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← Children's University Trust

2025-03-31-accounts

Company number: 6018900 Charity Number: 1118315 (England and Wales) SC052423 (Scotland)

Children's University Trust

Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

Children’s University Trust

Reference and administrative information

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Company number 6018900

Charity number 1118315 (England and Wales) SC052423 (Scotland)

Registered office and operational address c/o Slade & Cooper Limited, Beehive Mill, Jersey Street, Manchester M4 6JG

Operating as Children’s University Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Ms Jackie Dunne Chair (To 21/03/2025) Ms Janet Wilkinson (To 21/03/2025) Ms Louise Richmond Ms Natasha Blunt (To 21/03/2025) Mr Peter Beddows Ms Tania Hardcastle Ms Vicky Charles (Chair-elect) Ms Stephanie Webster (Since 18/09/2024) Mr Owen Day (Since 18/09/2024) Mr Mark Baker (Since 01/10/2024) Key management Mrs Sonjia Peers Chief Executive personnel Company Secretary Bankers Barclays Bank plc 93 Baker Street, London, W1A 4SD Yorkshire Bank Nottingham B & P B 11A Smithy Row Nottingham, NG1 3EJ Solicitors Wrigleys Solicitors LLP 3rd Floor, 3 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP Independent Catherine Hall FCCA DChA, Slade & Cooper Limited examiner Beehive Mill, Jersey Street, Manchester M4 6JG

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Included within the Trustees’ report is the directors’ report as required by company law.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

Purposes and Aims

The objects of the Charity are:

In furtherance of these objects Children’s University Trust aims to inspire and support all children and young people, but particularly those who need it most, to discover innovative and high-quality learning activities outside the normal school day, which boost their self-confidence and create a love of learning.

The Trust’s vision is a world where every child has equal opportunity to unlock their full potential.

Its mission is:

The Trust encourages all children from age 5 to try new experiences, develop new interests and acquire new skills, using a Passport to Learning to record their experiences of learning beyond the classroom and work towards Children’s University awards.

In carrying out its charitable objectives, Children’s University Trust aims to ensure that every child feels:

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trust’s ongoing aims for Children’s University are:

The Trust is particularly concerned with making learning beyond the classroom provision available to children from socio-economically-disadvantaged areas through its work with both partner organisations, alliances, and funders.

Children’s University Trust works through a member network of local Children’s Universities across the UK and with a wide range of organisations at a local, regional, and national level. These local structures and partnerships, ensure that access to and provision of learning opportunities reflect the local geographic, education and economic context. Children’s University Trust remains responsible for the overall strategic direction of Children’s University and the charitable aims and objectives that underpin the work of the whole network. In addition, Children’s University Trust is responsible for providing to the network:

Children’s University partners range from local authorities, HE/FE widening participation teams, school clusters and academy chains to individual schools, community interest companies/social enterprises and charities. Local partnerships and collaborations encourage, recognise, track, and celebrate learning that happens beyond the classroom that is optional, chosen by the child, fun and enriching.

Each local Children’s University works to achieve the objectives of Children’s University Trust; striving to ignite a passion for broad and informal learning among children which builds their self-esteem and character, raises their aspirations to fulfil their potential for the future and ensures that, regardless of their background, they can have the same opportunities and entitlement to access an array of enriching learning. The Children’s University network ensures that all children taking part in Children’s University, are recognised for the commitment they make to informal learning, are aware of the variety of opportunities available to them and have the confidence to access and make the most of them.

The Trustees of Children’s University Trust review these aims, objectives and activities every year. This annual review helps the Trustees ensure the Charity's aims, objectives and activities remain focused on

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

its stated purposes. The Trustees refer to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set. In March 2023, the Trustees approved a revised 3-year Strategy with associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to take it through to 2026 focused on enabling the charity to scale, grow its membership and extend its reach and impact even further. This strategy aims to help the Charity progress its vision and mission and achieve its desired outcomes for children from 2023 to 2026. The Charity’s 2023-2026 Strategy focuses on 4 key pillars: Reach, Inclusivity, Credibility, and Financial Sustainability.

Achievements and performance

During the year under review, we made continued progress in line with our strategic pillars of Reach, Inclusivity, and Credibility, enabling us to engage with and support more children than ever before. However, the external financial environment remained volatile, creating ongoing challenges for both the organisation and our members. These conditions have affected our progress toward financial stability and much-needed income generation. As a result, we have had to make some difficult financial decisions about where to focus our efforts and resources.

Engagement with and providing support to our members, has remained a priority for us, recognising the significant role they play in achieving our strategic aspirations.

Member Network

Through our well-established member network, now strengthened by new additions, we have continued to coordinate activities across 61 Local Education Authorities, partnering with over 1200 schools, representing a 20% increase in participating schools from the previous year. Our work has reached more than 106,000 children and young people, a 32% rise in engagement.

Through the work of our members and centrally through the Trust, we have seen continued growth of our validated and quality-assured activities which totalled over 25,000 in the year, a 13% increase on the previous year, with 80% of these activities offered free of charge for children and young people to access. Activities are carefully assessed to ensure they provide meaningful learning opportunities for children, helping them to develop new skills, explore their interests, and build confidence. Covering a wide range of subjects, from arts, culture, and music to STEM, history, and heritage, these experiences support personal growth and foster a lifelong love of learning beyond the classroom.

Unfortunately, we experienced the loss of some members during the year, primarily due to funding challenges. As a result, the number of Local Education Authorities covered has decreased by 23% from 79 areas in the previous year.

