NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
(a company limited by guarantee)
Trustses Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
for the
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Charity No: 1120330
Company No: 06316736
••
Northern
Learning
Trust

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
Contents
Page
Legal and Administrative Infomiation
Report of the Trustees
3-11
Independent examinerfs report to the Trustees
12
Statement of Financial Activities
13
Balance Sheet
14
Statement of Cash Flows
15
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements
16-26

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Legal and Administrative Information
The Directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purposes of charity
law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.
Charity Number:
1120330
Company Number:
06316736
Principal Offi￿.
Cheviot House
Beaminster Way East
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 2ER
www.northernlearnin
trust.or
.uk
Trustees.
Anthony Brown
Ann INynn
Michael Ranson
Roy Alexander
Anne Delandre
Nalalie Maidment {resigned 17 July 2024)
Melanie Bear
Jeannie Mcmillan
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary:
Liz Sheerin
Key management personnel.. Gill Smith
Liz Sheerin
Nicola Robinson
Chief Executive
Business Manager
Operations Manager
Bankers:
Lloyds Bank PLC
102 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE16AG
Accountants..
Azets Audit Services
Chartered Accountants
Bulman House. Regent Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3LS
Solicitors:
Ward Hadaway
Sandgate House,
102 Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13DX
Investment Advisors:
Rathbone Investment Management
Earl Grey House
75-85 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE16EF

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Aims and Objectives
1.1 Purpose and Aims
The purpose of the Trust as set out in the objects contained in the company's Memorandum and
Articles of Association is to..
advan￿ learning including literacy. numeracy and communication skills across the North
East of England.
The Trust has the aim of contributing to the quality of life of the people across the North East,
by increasing skills, Confiden￿ and self-esteem through a range of supportive and personalised
programmes. These include Functional Skills, Employability Skills, ESOL, Alternative Education,
programmes for those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETS), Family Learning and
Parenting, Learning for Health and Wellbeing, Mentoring and first step engagement activities.
The unique selling point of the Trust is the ability of staff to engage, motivate and retain the
hardest to reach individuals, by delivering unique, flexible programmes of learning and
enterprise in the heart of our communrties in the North East. The Trust aims to improve skill
levels of residents and additionally give them confidence to..
seek further education. training, employment and enterprise.
support their children's learning.
support their communities in leaming.
improve their mental health and well-being through learning.
1.2 Ensuring the Work Delivers Our Aims
The Trust reviews its aims, objectives and activities each year and updates both the Business
and Delivery Plans to reflect the decisions taken. The review looks at achievements and
outcomes of the work over the previous 12 months. Additionally, it looks at the success of each
key activity and the benefits brought to the groups of people the Trust was set up to help. It also
helps us ensure the aim, objectives and activities remain focussed on the stated purpose. The
Trustees have taken account of the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's guidance
on Public Benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives, and in planning our future activities.
In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and
objectives.
1.3 The Focus of Our Work
The main objectives for the year were to continue to work to build relationships with current and
potential new partners and explore new markets to develop and deliver services.
Key areas of work included".
continuing to maintain and develop new Learning Hives across the region.
exploring new opportunities for partnership working within housing, health and wellbeing
and other services.
developing and expanding the reach of our specialist mentoring services.
marketing and delivering our Family and Community Learning offering.
further developing our work in criminal justice.
expanding and growing our support for young people at risk of disengaging from
mainstream education.
TM

