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2025-08-31-accounts

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (A charitable company Limited by Guarantee)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Company Number: 02804495 Registered Charity Number: 1118159

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Administrative Information 1
Trustees’ Report 2
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of The Wells Cathedral School Foundation 8
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Accounts 14

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr Chris Seaton BSc (Hons) (Chair)
Mr David Brown MA, OBE
Mr Max Costantini
Mr Alan Durrant BSc (Econ)
Mr Philip Lemanski MA (Oxon), FCA
Mr Tim Lewis BA (Cantab), FCA
Mrs Melissa Potter BA (Hons)
Mrs Charlotte Sheaf BSocSc
Mr Alastair Tighe MA (Cantab)
Company Secretary Mr Robert McCartney BSc (Hons), FCA
Registered and Principal OfficeWells Cathedral School, Limited
College Road
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2SX
Independent Auditor Crowe U.K. LLP
4thFloor
St James House
St James Square
Cheltenham
GL50 2PR
Bankers National Westminster Bank PLC
7 High Street
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2AD
Connected Charity Wells Cathedral School, Limited (Charity No. 310212)
The Bursary
College Road
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2SX

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025. The Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Charities’ Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) issued in October 2019. These Financial Statements form part of the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Wells Cathedral School, Limited (“the School”) for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Structure, governance and management

The Wells Cathedral School Foundation (“the Foundation”) is registered with the Charity Commission (Registered Charity Number: 1118159) and was incorporated on 28 February 2007 as a registered company, Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital. The Foundation was created to act as the legal entity for the recording and control of all fundraising activity on behalf of the School.

Charitable Benefit

The Foundation’s charitable benefit is to raise income for the School and the parents of its pupils in the form of bursaries and grants, and for the purchase of equipment and facilities for the use of its pupils.

Charitable Objectives

The Foundation’s objectives as set out in its Memorandum and Articles are as follows:

The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Foundation’s aims and objectives and in the planning of future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities for the year will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Our Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year, and up to the date of signing the Financial Statements, are listed below. The Trustees of the Foundation are directors of the Foundation for Companies Act 2006 purposes.

Mr Christopher Jackson MA (Hons), OBE, SBS, (Chair – until March 2025) (resigned 25 March 2025) Mr Chris Seaton BSc (Hons) (Chair – from April 2025)

Mr David Brown MA, OBE

Mr Max Costantini Mr Alan Durrant BSc (Econ) Mrs Ann Gummer BSc (Hons) (resigned 8 October 2024) Mr Philip Lemanski MA (Oxon), FCA Mr Tim Lewis MA (Cantab), FCA Mrs Melissa Potter BA (Hons) Mrs Charlotte Sheaf BSocSc (appointed 8 October 2024) Mr Alastair Tighe MA (Cantab)

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (cont’d)

The Foundation’s Executive Board comprises the Chair of the Foundation, an elected School Governor, the Head Master of the School and an elected Foundation Trustee. These four “member” Trustees are joined by the other Trustees in the running of the Foundation and in all appropriate Board meeting decisions but only the member Trustees have the power to vote at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The member Trustees are Mr Chris Seaton (Chair); Mr Tim Lewis; Mr Alastair Tighe; and, Mr David Brown. A maximum of 25 Trustees may be appointed to the Board.

Recruiting and Training of Governors

The Trustees are appointed at a meeting of the Board on the basis of nominations agreed between the Chair, the Head Master of the School and the Director of Development and Head of the Foundation (“Head of Foundation”), having regard to the Board’s requirements concerning eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and availability for meetings. New Trustees are inducted into the working of the Foundation, including its aims and objectives, by the Chair and the Head of the Foundation. A document outlining the responsibilities and expectations of the Trustees is provided to all prospective Trustees.

Fundraising compliance

As required under S162A of the Charities Act 2011, the Foundation has continued to undertake fundraising activities during the year using its database, as in previous years. These fundraising activities have been undertaken by staff employed by the School and no external persons have been used. The Foundation voluntarily subscribes to the Fundraising Regulator which holds the Foundation to the Code of Fundraising Practice. Over the course of the financial year there have been no failures to comply with the Code, nor have any complaints been received.