Key activities with our members throughout this year has continued to include:

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Members were invited to take part in the first Annual Members Survey to help inform and influence future plans for the Trust. 30% of our members engaged in the survey and the results were hugely positive with 100% telling us they were satisfied / very satisfied with last year’s membership support, events and activity programme.

Looking ahead, a key priority for the trust will be identifying and onboarding new members to expand our reach and engage more disadvantaged children across the UK. By growing and supporting our membership base, we aim not only to extend the life-changing opportunities that Children's University offers to those who need it most, but also to increase our income levels, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Children’s University programme. This dual focus on impact and financial resilience will be central to our strategy as we strive to build a more inclusive and enduring future.

Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) – Effectiveness Trial

In March 2025, the Children’s University effectiveness trial evaluation report was published. Funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), the trial took place during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years.

The trial aimed to evaluate the impact of participation in Children’s University on:

Additional analyses explored:

A comprehensive process and cost evaluation ran alongside the trial, addressing:

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trial involved 5,588 Year 5 pupils from 164 schools across England. However, its implementation was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. These external pressures led to reduced graduation ceremonies, fewer civic and university linked events, limited availability of out-of-school activities, and incomplete tracking of pupil participation.

Unlike the earlier 2017 efficacy trial, this large-scale effectiveness trial did not show measurable improvements in academic outcomes. Nevertheless, qualitative feedback was largely positive: pupils reported increased pride in their learning, better teamwork, and greater positivity. School staff also observed a stronger sense of achievement among participants.

Anglo American Woodsmith Project

During the financial year under review, the Trust successfully concluded its three-year partnership with Anglo American, delivering the final phase of the Etc Programme, a rebranded and digitally enhanced model of Children’s University Online. With the digital platform now fully built and all contractual obligations fulfilled, the pilot phase of the programme has formally ended.

Throughout the third and final year, the Etc Programme enabled:

In addition to these student-facing tools, the platform also provides Anglo American with access to data showing each young person’s engagement in activities and their skills development. This is visualised through an individualised learning profile, which highlights areas of strength, identifies gaps in participation or skills, and generates tailored prompts to encourage further engagement where development opportunities exist.

Although the funded partnership has now ended, we are pleased to report that Anglo American has continued as a Children’s University member and remains actively engaged with the Etc platform developments to support targeted groups of young people across their programme areas.

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Enrichment Partnership Pilot (EPP) with National Citizen Service Trust (NCS) and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.

In 2024/25, the Trust completed the final year of its involvement in one of 14 Enrichment Partnership Pilots commissioned by the Department for Education, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the NCS Trust.

This initiative was delivered across the North West, North East, and East of England, with our pilot based in the Liverpool City Region in partnership with Sefton Children’s University (led by Elevate EBP). With funding secured and contractual obligations fully met, our work focused on designing and delivering an enhanced enrichment offer that aligned with local needs.

Key objectives of the pilot included:

The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is currently completing the independent evaluation of this pilot, with the final report expected in Autumn 2025. The evaluation will highlight examples of innovative and effective practice, offering practical case studies of strengthened collaboration and its potential to improve key outcomes, such as school attendance, youth engagement, reduced anti-social behaviour, enhanced confidence and skills, and progression into education or employment.

We anticipate that the findings will draw out common themes of good practice that can be scaled nationally through shared guidance. These insights are expected to directly inform the future development of the Department for Education’s Enrichment Guarantee and Enrichment Quality Framework , supporting the creation of a more consistent, high-quality enrichment offer for all young people across England.

Children’s University Online and the Etc Platform

At the end of the 2024/25 financial year over 106,000 children and young people were using the Trust’s digital platform to record their engagement in learning activities beyond the classroom. This signifies a continued increase in the last year. We increased engagement to 1,200+ schools and now have over 25,000+ validated learning activities, enabling children and young people to access and participate in them.

The Trust continued to deliver Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accredited training in the use of Children’s University Online, hosting 23 training sessions to local Children’s University Managers across the network and to Children’s University coordinators, school leaders, and teachers in schools.

This training provides participants with 5 hours of CPD for their own professional development. In the year we trained 87 individuals – 29 CU Managers and 58 teachers.

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Individual Subscriptions

Despite limited resources available to actively promote and grow this area, we are pleased to have retained 500 subscribers to our Individual Subscription platform, an encouraging indication of its value in reaching children who are unable to access Children’s University through a school partner, including those who are home-educated or in alternative education provision. While the Trust continues to champion participation through our place-based partner network, the Individual Subscription programme remains a vital alternative for families where local provision is not yet available. This approach reflects our ongoing commitment to reach and include all children and young people, wherever they are.

Looking ahead, the year offers new opportunities to take a more proactive approach to promotion and engagement, helping us to expand our reach and increase impact across this important area of our work.

Advocacy, Voice and Influence

Throughout the 2024/25 financial year, the Trust has continued to fulfil its advocacy, voice, and influence role, championing the importance of equitable access to high-quality enrichment opportunities for all children and young people. We actively contributed to national conversations and policy development, including participating in the Curriculum and Assessment Review and engaging in key campaigns such as Children at the Table and multiple initiatives led by the Fair Education Alliance (FEA).

In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, we made direct contact with all electoral candidates to advocate for our mission, and we were represented at the NCVO event at the Labour Party Conference.

