and the OAKS School Sierra Leone. The School is grateful to students. families a￿1 staff ¥h￿se support cmtinues lo make a meaningfijl differencé b8yond the Sch￿1 gates. 12- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORTI (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Fee Support Trustees do not want the cost of education at Bithenhead School to prevent any eligible thild attending the Sthool. Gr055 fees weie discounted by £1.220k12024'. £1.182kl. thrwgh bursaries, seholarships and other dI￿unIS(g.1 % of gross fees. 2024.. 9.7%). In parbcular, bursary supwt under Ihe auspice5 of the Foundation Trust represented around 8.2¢A12024.' 5.5%) of gross fee income and tenefitted 69 puyls12024: 761- A smaller number of pupi15 - 30 12024."361- received transf¢)rmational bursaries of between 75% and 100%. Some fee support is provided foi from retums on investments and some directy trom ge1￿oU5 iEnefaGtors. Durirg the course of the academic year, the School continue(I tts edu(alion of Ukrain&?n students (both in Year 5) and support of their families bvho had Iled Ukrarne followtng the invasTron by Russia, and who were initially L*ing hosted by current School families. These students were kyovhyed full bursaries, alongside assistan￿ wth the provisk)n of unifoTm and other School equiwnenL Access Scholarships conb"n¥Jed to provide a￿StanCe to enable able pusxls with a proven academic record to enter at Year 7 or the Sixth Form from other edLKatr"Or￿J b8d(grounds. Some Speci￿ support towards thè latter is prowded by charitable trusts under the management of the Old Birkonian Soaety Counal. In addition, the ScFbJol has awarded finana81 schc4arships to 41 Seniors sludents {2024.' 58} for academic or musical eX￿llen￿. This support tolalled £59k {2024.' £11 Okl and represented 0.8% of gross fees in Seniors. Some receiving scholarships also qualrfied for means-tested Lmjrsary supp)rt and are induded in Ihose figures as well. Some further scholarships a￿ now honorary - ¢￿tinUir￿ the emphasts of provhling financially for those most al need while re￿nISing eX￿len￿. The progress of pupils receiving scholarships i8 reviewed at ￿ast every couple of years lo ensure that pupils continue to progres5 in line syith their abilities. stretching their potential yet ftjrther. Facilities The Schools, sports faeilities are m8de available to the pU￿1C for use vtherever feasible and are discounted for charity Dr educational use. A5 highlighte(l above. many are used for inter-school events through the ye8r. The School follows a progmmme of plan￿d maintenance and development to ensure that ils estate remains fil for purpose and effioenL Flnancial review The School's financial posibon remains strong. A ￿sh surplus from operations of just over 5% of net fee income was achieved. trustees the confidence lo moderate fee increases, manage penson liabilities and continue with a programme of investment in schcd failtties. The cawial investment programme is currently funded wrthout external borrobmng. Nel operating income was £289k (2024". £588k). This Comtxnèd with investment gains of £257k12024.' £814k), an actuarial gain on 2 defined benefit pensi￿ scheme of £48k12024.' £42k} As a Tesult, total funds across the SGhool Group were £22,798k as at 31st August 202512024". £22.2(14k). The net cash provided by operab.ng actiwlies was £521k12024.' £1.493k}. 'Free reserves. bwithin the Birkenhea(I School Group amwnled lo £9.105k as at 31st August 2025. Golng concern After making appropriate enquires, the board of truslees has a reasonable expectation that the s¢￿01 has adequate resources lo continue in operational eXiSte￿e for the foreseeable future. For thi5 reason. it Continues lo adopt the going concem basis in prepariro the financtal stalements. FUrt￿r details regarding the adoplw)n of the going concem basis c2n bè f￿nd in the Statement of Accounting Policies. R•s8rves poIIcy It is the policy of the charity that unrestrcted fvnds ￿lch have not been designated for a speafic use should be maintained al a level equivalent lo at least three months. operating expenses The governors consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the evenl of a ￿gnif￿an1 dr¢)p in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while ￿SIderatiOn is given to ways in which addith)nal funds May be raised. This level of reseNes has been maintained throughout the year. 13- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 Investment income from the reserves is used to provkle fee assistance to pupils and the￿bY to widen access to the School. More fee assistan￿ is provided Ihan can be fvnded by the income of the Foundation TnJsL and it is therefore thè rx)licy of the Foundation Trustees to seek to increase the capital held by the Trust. It is the policy of the School to transfer surpluses not required within the Sthool to the Found81ion Trust. The Foundation Ttust is also in a position to wnyder loans andlor grants 10 5UPPOrt sr9nif￿nt investment in the School. The asset allocation policy of the Foundation Trust ensures that there are suffKient IKiuid funds to cover at least three months, operating expenses. Prln¢lpal fundlng Sources Around 95°h of the School's operating irK¢xne was derived from fees and assoaaled charges. Other notsble contributions arose