continuing to support and develop our workforce to enable them to meet the challenges
presented by a dynamic and changing environment.
Adult and Community Services
We maintained our four Learning HivesTM in Northumberland and Durham, in partnership with
Social Housing providers across the region and expanded our Learning HiveTM delivery in
Newcastle with new sites in Fawdon and Throckley in partnership with other VCSE
organisations.
We secured continuation funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, to deliver Family
Learning in schools as part of the Child Poverty Prevention Prograrnme, and Family and
Community maths provision under the Multiply strategy.
We also delivered community maths and English provision under the Multiply and Communicate
strategies in County Durham and continued delivery on the National Careers Service, providing
Information Advice and Guidance to learners.
We continued to deliver on the Solid Foundations VCSE partnership in Northumberland. Funded
through the UK shared prosperity fund, Solid Foundations supports those furthest from the jobs
market to overcome the barriers preventing them making progress towards employment.
Mentoring Services
We continued to work in partnership with VCSE organisations and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys
NHS, to provide community-based mentoring and psychological intervention support for
residents of County Durham experiencing mental health difficulties.
After delivering our Armed Forces Veterans, Cycle Club for six years, we were proud to support
the project in becoming an independenl constituled group, continuing to provide mentoring
services for fomier members of the Armed Forces, supporting those with mental and physical
health issues and combatting social isolation. We wish the group every success for the future.
Our successful Health Literacy Mentoring pilot project in Northumberland came to a close in
December 2024, leaving a legacy of trained volunteers who have continued to provide support
and healthy activities for high intensity users of frontline NHS services, helping them improve
and develop their skills in managing their health and wellbeing. Project data will be used to
inform and support applications for continuation funding for this work.
Criminal Justice Services
We have continued ta develop strong working relationships with potential delivery partners and
to define and hone a delivery model in readiness for Ministry of Justice recommissioning
rehabilitative services in Autumn 2025.
Child￿n and Young People's Service
We have continued our delivery of intensive one-to-one support, enabling young people with
SEND requirements and those not in education or at risk of disengaging from education, to
continue learning whilst out of school, whilst supporting them to re-engage in mainstream
education or training.
1.4 How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit
The Trustees have referred to the guidance conlained in the Charity Commission's general
guidan￿ on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives and in planning future
activities. The charitable objectives are also set out in order to provide a clear and demonstrable
public benefit.
All our charitable activities focus on increasing the learning and skills levels of individuals,
thereby providing the skills, confidence and self-esteem ne￿SSary to enable them to improve
their quality of life. By providing these activities they further our charitable purpose for the public
benefit.

1.5 Who Used and Benefitted from Our Services?
The objects of the Trust and the funding we receive restricts the area in which we are able to
provide servI￿s, to the North East of England.
The North East economy continues to lag behind national averages, particularly in employment,
skills and eamings. Significant inequalities in terms of education, achievement, employment and
health continue to exist between different areas and the challenge is to achieve active and
resilient communities in a sustainable economy. The North East Combined Authority Local
Growth Plan identifies the need to ensure access to opportunities for all, to increase skills and
qualifications, improve economic activity, health and wellbeing and tackle child poverty. To
achieve this, it is necessary to ensure all individuals have the skills and competencies to be able
to capitalise on available employment and education opportunities.
The funding we receive is targeted at individuals and families with low level skills, low confidence
and low aspiration. Most of our work is in the most deprived areas with the highest level of need.
All services are provided free of charge to leamers. Further information aboLrt who benefits
directly from our services is explained in the analysis of achievements and performance.
1.6 Fundraising
The charity is required to report how it deals with fundraising from the public. The charity does
not use a professional fundraiser or commercial participator to raise funds. Any monies raised
direct from the public follow all guidelines set out by the Charity Commission and UK law in
every respect. We respect the privacy and contact preferences of all public donors.
2. Achievements
The main a￿aS of charitable activity are the provision of a range of bespoke programmes and
sessions offering skills development and menloring lo those individuals who have the lowest
levels of skills and confidence, and who are least likely to seek support from the more fonnal
mainstream and statutory agencies.
2024-2025 saw a further increase in demand for our services. During this year we supported
over 1000 people to improve their functional and digital skills, develop employability skills,
improve their mental health and wellbeing, support their child's learning and development and
achieve qualifications to support their progress towards employment and financial stability.
These activities and the achievements are described below.
2.1 Adult and Community Services
Learning Hives
A Leaming Hive
provides community-based teaching, learning and support for people from
hard-to-reach neighbourhoods with high levels of inactivity, unemployment and low levels of
social capital. From agreed community venues such as vacant residential properties or
community centres, specialist Community Engagement Tutors work with learners to develop
new skills for leaming, working and wellbeing. At the end of this reporting period, five Learning
TM
TM
TM
Hives were maintained across the region and a further two established.
We delivered the Leaming Hives with support from the North East Combined Authority. the
UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Bernicia Housing, providing support with Employabilrty Skills,
Literacy and Numeracy, ICT. Volunteering and Leaming for Health and Well-Being, for those
experiencing the greatest barriers to progression.
Multiply
With the continuation of our Multiply conlract through the North East Combined Authority, we
worked with a further 316 learners, to improve their skills in maths and their ability to support
their children's leaming.

