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2025-12-31-accounts

Higham Hall College

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

31 December 2025

Company registration number: 6421365 Charity registration number: 1124959

Higham Hall College

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' report 2
Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements 6
Independent auditors' report (Co Act) 7
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Charity balance sheet 13
Cash flow statement 14
Notes to the financial statements 15

Higham Hall College

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name Higham Hall College Higham Hall College
Charity registration number 1124959
Company registration number 6421365
Principal office Higham Hall College
Higham Hall
Bassenthwaite Lake
COCKERMOUTH
CA13 9SH
Registered office Higham Hall College
Higham Hall
Bassenthwaite Lake
COCKERMOUTH
CA13 9SH
Trustees M Walker, Chair
J Hindle (Appointed 30 July 2025)
A Gilvey (Appointed 22 May 2025)
W Dufton (resigned 29 July 2026)
P J Brown, Chair (Resigned 4 March 2026)
L J Birch (Resigned 28 January 2025)
S Clarke (Resigned 5 November 2025)
C Pick (appointed 28 April 2026)
Secretary E A Fisher
Bankers HSBC
3 Pow Street
WORKINGTON
CA14 3AH
Auditor Dodd & Co Audit Limited
FIFTEEN Rosehill
Montgomery Way
Rosehill Estate
CARLISLE
CA1 2RW

Page 1

Higham Hall College

Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

The trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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.

Governance

Higham Hall College is a charitable company limited by guarantee and its governing document is its memorandum and articles of association.

The procedure for appointing new trustees is set out in the charity's articles of association. They provide that appointment can be made at a general meeting or by ordinary resolution. The number of directors cannot be less than three but is not subject to any maximum.

Training is included in the board meetings structure where trustees consider their roles, following charity commission guidelines, and receive guidance from our accountant, Dodd and Co Limited.

The trustees are also directors of the company. They meet every quarter to receive a report from the principal and make decisions based on consensus. Expenditure below £10,000 is delegated to the principal with payments up to that value requiring 2 staff signatures. Single item expenditure above that value requires board approval and the signature of the chairman or his deputy.

Higham Hall College has one wholly owned subsidiary: Higham Learning Limited. Higham Learning Limited provides conference and similar facilities at Higham Hall, and contributes to any shared costs in order to help support the charity. Higham Learning Limited also aims to pass any surplus made back to Higham Hall College, by way of gift aid or similar provision.

The directors have reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems or procedures have been put in place to manage those risks.

Objectives and activities

The charity’s objects are:

“The advancement of education of the public in such a manner as may be charitable and in particular, but not to limit the generality of the foregoing, the provision of adult education, including for adults with disabilities, deafness or who are hard of hearing.”

The aim of Higham is to provide short residential courses for adults of all ages and in general the advancement of education for the benefit of the public, including people with a disability. The following Public Benefit Statement has been agreed by the Trustees.

Public benefit statement

The objective of the college is the advancement and provision of adult education.

The activities consist of short residential courses and single day events.

The intended outcome is an improvement in the quality of participants lives achieved through:

Page 2

Higham Hall College

Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

The college also provides wider public benefit through:

Examples of the College’s activities include:

Achievements and performance

2025 was a successful year with the Charity producing a surplus of £180,806. The Charity’s objectives continue to be the provision and advancement of adult education, including for people with disabilities. Income from the provision of residential courses increased by 15.4% compared to 2024. There was notable growth in income from donations and legacies following an increase in fundraising activities. The Friends of Higham were relaunched, raising £4,600 in membership subscriptions which supported 5 student bursaries and 10 assisted places in 2025. The number of courses and events during the year increased from 346 to 420 with attendance numbers overall increasing to over 3,500. 28% of courses were oversubscribed.

Fundraising represents an increasingly important source of income for the Charity as operating costs continue to rise. In the last quarter of 2025, the Charity also began the first phase of roof repairs and restoration which will continue over the next few years. Total expenditure increased overall by 7.7%. Employment costs rose by 12.5% as a direct result of the increase from April 2025 in employers National Insurance costs. Both the change in the basis for the charge and the increase in the rate itself had a dramatic impact on the Charity which employs a large number of staff on a part-time basis. The continued annual increase in the National Living Wage ahead of the rate of inflation placed further pressure on financial resources. Other expenses increased by 3.3%.