from commefoal acti¥thes. investsnent income and donations. Investment policy As noted, the School's reserves are largely held in Fwndation Trust Trustees have an investment policy which aims to secure a balance of incomè and t3pital in the medium to long-term. Professional investment manwJers are employed wth tr*ir appointment rwewed on a regular basis. Major risks The major risks lo which the School 15 exposed las Trdentified by the G0vemc￿S) have been revrevRd and systems established lo avLNd and lo mitsgate these risks. Plans for future perfods The School will seek lo maintain the availabifty of schdarships a￿1 bursaries and to encourage parpnts of academically able children lo apply to the sch￿￿. The Su￿uS income ongoing reserve are important not least as the investment income generated in the FOundatm￿ Tw5115 used to provide bursary supporL Sound management is pursued to ensure Ihat the Scl)C¥J conlinues to deliver good value during a paiod of substanlial inflationary pressures. the imposition of VAT on School fees, employ2r national Insuran￿ incteases and the loss of business rates relief. Structure. govemance and management The 'S¢hool' comprises Birkenhead Schi)ol: a company limited by guarantee (company no_ 44922501 and registered charity (charity no. 1093419}', a tradin9 subsidiary. Novrtas Services Limiled (company no. 4501547). which transferred its activities to Birkènhead School al the end of August 2009 is now domianl-, and Birkenhead School Foundation Trust Icharty no. 1￿650). The Birkenhead School Foundats'on Trust (Foundation Trust) produces its own independent audited accounts. Novitas Services Ltd is a wholly4)vmed dormant subsidiary of Bithenhead Scts)d and ils directors are all Govemors of the School. The Foundation Trust is a separate charity, e￿tivelY ur¥Jer the control of the School. Its tru*ees are appointed by the School and include Govemors. senior officers of the Sch¢)ol and other 8ppoinlees. 14- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL GOVERNORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 The governors, who are also the direcaors for Ihe purpose of crmnpany law, and served during year and up lo the date of signature of the finanaal statements were.. Mr M R Cashin MA MrA J Cross LLB (Hons) Mr M S Fumiss Mrs J L Greensmf(h CBE DL Mrs S J Higginson OBE Mrs CAA Howard Mr O I Pottinger Mr Ethard Rice FRICS MrWD C Rushworth BA Dr N J Thorp Mr P JAdams MrA E Armstrong Mr J P Stitrett (Resigned 31 December 20241 (Resigned 18 February 2026) {Restgned 4 July 20251 (Resigned 4 July 20251 (Appointed 16 September 20241 {Appointed 23 June 20251 (Appointed 23 June 2025) Recrultment and appointmgnt of trustees The Board of Governors is consaou5 of the need to keep wthin its number a vride range of skills and experience. New Governors join the Board by invitation arbd care is taken to maintain the range of skills and experience. New Govemors are offered training on appointrnenl ar￿ training for all Govemors is arranged from lime to lime Oryanisational structure The Board delegates the day lo day running of the School to the Headmaster, who is the Chief Executive of the business, and the senior officers of the Sthool who, together. comprise, 'Ihe Executive,. In addition lo the Headmaster. members indude the Bursar. Head of Prep. and Deputy Heads. Remuneration policy A subset of the governors form the Remuneration Committee. who annually review the salaries and bonuses for roles appointed by the Govemors (Headmaster, Bursar. Head of Prep) and advise on remuneration for the other executs've roles. Audltor In accordance with the company's arbdes, a resolution prorx)sing that be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. Dlsclosure of Infom)ation to auditor Each of the governors has ￿nfirMed that there is no infomialion of which they a￿ awa￿ which is relevant lo the audit. but ol which the auditor is unaware. They have fvrther (x)nfimied that they have tsken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and lo establish that the auditor is aware of su¢h information. Th govemors, report was approved by the Board of Govemors. Mr M R Cashin MA Governor Dale". ..Zl .o.w....2&............ 15- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL STATEMENT OF GOVERNORS. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 The govemors, who are also the directors of Birkenhead School for the purpose of ojmpany law, are reswnsible for preparing the Govemors. Report and the fina￿￿ 5ts1ements in accordance with applic8bJe kgw and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United KI￿dlxn Generally Accepted Aceounling Practice). Company law requires the governors to prepare financial statements for each finanti81 year which glve a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charity aThJ of the i￿orning resources and application of resources, induding the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these finanaal statements, Ihe govemors are required lo.. - select suitable accounting policies and then apFdy them cortsisterrtly.. - observe Ihe methods and principles in the Charities SORP". - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent" and prepare the finan￿81 statements ¢)n the going eoneem basis unless it is inappropriate to presuffe that the charity will continue in operation. The govemors are reSponsi￿e for keeping adequate accounting records that discl¢)se with reasonab￿ accuracy 8t any time the financial position of the charity and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements compty Trmlh the Companies Act 2006. They are also respcfisible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for tsking reasonablo steps for the prevention and detectil￿ of fraud and other irwulaJibes. 16- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Oplnion We have audited the finanaal statements of Birkenhe&J School (the 'chaIrt￿l and its subsidiatie5 {'the group) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprisè the consolidate statement of financial activities incI￿1ng an I￿orne and expenditure account. consolidated balarKe sheet. chartty balance sheet. Consolidated cash fiow statement and notes lo the financial ststements. including a summary of significant acGounling policies.. The financial reporting framework Ihal has been applied in their Fyeparation is a[￿lI(3b￿ law and United kn'ngdom Accounting Standards. including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting sfandard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Irel8nd (United lthngd(yn GenerallyAccepted Ac¢wnting PraCt￿e). In our opinion. the financial statements.. give a true fair view of the state of Ihe ¢haitsble companys affairs as at 31 August 2025 arrj of its incoming resources and apF4i(slion of resour￿. i￿L￿1ng its income and expenditure, for the year then have been prcywly wepared in accordan￿ United ￿ngdorn Generally Accepted Aceountirtg Practi￿.. and have been prepared in accordan￿ ￿ the requirements ofthe CompaniesAct 2006. Basss for opinion We conducted our audit in ac£ordance ￿ Inlernat50nal StarKlards on Auditing IUIQ IISA5 IUK)) and applicable law. Our responsibililies under those standards are further described in the Auditoffs wponsibilit￿S for the audit ol the financial st2tements section of our report. We are independent of the chanty in a(£ordance wth the ethical requiremenls that are relevant lo our audit of the financial statemen15 in the UK, inGluding the FRC'S Ethical Stsndard, and we have fulfilled our other ethieal ieskx)nsibililies in accordan￿ with these requirements_ We ￿lieve that the audit eviden￿ we have obtained is suificient arKI appropriate to wovyle a basis ￿ our opinion. Concluslons rPla￿n9 to going concgm In auditing the financial statements. we have conduded that Ihe govemors, use of the going con￿rn basis of accounting in the preparats.on of the financial statements 15 3ppropriale Based on the WOTk we have performed, we have not Klentsfied any material un￿rtaIntieS relating to events or conditions that, i[￿l￿duallY er colfectively. may cast ￿9n￿¢an1 doubt on thè thartty's ability lo continue as a going concem for a period of al least ￿1ve months from w*en the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our respOn￿billtieS and the respon￿bIll￿.es of the govemots wlh respect to going 0)n￿M are ¢*scribed in relevanl sections of this report. Other Infonnation The other infomiation comprises the Inf￿matiOn Ind￿ in the annual ieport other than the fina[￿la1 slalemenls and our auditor's report thereon. The govemors are responsible for the other irrf0tmatlc￿ contained within the annual report. Our gpinion on the finanoal statements does rK)t cover the olher infomiation and, except to the extent otherwise explKilly stated in our repor( we do not expTess any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is ID read the other inf0m￿tIOn and, in doing so. COn￿der whelher the other infomation is matèrially inconsistent with the financaal statements or our knO￿edge obtained in ttTre ctrjrse of the audrt, or otherwse appears to be materially misstated. If we identify suth material incon￿ste￿Ies or apparent material misstalemenls. we are required lo detemiine whether this gives nse lo a material rnisslatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we cc¥idude that the￿ is a material misstatement of this other information, we are requirèd lo report that fact. We have nothing lo rewjrt in this regard. BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Oplnlons on other matters p￿sCrfbed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in Ihe course of our audr(." the infom)ation given in the governors. report for the financial year for whith the finanoal slalements are prepared, which indudes the directors, report prepared for the purposes of company law. is consislent with the financial statements", and the éirectors, report induded within the govemors. report has teen prepared in accordance Mth applicable I￿al requiremenls. Matt&Ys on whlch we are requlred to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and underslanding of ts charity and its environment obtsined in the course of the audit, we have not identified m*erial misstatements in the direct￿$, rewt induded wthin the govemors, report. We have nothing lo report in resixrt of the folltr•ving matters in relatTron to which the Companies Act 20C6 tequiies us lo report lo you if, in our opinion.. adequate acccMJnlirg records have not been kepL or relums aleqLJate for our audit have not been received from br8nehes not visited by us.. c