The Vine Christian School (Reading)
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Report of the Trustees for the year to 31 July 2025
Registered Charity Number;
1104385
Principal Address
Three Mile Cross Church Basingstoke Road Three Mile Cross Reading RG7 1AT
Trustees
Robert Wheeler Deon Esterhuizen James Neale
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of Trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The charity is governed by a declaration of Trust dated 10 June 2004.
Risk management
Risk assessment is an ongoing management process within the charity. Uppermost among those that have been identified is the risk of employing staff with inappropriate background records or experience who may be detrimental to the principles and values of the charity. In order to avoid that risk, all appointments are carefully considered to ensure that, as far as possible, that risk is minimized. The financial risks are centered on the need to ensure future funding, which is alleviated by healthy student numbers and fees.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity's principal activities comprise the advancement of education for children between the ages of 3 and 18 years that promotes the Christian Faith, in particular by the provision of a School based upon biblical principles, values and doctrines, that nurtures good character as well as high academic achievement.
Public benefit
The School provides education for students from all walks of life and, in particular, provides bursaries for children whose families are unable to meet the full costs of their education. By providing a fully rounded education to a high standard the school is able to bring students to maturity so that they can make a useful contribution to society as a whole. The bursary fund assists in meeting the public benefit requirement by providing funds for less advantaged students.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The school continued to use the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum system, which is used throughout the world, and which makes the Bible the point of reference in all subjects. Regular games and sporting activities took place throughout the year. Students collected food, for families around the world, and joined in the food. gives initiative through Barnabas Aid to help support Christian’s in need
After being approved for an increase in number from 30 to 50 students by the DfE, the school grew to 37 students on roll for the year 2024 – 2025.
In the academic year 2024 – 2025 the pupils’ average pass mark achieved over all subjects was 94.6%.
Our goal is to make our education affordable and accessible and so we continue to offer financial
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Report of the Trustees for the year to 31 July 2025
assistance as needed on a case-by-case basis.
The school had a standard inspection from Ofsted in November 2024, which resulted in the school achieving an overall grade of Good and an Outstanding for pupil behaviour.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The charity has succeeded in establishing its reputation in the field of Christian education within the area in which it is located, and the trustees aim to improve the quality of education to an increasing number of students in the coming years.
The school is continuing to develop material to complement the ACE curriculum which will enable students to have a broad and balanced education comparable to the national curriculum.
The school has been exploring options to renovate the courtyard space to improve student experience and to offer a wider variety of EYFS compliant learning through play options.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22[nd ] May 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr R Wheeler Chair
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees for the year to 31 July 2025
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ The Vine Christian School members of On accounts for the year 31[st] July 2025 Charity no 1104385 ended (if any) Set out on pages 4-5
Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. responsibilities of The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed . It is my responsibility to: 1 examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, 2 to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and 3 to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner’s statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:
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4 the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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5 the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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6 the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination. to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 28/5/2026 Signed:
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees for the year to 31 July 2025
Name: Rachel Eden Relevant professional CIMA (FCMA) qualification(s) or body: Address: Holy Brook Associates Thames Tower, Station Rd Reading RG1 1LX
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Accounts for the year to 31 July 2025
Income and Expenditure
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| Fund | Fund | ||||
| Notes | |||||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||||
| Incoming and endowments from | |||||
| Donations and Grants | 15,481 | - | 15,481 | 3,317 | |
| Incoming resources from charitable | |||||
| activities | |||||
| Education | 152,868 | - | 152,868 | 122,935 | |
| Miscellaneous income | 243 | - | 243 | 100 | |
| Total incoming resources | 168,592 | 168,592 | 126,352 | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||
| Charitable activities Education |
3 | 162,107 | - | 162,107 | 122,335 |
| Net incoming resources | 6,485 | 6,485 | 4,017 | ||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward |
29,183 | - | 29,183 | 25,167 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 35,668 | - | 35,668 | 29,183 |
The Vine Christian School (Reading)
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Accounts for the year to 31 July 2025
| FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Bank Cash CREDITORS Accounts Payable Parent deposits Other creditors Accruals Net current assets Net assets FUNDS Unrestricted; General Restricted; Bursary |
Note 2025 £ 4 4,462 2,123 34,290 430 36,289 2,123 1,250 794 915 5,082 31,207 35,668 35,668 - |
Note 2025 £ 4 4,462 2,123 34,290 430 36,289 2,123 1,250 794 915 5,082 31,207 35,668 35,668 - |
Note 2025 £ 4 4,462 2,123 34,290 430 36,289 2,123 1,250 794 915 5,082 31,207 35,668 35,668 - |
2024 £ 1,764 2,688 36,306 347 39,341 1,068 9,350 414 1,068 10,832 |
2024 £ 1,764 2,688 36,306 347 39,341 1,068 9,350 414 1,068 10,832 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31,207 | 27,419 | ||||
| 35,668 | 29,183 | ||||
| 35,668 - |
29.183 - |
||||
| 35,668 | 29,183 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 22[nd] May 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mr D Esterhuizen Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Vine Christian School (Reading)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
1 ACCOUNTING
POLICIES Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2021
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts present a true and fair view and the accounting policies adopted are those outlined in this note.