Safeguarding Policy

In order to protect vulnerable people the Foundation complies with the School’s Safeguarding Policy to report concerns of abuse, as well as complying with guidance in the Fundraising Code of Practice and shared by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Indemnity Insurance

As permitted by the Articles of Association, the Trustees are the beneficiaries of a qualifying third party indemnity as defined by Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006. The School also purchased and maintained throughout the financial year Governors’ and Officers’ liability insurance in respect of itself, its Governors and the Trustees of the Foundation.

The cost of insurance which is included in the cost of public liability cover in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the School, amounted to £29,310 (2024: £29,309) in the year for the School and Foundation.

Statement of Going Concern

In their consideration of the presumption of going concern as the basis for the preparation of the Report and Financial Statements, the Trustees have concluded that no material uncertainties have been identified that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Foundation to continue as a going concern.

The Trustees therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Foundation has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the going concern basis continues to be adopted in preparing the Financial Statements.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (cont’d)

Organisational Management

The Foundation’s fundraising and related activities are carried out by staff of the School’s Development Office, managed in the year by the Head of the Foundation, and supported by the School’s Development Committee. An allocation of the Development Office’s operating costs, including School staff costs and other direct costs associated with the Foundation, which are borne by the School, has been made to the Foundation based on time actually spent by the Development Office’s staff on the Foundation’s affairs. These operating expenses from the School of £83,979 (2024: £69,610) are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities in operating expenses and income from the School of £83,979 (2024: £69,610) recognised as “Gift in kind – School” in Income from Charitable Activities.

The Head of the Foundation is responsible for maintaining the operational processes required to run the Foundation, and for providing professional advice and strategic direction in fundraising, communications and alumni relations. The Head of the Foundation is supported by a part-time Development Officer and part-time Administrative Assistant, plus marketing and other support as required. Staff pay is set by the School. Benchmarking with comparable salaries is achieved through visiting websites such as Pay Scale, the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (“ISBA”) and the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (“IDPE”).

STRATEGIC REPORT

The new Development Director & Head of the Foundation took up post in April 2025, and set about building on the six-year Strategy for the Foundation, in alignment with the School’s Wells 2030 plan. The Strategy sets out our aims, to build relationships with our global Wellensian Community that last a lifetime, and raise sustainable revenue that meets the needs of the School with a broad fundraising portfolio that supports inclusivity.

We intend to achieve this by delivering against five clear strategic objectives:

The Play Your Part campaign underpins all of the Foundation’s engagement and fundraising activity, encouraging and enabling the Wellensian Community and friends to get involved and make a difference. In the last year, we have:

In the coming year, we plan to build on the successes of 2024-25 and encourage our community to Play Their Part in whichever way they can – whether that’s setting up a regular gift; leaving a gift in their Will; coming to an alumni event; or, offering career advice to a peer.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (cont’d)

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year, the Foundation received £123,581 (2024: £125,506) in financial contributions in the form of donations and legacies, which is a decrease of 2% (2024: a decrease of 20%) in incoming resources.

The Foundation’s net movement in funds during the year was a surplus of £115,078 (2024: a surplus of £129,567).

Investment Policy, Powers and Performances

In accordance with the Trust Deed, Trustees of the Foundation may authorise the funds of the Foundation to be invested in any stocks, shares or insurance policies. Endowment Funds are defined as donations made to the School in perpetuity, the income from which is to be used for the benefit of future pupils. The investment objective is to outperform the MSCI Wealth Management Association Growth Index return.

The objective of the portfolio is to grow the capital over time, such that, in the future, the portfolio is of sufficient size to meaningfully contribute towards the advancement of education. The portfolio achieved a positive return, net of all costs, of 6.1% over the twelve months to the end of August, compared with a return of 12.3% in the prior year. Over the same timeframe the MSCI PIMFA Growth Index increased by 10.5%. The portfolio of investments was well balanced and diversified in line with the agreed medium level of risk and the criteria set out in the wider investment policy. It should be noted that equity indices remain heavily concentrated in a small number of interconnected digital businesses which are perceived to be beneficiaries of Artificial Intelligence, and over this twelve-month period market index performance was primarily driven by these companies. Since the end of August the portfolio has been liquidated in order to provide a cash reserve.