the financial slalements are not in agreement the aceounb.ng records and returns" or certain disck)sures of truslees, remuneration yified by law a￿ not made", or we have not received all the infomiation and explanabons we require for our audit., or the governors were not enliued lo prepare the financial statements in accordan￿ with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies. exemptions in preparing the wvernors, report and from the requirement lo prepare a strategic report. Responsibilitiwts of governors As explained more fijlly in the slalemenl of govemors. responsibilities, ￿ governors. WI￿ are also the directors of the eharity for the purpose of company law. are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a tNe and fair view, and for such intemal CA)ntrol as the goverrK>rs determine is necessary lo enable the preparation of finanaal 5tatemenls that are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error. In preparing Ihe financial statements. Ihe govemrs are ￿p(￿sible for assessing the charity's ability lo continue as a going concem, disdosing, as applicable, matters related lo going concern and using the going c¢neem basis of accounting unless the governors either intend to liquidate the charitable cowpany or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial 5tatsments Our obje¢lives are to oblain reasonable assuran￿ atx)ul whether the financial stslemenls as a whole are free material misstalemenl, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditofs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance ￿ is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance Tmth ISAS (UK) will a￿ayS éetect a material misstatement when it exists_ Misstatemènts (2n arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregale, they coukl ￿asOnablY be expected lo influen the economic decisions of users tsken on Ihe bags oflw finan￿al statements. The extent lo which our procedures are capable of delecb.ng irregulanb"e5, incjuding fraud. is detailed bek)w. 18- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Our approach to Klenlifying anrl assessing the risks of material misslatemenl in resperA of irregularrties, including fraud and non-compliance wth Lqws and regulations, was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the e￿agement team cojlectively had the appropriate compelents, capabilities and skills lo idenh.fy or reeconise non-eompliance applicatrAe laws and regula￿n$,. we identified Ihe laws and regulab.ons applicable to the school through discussions with Trustees and other management. and from our kr￿ledge arKI eX￿en￿ of aca(kmy seclor.. we focused on speofic laws and regulations Ithch we considered may have a direct rnaterial effect on the financial statements or the operations of the academy. induding the Companies Act 2006, data protection. antkbribery, employment, fot* hygiene ar￿ health and safety legislation.. we assessed the extent of (x)mpliance ￿th the laws and regulatr)ns identTfied above through making erwuiries of management leam and inswng legal correspondence,. and identffied laws 8nd regulations were communicated wthin the audit team regulady and the learn remained alert to instan￿S of noncompliance throughout the audiL We assessed the susceptibility of the sch￿1,$ financia ststemenls to material misstatement. including obtsining an understanding of how fraud mwJht OCLur. by". • making enquiries of management team as to they CA)n￿dered there was su5ceplibilty to fraud, their knowledge of actual. Suspected and alleged fraud." and considering the inlemal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non•compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management ￿a$ and oveuide of controls, we: perfomied analyb.cal procedures to identTfy any unusual or Unex1￿tte￿ relationships" tested joumal entries to identrfy Unusu￿ transacknons" assessed whether judgemen15 and a&wmpb"ons made in detemiining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias," and • investigated the ratIOr￿le behuKI Signifi￿nt or ￿uSUal transactions. In response to the risk of irregularities and Th)n-compllan￿ wilh laws and regulations. we designed procedures which included, but were not litnited to". agreeing financial ststement disdosu￿s to undevlwng suprx)rting drKumentstion.' enquiring of management as to actual and potential lff(igation and daims-, and reviewng eorrespondence with HMRC and rdevant regulators. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures de￿￿"bed above. The more removed thal laws and gulalions are from financial tranSatti¢Y￿, the less likdy it is that we wouhj becom& aware of non-compl1ar￿e. Auditing standards also limit the audrt prO￿dureS required io ￿Je￿￿"fy Th)n-compliance with laws and regulations Ic) erwuiry of the dIre￿or$ and ¢)ther management and the inspeeb'on of regulakny and legal corresponden￿, if any. Material rnisstalemants that arise due to fraud can be harder to deteGt than those that arise from error as they m8y involve delikerate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Finanual Reporttng Council's website at.. https.'11 .frc.org.ukJauditorsresponwbililies. This description lofflis part of our auditor's rewrt. Use ofour report Thrs report is made solely to the charitsble compary's members. as a body, in accordan￿ with Chapter 3 of Part le of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate to the GharitsLle company's member5 those matter5 we are required lo stste to thern in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To Ihe fullest extent permitted by law. we do not a￿ept or assume respon&bility lo anyone other than the charitable company and the charitsble company's members as a body. for our audit work, fot this teFK)rt. or for the opinions we have formed. 19- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL Helen Furlong FCCA (Senior Statutory Audltor) For and on behalf of . SlatutoryAuditor Chartered Ac¢ountants Date.. Tl ...o.4..I -20- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Current financlal year Unrestricted Restricted Endovmient funds funds 2025 2025 Total Total 2025 2025 2024 Income and endowments from: Donalions and legaoes Charitable acliwlies Other trading activities Inveslrllenls Other income 42,118 12.905,687 95,794 302,928 25,271 176,545 218.663 12.905,687 104.281 307.578 25,271 72,708 12,959,317 112,698 396,458 98,379 8,487 4,316 334 Total iTJcome and endowments 13,371.798 189,348 334 13,561.480 13.639,560 Expenditurn on: Raising funds Charitsble activities Other expenditure 353.546 12.780.869 353.546 12,918.831 334 295,557 12.755,331 901 137.962 13 334 Total expendituro 13,134.415 137,962 334 13,272,711 13.051,789 Nel gainsl(105sesl on investments 14 258.048 11.191) 256,857 814,107 Net ineomellexpenditurel 495.431 51.386 11,1911 $45,$26 1.401,878 Transfers b8trfftn funds {1.0751 1.075 Other recognised gains and losses: Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes 48.0 48,¢)00 42.000 Not movement in funds 10 542,356 52,461 11.1911 593,&26 1.443.878 Re¢onclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 S8pl8mb8r 2024 22,023,442 147,599 33.461 22,204,502 20,760,624 Fund balances at 31 August 2025 22.565.798 200,060 32.270 22.798,128 22.204,502 The statement of financial adiviliès indudes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All ineome and expendilure derive from continuing activities. 21 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Prlor financial yaar Unrestrfcted funds 2024 Restricted Endowment funds funds 2024 2024 Totsl 2024 Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other Itading activities Investments other income 2.141 12.959,317 99,854 392,447 98,379 70,567 72,708 12,959,317 112,698 396,458 98,379 12,844 3.110 901 Total Income and endovfflients 13.552,138 86,521 13.639,560 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable aclivits'e5 Other expenditure 295,557 12.750,517 295,557 12.755,331 901 4,814 13 901 Total expenditure 13.046.074 4,814 901 13.051,789 Net gainslllosses) on investments 14 811.615 2,492 814,107 Net Income 1.317.679 81,707 2,492 1.401.878 Transfers befvleen furNJs 73.114 (73.1141 Other recognlsed gaSns and10ssgs: Actuarial gains on defined berEfft pension sthemes 42.000 42,000 Nèt movement in funds 10 1.432.793 8,593 2,492 1,443.878 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 September 2023 20,590,649 139,0( 30.969 20,760,624 Fund balances at 31 August 2024 22,023,442 147,599 33.461 22,204,502 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 AUGUST2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments 16 17 12.508,671 8.346,159 12,817,890 7,196.617 20.854,830 20.014,507 Currènt as$ets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 18 3,346.807 4,245.307 S93,089 4,497,616 7.592.114 5.490,705 Creditors- amounts falling due within one year 19 (5,648.8161 {4,232,7101 N8t current assets 1.943.298 1,257,995 Total assets less current liabilities 22,798.128 21,272,502 Net assets excludlng penslon Illabllltyysurplus 22.798.128 21,272,502 Defined benefft ￿nSIOn Iliabilityllsurplus 20 932,000 Net assets 22,798.128 22,204,502 The funds ofthe charity Endowment funds Restricted income funds Unrestricied funds Pension reserve 26 23 24 32,270 200,060 22.501.798 64.000 33,461 147,599 21,091,442 932,000 22.798,128 22,204.502 The nancial statements were approved by the govemor5 On ......................... Mr M R Cashin hrtA Governor Company registration number 4492250 IEngland and Wales) -23- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 AUGUST2025 2025 2024 Notes Flx&d assets Tangible assels Investments 16 17 12,323.491 32,270 12,628,770 33,460 12,355,761 12.662,230 Current assèts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 18 3.728,886 3.740,208 1,421,048 3,278,788 7.469.094 4,699,838 Crèdltors: amounts falling due within one year 19 (5.637,8151 (4,223,282) Net current assets 1.831,279 476.554 Totsl assets less current liabilities 14.187,040 13.138.784 Net assets ex¢ludlng p¢nslon {Ilabllltyysurplus 14.187.040 13.138.784 Defined benefit pension Oiabilty)Isurplus 20 932.000 Net assets 14.187.040 14,070.784 The funds of the chaiity Endowment funds Unrestrided funds Pension reserve 26 24 32,270 14.154.770 33.461 13,105.323 932.000 14.187.040 14,070.784 The finan(aal statements were approved by the govemors on Ll. -.Q.4... Mr M R Cashin MA Governor Company registration number 4492250 IEnglarKI and ￿les} -24- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 2025 2024 Notes Cash flows from operallng acti¥[t￿S Cash generat&J fron operations 31 520.609 1.492,918 Investlng actlvltles Purchase oftangiblè fixed assets Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets Purchase of investments Proceeds from disposal of investments Investwnent income re￿Ned 1193.093) (482.550) 5.280 11.847,834) 955.151 307.578 {1,291.1 e3) 2,002,963 396,458 Not cash (used Inygonerated from Inve$15ng activities (772.918) 625.708 Net cash generated from flnan¢lng actlvltles Net Idecreaseyincrnasg in cash and cash equlvalents (252.309) 2,118.626 Cash and cash equwalents al beginning of year 4.497.616 2,378.