We worked with a further 89 leamers in County Durham under the Multiply and Communicate
strategies.
Family Learning
Through the North East Combined Authority's Child Poverty Reduction Programme, we have
worked in 32 schools across the region, engaging and supporting 530 families in Family Learning
programmes designed to improve skills, increase parental involvement in children's education,
build resilience and support financial inclusion.
2.2 Mentoring Services
County Durham Resilience Service
The partnership established between VCSE organisations and Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS
in response to the pandemic, has continued its work in County Durham, but with a broader remit.
Building on the success of the Covid Resilien￿ project, the partnership now works within the
Mental Health Transformation Programme, providing mentoring and basic psychological
interventions to people experiencing low-level mental health difficulties. Support workers and
Peer Mentors work across the county to provide community-based support and activities.
Health Literacy Mentoring Project
We delivered a successful Health Literacy Mentoring pilot project in Northumberland, in
response to a need identified for support to enable people with ongoing mental and physical
health conditions to better manage their conditions and reduce pressure on front line NHS
services. The Health Literacy Mentor and trained volunteers provided help to understand and
decode information provided, manage dosage of medication, use ICT to access appointment
systems and additional sources of support and to access and participate in activities beneficial
to health and wellbeing. The project closed in December 2024, leaving a legacy of trained
volunteers who continue to provide support.
2.3 Criminal Justice Services
Due to funding constraints, front line delivery in Criminal Justice has been suspended this year.
We have spent the time instead, developing partnerships and delivery models in anticipation of
a new round of Ministry of Justice commissioning of rehabilitative services, expected in Autumn
2025.
2.4 Children and Young People Services
We have had notable successes this year with our Young People's service, with many of our
students achieving functional skills qualifiGalions, having been out of school for significant
periods of time. Referrals to the Servi￿ remain consistent with many unable to attend school
due to anxiety and mental health problems. The shortage of specialist SEND places in the
region has also increased demand for our services.
Referrals to our out of school provision of intensive. one-to-one support for young people in
Newcastle have remained consistent this year. We have noticed an increase in referrals for
those unable to attend school due to anxiety and mental ill health.
2.5 Workforce Development
To ensure that we are able to meet the demands of a dynamic and demanding sector, we have
focussed on supporting and developing our staff team, enabling them to develop new skills and
expertise. In the ￿porting period, three members of staff have embarked on AdVan￿d
Apprenti￿ShIps, working towards becoming qualified teachers.

3. Consultancy, Research and Training
The Trust continues to offer consultancy, training and research services to other organisations.
Financial Review
During the year we have secured additional grants, contracts and donations to achieve strong
growth in income of 300/0 from last year. To continue to deliver our services we have employed
additional tutors, which together with salary increases has led to staff costs in the same period
increasing by 22 % and costs overall increasing by 190kn. We report a net surplus of £151,531,
including realised profit on disposal of investments of £7,703 and a decrease of £8,439 in Ihe
value of Investments. The increase in reserves is highlighted in our accounts for the year.
We expect funding levels to reduce throughout 2025126, but we have secured sufficient funding
to enable the continued delivery of most of our servI￿s, some on a reduced basis. We continue
to seek new funding opportunities.
We have updated our business plan and will continue to invest and develop new relationships.
markets and innovative programmes to ensure the future sustainability of the organisation.
Trustees and managers continue to review and regularly monitor progress against the business
and delivery plans.
5. Principal Funding Sources
The Trustees are grateful to the following for funding the work of the Trust during the year..
Bernicia
Browns Solicitors
Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust
Durham County Council
Education Development Trust
Local Community Partnership Newcastle
Newbiggin Town Council
Newcastle City Council
North EastlNorth of Tyne Combined Authority
Northumberland County Council
Ouseburn Farm
Pioneering Care Partnership
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Sunderland University
Thriving Together
Their support has been essential in allowing the Trust to continue to deliver services across the
North East.
6. Investment Policy
The strategic aims and development of the Trust specify that the Trustees should ensure the
best use of reseNes over the long term showing due diligence and an agreed level of risk
averseness. The Trustees have adopted a policy of investing a proportion of reserves with
Rathbone Investment Management. The investment objective is to create a balance between
capital growth and income, which over Ihe long term aims to maintain the real value of the
assets. The Investment Policy is kept under regular review.

