VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 1/25 

**Registered number: 06865093 Charity number: 1132611** 

**BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 2/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **CONTENTS** 

||Page|
|---|---|
|**Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers**|1|
|**Trustees' report**|2 - 5|
|**Independent auditors' report on the financial statements**|6 - 9|
|**Statement of financial activities**|10|
|**Balance sheet**|11|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|12 - 22|



VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 3/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|**Trustees**|A Lee|
|---|---|
||P A Walker (resigned 31 December 2024)|
||A J Sanderson|
||D A Morgan|
||I C Bond, Chair of Trustees|
||A Ahamed (appointed 1 September 2024)|
||N Baust|
||M Farrar|
|**Company registered**<br>**number**<br>06865093<br>**Charity registered**<br>**number**<br>1132611<br>**Registered office**<br>Best House<br>Shefford Road<br>Clifton<br>Shefford<br>Bedfordshire<br>SG17 5QS<br>**Independent auditors**<br>Bishop Fleming Audit Limited<br>Chartered Accountants<br>1-3 College Yard<br>Worcester<br>WR1 2LB||



Page 1 

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 4/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## **Objectives and activities** 

## **a. Policies and objectives** 

The principal object of the Charity is to advance the education of pupils at member schools and other members of the community. 

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'. 

## **b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives** 

The Charity supports its member schools/academies to advance education and community cohesion in the following areas: 

- The provision of additional financial, educational, capital and projects consultative support to member organisations; 

- The improvement and expansion of 0-4 educational provision through Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Nurseries Limited; 

- The use of Learning Programmes to support the BEST Choir, Orchestra, Performing Arts, Cheer Leading, Duke of Edinburgh, Community Projects, Outdoor learning and Gardening; and 

- The provision of funding to run BEST House which is used by Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Nurseries Limited and other organisations including charities. 

## **Strategic report** 

## **Achievements and performance** 

## **a. Review of activities** 

The cash flow loan given to the Nurseries during Covid-19 has been repaid, in full, this year leaving only current year liabilities. 

BEST House has continued as both a base for the BEST Central Team and a valuable resource for both BEST and the wider community. The commercial usage of the facility continues to provide income to contribute to the costs of running the building. There continues to be good use of the building by BEST schools and key partners. 

## **b. Fundraising activities and income generation** 

The Charity does not undertake fundraising. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **Strategic report (CONTINUED)** 

## **Financial review** 

## **a. Going concern** 

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 

The Charity is responsible for BEST House and meets the running costs of the building from the service charge paid by the users and any lettings income. The service charge contribution from BEST for occupancy of the building was reviewed and increased this year. This is subject to annual review by Trustees. 

The Charity has reserves which they can use to support the development of further nurseries and provide additional financial, educational, capital to the schools in the Multi-Academy Trust. This support is provided only when funds allow. 

## **b. Reserves policy** 

The Board of Trustees has examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation, It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be enough to enable the charity to meet its day to day running costs and meet its financial commitments as they arise. Excess unrestricted reserves are invested in activities to fulfil the charity's objectives within the partner schools and community. 

As at 31 August 2025, the total reserves held by the Charity were £2,074k of which £1,712k were restricted, £160k were designated and £202k were general funds. Please see note 12. 

## **c. Material investments policy** 

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has power to invest in any way the Trustees wish. 

The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the charity and to the reserves policy have operated a policy of keeping surplus funds in short term bank accounts. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

## **a. Constitution** 

Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Limited is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Trust deed. 

The Charity is constituted under a Trust deed and is a registered charity, number 1132611. 

The Charity is a subsidiary of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) Group. 

## **b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees** 

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed. 

## **c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies** 

The Charity is governed by the main Board of Trustees for the BEST Group.  There is a Subsidiaries Executive Committee that meets informally on a regular basis and its key responsibilities are: 

- To ensure the Charity fulfils its aims and objectives, 

- To ensure legal responsibilities are fulfilled. 

- To have oversight of BEST House management and strategic direction. 

The Subsidiaries Executive Committee reports to the main Board of Trustees each term. 

## **d. Risk management** 

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. 

## **e. Fundraising** 

The Charity does not undertake fundraising 

## **Plans for future periods** 

## **a. Future developments** 

The Charity will continue to support its member schools, nurseries and the community. 