Page 3

Higham Hall College

Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

The broad mix of practical, lecture and field trip-based courses in the creative arts, humanities and natural science subjects has remained largely consistent with previous years. Highlights include our music summer schools with world-class musicians and the courses we offer in heritage and endangered crafts such as bobbin lacemaking, illumination, composition picture frame-making and gilding, chair caning and basket making, bookbinding and allied crafts which support existing professionals and new makers.

It is very gratifying that so many people recognise the importance of what the Charity does, not only in the provision of lifelong learning and the broadening of access to such opportunities through bursaries and assisted places, but also in the care and preservation of the unique historic setting of Higham Hall. The college is now one of the few institutions of its kind in the UK and continues to go from strength to strength while similar organisations have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

Financial review

The charity’s principal funding source is its income from the provision of courses at Higham Hall. The expenditure incurred during the year was in support of those courses and the maintenance and purchase of the premises, through a mortgage, to secure the long term future of the college.

Income for the year totalled £1,457,178 (2024: £1,244,419) with £1,349,757 (2024: £1,169,807) being generated from course fees. Total expenditure was £1,276,372 (2024: £1,184,680) resulting in a surplus of £180,806 (2024: surplus of £59,739). As a result, total reserves at the end of the year stood at £1,522,164 (2024: £1,341,358) which were all unrestricted and included a revaluation reserve of £530,047 (2024: £530,047).

The charity’s trustees have considered the financial risks faced by the charity, and the level of resources that is needed in order to safeguard against these risks.

The charity takes deposits of £50 and course fees in advance, and so the risk that the charity may suffer a sudden and unforeseen loss of income is fairly small. However, other risks, such as the risk of severe weather, power cuts or tutor absences, which could require the charity to cancel courses, do still exist. In such a case, the charity may have to refund fees already collected. The risk also exists that some courses may be less well attended, and so leave the charity with a shortage of income. To mitigate this, the curriculum is planned where possible so that popular courses take place at the same time as those likely to be smaller.

Having evaluated these risks, the trustees have agreed a reserves policy as shown below.

Higham Hall reserves policy

Unrestricted funds are needed:

(a) to provide funds which can be designated to specific projects to enable these projects to be undertaken; and

(b) to cover operating costs without which the charity could not function.

The trustees consider it prudent that unrestricted free reserves should be sufficient:

(c) to provide a pool equal to 12.5% of the average group expenditure over the preceding two years after excluding direct course costs.

Unrestricted free group reserves at the end of 2025 were £176,783 (2024 - £47,647), which is more than the target reserves and represents a increase of £129,608 in the level of reserves reported at the previous year end. The trustees are mindful that the property from which Higham Hall operates is of a size and character that brings significant repair and maintenance requirements. Our reserves may therefore be required at any point to fund such work.

Management structure and volunteers

Day-to-day management of the college is conducted by the Principal, supported by a senior management team with line-management responsibilities. Together they ensure organisational policies and protocols are followed. The Principal reports to the trustees on a quarterly basis. The trustees are mindful of their ultimate responsibilities regarding the running of Higham Hall. Trustee representatives are involved in the oversight and audit of organisational policies and practice including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Financial Management.

Page 4

Higham Hall College

Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

In 2025, the Charity employed 35 permanent staff and worked with over 120 self-employed tutors. 18 volunteers provided support in a range of tasks, from gardening to driving the minibus. Volunteers are supervised by either the Operations Manager or Gardener. In addition to task-specific training, all volunteers receive the same induction and basic training in health and safety, fire safety awareness, safeguarding and sexual harassment awareness as permanent staff.

Future plans

The trustees continue to support biodiversity and sustainability as part of its ongoing management of the historic gardens within the 6-acre estate. They also oversee a programme of maintenance to preserve and protect the fabric of our Grade II listed, 200-year-old hall. These responsibilities are balanced by plans to improve access across the site in line with Charity’s objects and meet growing demand.

Higham Hall College serves a wide range of people from across the UK. The combination of exceptional educational experiences, cultural heritage and creativity in a convivial historic setting surrounded by great natural beauty has proved extremely successful. Almost a third of courses are now regularly over-subscribed and the College is unable to meet demand within existing capacity in terms of both residential accommodation and teaching space. The Charity is in the early stages of conducting a feasibility study with a view to seeking grant funding to support future expansion in both.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Board on 29 July 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

E A Fisher Secretary

Page 5

Higham Hall College

Trustees' Responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements

The trustees (who are also directors of Higham Hall College for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the Financial Reporting Standard 102 - 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

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 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.