Pay Policy for Key Management Personnel
The board, who give their time freely and no trustees re￿iVed remuneration in the year, have
considered who the Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the charitable company are, as noted
in the Reference and Administration section. Together with the board, these KMP are those in
charge of directing and controlling. running and operating the activities of the charitable company
on a day to day basis.
The pay of the KMP is reviewed annually. The Trustees benchmark against pay levels of other
charities and similar organisations within the sector and the region. Pay levels are sel using this
information together with budget and forecast infonnation, ensuring that the charitable company
can afford any proposed increases. The Board of Trustees then consider any uplift to
remuneration.
8. Reserves Policy and Going Concern
The calculation of free resenies is based on the definition included in the charity statement of
recommended practice (SORP). which provides recommendations for accounting and reporting
for charities. The Trustees have examined the requirements of the charitable company to hold
free reserves- those reserves not invested in tangible fixed assets, excluding long term liabilities,
or designated or restricted for a purpose. This included a review of risks, expected income
SoUr￿S and future plans and commitments. Resulting from this, the trustees consider it
appropriate to maintain unrestricted free reserves at a level equivalent to six months, operating
costs which equates to a range of £320,000 to £340,000. At the year end, free reserves were
£200,757 (2024.. £292,120).
As part of the reserves policy the trustees have designated the following funds.. Futu￿ Cost
Reserve of £90,446 (2024.. £97,237), Development Fund of £66,033 (2023. £48,500) and
Delivery Support Fund of £75,000 (2024.. £0) Narrative for these funds can be found in note 14
of the financial statements.
The trustees recognise that the charity needs to generate surpluses in order to maintain their
target level of free reserves. The need for the charity's services continues to grow and therefore
the dernand on future reserves will also be greater, hence the charity continues to ￿qUIre future
funding towards its unrestricted reserves and the support of its funding partners.
The Trustees have prepared a budget and cash flow forecast and have concluded that the
charity continues to be a going concern for the foreseeable future. On that basis they have
continued to adopt the going concern basis when preparing the financial statements.
9. Plans for Future Periods
We will continue to work to build relationships with current and potential new partners and
explore new markets to develop and deliver services.
The Trust will focus on the following areas:
TM
continue to maintain existing and develop new Learning Hives across the region.
explore new opportunities for partnership working within housing, health and wellbeing,
criminal justice and other services.
develop and expand the reach of our specialist mentoring services.
market and deliver our Family and Community Learning offering.
develop our work in criminal justice.
expand and grow our support for young people at risk of disengaging from mainstream
education.
continue to support and develop our workforce to enable them to meet the challenges
presented by a dynamic and changing environment.

10. Structure, Governance and Management
10.1 Governing Document
Northern Learning Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It was registered as a
charity on 24 February 1999 and incorporated on 18 July 2007. The company was established
under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of
the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the
company being wound up members are required to Gontribute an amount of £1.00.
10.2 Appointment of Trustees
As set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Board shall consist of no more
than 12 Trustees and no less than 3. At each Annual General Meeting a quarter of the Trustees
retire from office, the longest serving retiring by rotation. A retiring Trustee is eligible for re-
election. No Trustee may serve more than 8 years without at least a 1 year break unless they
are unanimously requested to do so by members.
Mr Mike Ranson and Mrs Anne Delandre retire by rotation and offer themselves for re-election.
When considering the appointment of new Trustees, the Board has regard to specialist or
professional skills of the existing Trustees and any requirement for additional skills. In the event
of any particular skills being lost through retirement ar resignation, suitable individuals are
recruited through an advertisement and selection process for appointment to the Board.
All Trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. No Trustees
claimed expenses during the year.
10.3 Trustee Induction and Training
New Trustees are invited to meet with the Chair and Chief Executive to familiarise themselves
with the Trust and the context in which it operates. This Govers..
the obligations of Trustees.
the main documents which set out the operational framework for the Trust.
resourcing and the current financial position.
future plans and objectives.
risks facing the Trust.
Trustees also receive an induction pack of internal infomiation together with publications from
the Charity Commission. The Chief Executive organises opportunities for the Trustees to
become familiar with the work of the Trust by visiting the different projects and meeting the staff.
Trustees are also invited to attend issue specrfic focus groups or projects.
10.4 Organisation
The Board of Trustees has responsibility for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. It
rneets quarterly and when ne￿SSary working groups are constituted.
The Chief Executive is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day to day operations. To
facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority, within the terms of
delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and
Servi￿ delivery.

10.5 Risk Management
The Trustees have a risk management strategy that comprises..
monitoring the strategic, business and operational risks the charity rnay face, including
safeguarding and Health & Safety, wilh Key Risks documented in an organisational Risk
Register that is reviewed regularly.
the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate identified risks.
the implementation of systems and procedures designed to minimise any potential impact
on the Trust should they materialise.
Every 3 years the organisation undertakes a strategic review. Each year the organisation
produces updated Business and Action Plans which are fully consulted with Trustees,
management and staff teams. They are very much working documents which recognise the
need for diversification, development and expansion of the Trust's core business. A key element
in the management of financial risk is the setting of a Reserves Policy and its regular review by
Trustees and the managed investment of its reserves.
10.6 Going Concern
The Trustees recognise that Northern Leaming Trust is currently dependent on income frorn a
variety of sources in order to sustain its activities.
All projects are currently funded, most until at least March 2026, and are operating effectively.
We are experiencing increasing demand for our serrfices and the Senior Management Team
and Trustees are working to secure ongoing funding to deliver the Trust's future strategic aims.
The Trustees have prepared a budget and cashflow forecast and have concluded that the charity
continues to be a going concern for the foreseeable future. On that basis they have continued
to adopt the going con￿rn basis when preparing the financial statements.
10.7 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of Northern Learning 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..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
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 the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees 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.
10.8 Independent Examiner
Simon Brown BA ACA DChA of Azets Audit Services has been re-appointed as independent
examiner for the ensuing year.
10