This year, the nurseries again achieved a surplus position so continue to require less support from the Charity. All three BEST nurseries have Ofsted rated Good provision. 

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**BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report including the Strategic 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 . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, 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 of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); 

- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) 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 Company will continue in business. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 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 Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

## **Disclosure of information to auditors** 

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that: 

- so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and 

- that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information. 

## **Auditors** 

The auditors, Bishop Fleming Audit Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees. 

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on                          and signed on their behalf by: 

Ilona Bond 

**I C Bond** Chair of Trustees 

17 December 2025 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows 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: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

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

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

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

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. 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. 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 course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

## **Opinion 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 including the Strategic Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

- the Trustees' Report and the Strategic Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report including the Strategic Report. 

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

- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

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

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

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

## **Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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: 

The procedures undertaken in order to identify and assess risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, are as follows: 

- We have considered the nature of the sector, control environment and business performance; 

- We have considered the results of our enquiries of management and the Chair of the Board about their own identification and assessment of the risk of irregularities 

- For any matters identified we have obtained and reviewed the Charity's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to; 

   - Identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; 

   - Detecting and responding to the risk of fraud and whether they have knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and 

   - The internal controls established to mitigate the risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

- We have considered the matters discussed among the audit engagement team, including internal tax specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and potential indicators of fraud. 

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 in the following areas: 

- Revenue recognition; and 

- Accounting estimates. 

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. 

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks 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 included the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

In addition, we have considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Charity's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These include data protection regulations, health and safety regulations and employment legislation. 

Audit response to risks identified: 

As a result of performing the above procedures, we have identified revenue recognition and accounting estimates as key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following: 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (CONTINUED)** 

- Documenting and validating the control environment for income and debtors and carrying out walkthrough testing; 

- Undertaking substantive sample-based testing or proof in total calculations on all material revenue streams to ensure revenue has been recognised appropriately and accurately; 

- Considering manual income journals as part of our work on fraud risks documented above; 

- Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation; 

- Enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation claims; 

- Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement; 

- Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with HMRC; and 

- 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 business. 

We also communicated relevant 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. 

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from an error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. 

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 Auditors' report. 

## **Use of our report** 

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

Andrew Wood 

## **Andrew Wood FCCA (Senior statutory auditor)** 

for and on behalf of **Bishop Fleming Audit Limited** 

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors 1-3 College Yard Worcester WR1 2LB 

> Date: 18 December 2025 

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VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 12/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>3<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Charitable activities<br>4<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**71**<br>**71**<br>**59**<br>**59**<br>**12**<br>**350**<br>**12**<br>**362**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**43**<br>**43**<br>**(43)**<br>**1,755**<br>**(43)**<br>**1,712**|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**71**<br>**71**<br>**102**<br>**102**<br>**(31)**<br>**2,105**<br>**(31)**<br>**2,074**|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>72<br>72<br>74<br>74<br>(2)<br>2,107<br>(2)<br>2,105|
|---|---|---|---|---|



The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. 

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REGISTERED NUMBER:06865093** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|||**2025**|**2025**|2024|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Note**|**£000**||£000||
|**Fixed assets**||||||
|Tangible assets|8|**1,723**||1,767||
|Investments|9|**110**||110||
|||**1,833**||1,877||
|**Current assets**||||||
|Debtors|10|**4**||85||
|Cash at bank and in hand||**250**||156||
|||**254**||241||
|**Current liabilities**||||||
|Creditors: amounts falling due within one||||||
|year|11|**(13)**||(13)||
|**Net current assets**||**241**||228||
|**Total assets less current liabilities**||**2,074**||2,105||
|**Total net assets**||**2,074**||2,105||
|**Charity funds**||||||
|Restricted funds|12|**1,712**||1,755||
|Unrestricted funds|12|**362**||350||
|**Total funds**||**2,074**||2,105||



The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements. 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

Ilona Bond 

## **I C Bond** 

Chair of Trustees Date: 17 December 2025 

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **1. General information** 

Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Limited ('the Charity') is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, registered and incorporated in England and Wales. Registered charity number is 1132611 and registered company number 06865093. 

The registered office and principal place of business is Best House, Shefford House, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS. 