The Foundation’s Endowment Funds have been entrusted to Evelyn Partners to invest in a portfolio of equities, funds, bonds and cash. The investment is classed as a non-current asset as it will be held for longer than twelve months. The investment objectives and risk parameters are reviewed every year by the Foundation’s Investment Committee.

Any gains and losses on sale or revaluation of investments are recorded within the Statement of Financial Activities.

The Foundation adopts the “Total Return” approach to investments which are considered to be permanent endowments under which, once the value of the permanent endowments reaches a sufficient amount, the total returns earned on the investments will be available to be used to award bursaries to pupils of the School, consistent with the Foundation’s objectives.

Political and Charitable Contributions

The Foundation made no political or charitable contributions during the year under review (2023: £nil) other than donations to the School of £36,832 (2024: £137,933), as disclosed in its Statement of Financial Activities. The Foundation’s grant making policy is to make donations only to the School.

Reserves Policy

The Foundation had unrestricted general funds of £206,336 (2024: £222,095) at the year end. The policy of the Trustees is to use available unrestricted general funds for bursaries, other financial assistance for pupils and the general expenses of the Foundation. At the year end, it had restricted funds of £499,154 (2024: £418,573) and endowment funds of £1,174,797 (2024: £1,124,541), giving a total of £1,880,287 (2024: £1,765,209).

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (cont’d)

Risk Management

The Trustees have considered the principal areas of the Foundation’s operations and assessed the major risks faced in each of these areas. They have identified the following risks and controls:

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with the going concern basis under the historic cost convention, with the exception of listed investments which are held at fair value, in accordance with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom including the Financial Reporting Standard 102, ‘the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102) Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ (“the Charities SORP”), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Foundation and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the Foundation for the year. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that adequate accounting records are kept by the Foundation that are sufficient to show and explain the Foundation’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Foundation and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the Foundation’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Foundation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (cont’d)

Statement on Disclosure of Information to the Auditor

So far as each Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Foundation’s auditor is unaware. The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the page of the School’s website dealing with the Foundation. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Independent Auditor

Crowe U.K. LLP have indicated their willingness to accept reappointment as the Foundation’s auditors and a resolution for their reappointment will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

In preparing this report, Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies’ exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Trustees on 10 March 2026 and signed on their behalf:

Mr Chris Seaton

Chair of Trustees

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Wells Cathedral School Foundation (“the charitable company”) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report included within the Trustees’ report.

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

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement on page 6, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set out below.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charity operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, together with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charity’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company for fraud.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, and the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management and the Investment Committee about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non- compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Tara Westcott

Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of Crowe U.K. LLP Statutory Auditor 4th Floor, St James House St James Square Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 3PR 16 March 2026

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account)

Note Note EndowmentRestrictedUnrestricted EndowmentRestrictedUnrestricted EndowmentRestrictedUnrestricted
Total
Total
funds funds funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME FROM:
Donations & Legacies 3 - 109,981 13,600 123,581 125,506
Investment income 8, 9, 10 25,561 - 5,568 31,129 29,390
Gifts in kind - School 11 - - 83,979 83,979 69,610
Event Income - - 1,636 1,636 -
Total Income 25,561 109,981 104,783 240,325 224,506
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities –
donations to School 9 - (36,832) - (36,832) (137,933)
Raising funds – operating
costs 11 (8,812) - (120,338) (129,150)
(78,583)
Other expenditure 4 - (1,623) (204) (1,827)
(3,395)
Total expenditure (8,812) (38,455) (120,542) (167,809)
(219,911)
Gain on investments 5,8, 9 42,562 - - 42,562 124,972
Net (expenditure)/
income 59,311 71,526 (15,759) 115,078 129,567
Transfers between
funds (9,055) 9,055 - - -
Net movement in funds 50,256 80,581 (15,759) 115,078 129,567
Fund balances brought
forward at
1 September 2024 1,124,541 418,573 222,095 1,765,209 1,635,642
Fund balances carried
forward at
31 August 2025 13 1,174,797 499,154 206,336 1,880,287 1,765,209

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. Full comparative figures for the year ended 31 August 2024 are shown in Note 16.