￿0 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 4.245.307 4,497.616 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Accounting pollcles Charity information Birkenhead Schod is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The Tegistered office is The Lodge. 58 Bere5ford Road. Oxton. Wirral. Merwside. CH43 2JD. 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial 51aternenls have been prepared in accor(lance smth the chari￿$ goveming document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'Tr Financia Re￿)r￿ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland" and the Charfcieg SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charib"es'. Statement of Recom¥nended PiactiGe appli¢xble lo charilies ￿eparing their a￿unt$ in a¢wdance wth the Financial Repc+rting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irela￿￿ IFRS 102)" The charity is a Public Benefft Enlrty as (Èfined by FRS 102. The finane4al statements are preparad in sterting, %thich i8 the fun(*onal currerry of the charity. Monetsry amounts in Ih&%e finanaal stslements are rouThJed to the nearest £. The financial 5tstemenls have been prepared under historical cost convention, modified lo indude certain financial instruments al fair value. The winupal *counting polKies adopted are sel out belcvi. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the finarteial statements, the govemors have a reasonable expeclation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue In operattonal existence for the foreseeable ftjture. Thus the govemors continue to adopt going Conc￿ ba&s of a￿￿Untir￿d in preparing the financial stslements. 1.3 Charitsble funds Unrestncteé funds, whieh have not been designated for othèr pu￿Ses. are available fr)r use at ￿ discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general obj'ectives of ￿ charity. Donab"ons rewved ft)r the genetal purposes of the School are uedited lo unrestricted funds. Donations subject to specific wishes of the donors are carried to relevant restricted ftjnds or to endowment funds. where the amount is required to be held as permanent capital. Restricted funds are funds whith a￿ to be used in a￿￿rdarKe speofi¢ restr￿JOnS imposed by donors or which have been raised by the tharity for parbcular purposes. Endowment fiJrKIs are retained on trusl for the benefit of the d￿rity as a wjital fijnd. 1.4 Income Fees receivable and charges for services and use of pyemises are ￿)unte(l for in the per¢od in whith the service is provided. From 1 January 2025 811 taxable ineome is recognised net of VAT, VAT-exempt or non-laxable irKome r￿nISed on a gross basis. Fees are wesented indusive of bursary or assistance contributions and before any allowances or remissions. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. 0￿er donations are recognised once the charity has beèn notified Df the donation, unless performan￿ conditions require defetral tsf the amount. Income lax recoverable in relation to (k)nations received under G[ft￿"d or deeds of covenant i8 ￿￿niSed at Ihe lime of the d￿ation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or othemse rf the charity has been of an impending dtstn'bulion, the amoLJnt is known. and re￿Ipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a conlingenl asset BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Accounting policies Icontlnuedl 1.5 Expenditure Atl expenditure is £cccMJnled for on an acrJuals basis and has been dasg)led under headings th* aggregate all costs relating to the category. )￿ere costs cannot be diredy ?Itributed to partKular headiThJs, they have been allocated to activibe5 on a basis consistent wth use of the resources. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in supwwt of expendilure on the objects of the charity. The School awards Schola￿h1pS and Bursaries to some wpils. whieh have the effect of reducing the fees payable by the parents of those puwls. Sthdarships ate awarded for acaemiG merit and Bunsaties are awarded in response lo parentsl hardship. Awarcts are made using money from several sources, including that provided by The Bitkenhead SchcM)l Foundation Trust. the Okl Birkonian SOc￿ty and the Sch￿1,8 own funds 1.6 Tanglble fixed assets Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1.000 are inthally meosured at cost and subsequenuy measured al cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impaimient losses. Depreciakn"on is recognised so as to ￿lte off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Freehold buildings Fumiliure 8né equipment Motor vehides StravJhl line over 10 10 50 yeats Straight line over 2 10 10 years SlrawJhl line over 5 years Freehold land and assets in the course of constnjction are not deFJreciated. The gain or loss aiising on the disposal of an a55el is detemined as the drtye￿n￿ be￿n the sale pr￿eedS and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial adivities. 