We also strengthened our collaborative efforts with partners including NCS and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), further amplifying our shared commitment to youth development. The Trust shared its insights and experience gathered through the work of our members with the Department for Education in relation to the proposed Enrichment Framework and Enrichment Guarantee, reinforcing the value of non-formal learning in supporting young people’s outcomes.

Additionally, we engaged in strategic discussions with the Office for Students (OfS), ensuring that the voice of children and young people and the importance of access, aspiration, and opportunity remains a central focus in future education policy.

Our Impact

Over 450 children responded to our online survey, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. When asked how much they felt the desired outcomes applied to them, between 62% and 82% agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements:

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

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Skills Development

In February 2025 Children’s University Trust published its fourth annual State of the Nation Report. These reports are the culmination of an annual research project looking at everything we know about learning beyond the classroom in the UK. They are a series of evidence-based reports examining the impact of what goes on beyond the classroom on the lives of children and young people. Based on extensive data collated from our bespoke digital platform, Children's University Online, the aim of the reports is to inform and improve provision by providing educators, policy makers and stakeholders of all kinds with a broad set of insights Our 2024 reports were informed by data from:

Over the past 5 years, more than 35,000 activities have been registered on Children’s University Online and tagged with up to three skills. Between September 2019 and August 2024 children were surveyed directly about the impact that learning beyond the classroom had on their skills use and development. Based on more than 50,200 individual skills reflections, 90% of children surveyed said their skills had improved in the following areas:

Children shared many enthusiastic comments, including:

“I love it—I can see all the areas I’m learning in and watch my hours go up!”

“It’s great so far—I want to keep learning in fun ways in the future.”

“It is good to try different things.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my journey with CU and am so proud to be close to 1,000 hours!” “It’s a brilliant way to celebrate success in all areas—art, sport, culture, clubs, and even travel.” “I am an ambassador for Children’s University at my school.”

Quotes are presented as originally written by respondents.

Health and Wellbeing Impact

This year, we also asked children how Children’s University has impacted their health and wellbeing. The responses show a clear positive effect:

Trustee Recruitment

To ensure a proactive approach to succession planning and to maintain a strong, skilled, and inclusive Board, the Trust launched a Trustee recruitment campaign in late 2023, continuing through the early months of 2024. This process was designed to identify individuals whose professional expertise and personal values align with our mission, and to support long term board development.

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

In September 2024, three new Trustees were successfully appointed to the Board. They bring valuable experience across finance, business development, sales, and marketing, strengthening the Board’s capacity in these strategically important areas. All new Trustees have engaged with our comprehensive induction programme to ensure a confident and well-informed start to their governance roles.

In March 2025 we said farewell and extended our thanks to Jackie Dunne (Chair) and two long-standing Trustees, Jan Wilkinson and Natasha Blunt, following the completion of their terms of service. Their dedication and contributions over the years were deeply appreciated. In line with our succession planning, an existing Trustee has now taken on the role of Chair, ensuring continuity and leadership stability.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Liam Nolan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, and Sonya Christensen, Engagement and Inclusion Manager, who both departed in February 2025 following a restructure. Their passion, professionalism, and commitment made a lasting impact on our work, and we are grateful for the valuable contributions they made during their time with us.

Our Trustees come from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds, contributing to informed, inclusive discussions and sound decision making. Inclusivity and accessibility remain central to our values, and we are committed to fostering a Board culture where different perspectives are not only welcomed but actively valued.

Work continues to ensure a robust and ongoing approach to Trustee succession, enabling the Trust to maintain strong governance and adapt to future opportunities and challenges.

Board Strategic Away Day

In September 2024, the Children’s University Board of Trustees and Chief Executive held the Annual Strategic Planning Day, an important opportunity for both existing and newly appointed Trustees to come together to reflect, challenge thinking, and agree forward looking decisions. The session focused on three core themes:

The Board acknowledged and celebrated the progress made against strategic goals to date, particularly in light of ongoing financial pressures and limited staffing resources. The team’s resilience and commitment were recognised, with appreciation for the continued delivery of meaningful outcomes despite these challenges.

As a result of the day’s discussions, a series of priority actions were agreed, focusing on the following key areas:

  1. Financial Stability : Retaining short-term financial viability while laying the groundwork for improved long-term sustainability, including income diversification and cost efficiency.

  2. Growth and Access : Increasing the reach and uptake of Children’s University through expanded traditional membership, individual subscriptions, and targeted promotion of the Etc Programme .

  3. Team Structure and Capacity : Reviewing, realigning, and restructuring core team roles and responsibilities to ensure the organisation is fit for purpose, addressing current gaps in capacity and strengthening both operational delivery and development capability.

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Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

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These priorities will guide activity throughout the final year of the strategy, ensuring the organisation remains focused, agile, and well positioned for future impact.

Beneficiaries of our services

Children’s University is open to all children from the age of five, regardless of background. However, the programme is designed to have the greatest impact on children facing disadvantage, particularly those from low-income households. As such, both the Trust and its members prioritise efforts to engage children from more disadvantaged communities wherever possible.

While the Trust does not currently collect individual level data on Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility or ethnicity, public Department for Education data shows that Children’s University operates in schools where:

Gender participation data shows a balanced 50:50 male-to-female split among participants. Additionally, 57% of participating children are aged between 8 and 14, reflecting a strong engagement during key developmental years.