The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Note 2025 2024
£ £
£

£
Fixed assets
Investments 5 1,366,768
1,303,002
Current assets
Debtors 6 19,130 45,149
Cash at bank and in hand 517,022 427,453
Total current assets 536,152 472,602
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year 7 (22,633) (10,395)
Net current assets 513,519
462,207
Total assets less current liabilities 1,880,287
1,765,209
Net assets 1,880,287
1,765,209
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds 8 1,174,797
1,124,541
Restricted funds 9 499,154 418,573
Unrestricted funds 10 206,336
222,095
Total charity funds 1,880,287
1,765,209

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Small Companies’ Regime of the Companies Act 2006.

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 10 March 2026, and were signed on their behalf by:

Mr Chris Seaton Mr Tim Lewis Chair of Trustees Trustee

Company Registration No.: 02804495

The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these accounts.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Company status

The Foundation is a charitable company, registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 02804495) limited by guarantee, and not having a share capital. The member Trustees undertake to contribute to the assets of the Foundation in the event of it being wound up, either whilst members or within one year of their membership ceasing. The maximum contribution required from each member would be £1.

The Foundation is also a charity registered in England and Wales (Charity Number: 1118159).

The Foundation’s registered and principal address is The Bursary, College Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2SX.

2. Accounting policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Foundation’s financial statements. There have been no material changes to accounting policies since the prior year.

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis under the historic cost convention with the exception of listed investments which are held at fair value, in accordance with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom including the Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102), Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102) 2015 ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ (“the Charities SORP”), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

The Foundation has taken advantage of the exemption from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement in accordance with section 1.12 of FRS102.

The Foundation is a public benefit entity and its functional and presentational currency is the pound sterling.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

i) Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Trustees consider this to be appropriate.

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Foundation has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and consider that there are no material uncertainties over the Foundation’s financial viability. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

2. Accounting policies (cont’d)

ii) Income

Income in furtherance of the Foundation’s activities is represented by:

iii) Accrued Income

When, as a result of performing a service or otherwise meeting the requirements of any arrangements with a third party, income falls due but has not been invoiced at the year end, an accrual is made for this income.

iv) Expenditure

All expenditure is included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis. Costs directly attributable to a specific expense heading are allocated to that heading.

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred and in the following categories:

v) Investments

In accordance with the Trust Deed, the Trustees of the Foundation may authorise its funds to be invested in any stocks, shares, or insurance policies. The Trustees’ aim is to generate long-term total return from endowment funds invested, combining both capital growth and income, and to invest other funds received in bank deposits and bonds at attractive rates of interest. The basis for determining fair value is the quoted market price in an active market.

Any gains and losses on sale or revaluation of investments are recorded within the statement of financial activities.

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THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

2. Accounting policies (cont’d)

v) Investments (cont’d)

The Foundation adopts the “Total Return” approach to investments which are considered to be permanent endowments under which, once the value of the permanent endowments reaches a sufficient amount, the total returns earned on the investments will be available to be used to award bursaries to pupils at the School.

vi) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand.

vii) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Foundation has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

viii) Endowment funds (restricted) Endowment funds are defined as donations made to the School in perpetuity, and the total returns approach is applied such that the income from them is to be used for the benefit of future pupils.

ix) Restricted funds

These funds have been donated for specific purposes, such as bursaries or projects.

x) Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Foundation. In addition to expenditure on the principal activities of the Foundation, such funds may be held in order to finance working capital.

xi) Financial instruments

The Foundation has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. These are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their amortised cost or fair value depending on the nature of the financial instrument.

xii) Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimation of Uncertainty

Estimates and judgements are continually made and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The accruals and prepayments are calculated based on firm or historical evidence, except pledges which are included based on a firm judgement by the Foundation.