10.9 Small Company Provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies
entitled to the small companies exemption.
This report was approved by the Board on 23 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by..
Date..
A Brown
Chair

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE
COMPANY'S MEMBERS
I report to the charily Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Company
for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Charitable Company (and also its directors for the purposes of
company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the acGounts in accordan￿ with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charitable 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 your Charitable Company's accounts as carried out under section
145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying OLrt my examination I have followed
the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Acl.
Independent examinerfs statement
Since the Charitable Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a
member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confinn that l am qualified to undertake
the examination because l am mernber of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and
Wales (ICAEW) which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examinalion. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe..
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charitable Company as required by section
386 of the 2006 Act. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records" 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 accordan￿ 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.
Simon Brown BAACA DChA
Azets Audit Services
Chartered Accountant
Bulman House
Regent Centre
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3LS
Date...
Azets Audit Services is a trading name of Azets Audit Services Limited
12

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Notes
Restrlcted
2025
Unrestricted
2025
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Yearto
31.03.24
Total
Income from:
Donations and Grants
254,429
20,365
422,722
16,191
274,794
263,461
Charitable activities
176,182
598,904
411,737
Investments
16,191
10,454
Totsl Income
430,611
459,278
889,889
685,652
Expenditure
Charitable activities
448,543
289,079
737,622
621,861
Total Expenditure
448,543
289,079
737,622
621.861
Net income
(17,932)
170.199
152,267
63,791
Other recognised
gains1(losses):
ProfiV{loss) on revaluation of
investments
(736)
(736)
25,557
Net income before transfers
(17,932)
169,463
151,531
89,348
Transfers between funds
13
3,502
Net movement in funds
{14,430)
165,961
151,531
89,348
Reconciliation of Funds:
Total funds brought fon4vard
56,199
696,252
752.451
663,103
Totsl funds Carried forward
41,769
862,213
903,982
752,451
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming
resources and reSoU￿S expended derive from continuing activities.
13

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
Company Registration Number: 06316736
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
Notes
31.03.25
31.03.24
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
Investments
534
519,889
1,116
354,752
520,423
355,868
Current Assets
Debtors
Short term investments
Cash at bank and in hand
10
112,217
77.860
154,124
210,557
298,524
410.741
442.541
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
27,182
45,958
Net Current Assets
383.559
396,583
NET ASSETS
12
903.982
752.451
Funds of the Charity
Designated funds
Revaluation funds
General funds
14
14
14
231,479
145,737
65,259
485.256
630.734
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
13+14
862,213
41.769
696.252
56,199
TOTAL
13
903,982
752,451
Forthe year ending 31st March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section
477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees, responsibilities"
-The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the
year in question in accordance with section 476.,
- The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act
with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements_
These financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to
companies subject to the small companies, regime.
These financial statements were approved by the Directors and signed on their behalf by..
A Brown, Chair and Director
14

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
Company Registration Number: 06316736
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Notes
31.03.25
31.03.24
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities
152,267
63,791
Adjustments to cash flows from non-
cash items
Depreciation
Investment income
Investment charge levied on portfolio
582
(12,599)
850
582
(10.454)
141,100
53,919
Working capital adjustments
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increasel(decrease) in creditors
10
11
(34,357)
18,776
57,064
12,202
Net cash flows from operating activities
87,967
98,781
Cash flows from investing activities
Pro￿edS from sale of investments
Investment income received
Purchase of investments
Transfer of Cash into Investment
366,094
12,599
385,510
147,307
10,454
(4,565)
Net cash flows from investing activities
154,124
5,889
Net (decrease)lincrease in cash and cash
equivalents
(66,157)
104,670
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April
364,681
260,011
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
Short term investments
Cash at bank and in hand
154,124
210,557
298,524
298,524
364,681
15