Financial review

In the 2024/25 financial year, Children’s University Trust received total income of £248,315 compared to £369,846 the previous year. The Trust received 83% (£153,290) of its unrestricted income (£184,963) and 62% of its total income (£248,315) from Children’s University network members by way of membership subscriptions and sales of the Passport to Learning which fund the Trust’s charitable activities in accordance with its stated objectives. This compares to 86% and 37% respectively in the previous year. This year saw an increase in income from membership fees from the previous financial year from £117,442 to £122,516 but a decrease in income from passport sales of £16,440 compared to £18,798 in the previous financial year.

Restricted income (in the form of grants) in the period totalled £63,352 and consisted of the final instalment of a restricted grant from National Citizens Service (£55,775), and further tranches of an existing grant from Anglo American (£7,577). This total restricted grant income compares to £210,982 received in 2023/2024.

Staff costs reduced to £192,582 in 2024/25 from £195,825 in the 2023/24 financial year. Total unrestricted core cost expenditure was £221,689 against total expenditure of £313,350 (including expenditure against restricted funds). This compares to total expenditure of £367,050 in the previous financial year. The value of bad debts at year end was £293 on 31[st] March 2025.

The Trust’s key risks throughout the year remained:

To mitigate these risks, the Trust continued to closely monitor its finances (especially cash flow) and to review its risk dashboard monthly.

The Trust’s Board carried out its annual finance policy and governance review in December 2024. This annual review aims to confirm that the charity’s financial reporting is interlinked in terms of budgets, profit and loss, reserves, and cash flow; provides an opinion on whether financial procedures are

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adequately documented (and followed) for authority matrices on payments and purchase ordering; provides a sense-check that the reporting timetables for monthly, quarterly and annual reporting are adequate and understood by the Chief Executive and employees; and involves a full review of core financial documents, covering how robust they are in terms of audit trails and whether escalation processes and Board reporting are sufficiently described. The review concluded that since the recommendations made in December 2023 the board had:

The review concluded that the financial policies and processes operated by CU are fit for purpose and provide satisfactory assurance to Trustees of the soundness of the financial control framework of the Charity.

The review noted, however, that continued financial stresses caused by lack of income – especially lack of success in grant and donation bids – compared with our cost levels meant that we would have to review the possibility of invoking Orderly Wind Down if we could not foresee a reasonable probability of survival without breaching our Reserves and Cash Policies.

It was also noted that CU was in the process of a restructure which had the potential to raise our performance levels through more focused and relevant roles in the team, while also reducing our ongoing cost base, but causing a short term hit to Reserves through the cost of redundancy and notice.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the Trustees of Children’s University Trust to review the charity’s reserves policy normally on a twice-yearly basis taking into account the current financial risks faced by the Trust and plans to achieve future goals.

The Trust is committed in normal circumstances to maintaining a minimum level of unrestricted funds, which are free reserves of the charity, sufficient to cover the higher of 3 months running costs (currently c. £30k) and the cost of orderly wind-down (currently c. £28k) while it puts in place strategies to diversify its income base including raising levels of Children’s University membership and increasing fundraising activity. The Trust will maintain a maximum level of unrestricted funds, which

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Children’s University Trust

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are free reserves of the charity, sufficient to cover 6 months of running costs (currently c. £60k). It is expected that any investment from reserves made in the financial year will normally be re-invested from income in the following financial year.

The Board approved a temporary relaxation in the CU Reserves and Cash Policy so that from September 2023 to March 2024 the minimum level of Reserves and Cash was effectively the maintenance of solvency, with a target level of at least 1 month of costs, which at this time represented £16k. This was backdated to cover calendar year 2023. For the first half of 2024/25 a minimum level of 3 months costs (£48k) should be maintained. From October 2024 to December 2024 a target level of 2 months costs (£32k) would be set and for the final quarter of 2024/25 we would once again set a minimum level equivalent to the maintenance of solvency, with a target level of 1-month costs. The Board accepted that this is a temporary policy at the most minimum level required and would expect to revert to a long term minimum level of Reserves and Cash of 3 months costs (currently £30k) throughout 2025/26. This is detailed in the table below:

is detailed in the table below:
Dates effective Reserves Level Estimated value
1st January 2023– 31st March 2024 1 month cover c£16,000
1st April 2024– 30th September 2024 3 months’cover c£48,000
1st October 2024– 31st December 2024 2 months’cover c£32,000
1st January 2025 onwards 1 month cover c£10,000

Unrestricted funds shall be defined as the unrestricted funds as reported in the year end accounts (independently examined or draft) adjusted to reflect the surplus or deficit in the current financial year to date as per the Management Accounts provided by Slade and Cooper. For the purposes of calculating a month’s running costs, the budgeted expenditure for the next 6 months shall normally be the basis of the calculation (adjusting for any known or anticipated costs not yet budgeted). In the interests of prudence, in addition to the foregoing, the current and forecast (over the next 12 months) unrestricted cash balance should in normal circumstances be greater than 3 months’ running costs (again defined as the budgeted costs for the next 3 months (adjusting for any known or anticipated costs not yet budgeted). The temporary relaxation of the reserves policy minima above shall apply equally to the cash policy. Actual and anticipated breaches must be brought to the Board for approval. At each 6 monthly review, the adequacy of this policy shall be compared to the costs of an orderly wind-down. Should reserves be insufficient to cover the costs of an orderly run-down, a remediation plan must be approved by the board. The Trustees consider this policy as one which will enable the organisation to continue to achieve its charitable objectives and grow for the future, while protecting creditors and employees from the adverse impacts of insolvency.

The Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee has delegated authority from the Board to set the Reserves Policy (when its meetings are reinstated following a period of the Board dealing with all of its delegated matters) but will advise the Board of changes made.

At 31[st] March 2025 the lowest level of Reserves forecast in the next 12 months (March 2026) was (£26,000).

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Children’s University Trust

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Plans for the future.

Despite a reduction in members and Trust employees due to the financial challenges faced by the charity, the Chief Executive and Trustees remain committed to delivering as many elements of the Strategic Plan as possible.

2025/2026 Objectives:

We continue to work towards our three-year strategy for the period 2023-2026 as set by Trustees in February 2023. The Strategy focuses on 4 key strategic pillars. Each pillar has its own ambitious Vision statement. These strategic pillars are:

1. Reach

By 2026, every child and young person in the UK will be able to benefit from Children’s University.

2. Inclusivity

By 2026, every child and young person in the UK will be able to find and participate in a wide range of Children’s University learning activities where they are.

3. Credibility

By 2026, the governments in England, Wales, and Scotland will be acting upon data and insights provided by Children’s University

4. Financial sustainability

By 2026, Children’s University will be receiving significant and sustained investment to develop learning beyond the classroom for all.

These KPIs are measurable and enable the Trust to track its progress under the 4 strategic pillars and against the four key Vision statements. They have been selected as strategic KPIs due to the impact they will have not only on Children’s University Trust but on the children and young people the Trust exists to support. Each key strategic goal is backed up by a set of actions which outline how the Trust will go about its work over the next 3 years.

Over the next financial period, the KPIs agreed are as follows:

By 2026 :

1. The number of children and young people using Children's University Online will have increased to 150,000 ( 106,000 March 2025)

2. Children and young people will be participating in 1 million hours of Children's University activities per year (500,000 March 2025)

3. Children and young people will be participating in Children's University in more than 80% of the Government’s Levelling Up Education Investment Areas (78% March 2025)

4. 85% of all Children's University learning activities will have no cost (80% March 2025)

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Children’s University Trust

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5. Unrestricted income will have doubled allowing the Trust to invest in significantly increasing the reach and inclusivity of Children's University.

In order to ensure that the Trust achieves as many of its ambitious strategic priorities, despite the ongoing challenges through to 2026, it will undertake the following actions:

Reach:

Inclusivity:

Credibility:

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Children’s University Trust

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Financial Sustainability:

In addition to the above objectives, we will focus on working with our existing membership to develop further opportunities, for how our individual subscription offer can support work locally and nationally to increase our reach and include those children and young people who are not attending or engaging with school or their wider communities.

Our aspirations for the growth of our unrestricted income were not achieved by March 2025 – This will result in a review of our future aspirations for the growth of our unrestricted income.

Structure, governance and management

Children’s University Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 5[th] December 2006, and registered as a charity in England and Wales on 9[th] March 2007 and in Scotland on 22[nd] March 2023. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

The Board of Trustees of Children’s University Trust remains responsible and accountable for the Charity’s strategic direction and for monitoring the Trust's impact against its Vision, Mission, and Objectives. As guardians of the Trust, all Trustees are equally responsible in law for the Board's actions and decisions. As Directors of the company all Trustees take legal and fiscal responsibility for the funds entrusted to them. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the Trust is performing well and is delivering on the charitable objectives for which it was set up, in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles as well as ensuring that goals outlined in its Business Plans are achieved. The full Board of Trustees meets quarterly. There are two sub-committees, the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee and the Remuneration Committee. These sub-committees have Terms of Reference documents which set out the powers and authority delegated to them.

Due to the limited number of Trustees, Finance Committee meetings have been consolidated into Board agendas. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Members of the Charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Charity in the event of winding up. The Trustees are members of the Charity, but this entitles them only to voting rights. The Trustees have no beneficial interest in the Trust. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and

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receive no benefits from the Charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the Charity are set out in note 11 to the accounts.

Skills and EDI matrix and Trustee recruitment

The Trust has a written procedure for the appointment of Trustees. Candidates may be invited to apply by an existing Trustee or may respond to any advertising process that the Trust Board uses to stimulate interest in a role. During any process of recruitment, the Board appoints a sub-group to make the selection which leads to a recommendation for appointment being made to the next full meeting of the Children’s University Trust Board. The sub-group comprises 3 existing Trustees and the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive does not have a vote. For candidates who are known to at least two existing Trustees, the subgroup may choose to make a recommendation to the Children’s University Trust Board for appointment, but this fast-track process is allowed only on the basis that the individual is already known and their commitment to the Trust’s aims and objectives is clear. For all other shortlisted candidates, an interview with the sub-group is necessary. When new Trustees are appointed, they receive a full induction to the Charity which includes separate meetings with the Chair and the Chief Executive and employees where appropriate. All new Trustees receive a comprehensive briefing on the background, Mission, and Values of the Charity as part of their induction to Children’s University. Trustees are provided with the opportunity to engage with beneficiaries, local Children’s University partners and learning providers, for instance, attending graduation ceremonies and at regional Managers’ meetings. This interaction provides insight into both the Children’s University network and the impact it has on those involved. Additional and role specific training is offered as and when required to enhance knowledge and satisfy governance requirements.

The Trustees delegate day-to-day management of the Charity to the Chief Executive and employees. The Chief Executive also acts as Company Secretary.