Page 6

Independent Auditors' Report to the Trustees of

Higham Hall College

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Higham Hall College for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Charity Balance Sheet, Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and individual charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

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

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Page 7

Independent Auditors' Report to the Trustees of

Higham Hall College

......... continued

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• the information given in the trustees' report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors' report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the trustees' report (incorporating the strategic report and the directors' report) have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

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

Responsibilities of the trustees

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

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

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Page 8

Independent Auditors' Report to the Trustees of

Higham Hall College

......... continued

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud to be in relation to revenue recognition and management override which, in common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are required to perform specific procedures to respond to this risk.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context was the Companies Act, Charities Act, pension legislation, employment law, tax legislation and relevant health and safety laws.

As a result of performing the above, in response to the risks identified, we did not identify any key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of the charity's work.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

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

Page 9

Independent Auditors' Report to the Trustees of

Higham Hall College

......... continued

Use of our report

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

......................................... Faye Armstrong (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Dodd & Co Audit Limited, Statutory Auditor

FIFTEEN Rosehill Montgomery Way Rosehill Estate CARLISLE CA1 2RW

29 July 2026

Dodd & Co Audit Limited is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

Page 10

Higham Hall College

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Other trading activities
3
Investments
4
Charitable activities
5
Other income
6
Total income and endowments
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net movements in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,206
64,193
5,776
1,349,757
1,646		 Restricted
Funds
£
21,600
-
-
-
-		 Total Funds
2025
£
35,806
64,193
5,776
1,349,757
1,646		 Total Funds
2024
£
15,985
56,084
2,543
1,169,807
-
1,435,578 21,600 1,457,178 1,244,419
40,657
1,214,115		 -
21,600		 40,657
1,235,715		 38,079
1,146,601
1,254,772 21,600 1,276,372 1,184,680
180,806
1,341,358		 -
-		 180,806
1,341,358		 59,739
1,281,619
1,522,164 - 1,522,164 1,341,358

All of the Charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above periods.

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 11

Higham Hall College

Company registration number: 6421365

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks and work in progress
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
15
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than
one year
16
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Revaluation reserve
Unrestricted income funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total charity funds		 2025
£
£
1,683,233
13,366
12,415
360,187
385,968
(264,965)
121,003
1,804,236
(282,072)
1,522,164
-
530,047
992,117
1,522,164
1,522,164		 2024
£
£
1,684,654
12,472
11,729
235,004
259,205
(262,805)
(3,600)
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
-
530,047
811,311
1,341,358
1,341,358		 2024
£
£
1,684,654
12,472
11,729
235,004
259,205
(262,805)
(3,600)
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
-
530,047
811,311
1,341,358
1,341,358
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
-
1,341,358
1,341,358

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Approved by the Board on 29 July 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

M Walker Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 12

Higham Hall College

Charity Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Stocks and work in progress
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than
one year
16
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds
Revaluation reserve
Unrestricted income funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total charity funds		 2025
£
£
1,683,233
1
1,683,234
10,188
122,543
251,823
384,554
(263,552)
121,002
1,804,236
(282,072)
1,522,164
530,047
992,117
1,522,164
1,522,164		 2024
£
£
1,684,654
1
1,684,655
9,359
112,021
136,350
257,730
(261,331)
(3,601)
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
530,047
811,311
1,341,358
1,341,358		 2024
£
£
1,684,654
1
1,684,655
9,359
112,021
136,350
257,730
(261,331)
(3,601)
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
530,047
811,311
1,341,358
1,341,358
1,684,655
(3,601)
1,681,054
(339,696)
1,341,358
1,341,358
1,341,358

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

No Statement of Financial Activity is presented for the charity as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The charity posted a surplus for the financial year of £181,282 (2024 - £59,739).