NORTHERN LEARNING TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 General Information
The charity is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a
registered Gharity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Northern Learning
Trust, Cheviot House, Beaminster Way East, Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2ER.
1.2 Accounting Basis
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the Stalement 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) (Charities
SORP (FRS 102) effective 1 January 2019) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for
investments which are included at market value.
The functional currency of the charity is Sterling.
Disclosure exemptions
The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. In accordan
with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) the charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11
"Basic Financial Instruments and Section 12 "Other Financial Instruments Issues" of FRS102, in
full to all of its financial instruments.
1.3 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
Afterfluctuating income in previous years, the Trust's sources of income have become more stable.
The Trustees have prepared a budget and cash flow forecast and have concluded that the charity
continues to be a going concern for the foreseeable fLrture. Therefore, the Trustees are of the view
that the charitable company has sufficient reSoUr￿S to maintain its activities for at least the next
12 months (from the date of approving the financial statements). As a result, the charitable
company's financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
1.4 Income
Income includes amounts received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject
to specific performance conditions is recognised as earned (as the related goods or services are
provided).
Donations and grant income is recognised where there is entitlement, receipt is probable and the
amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
In the event that a donation or grant is subject to conditions that require a level of perfornian
before the charitable company is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised
until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the
control of the charitable company and it is likely that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting
period.
1.5 Invesknent income
Income from investments is included in incoming resources once the dividend is declared and
notification has been received of the dividend due. This is normally upon receiving notification by
our investment advisor of the dividend. Interest on funds held on deposit is included upon
notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
16

1.6 Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation
committing the charitable company to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required
and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support costs and
g0Veman￿ costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the
statemenl of financial activities. Note 5 contains further information on the basis for allocation.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
1.7 Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs have been differentiated between governan￿ costs and other support costs.
Governan￿ costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charitable company
and its compliance with regulation and good practi￿. These costs include costs related to the
independent examination and other costs with an apportionment of overhead and support costs.
Governance costs and support costs relating lo charitable activities have been apportioned as set
out in Note 5.
1.8 Realised and unrealised gains and losses
All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains
and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their
opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial
year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the
year end and their carying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are
combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.9 Pension
The charitable Gompany makes employer contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme
on behalf of its employees. Contributions are included as part of staff costs within support and
govemance costs and allocated to the funds of the charitable company on the basis outlined in
Note 5.
1.10 Fund Accounting
Restricted funds are maintained in accordance with the restrictions placed upon monies ￿ceiVed
from the donor.
Unrestricted funds are the free funds of the charitable company to use at the discretion of the
Trustees in the furtherance of the charitable company's objectives. Unrestricted funds include
designated funds where the Trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.
1.11 Tangible Fixed Assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Items under £500 in value are not capitalised.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a
straight line basis over the expected useful economic lives as follows..
Office Equipment - 3 years straight line basis
The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment periodically if events or
changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
17

1.12 Investments
Investments are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their
market value as at the balance sheet date using closing quoted market price. The Statement of
Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals
throughout the year. Investments are split between fixed and current assets on the basis of
review by the Trustees of cash requirements over the coming year.
The charitable company does not acquire or use pul options, derivatives or other complex
financial instruments.
1.13 Investsnent in subsidiaries
Interests in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any
accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting
date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in
the statement of financial activities.
1.14 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.
1.15 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short
rnaturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar
account.
1.16 Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charitable company 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.
1.17 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988
or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied
to its charitable objects.
1.18 Operating Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the income and expenditure account on a
straight line basis over the lease term.
1.19 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually
reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future evenls
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
During the year, no key judgements or estimates have been made within the financial statements.
18

DONATIONS AND GRANTS
Restricted
Unreslricted
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
Education Donation - Browns Solicitors
North EastlNorth of Tyne Combined
Authority- Multiply Programme
Cycling UK
Sir James Knott Trust
Armed Forces Covenant
Northumberland County Council Hub Grant
Newbiggin Town Council
Asd8 Foundation
Co-op Local Community Fund
Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust
Durham County Council AAP
Northumberland County Council - Health
Inequalities Fund
Sunderland University
Sundry donats'ons
20,000
20,000
20.000
225,966
225,966
215,098
360
5,000
402
500
100
400
1,690
300
300
400
10,523
400
10,523
3,508
17,240
17,240
200
165
15,803
600
200
165
254,429
20,365
274,794
263,461
For the year ended 31 March 2024
242,861
20,600
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Restricted
Unrestricted
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
Newcastle City Council
Northumberland County Council
Northern Education Trust
Excelsior Academy
South Tyneside Council
North EasUNorth of Tyne Combined Authority
Family Learning
Education Development Trust
North of Tyne Working Homes
Bernicia- Northumberland Leaming Hives
Northumberland County Council Housing
Durham County Council LINKCD
Durham County Council- Multiply Project
Durham County Council- Communicate
Project
UKSPF - Solid Foundations Project
Local Community Partnership Newcastle
Thriving Together AEB
Ouseburn Farm
Pioneering Care Partnership
Sundry income
121,155
121,155
12,006
420
2,337
6,601
10,304
109,733
79,644
79,644
12,107
12,107
12,017
6,362
80,000
10,970
32,720
18,700
80,000
80,000
51,744
30,250
51,744
30,250
44,864
57,270
15,016
10,672
44,864
57,270
15,016
10,672
96,182
31,875
96,182
77,692
176,182
422,722
598,904
411,737
For the year ended 31 March 2024
157,692
254,045
19