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

Children’s University Trust maintains a Register of Trustee Interests which is updated on an annual basis. Board members are fully aware that transactions with related parties must be disclosed and recorded in the Charity’s annual accounts. At the start of each Board meeting Trustees are asked to declare any conflicts of interest and the responses are recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

Remuneration policy for key management personnel

Children’s University Trust is committed to ensuring that staff are paid fairly and in a way which ensures that the Charity attracts and retains the right skills to have the greatest impact in delivering its charitable objectives. The Trust’s remuneration policy is based on ensuring that the Chief Executive and employees are provided with appropriate incentives to encourage enhanced performance and are, in a fair and responsible manner, rewarded for their individual contributions to the success of Children’s University. The Remuneration Committee meets once a year and currently consists of the members of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee. The Remuneration Committee approves any annual percentage (“cost of living”) increase in the payroll for all staff based upon CPI as of 31 December for the previous calendar year, and backdated, to the 1st of April. Any increase is applied consistently to all staff whether “externally funded” or not, even in the event that the increment is to be borne by the Trust rather than the funding arrangement. Underperformers may be awarded no pay increase, but this must be recorded on a performance improvement plan to remedy performance shortcomings. Awards are notified to staff within two weeks of the Remuneration Committee sitting and applied to salaries as soon as practicable thereafter backdated, if need be, to the effective date. In the event of difficult circumstances or in the event of affordability issues, the Remuneration Committee reserves the right to apply a zero-pay increase in any given year. The default position is that all staff will be awarded a minimum increase for “cost of living” subject to affordability and foreseeable achievement of requisite financial performance of the Trust. Exceptional in-year performance may result in a discretionary, non-pensionable bonus but will

17

Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

not ordinarily result in an increase in base remuneration (beyond any CPI award) to avoid permanent increases to base costs. It is the Committee’s policy not to make in-year adjustments to remuneration other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g., temporary, or permanent change in responsibilities, evidence of market misalignment, retention needs).

In light of the ongoing financial challenges faced by the charity, and the continued freeze on pay awards since April 2023, the trustees approved a modest one-off, discretionary, non-pensionable payment to employees. However, this was with the exeception of the Chief Executive due to her recent appointment in mid-January 24 and being within the probationary period.

Risk management

The Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee has delegated authority for the ongoing monitoring of risk and in particular financial risk, to ensure that proper risk management is in place, but as noted elsewhere the responsibilities of this Committee are currently fulfilled by the Board. The charities risks are reviewed by the full Board on a quarterly basis via a detailed Risk Register. The Board of Children’s University Trust recognises that it is responsible for risk management and for maintaining a sound system of internal control that supports the achievements of the Charity’s aims and objectives, whilst safeguarding the funds and assets for which it is responsible. Trustees also accept their responsibility for ensuring the risks to which the Charity may be exposed are regularly reviewed and that appropriate steps are taken to mitigate any potential damage that could be caused by those risks. Systems and procedures are in place that are designed to minimise the impact should any of those risks materialise.

Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others

Children’s University Trust did not act as custodian Trustee to any other charity or hold funds as a custodian Trustee during the 2024/25 financial period.

18

Children’s University Trust

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees (who are also directors of Children’s University Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime of the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees’ annual report has been approved by the Trustees on 17[th] September 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Vicky Charles (Chair)

19

Independent examiner’s report

to the members of

Children’s University Trust

I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 2025 which are set out on pages 21 to 42.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (‘the 2005 Act’), the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). You are satisfied that the accounts of the Company are not required by charity or company law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company’s accounts carried out under section 44 (1) ( c) of the 2005 Act and section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Company is required by company law to prepare its accounts on an accruals basis and is registered as a charity in Scotland your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Regulation 11(2) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations: or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records with the accounting requirements of Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and 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.

Catherine Hall FCCA DChA Slade & Cooper Limited Beehive Mill, Jersey Street, Manchester M4 6JG Date: 17[th] December 2025

20

Children's University Trust Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Note Income from: Donations and legacies 20,771 20,771 17,164 Cha ritable activities: Education 163,290 63,352 226,642 350,326 Other trading activities 808 808 2,130 Investments 94 94 226 Total income 184,963 63,352 248,315 369,846 Expenditure on: Cha ritable activities: Education 221,689 91,661 313,350 367,050 Total expenditure 221,689 91,661 313,350 367,050 Net income/(expenditure) before net gains/(losses) on investments (36,726) (28,309) (65,035) 2, 796 Net income/(expenditure) for the year (36,726) (28,309) (65,035) 2,796 Transfer between funds Net movement in funds for the year (36,726) (28,309) (65,035) 2,796 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 52,310 28,309 80,619 77,823 Total funds carried forward 15,584 15,584 80,619 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. A full comparative SOFA is available on the last page of the financial statements. 21

Children's University Trust Company number 6018900

Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025

Note
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
-
Total fixed assets
-
Current assets
Stock
227
Debtors
14
31,025
Cash at bank and in hand
15
24,494
Total current assets
55,746
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year
16
(40,162)
Net current assets
15,584
Total assets less current liabilities
15,584
Net assets
15,584
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
17
-
Unrestricted income funds
18
15,584
Total charity funds
15,584
2025		 £
£
-
-
7,853
32,394
84,235
124,482
(43,863)
80,619
80,619
80,619
28,309
52,310
80,619
2024		 £
£
-
-
7,853
32,394
84,235
124,482
(43,863)
80,619
80,619
80,619
28,309
52,310
80,619
2024
-
80,619
80,619
80,619
28,309
52,310
80,619

For the year in question, the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with FRS102 SORP, and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.