Approved by the Board on 29 July 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

M Walker Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 13

Higham Hall College

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities
Net income for the period
Depreciation charges
Increase in stocks
Increase in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Repayment of borrowings
Increase in cash		 2025
£
180,806
10,718
(894)
(686)
(2,372)
187,572
(9,297)
(9,297)
(53,092)
125,183		 2024
£
59,739
11,600
(780)
(2,112)
23,748
92,195
(11,370)
(11,370)
(48,135)
32,690

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

1 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

The charitable company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The charity has considered whether the use the going concern basis for accounting is appropriate. To do this, they have considered whether there are any material uncertainties as to the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.

Fund accounting policy

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Further details of each fund are disclosed in note 21.

Income and endowments

Donations are recognised when the Charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the Charity before the Charity 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 Charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administor/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measured with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the Charity.

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.

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.

Income from charitable activities includes income recognised as earned (as the related goods or services are provided) under contract.

Page 15

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Costs of generating funds are the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.

Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Freehold land and buildings Not depreciated
Property improvements 2% straight line
Minibus 25% reducing balance
Artwork Not depreciated
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 15% reducing balance

The charity holds various pieces of artwork which the charity does not depreciate in line with its financial policy. The trustees believe each item will maintain its value and does not have a definitive useful life.

The charity does not depreciate its buildings as the trustees believe that the policy of continually maintaining the property means that any depreciation charge would be immaterial due to the property retaining a high residual value at the end of its useful life.

Investments

Fixed asset investments represents the nominal share value of the charity's wholly owned subsidiary, Higham Learning Limited.

Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Net realisable value is based on selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling costs. Items donated for resale or distribution are not included in the financial statements until they are sold or distributed.

Page 16

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

Trade Debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the Charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Liabilities

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the Charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Operating leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

The charity also operates a defined benefit pension scheme administered by the Local Government Pension Scheme. This has been accounted for as if it were a defined contribution scheme whereby contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities when they become due. Further explanation of the pension arrangements is given in note 18 to the accounts.

Page 17

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Charity after deducting all of its liabilities.

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the Charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the Charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the Charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Consolidation

Consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a line by line basis in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities Act 2011.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts of:

2 Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies
Appeals and donations		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,206		 Restricted
Funds
£
21,600		 Total Funds
2025
£
35,806		 Total Funds
2024
£
15,985

All of the donations and legacies income in 2024 related to unrestricted funds.

Page 18

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

3 Other trading activities

Conference fees
Accommodation
Bar
Shop		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,434
24,166
33,322
5,271		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-		 Total Funds
2025
£
1,434
24,166
33,322
5,271		 Total Funds
2024
£
945
18,635
31,704
4,800
64,193 - 64,193 56,084

All of the other trading activites income in 2024 related to unrestricted funds.

4 Investments

Interest on cash deposits Unrestricted
Funds
£
5,776		 Restricted
Funds
£
-		 Total Funds
2025
£
5,776		 Total Funds
2024
£
2,543

All of the donations and legacies income in 2024 related to unrestricted funds.

5 Charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Course fees 1,349,757 - 1,349,757 1,169,807

All of the income from charitable activities in 2024 related to unrestricted funds.

6 Other income

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Other income 1,646 - 1,646 -

Page 19

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

7 Expenditure

Direct costs
Food and bar purchases
Course materials and expenses
Freelance tutors' fees and expenses
Laundry
Employment costs
Staff training
Rates
Water rates
Light, heat and power
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Telephone and fax
Computer software and maintenance costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Subscriptions and licences
Sundry expenses
Cost of trustee meetings
Motor expenses
Advertising
Legal and professional fees
Support costs
Employment costs
Subsidiary accountancy fees
The audit of the charity's annual accounts
Accountancy and payroll
Bank and card processing charges
Mortgage interest
Depreciation		 Higham
Learning
Limited
£
23,436
-
-
894
6,000
-
-
-
1,200
926
3,229
132
484
266
25
333
-
123
838
149
38,035
-
1,411
-
-
1,211
-
-
2,622
40,657		 Course
provision
£
118,070
14,129
183,423
19,410
453,828
2,118
6,816
1,846
49,610
20,091
70,599
2,865
10,494
5,769
549
7,230
994
2,671
18,174
3,394		 Total
2025
£
141,506
14,129
183,423
20,304
459,828
2,118
6,816
1,846
50,810
21,017
73,828
2,997
10,978
6,035
574
7,563
994
2,794
19,012
3,543		 Total
2024
£
136,381
12,374
175,581
19,299
409,389
2,864
6,657
1,516
51,162
19,036
71,093
3,654
9,837
5,765
851
4,500
793
3,280
18,570
-
992,080 1,030,115 952,602
167,993
-
7,389
9,020
20,824
27,691
10,718		 167,993
1,411
7,389
9,020
22,035
27,691
10,718		 148,469
1,281
6,652
9,373
20,261
34,442
11,600
243,635 246,257 232,078
1,235,715 1,276,372 1,184,680

Of the expenditure in 2024, all related to unrestricted funds and £38,079 of this related to Higham Learning Limited.