INVESTMENT INCOME
Restrl¢ted
Unrestricted
Yearto
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
Interest on cash investments held in UK
Dividends
10,156
6,035
10,156
6,035
5,911
4,543
16,191
16,191
10,454
For the year ended 31 March 2024
10,454
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Restrlcted
provSslon
of seNices
Unrestrictad
provision of
servlces
Unf$Strictod
Gov•rnane•
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
Costs directly allocated to
activities
Staff costs
SupplieslResources
Recruitment
Travel
Volunteers
Depreciation
374,423
32,875
175
4.770
165
233,938
14,465
297
3.082
231
582
252,595
608,361
47,340
472
7,852
396
582
497,054
48,189
702
8,966
371
582
412,408
665,003
555,864
Support costs apportioned
to activities
Premises
Staff costs
Resources
Communications
Accountancy and other
services
Legal and Professional
14,310
13,941
3,478
4,406
4,481
8,343
1,289
1,912
442
14,818
112
148
3,960
19,233
37,102
4,879
6,466
3,960
17,349
34,105
4,915
5,893
3,600
979
979
135
448,543
268,620
20,459
737,622
621,861
For the year ended 31 March
2024
385,100
217,436
19,325
Analysis of Governance & Support Costs
The charitable company allocates costs direct to activities as far as possible, then identifies the
remaining costs of its support functions. It then identifies those costs which relate to the
govemance function. Having identified its governan￿ costs, the remaining support costs together
with the governance costs are apportioned between the key charitable activities undertaken in the
year. The basis for apportionment and the analysis of support and governance costs is set out as
follows:
Direct to governance.. Accountancy Fees, bank charges and legal & professional fees.
Direct to charitable activities.- Monthly meeting costs.
Other expenses have been apportioned using a 97..3 split, which approximately equates to
staff tirne spent on governance activities.
20

NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation
Independent examinerfs fees
582
582
3,960
3,600
STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
Year to
31.03.25
Total
Year to
31.03.24
Total
Staff costs comprise:
Salaries
Social Security costs
Pension
577,901
40,192
27,370
645,463
472,744
36,473
21,942
531,159
The average number of persons (expressed as Full Time Equivalents) employed by the
Trust was as follows:
Chief Executive
Charitable activities
Administration and support
17
15
20
18
Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration & expenses. cost of key management
personnel and related party transactions
The Key Management Personnel of the charitable company, comprise the Trustees, the Chief
Executive. Business Manager and an Operations Manager. The total employee benefits of the
Key Management Personnel of the charitable company were £116,349 (2024: £109,764).
None of the Trustees of the charitable company received remuneration or expenses.
No Trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or
transaction entered into by the charty during the period.
None of the employees received benefits exceeding £60,000 in the year (2024: £Nil)
There were no related party transactions to report.
21

FIXED ASSETS
Office
Equipment
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions in the year
At 31 March 2025
3,887
3,887
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
2,771
582
3,353
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2025
534
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2024
1,116
INVESTMENTS
At
31.03.25
Total
At
31.03.24
Total
Investment in subsidiary
Other investments (at market value)
Cash held for reinvestment and on term deposlts
364.472
155.416
519,889
354,618
154,257
508.876
The above investments are classified as:
At
31.03.25
Total
At
31.03.24
Total
Held as fixed assets
Held as current assets
519,889
354,752
154,124
508,876
519,889
Reconciliation of other investments:
Investment value at 1 April 2024
Additions to investments at cost
Disposal at carrying value
Net loss on disposal and revaluation
Investments value at 31 March 2025
354,618
376,684
(366,094)
736
364,472
All investments shown above are held at market valuation.
22