1.7 Flxed asset Investments Quoted investments are included in the financial statements al their market Value at the balance sheet d81e. Gains and losses arisiro on the disposal arNJ revalualion of investments a￿ (slculaled by reference to their book value and credited or charged lo the SOFA. Dividends and interest thereon are induded in the SOFA￿ a receivable ba￿s. 1.8 Impalm￿nt of fixed assets At each reporbng end date, the chanty reviews the (3rying amounts of rts langible assets lo determine whether there is any indication thal thos8 assets have suffered an impairmènt loss. If any SLJch Ind￿allon exists. the reCoVera￿e amounl of the asset is esbmaled in order to determine the e*(enl of the irnpaimienl loss Irf any). 1.9 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and ¢8sh equivalents include txh in hand. deposits hefd at call banks, other short-temi liquid investments wth OfigiF)al malurities of three mcfjths or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowros in (xjrrenl liabiltb"es. -27- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Account5ng pollclgs Icontlnued) 1.10 Flnancial instruments The charity has elected to ap￿Y the provisi{￿ of Section 11 'Bag¢ Finanual Instrumerrts. and Section 12 '0th8r Financjal Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all of its finanual instnjments. Financial instruments are recognised in the balance sheet when the charrty become5 patty to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are off5el. wth the nel amounts we5enled in the finanGial statements, when there is a leg811y enforcèable right lo set off the recognised amounts and there is an inlention lo settle on a net basis or to re￿Ise the asset and settle the liabilrty simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets. ￿l¢kn indLKle debt￿S and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction inclurfing transaction cosls and a￿ subsequentty (3rried at amortised cost using the effe¢tsve interest method unless the arrangemènt constilthes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured al the presenl value of the futu￿ T￿Ipts discounted al a market rate of inlerest. Fin￿la[ assets classtfied as reCeival￿e wthin one year are not amorbse¢. Basic financial liabilities BasiG financial 11a￿.1111e$, induding Credit￿ and bank loans are In￿allY re(ts3niseU al transaction Pri￿ unless the arrangement conslittjtes a finanong transaction. vthere the debt instrument is mèasured at the present value of the future payments discounted al a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable thin one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are sUbSequen￿Y carried at amortised cost. using the effecbve interest rate rnelhod. Trade creditors are obtigations to pay for g￿dS or Servi￿ that have been acqvired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amount5 payable are classffied as current liatmlilies rf payment is due within one year or less. If not. they are presented as norH￿rrent Iral)ililies. Trade creditors are recconised iniiially at transaction price and subsequently ffleasured at arno￿"Sed cost usirig tre èffective interest metht*. Derecognltlon of flnanclal IITabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Gharty's contraclual obligation5 expire or are discharged or eaneelled. 1.11 RÉtirerr￿nt ben8ffts The cost of providing benefits under defir￿ benefit ￿a￿S is determined separately for each plan using the projected unil credit method. and is based on actuarial adviee. The char￿e in the net defined benefit liaknlity ari%ing from employee seNTrce during the year is recognised as an employee cost. The cost of plan introduclions, benefft changes, settlements and curtailments are recognised as incurred. The net interesl elèment is delemiined by Muttl￿ng the nel defined benefit liability by the discount rate, taking into account any changes in the nel defined benefil liability during the period as a result rl contribution and benefrt payments. The net interest is recognised in inoynel{expenditure) for the year. Remeasurement Cha￿e$ comprise actuarial gains and losses. the effect of the assel ￿[ling and the retum on the net defined beneffit liability exduding amounts ind￿Jed in net inte￿$t. These are re¢ognised immediately in other recognised gains and losses in th8 wicxl in Ithith they occur and ar8 not reclassif18d to incomel lexpendilure) in subsequent periods. -28- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Accountlng poll¢les (Continu•d) The net defined benefft pensKJn asset or liability in balance sheet comprises the total for each plan of the present value of the defined benefit O￿l90tiOn (using a diswunt rate based on high qualty corporate bonds). less the fair value of plan assets out of whth the obligations are to be settled directly. Fair vakne is based on market price infomiab"on, and in the rase of quoted securibes is the published bid price. The value of a net pension benefit asset is limited to the amount that may be recovered eilher through reduced Contributions or agreed refunds from the scheme. Critical accounting 8stimatas and