Page 20

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

8 Governance costs

Cost of trustee meetings
Accountancy fees
Payroll processing
Subsidary accountancy fees
Auditors fees
Legal and professional fees		 2025
£
994
5,299
3,721
1,411
7,389
3,543		 2024
£
793
5,992
3,381
1,281
6,652
-
22,357 18,099

9 Trustees' remuneration and expenses

No trustees received any remuneration during the year.

During the year the college reimbursed 4 trustees a total of £994 (2024 - £793) for travel costs incurred as a result of their role as trustee.

10 Net income

Net income is stated after charging:

2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 10,718 11,600
Auditors' remuneration 7,389 6,652
Other financial services 10,431 10,654

Page 21

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

11 Employees' remuneration

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Administration and housekeeping
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security
Other pension costs		 2025
No.
41
2025
£
565,602
45,486
16,733
627,821		 2024
No.
35
2024
£
513,737
30,571
13,550
557,858

1 employee received emoluments of between £60,000 and £70,000 during the year (2024 - 1).

The key management personnel comprise the Trustees, the Principal and Head of Accounts. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £90,481 (2024 - £79,663).

Page 22

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

12 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or Valuation
As at 1 January 2025
Additions
As at 31 December 2025
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2025
Charge for the year
As at 31 December 2025
Net book value
As at 31 December 2025
As at 31 December 2024		 Freehold land
and buildings
£
1,500,000
-
1,500,000
-
-
-
1,500,000
1,500,000		 Property
improvements
£
141,377
2,106
143,483
10,174
2,858
13,032
130,451
131,203		 Motor vehicles
£
15,250
-
15,250
11,158
1,024
12,182
3,068
4,092		 Artwork
£
6,000
700
6,700
-
-
-
6,700
6,000		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
219,131
6,491
225,622
175,772
6,836
182,608
43,014
43,359		 Total
£
1,881,758
9,297
1,891,055
197,104
10,718
207,822
1,683,233
1,684,654

Page 23

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

13 Investments in subsidiaries

The charity holds more than 20% of the share capital of the following company:

Country of Principal activity Class %
incorporation
Subsidiary undertakings
Higham Learning Limited United Kingdom Provision of Ordinary 100
accommodation and
other services at
Higham Hall
Capital & Profit/(loss)
reserves for the period
£ £
Subsidiary undertakings
Higham Learning Limited 1 23,536
14 Debtors
Group
2025 2024
£ £
Other debtors 1,524 1,020
Prepayments and accrued income 10,891 10,709
12,415 11,729
Charity
2025 2024
£ £
Amounts from subsidiary and associated undertakings 110,128 100,292
Prepayments and accrued income 10,891 10,709
Other debtors 1,524 1,020
122,543 112,021

Page 24

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

15 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group

Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade creditors
Receipts in advance
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
55,780
33,110
133,390
12,000
11,046
19,639
264,965		 2024
£
51,248
20,559
153,451
8,593
11,501
17,453
262,805
Charity
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade creditors
Receipts in advance
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
55,780
33,110
133,390
12,000
11,046
18,226
263,552		 2024
£
51,248
20,559
153,451
8,593
11,501
15,979
261,331

Creditors amounts falling due within one year includes the following liabilities, on which security has been given by the charity:

Bank loans and overdraft

2025 2024
£ £
55,780 51,248

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Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

16 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Group and charity

Bank loans and overdrafts 2025
£
282,072		 2024
£
339,696

Creditors amounts falling due after more than one year includes the following liabilities, on which security has been given by the charity:

2025
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
282,072
Included in the creditors are the following amounts due after more than 5 years:
2025
£
After more than five years by instalments
10,411		 2024
£
339,696
2024
£
86,862

17 Members' liability

The charity is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

18 Operating lease commitments

As at 31 December 2025 the charity had total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Within one year
Within two and five years		 Other
2025
£
2024
£
915
1,768
-
915
915
2,683		 Other
2025
£
2024
£
915
1,768
-
915
915
2,683
2,683

19 Pension scheme

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the period represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £16,733 (2024 - £13,550).