16

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

3. Donations and Legacies

3. Donations and Legacies
2025 2024
£ £
Trusts 30,415 13,000
Legacies 8,450 42,038
Corporate 550 1,382
Individuals 84,166 69,086
123,581 125,506
4. Expenditure
2025 2024
£ £
Professional fees 1,611 3,327
Bank charges 216 68
1,827 3,395
Auditor’s remuneration is borne by the School.
5. Investments
2025 2024
£ £
Investments at valuation
At 1 September 2024 1,303,002 1,161,052
Additions 186,499 309,733
Disposals proceeds (520,601) (276,581)
Gain on investment portfolio 44,312 125,492
Cash management movement 353,610 (16,174)
Gain on cash management (54) (520)
1,366,768 1,303,002
These balances can be further analysed as:
Cash held 364,565 10,792
Investments 1,002,203 1,292,210
1,366,768 1,303,002

The investments are represented by the following funds:

Endowed funds £1,185,091 (2024: £1,127,980) Restricted funds £181,677 (2024: £175,022)

17

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

5. Investments (cont’d)

The investments consist of a portfolio of equities, funds, bonds and cash managed by Evelyn Partners, the majority of which comprise UK assets. They are categorised as noncurrent assets as they are held for longer than 12 months.

The objective of the portfolio is to grow the capital over time, such that, in the future, the portfolio is of sufficient size to meaningfully contribute towards the advancement of education. The portfolio achieved a positive return, net of all costs, of 6.1% over the twelve months to the end of August, compared with a return of 12.3% in the prior year. Over the same timeframe the MSCI PIMFA Growth Index increased by 10.5%. The portfolio of investments was well balanced and diversified in line with the agreed medium level of risk and the criteria set out in the wider investment policy. It should be noted that equity indices remain heavily concentrated in a small number of interconnected digital businesses which are perceived to be beneficiaries of Artificial Intelligence, and over this twelve-month period market index performance was primarily driven by these companies. Since the end of August the portfolio has been liquidated in order to provide a cash reserve.

6. Debtors

6.
Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Accrued income 19,130 45,149
19,130 45,149

7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

7.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals 7,404 3,825
Amounts owed to ultimate holding company 15,229 6,570
22,633 10,395

8. Endowment funds

8.
Endowment funds
2025 2024
£ £
At 1 September 2024 1,124,541 1,002,500
Income from investments 25,561 22,437
Operating costs (8,812)
(5,568)
Unrealised gains on investments 42,562 124,972
Transfers to restricted funds (9,055)
(19,800)
At 31 August 2025 1,174,797 1,124,541

18

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

8. Endowment funds (cont’d)

The endowment fund represents part of the investment portfolio held by Evelyn Partners. The endowment funds are defined as donations for bursaries made to the School in perpetuity, the income from which is to be used as bursaries for the benefit of future pupils.

9. Restricted Funds

9.
Restricted Funds
Balance at Balance at
1 Sep 24 Incoming Outgoing Transfer 31 Aug 25
£ £ £ £
£
Legacies 27,688 - - -
27,688
Cedars Hall Project 2,638 - - - 2,638
Bursaries – General 76,564 17,019 (16,400) - 77,183
Wells Music Society Hong Kong
727
- (1,610) - (883)
Bursaries – Music Travel 3,202 708 - - 3,910
Bursaries – Sport Travel 2,727 61 (400) - 2,388
Bursaries – Music 4,029 450 - - 4,479
Junior Instruments 5 - - - 5
Sierra Leone 3,236 1,069 (3,421) - 884
String Department 26,445 9,500 (3,437) - 32,508
Woodwind Department 3,379 600 (1,000) - 2,979
Music Department 3,889 - - - 3,889
David Nasmyth 1,000 - - - 1,000
St Brandon’s Fund * 54,058 - (3,200) 2,795 53,653
Quilter Family Bursary Fund 23,139 13,159 - - 36,298
Choralia tour 1,480 - - - 1,480
Russell Fox Heath Trust * 116,968 - (2,610) 6,260 120,618
Alan Powell Fund 6,470 - (690) - 5,780
Charitable Volunteering Fund 21,210 - - - 21,210
Drama Fund 158 - - - 158
Sport 8,737 62,500 (9,486) -
61,751
Football Equipment 12 - - - 12
Music Anxiety Fund 2,975 - - - 2,975
Well Being Fund 2,920 - (401) - 2,519
Sixth Form Centre Fund 1,350 - - - 1,350
Hockey Department 144 - - - 144
Art Department 23,423 - 4,200 - 27,623
Wellensian Association - 4,915 - - 4,915
418,573 109,981 (38,455) 9,055
499,154