judgements In the appli(3bon of Ihe charity's accounling policies. the govemors a￿ required lo make jLKlgemenls, estimates and assumptions about the carying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on hislorical eXper1er￿ and other factors that are considered to ￿ relevant. Acaual resulls may dfftr from these estimates. The eskn"mate5 and underfying assumpb.ons are reviewed ¢)n an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the pwicKI in vthich the estimate ts revised vthere the revision affecis (￿lY that period. or in the period of the rewsion and fLrture ttric%ls where the revisK)n affects both current and ftjlure periods. Income from donations and legacles Unrestrlclgd Restrfcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gift5 42.118 176.545 218,663 2,141 70,567 72,708 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Income from charltsble acllvlllos Unrestricted funds 2025 Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Fees receivable Income Less bursaries. scholarships and dis¢ounts 12.343.528 11,120,220) 12.418,118 11,188,167) 11.223.308 11,229,951 Catgrlng In¢orn8 Income 851.089 813.296 Sehool trlps Income 430,002 520.386 Other income Income 401,288 395.684 24.128,995 24,189,268 Income from other tradlng actlyltles Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrictsd Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Totsl 2025 2024 School shop commi￿On Fundraising events Hire of frdcililies 17,249 17.249 8,487 78.545 15.300 15.300 12,844 84.554 8.487 12,844 78,545 84.554 Other trading actrvities 95,794 8.487 104,281 99,854 12,844 112,698 ) u> mi part of the fvnd. At1 Incomlng Resources September resources expended 2024 Transfers Galns and At 31 August 2025 Pemianent endowments Prize and scholarship fvnd 33.461 334 1334) 11,1911 32,270 -45- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 26 Endovfflientfunds-group and chartty Icontlnuedl Prevlous year: At1 September 2023 Incomlng rgsources Resoufces expended Transfers Galns and At 31 August losses 2024 Permanent endowments Prize and scholarship fvnd 30.969 901 {901) 2,492 33,461 27 Anatysls of net assets betweèn funds- group Unrestrkfed Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2025 2025 202S Total 2025 At 31 August 2025: Tangible assets Investments Current asselsllliabilitiesl 12.508,671 8.134,733 1.922,394 12,508,671 8,346.159 1.943,298 179,156 20,904 32,270 22.565.798 200,060 32.270 22.798,128 UnTe5triGted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 Total 2024 At 31 August 2024: Tar￿Ible assets Investments Current 8sseW{liabilit'es} Provisions and pensions 12,817.890 7.031.062 1.242,490 932.000 12,817,890 7,196,617 1.257,995 932,000 132,095 1 S.504 33.460 22.023.442 147,599 33,461 22.2Q4,502 BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 27 Analysis of net assets between funds - group {Contlnuedl Analysis of not assets between funds - Charity Unrestricted funds 2025 Re5triGted Endowment funds fvnds 2025 2025 Total 202S At 31 August 2025: Tangible assets Investments Current assetsllliabililiesl 12.323.491 12,508,671 8,346,159 1,943,298 32.270 1.831,279 14.154.770 32.270 22,798,128 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted Endowment funds ftjnds 2024 2024 Total 2024 At 31 August 2024: Tangible assets Investm8nts Current asselsllliabilities) Provisions arKI pensions 12.628.770 12,817,890 7,196,617 1,257,995 932.000 33,460 476.553 932,000 14.037.323 33,461 22,204,502 -47- BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2025 28 Financial commlbrents. guarantees and conlingent liabilltles On 5 July 2018, Birkenhead School ertered into a contract wilh Compass Contract Servi￿9 (UKI Limféed as the providei of catering and ￿lated seNices. The contract is for 10 years and may be letminaled by either party on the fi15t, third. fifth, or seventh anniversary of the Services C¢)mmencement dale. being 1st August 2018. As part of the contract Compass Contract Services (UK) Limited provided capital investment into the catering facilities to the value of £350.000_ If the agreement is terminated by etlher party earlier than 31 July 2028 for whatever reason. Birkenhead SGh(KJl must pay the following. together the value of any VAT chargèable ￿re￿." 31 July 2026 £SO.000 31 July 2027 £60.000 31 July 2028 £30.000 29 Operatlng lease comrnltments Lessee At the ￿p¢￿tIng end date the Charrty had oirtstanding COMM￿ents for future minimum lease payments urKlet non-cancellable operatiro leases, whith fall due a5 fotl¢Jw5". 2025 2024 Within one year Be￿een and five years 4,954 8,669 4.954 13.622 13,623 18,576 31 Cash generated from operntions 2025 2024 Surplus for the year 545,626 1,401,878 Adjustments for. Investsnenl income recognised in statement of finanoal activibes Lossl{gain) on disposal of invesknenls Fair value gains an¢f losses m investmenls Depreciation an(J impairment of tangible fixed assets Differen￿ between pension chargè and eash ¢￿tributIOnS 1307,5781 17,735 {274,594) 497,032 980.01)O (396,458} (246.431} {567,676 457.482 124.000) Movements in worklng capital: (Inc￿ase) in debtors Increase in Cr￿￿orS 12.353.718) 1,416,1C 143,5421 911,665 Cash generated from operations 520.609 1.492.918 32 Anaty¥is of Changes in nel funds The tharty had no material debt during the ye¥.