Contributions totalling £3,271 (2024 - £2,776) were payable to the scheme at the end of the period and are included in creditors.

Page 26

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

Defined benefit pension scheme

Following the acquisition of Higham Hall on 19 December 2008, existing employees at that date retained the right to continue contributing to the final salary Local Government Pension Scheme that was otherwise closed to new members. The charity obtained indemnity from the employees' previous employer such that it would have no obligation to meet the deficit which existed in the final salary pension scheme at 19 December 2008 and would only be liable for any subsequent movement in the scheme value.

The charity has also taken out a bond to indemnify the employees' previous employer against the risk of the charity ceasing to operate, or otherwise being unable to meet its obligations to fund the employees' membership of the scheme, in which case the pension scheme liability would fall due on the previous employer.

The most recent triennial actuarial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme, which undertaken as at 31 March 2022, values the charity's share in the scheme assets to be in excess of its future pension liabilities by £447,000. Under the funding strategy of the scheme, as the charity's funding target has been achieved, its pension contributions are therefore calculated based on future service contribution rates only. As this is the case, FRS 102, the contributions to the scheme are therefore accounted for as though it was a defined contribution scheme.

As at 31 December 2025 the college had 2 active members of this scheme.

Page 27

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

20 Related parties

Controlling entity

The ultimate control of the charity lies with the board of directors, who are also trustees, and whose membership is set out on page 1.

Related party transactions

The charity has received a commitment to a donation of £23,536 from Higham Learning Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary (2024 - £18,500). This amount remained outstanding at the year end (2024 - £18,500).

Higham Learning Limited has provided a cross company guarantee over the bank loan taken by the charity.

21 Analysis of funds

General Funds
Unrestricted income fund
Restricted Funds
Building repair fund		 At 1 January
2025
£
1,341,358
-
1,341,358		 Incoming
resources
£
1,435,578
21,600
1,457,178		 Resources
expended
£
(1,254,772)
(21,600)
(1,276,372)		 At 31
December
2025
£
1,522,164
-
1,522,164

Building repair fund - donations received for repairs to the roof, and any other urgent repair work

Prior period

At 1
January
2024		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 At 31
December
2024
£ £ £ £
General Funds
Unrestricted income fund 1,281,619 1,244,419 (1,184,680) 1,341,358

Page 28

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

22 Net assets by fund

Group

Tangible assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after
more than one year
Net assets
harity
Tangible assets
Investments
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after
more than one year
Net assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,683,233
378,193
(257,190)
(282,072)
1,522,164
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,683,233
1
376,779
(255,777)
(282,072)
1,522,164		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
7,775
(7,775)
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
7,775
(7,775)
-
-		 Total Funds
2025
£
1,683,233
385,968
(264,965)
(282,072)
1,522,164
Total Funds
2025
£
1,683,233
1
384,554
(263,552)
(282,072)
1,522,164		 Total Funds
2024
£
1,684,654
259,205
(262,805)
(339,696)
1,341,358
Total Funds
2024
£
1,684,655
1
257,729
(261,331)
(339,696)
1,341,358

Charity

Page 29

Higham Hall College

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

......... continued

Prior period
Group
Tangible assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one
year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more
than one year
Net assets
Charity
Tangible assets
Investments
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one
year
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more
than one year
Net assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,684,654
250,480
(254,080)
(339,696)
1,341,358
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,684,654
1
249,005
(252,606)
(339,696)
1,341,358		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
8,725
(8,725)
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
8,725
(8,725)
-
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
1,684,654
259,205
(262,805)
(339,696)
1,341,358
Total Funds
2024
£
1,684,654
1
257,730
(261,331)
(339,696)
1,341,358		 Total Funds
2023
£
1,684,884
223,623
(236,164)
(390,724)
1,281,619
Total Funds
2023
£
1,684,884
1
222,025
(234,567)
(390,724)
1,281,619

Page 30