No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period.
No material prior-year errors have been identified in the reporting period
1.1 Income
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when:
-
the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
-
it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and
-
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Offsetting
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.
Grants and Donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met. In the case of performance related grants, income must only be recognised to the extent that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to the grant only occurs when the performance related conditions are met
Government Grants
The charity has not received government grants in the reporting period.
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
Contractual Income and performance relates grants
This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or services or met the performance related conditions.
Donated Goods
Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised as an expense at the carrying amount of the stocks at distribution.
Donated goods for resale are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale, and recognised in 'Income from other trading activities' with the corresponding stock recognised in the balance sheet. On its sale the value of stock is charged against 'Income from other trading activities' and the proceeds from sale are also recognised as 'Income from other
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The Vine Christian School (Reading)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
trading activities'. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as income from donations when receivable.
Donated services and facilities
Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.
Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.
Support Costs
The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
Support Income from interest, royalties and dividends
This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
1.2 Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
School equipment
- 25% on reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise then specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
None of the trustees received any payment or benefits relating to their work as a trustee.
In addition, one trustee was reimbursed a total of £234.00 for expenses incurred on the charity (2023 £329.00)
Trustees made payments totaling £18,795 as school fees.
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The Vine Christian School (Reading)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
| 3 | STAFF COSTS | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Wages and salaries | 94,124 | 71,441 | |
| Pension | 4,039 | 3,442 | |
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: | |||
| Teaching | 6 | 6 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. The charity operated a defined contribution pension scheme the cost of which is included above.
| 4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computers & COST At 1 September 2024 Additions in the year As at 31 July 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 September 2024 Charge for the year As at 31 July 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 5. INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Grants and Donations Donations Incoming resources from charitable activities School Fees Pre-School Fees Other incoming resources Miscellaneous income Total incoming resources |
2025 £ 15,481 152,868 243 168,592 |
Equipment £ 8,458 4,185 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,643 | ||
| 6,694 1,487 |
||
| 8,181 | ||
| 4,442 | ||
| 1,764 | ||
| 2024 £ 3,317 122,935 - 100 |
||
| 126,352 |
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The Vine Christian School (Reading)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
6. RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities
| Wages and Social Security Pensions Teaching Materials School trips and sport IT software and consumables Training Insurance Travel Refurbishment Depreciation Office Expenses Bursary (includes unrestricted contribution) Total resources expended |
94,124 4,039 14,839 21,623 1,661 1,338 1,140 1,034 125 1,487 15,152 4,545 162,107 |
71,441 3,442 11,249 11,005 - 2,246 1,082 757 12 588 18,008 2,200 |
|---|---|---|
| 122,030 |
6. Independent Examiners renumeration
Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees paid to the independent examiner’s firm (covering payroll and accounts preparation)
| This year £ |
Last year £ |
|---|---|
| £300+VAT | £300+VAT |
| £1,241.27+VAT | £1494.80+VAT |
7. Related Party Transactions
There were disclosable related party transactions as two staff members are close family members of trustees as follows:
| Name of trustee or connected party | Legal authority (eg order, governing document) |
Amounts paid or benefit value | Amounts paid or benefit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| This year £ |
Last year £ |
||
| R Esterhuizen – Close family member of trustee | Governing document | 28,709.57 | 17,580.78 |
| S Neale – Close family member of trustee | Governing document | 15,475.95 | 12,017.57 |
| Total | 44,185.52 | 29,598.35 |
In addition, Trustees or their close family members made payments towards school fees on the same basis as other pupils totaling £22,980 (previous year £18,795) as disclosed above.
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Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2025
8. Movement in Funds
| 2025 | Opening balance | Movement | Closing balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | 29,183 | 6,485 | 35,668 |
| Bursary (restricted) | - | - | - |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 29,183 | 6,485 | 35,668 |
| 2024 | Opening balance | Movement | Closing balance |
| Unrestricted funds | 23,297 | 5,887 | 29,183 |
| Bursary (restricted) | 1,870 | (1,870) | - |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 25,167 | 4,017 | 29,183 |