The notes on pages 24 to 42 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on 17/09/2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Vicky Charles (Chair-elect)

Owen Day (Finance Trustee)

22

Children's University Trust Statement of Cash Flows for the year ending 31 March 2025 Note 2025 2024 Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 20 (59,835) 7,355 Cash flows from investing activities.. Dividends, interest, and rents from investments 94 226 Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 94 226 Increase/ldecrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year (59,741) 7,581 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 84,235 76,654 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 24,494 84,235 23

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: a Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), second edition October 2019 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Children's University Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRSIO2. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. b Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis The Trustees have carefully assessed various factors in concluding that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, as outlined in our Reserves Policy. The Trust experienced financial stresses during the financial year, due to the highly competitive environment for grant funding and uncertainties surrounding future funding opportunities. These challenges are expected to continue into 2025126. To address these issues, the Trust's Reserves Policy is designed to ensure that sufficient resources are maintained to support ongoing charitable activities and to ensure that the prospects of survival can be maximised. To this end, temporary adjustments to the Reserves and Cash Policy minima were agreed upon, allowing the Trust to continue its operations as long as a minimum level of solvency is maintained. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and manage our finances accordingly. 24

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) c Income Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item{s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income from government and other grants, whether'capital, grants or'revenue, grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. d Donated services and facilities Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised. refer to the trustees, annual report for more information about their contribution. On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. e Interest receivable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charityi this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable bv the Bank. 25

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) f Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. g Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activitv headinas: Costs of raising funds comprise the costs of commercial trading and their associated support costs. Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. h Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: Fixtures & fittings Computer equipment Graduation attire 3 years 3 years 3 years 26

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) i Fixed asset investments Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year. The Charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments. The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors. j Stock Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. In general, cost is determined on a first in, first out basis. Net realisable value is the price at which stocks can be sold in the normal course of business after allowing for the costs of realisation. Provision is made where necessary for obsolete, slow movingi and defective stocks. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the ODen market. k Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. I Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. m Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. n Financial instruments The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 27

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) o Pensions Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution 'money purchase, scheme. The charity's contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 10. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end (2024: £740). The money purchase plan is managed by SMART and the plan invests the contributions made by the employee and employer in an investment fund to build up over the term of the plan a pension fund which is then converted into a pension upon the employee's normal retirement year age when eligible for a state pension. The total expense ratio of the plan is 0.7950/0. The trust has no liability beyond making its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employee's contributions. Legal status of the charity The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. The charity is also a registered charity in England and Wales (1118315) and Scotland (SC052423). In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The registered office address is disclosed on page l. Income from donations and legacies Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Donations 20,771 20,771 Total 20,771 20,771 Previous reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Donations 17,164 17,164 Total 17,164 17,164 28

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Income from charitable activities Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Anglo American Woodsmith Programme Fund National Citizen Service Trust Nominet GiveHub Conferences and passport sales Membership fees Other fees 7,577 55,775 7,577 55,775 10,000 16,440 122,516 14,334 10,000 16,440 122,516 14,334 Total 163,290 63,352 226,642 Previous reporting period Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Education Endowment Foundation Anglo American Woodsmith Programme Fund National Citizen Service Trust Conferences and passport sales Membership fees Other fees 139,818 7,209 63,955 139,818 7,209 63,955 18,798 117,442 3,104 18,798 117,442 3,104 Total 139,344 210,982 350,326 29

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Income from other trading activities 2025 2024 Merchandise sales 808 2,130 808 2,130 All income from other trading activities is unrestricted. Investment income Current reporting period Unrestricted Restricted 2025 Income from bank deposits 94 94 94 94 Previous reporting period Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Income from bank deposits 226 226 226 226 30

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Current reporting period Education Total 2025 Staff costs Staff expenses Conferences, meetings, training Passports Online Hosting Administration Website Consultancy Project costs Bad debts Bookkeeping Governance costs (see note 8) 192,582 2,337 418 9,263 20,390 35,370 60 2,812 37,168 293 7,920 4,737 192,582 2,337 418 9,263 20,390 35,370 60 2,812 37,168 293 7,920 4,737 313,350 313,350 31

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued) Previous reporting period Education Total 2024 Staff costs Staff expenses Conferences, meetings, training Premises Passports Online Hosting Administration Website Project costs Bad debts Depreciation Bookkeeping Governance costs (see note 8) 195, 825 2,600 119 2,850 4,219 18,607 42, 781 120 87,443 343 230 7,920 3,993 195,825 2,600 119 2,850 4,219 18,607 42, 781 120 87,443 343 230 7,920 3,993 367,050 367,050 2025 2024 Restricted expenditure Unrestricted expenditure 91,661 221,689 228,497 138,553 313,350 367,050 32

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of governance and support costs Current reporting period Basis of apportionment Governance Total 2025 Trustee travel & other exps Independent Examiner fees Accountancy services Legal and professional Governance Governance Governance Governance 916 2,040 1,440 341 916 2,040 1,440 341 4,737 4,737 Previous reporting period Basis of apportionment Governance Total 2024 Trustee travel & other exps Independent Examiner fees Accountancy services Legal and professional Governance Governance Governance Governance 251 2,040 1,360 342 251 2,040 1,360 342 3,993 3,993 Net income/(expenditure) for the year This is stated after charging/(crediting): 2025 2024 Depreciation Independent Examiner fees (net of VAT) Bookkeeping, training and other fees Accountancy fees Independent examination 230 6,600 1,200 1,700 6,600 1,133 1,700 33