The principal activity of the Charity is to advance the education of pupils at member schools and other members of the community. 

The financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling (£000), and are rounded to the nearest whole £000. 

## **2. Accounting policies** 

## **2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Limited 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. 

## **2.2 INCOME** 

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. 

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. 

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable. 

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. 

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**BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.3 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 at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 

The Charity is responsible for BEST House and meets the running costs of the building from the service charge paid by Shefford Nursery and the BEST Central Finance Team and income from external hirings.  The demand for hiring continued to grow again this year and we continually seek opportunities to increase this further. 

The Charity has reserves which they can use to support the development of further nurseries and provide additional financial, educational, capital to the schools in the Multi-Academy Trust.  This support is provided only when funds allow.. 

## **2.4 EXPENDITURE** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. 

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. 

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 

## **2.5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION** 

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. 

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost. 

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method. 

Depreciation is provided on the following bases: 

|Freehold property|- 50 Years|
|---|---|
|Fixtures and fittings|- 5 Years|
|Computer equipment|- 3 Years|



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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.6 INVESTMENTS** 

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities. 

Following a review of the carrying value of the investment held in Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Nurseries Limited, the Trustees have concluded that there is no indication of impairment as of 31 August 2025. 

## **2.7 DEBTORS** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 

## **2.8 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND** 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

## **2.9 LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS** 

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. 

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. 

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost. 

## **2.10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS** 

The Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.11 FUND ACCOUNTING** 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **3. Income from donations and legacies** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>Donations<br>71<br>TOTAL 2024<br>72|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**71**<br>72|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>72|
|---|---|---|
||||



## **4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities** 

## **Summary by fund type** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>Charitable Activities<br>59<br>TOTAL 2024<br>31|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>43<br>43|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**102**<br>74|Total<br>2024<br>£000<br>74|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||



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VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 18/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **5. Analysis of expenditure by activities** 

|**Activities**<br>**undertaken**<br>**directly**<br>**2025**<br>**Support**<br>**costs**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**£000**<br>Charitable Activities<br>43<br>59<br>TOTAL 2024<br>43<br>31<br>**Auditors' remuneration**<br>Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its associates for the audit of<br>the Company's annual accounts|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**102**<br>74<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**4**|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>74|
|---|---|---|
|||2024<br>£000<br>4|



## **6. Auditors' remuneration** 

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose amounts paid for non-audit services as these are disclosed in the consolidated accounts of the parent Company. 

## **7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses** 

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL). 

During the year ended 31 August 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL). 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **8. Tangible fixed assets** 

|**COST OR VALUATION**<br>At 1 September 2024<br>At 31 August 2025<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 September 2024<br>Charge for the year<br>At 31 August 2025<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 August 2025<br>At 31 August 2024<br>**9.**<br>**Fixed asset investments**|**Freehold**<br>**property**<br>**£000**<br>**2,119**<br>**2,119**<br>**354**<br>**43**<br>**397**<br>**1,722**<br>1,765|**Fixtures and**<br>**fittings**<br>**Assets**<br>**Under**<br>**construction**<br>**£000**<br>**£000**<br>**44**<br>**12**<br>**44**<br>**12**<br>**42**<br>**12**<br>**1**<br>**-**<br>**43**<br>**12**<br>**1**<br>**-**<br>2<br>-|**Total**<br>**£000**<br>**2,175**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**2,175**|
||||**408**<br>**44**|
||||**452**|
|||||
||||**1,723**|
||||1,767|
|||||



|**COST OR VALUATION**<br>At 1 September 2024<br>At 31 August 2025|**Investments**<br>**in**<br>**subsidiaries**<br>**£000**<br>**110**|
|---|---|
||**110**|



An investment of £110k is held in the Charity's wholly owned subsidiary Bedfordshire East Schools Trust Nurseries Limited. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **10. Debtors** 

|**DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade debtors<br>Amounts owed by group undertakings<br>Other debtors<br>Prepayments and accrued income|**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**3**<br>**1**<br>**4**|2024<br>£000<br>1<br>81<br>3<br>-|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||85|