19

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

9. Restricted Funds (cont’d)

Comparative Statement of Restricted Funds for the year ended 31 August 2024:

Balance at Balance at Balance at
1 Sep 23 Incoming Outgoing Transfer 31 Aug 24
£ £ £ £ £
Legacies 26,150 1,538 - - 27,688
Cedars Hall Project 2,013 625 - - 2,638
Bursaries – General 76,906 14,658 (15,000) - 76,564
Wells Music Society Hong Kong 4,003 - (3,276) - 727
Bursaries – Music Travel 5,375 737 (2,910) - 3,202
Bursaries – Sport Travel 2,927 - (200) - 2,727
Bursaries – Music 3,591 438 - - 4,029
Roland Jacob Award 50 - (50) - -
Junior Instruments 5 - - - 5
Sierra Leone 3,711 75 (550) - 3,236
String Department 20,145 7,500 (1,200) - 26,445
Woodwind Department 2,329 1,050 - - 3,379
Music Department 3,239 650 - - 3,889
David Nasmyth 1,000 - - - 1,000
St Brandon’s Fund * 48,781 - (1,000) 6,277 54,058
Quilter Family Bursary Fund 2,781 20,358 - - 23,139
Choralia tour 1,148 332 - - 1,480
Russell Fox Heath Trust * 105,445 - (2,000) 13,523 116,968
Alan Powell Fund 7,945 - (1,475) - 6,470
Charitable Volunteering Fund
21,210
- - - 21,210
Drama Fund 158 - - - 158
Sport 8,437 300 - - 8,737
Football Equipment 12 - - - 12
Music Anxiety Fund 4,450 - (1,475) - 2,975
Ukraine Disaster Relief Fund 523 - (523) - -
Well Being Fund 2,796 124 - - 2,920
Sixth Form Centre Fund 7,100 150 (5,900) - 1,350
Hockey Department 144 - - - 144
Brass Department 895 - (895) - -
Art Department 91,120 - (67,697) - 23,423
Turkey Earthquake Fund 1,505 - (1,505) - -
455,894 48,535 (105,656) 19,800
418,573

20

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

9. Restricted Funds (cont’d)

The Russell Fox Heath Trust provides funds for those undertaking outdoor expeditions both within and outside of School. The Outdoor Education Department applies to the Trustees of the fund for funds, as do pupils of the School for their individual expeditions.

The Art Department Fund is to facilitate upgrading the Art Department facilities.

The St Brandon’s Fund makes awards to former pupils of the St Brandon’s School in Weston-Super-Mare and their relatives who attend Wells Cathedral School. Awards are made at the discretion of the School Bursar.

General Bursaries are awards made to support pupils, in conjunction with the School and other external trusts, to attend Wells Cathedral School.

10. Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Balance at Balance at
1 Sep 24 Interest Incoming Outgoing 31 Aug 25
£ £ £ £ £
General Funds 222,095 5,568 99,215 (120,542)
206,336

Unrestricted funds comprise gifts or donations made to the Foundation that are not committed to any project being undertaken by the Foundation. The Trustees determine how such funds shall be used.