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 10 Staff costs Staff costs during the year were as follows: 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Redundancy and termination costs 151,833 12,121 16,378 12,250 165,337 13,493 16,995 192,582 195,825 One employee has employee benefits between £70,000 and £80,000 in the year (2024.. None). The average number of staff employed during the period was 4 (2024.. 4). The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits (includes gross payi benefits paid, employer pension contributions and employer national insurance contributions) of the key management personnel of the charity were £80,905 (2024: £77,401). 11 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions Neither the Board of Trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: Nil). Five (2024: one) trustees received travel and subsistence expenses during the year totalling £916 (2024: £251). There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties. No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2024: nil). 34

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 12 Corporation tax The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity. 13 Fixed assets: tangible assets Computer equipment Graduation atti re Total Cost At l April 2024 Additions 6,277 948 7,225 At 31 March 2025 6,277 948 7,225 Depreciation At l April 2024 Charge for the year 6,277 948 7,225 At 31 March 2025 6,277 948 7,225 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 35

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 14 Debtors 2025 2024 Grants receivable Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 8,219 17,145 1,027 4,634 1,515 26,717 4,162 31,025 32,394 15 Cash at bank and in hand 2025 2024 Short term deposits Cash at bank and on hand 7,571 76,664 24,494 24,494 84,235 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Other creditors and accruals 1,369 38,793 15,415 28,448 40,162 43,863 36

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 17 Analysis of movements in restricted funds Current reporting Balance period at l April 2024 Balance at 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Anglo American Woodsmith Programme Fund National Citizen Service Trust 7,577 (7,577) 28,309 55,775 (84,084) Total 28,309 63,352 (91,661) Previous Balance reporting period at l April 2023 Balance at 31 Marc17 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Education Endowment Foundation psrr Anglo American Woodsmith Pmgramme Fund The Goldsmith's Company Charity National Citizen Service Trust 18,729 2,095 139,818 (158, 547) (2, 095) 7,209 (7,209) 25,000 (25, 000) 63,955 (35,646) 28,309 Total 45,824 210,982 (228,497) 28,309 37

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 17 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (continued) Name of restricted fund Description, nature and purposes of the fund Anglo American Woodsmith Programme Fund Funding to pilot a re-branded and re-developed platform for recording and celebrating children and young people's engagement in learning beyond the classroom as part of the Woodsmith Education Programme. National Citizen Service Trust A one year and 3 months funding award of £119,901 to run l of 14 Enrichment Partnership Pilots and to be evaluated by the National Foundation of Education Research, showcasing examples of innovative and effective practice, common themes of good practice and the impact on a range of outcomes for young people at secondary school. Funds to deliver a 2-year effectiveness trial and evaluation. This effectiveness trial involved 164 schools. The evaluation is due to be published in the Autumn of 2024 and will add to previous evidence to understand if Children's University is effective in raising attainment and non-cognitive outcomes in other schools. Education Endowment Foundation ps Funding to allow one child at each graduation ceremony to be recognised for enthusiasm in science related activities, receiving a book token and ps￿-end0rsed certificate. The teacher of the winning child will receive a ps￿ resource book. A one-year grant of £25,000 in order to give children facing disadvantage free access to the Children's University programme with a focus on children from Scotland, Crewe, Blackpool, and the North East. The Goldsmith's Company Charity 38

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 18 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds Current reporting Balance period at l April 2024 Asat31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers General fund 52,310 184,963 (221,689) 15,584 52,310 184,963 (221,689) 15,584 Previous Balance reporting period at l April 2023 Asat31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers General fund 31,999 158,864 (138, 553) 52,310 31,999 158,864 (138, 553) 52,310 Name of unrestricted fund Description, nature and purposes of the fund General fund The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds 39

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 19 Analysis of net assets between funds Current reporting period General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Tangible fixed assets Net current assets/(liabilities) 15,584 15,584 Total 15,584 15,584 Previous reporting period General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Tangible fixed assets Net current assets/(liabilities) 52,310 28,309 80,619 Total 52,310 28,309 80,619 40

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 20 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2025 2024 Net income/(expenditure) for the year Adjustments for: Depreciation charge Dividends, interest and rents from investments Decrease/(increase) in stock Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors (65,035) 2,796 230 (226) (3,965) 6,361 2,159 (94) 7,626 1,369 (3,701) Net cash provided by/{used in) operating (59,835) 7,355 41

Children's University Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 21 Prior year Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Note Income from: Donations and legacies 17,164 17,164 348 Charitable activities: Education 139,344 210,982 350,326 359,842 Other trading activities 2,130 2,130 2,106 Investments 226 226 60 Total income 158,864 210,982 369,846 362,356 Expenditure on: Charitable activities: Education 138,553 228,497 367,050 483,479 Total expenditure 138,553 228,497 367,050 483,479 Net income/(expenditure) before net gains/{losses) on investments 20,311 (17,515) 2,796 (121,123) Net income/(expenditure) for the year io 20,311 (17,515) 2,796 (121,123) Transfer between funds Net movement in funds for the year 20,311 (17,515) 2,796 (121,123) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 31,999 45,824 77,823 198,946 Total funds carried forward 52,310 28,309 80,619 77,823 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 42