Analysis of other investments at market value:
At
31.03.25
Total
At
31.03.24
Total
Asset Allocation Funds
364,472
354,618
The historical cosl of other investments at 31 March 2025 was £372.911 (£289,359 at 31 March
2024).
The investment of £1 represents 1000h shareholding in NLT Learning Ltd. The results of this
company have not been consolidated into these financial statements due to their immaterial nature.
Year to
Year to
31.03.25
31.03.24
Total
Total
Profit for the year
Capital and Reserves
31
31
10.
DEBTORS
At
31.03.25
Total
At
31.03.24
Total
Trade debtors - contract income receivable
Other debtors and prepayments
104,266
7,951
112,217
71,653
6,207
77,860
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
At
31.03.25
Totsl
At
31.03.24
Total
Taxation and social security
Other creditors and arKruals
Deferred income
Owed to subsidiary company
8,374
9,790
27.763
31
17,357
9,794
31
27,182
45,958
Reconciliation of deferred income..
Deferred income at 1 April 2024
Received
Utilised
27,763
130,949
148.918
9,794
Deferred income at 31 March 2025
23

12.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
General
Funds
Deslgnated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Totsl
Funds
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Net Current Assets
534
429,443
200,757
630,734
534
519,889
383,559
903,982
90,446
141,033
231,479
41,769
41,769
Net assets at 31 March 2025
13.
ANALYSIS OF FUND MOVEMENTS
At
Incoming
Outgoing Translers At
01.04.24 Resources Resources
& Other 31.03.25
Gainsl
(Lossos)
Restricted Funds:
North of Tyne Multiply Programme
Bernicia Community Fund
20,250
202
1,708
689
225,966 (247,519)
(213)
(436)
(707)
(10,523)
(18,068)
(72,918)
1,303
TM
Learning Hives support fund
Tutor Teaching resources fund
Durham Learning Hive
Health Inequalities Fund Project
Northumberland Learning Hives-
Community Resilien￿ Project
Total Restricted
700
1,972
18
TM
10,523
17,240
80,000
96,182
430,611 (448,543)
153
32,715
482
675
39,797
1,495
3,502 41,769
56,199
Total Unrestricted (Note 14)
TOTAL
696,252
752,451
459.278
889,889
289,079
737,622
4.238
862,213
903,982
736
Leaming HivesTM Support Fund provides additional resources for our Learning Hives
Northumberland and is ongoing as we continue to seek funds to support delivery.
TM
TM
Northumberland Learning HivesTM funds delivery from our 3 Learning Hives across
Northumberland and is ongoing.
Our Community Resilience Project fund, providing community mentoring support, is ongoing and
currently expected to continue until March 2026.
Transfers reflect balan￿ transfers from unrestricted funds to cover project overspends and
inveslment asset revaluation.
24

14.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At
01.04.24
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Resources
Transfers
& Other
Gainsl
(Losses)
At
31.03.25
Restricted funds:
Charity activities
Total restricted funds
56,199
56,199
430,611
430.611
448,543
448,543
3,502
3,502
41.769
41,769
Unrestricted funds:
Development Fund
Delivery Support Fund
Future Cost Reserve
Revaluation Fund
General funds
48,500
17,533
75,000
66,033
75,000
90,446
97,237
65,259
485,256
696,252
(6,791)
(64,523)
217,765)
289,079
(736)
3,502
4,238
366,745
459.278
630,734
862,213
Total unrestricted funds
Total Funds
752,451
889,889
737,622
736
903,982
Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in
furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds, where the
trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.
The basis for calculating 'free reserves, is after allowing for all designated and restricted funds,
fixed assets and other non-current assets and liabilities.
Designated Funds comprise a Development Fund, to fund planned contributions to projects in
development, a Delivery Support Fund to bridge expected gaps in funding during the year and
enable our services to be maintained and a Future Cost Reserve, a contingent fund to cover the
cost of any potential redundancies arising as a result of reducing activities. The Revaluation fund
represents the difference between market valuation and historical cost of Investments.
15. PENSION SCHEME
Our stakeholder pension scheme is operated by Scottish Life and all new employees are auto-
enrolled into the scheme. The Trust's contributions in 2024125 were £27,370 (2023124 £21,942) at
an employer's contribution rate of 50h of pensionable pay. Of this, £3,572 was outstanding at 31
March 2025 (£2,152 at 31 March 2024).
16. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Gharity has no operating lease commitments.
17. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY
In the opinion of the Trustees. the charitable company has no ultimate controlling party, other than
the board of Trustees themselves.
25

18. LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
The charitable company is a private limited company limited by guarantee and registered in
England and Wales. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. In
the event ofthe charitable company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount
of £1.00.
19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The charitable company has had no transactions with any Related Parties.
26