## **11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year** 

|Trade creditors<br>Amounts owed to group undertakings<br>Accruals and deferred income|**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**3**<br>**1**<br>**9**<br>**13**|2024<br>£000<br>2<br>-<br>11|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||13|



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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **12. Statement of funds** 

## **Statement of funds - current year** 

|**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**DESIGNATED FUNDS**<br>Sink Fund<br>**GENERAL FUNDS**<br>General Fund<br>**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>Fixed Asset - BEST House<br>**TOTAL OF FUNDS**|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2024**<br>**£000**<br>**160**<br>**190**<br>**350**<br>**1,755**<br>**2,105**|**Income**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**71**<br>**71**<br>**-**<br>**71**|**Expenditure**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**(59)**<br>**(59)**<br>**(43)**<br>**(102)**|**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**160**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**202**|
|||||**362**|
|||||**1,712**|
|||||**2,074**|



The specific purposes for which these funds are to be applied are as follows: 

## Designated Funds 

A sink fund has been built up over the past few years by the Trustees. There have been no changes to this fund in the current year. 

## General Funds 

Income and Expenditure relating to activities of the Charity. The funds can be used for any purposes within the objects of the Charity. 

## Restricted Funds 

Grants or assets have been received in the past that can only be used for specific purposes and activities. The assets cannot be disposed of without the agreement of the government. The funds are held until spent or formally released. 

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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **12. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year** 

|**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**DESIGNATED FUNDS**<br>Sink Fund<br>**GENERAL FUNDS**<br>General Fund<br>**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>Fixed Asset - BEST House<br>**TOTAL OF FUNDS**|Balance at<br>1 September<br>2023<br>£000<br>160<br>149<br>309<br>1,798<br>2,107|Income<br>£000<br>-<br>72<br>72<br>-<br>72|Expenditure<br>£000<br>-<br>(31)<br>(31)<br>(43)<br>(74)|Balance at<br>31 August<br>2024<br>£000<br>160|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||190|
|||||350|
|||||1,755|
|||||2,105|



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VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. 3QTN-J2QX-F26F 18 Dec 2025 10:19:18 GMT (UTC +0) D 6/7 P 23/25 

## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **13. Summary of funds** 

## **Summary of funds - current year** 

|<br>Designated funds<br>General funds<br>Restricted funds<br>**Summary of funds - prior year**<br>Designated funds<br>General funds<br>Restricted funds|**Balance at 1**<br>**September**<br>**2024**<br>**£000**<br>**160**<br>**190**<br>**1,755**<br>**2,105**<br>Balance at<br>1 September<br>2023<br>£000<br>160<br>149<br>1,798<br>2,107|**Income**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**71**<br>**-**<br>**71**<br>Income<br>£000<br>-<br>72<br>-<br>72|**Expenditure**<br>**£000**<br>**-**<br>**(59)**<br>**(43)**<br>**(102)**<br>Expenditure<br>£000<br>-<br>(31)<br>(43)<br>(74)|**Balance at**<br>**31 August**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**160**<br>**202**<br>**1,712**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2,074**|
|||||Balance at<br>31 August<br>2024<br>£000<br>160<br>190<br>1,755|
|||||2,105|



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## **BEDFORDSHIRE EAST SCHOOLS TRUST LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **14. Analysis of net assets between funds** 

## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>11<br>Fixed asset investments<br>110<br>Current assets<br>254<br>Creditors due within one year<br>(13)<br>**TOTAL**<br>362|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>1,712<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,712|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£000**<br>**1,723**<br>**110**<br>**254**<br>**(13)**<br>**2,074**|
|---|---|---|



## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Current assets<br>Creditors due within one year<br>**TOTAL**|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>12<br>110<br>241<br>(13)<br>350|Restricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>1,755<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,755|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£000<br>1,767<br>110<br>241<br>(13)<br>2,105|
|---|---|---|---|



## **15. Related party transactions** 

The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption available in accordance with Section 33 of Financial Reporting Standard 102 not to disclose transactions entered into between two or more members of the group, as the Charity is a wholly owned subsidary undertaking of the Group to which it is party to the transactions. 

## **16. Controlling party** 

Bedfordshire Schools Trust Limited is regarded by the Trustees as being the Company's immediate and ultimate parent entity by virtue of control. Consolidated financial statements are available from Companies House. 

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