Comparative Statement of Unrestricted Comparative Statement of Unrestricted Funds for the year ended 31 August 2024 Funds for the year ended 31 August 2024 Funds for the year ended 31 August 2024
Balance at Balance at
1 Sep 23 Interest Incoming Outgoing 31 Aug 24
£ £
£
£ £
General Funds 177,248 6,953
146,581
(108,687)
222,095

11. Remuneration of the Trustees

The Foundation had no employees in either this or the preceding financial year and therefore no employee earned more than £60,000 in the current or previous year. The Trustees did not receive any emoluments, benefits or reimbursement of expenses during the year (2024: Nil).

21

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

12. Financial Instruments

The Foundation has the following financial instruments:

Financial assets that are measured at amortised cost 2025 2024
£ £
Debtors 19,130 45,149
Financial assets that are measured at fair value 2025 2024
£ £
Investments 1,366,768 1,303,002
Financial liabilities that are measured at amortised cost 2025 2024
£ £
Accruals 22,633 10,395

13. Allocation of Net Assets

The net assets are held for the various funds as follows:

Fixed Net current Total
assets assets 2025
£ £ £
Endowment Funds 1,185,091 (10,294) 1,174,797
Restricted Funds 181,677 317,477 499,154
Unrestricted Funds - 206,336 206,336
1,366,768 513,519 1,880,287

Comparative Allocation of Net Assets for the year ended 31 August 2024:

Fixed Net current Total
assets assets 2024
£ £ £
Endowment Funds 1,127,980 (3,439) 1,124,541
Restricted Funds 175,022 243,551 418,573
Unrestricted Funds - 222,095 222,095
1,303,002 462,207 1,765,209

22

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

14. Connected Parties

Wells Cathedral School, Limited (“the School”) is a connected charity and parent within the terms of the SORP in that it has common, parallel or related objects and activities and unity of administration.

The School funded the initial set up costs of the Foundation and will fund certain ongoing costs of operation of the Foundation as agreed in the ‘memorandum of understanding’ between the School and the Foundation. In 2025, the Foundation’s operating costs of £83,979 (2024: £69,610) were recharged to the School.

The staff employed by the School were paid £78,138 (2024: £70,169), £59,187 (2024: £37,750) of which is incorporated in the operating expenses and gifts in kind from the School of £83,979 (2024: £69,610), the balance of £18,951 (2024: £32,419) being borne by the Foundation. The remainder of the gift in kind from the School of £24,792 (2024: £31,860) comprises expenses borne by the Foundation for office administration, travel and events of the Foundation.

There were transactions with the School of £36,832 (2024: £137,933) during the year representing donations for bursaries and specific projects, and a total of £Nil (2024: £Nil) pledges were due to the Foundation at the year end.

During the year 2 Trustees (2024: 1 Trustee) was a parent of a pupil at the School and paid fees on the same terms as any other parent and received the benefits of appropriate discounts where appropriate.

During the year, no Trustee (2024: Nil) donated to the Foundation.

The results of the Foundation have been consolidated with those of the School. A copy of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025 are available from the Company Secretary of the School at the registered address.

15. Taxation

The Foundation is not liable to taxation on the revenue from its primary activities or on its investment income as it is a registered charity.

23

THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont’d)

16. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024

Comparative results for the year ended 31 August 2024:

Endowment Restricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and Legacies - 48,535 76,971 125,506
Income from investments 22,437 - 6,953 29,390
Gifts in kind – School - - 69,610 43,634
Total Income 22,437 48,535 153,534 224,506
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities – donations
to School - (102,329) (35,604) (137,933)
Raising funds – operating costs (5,562) - (73,021)
(78,583)
Other expenditure (6) (3,327) (62)
(3,395)
Total Expenditure (5,568) (105,656) (108,687)
(219,911)
Net gains / (losses) on
investments 124,972 - - 124,972
Net (expenditure) / income and
net movement in funds 141,841 (57,121) 44,847 129,567
Transfer between funds (19,800) 19,800 - -
Fund balance brought
forward at 1 September 1,002,500 455,894 177,248 1,635,642
Fund balances carried
forward at 31 August 1,124,541 418,573 222,095 1,765,209

24