Company registration number 07292254 (England and Wales) Charity registration number 1138194 (England and Wales)
KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Ms K A Cooper | |
|---|---|---|
| Mr J P Granville | ||
| Ms D Purdy | ||
| Mrs S M Ford | ||
| Ms S P Robinson | ||
| Mr A Conabeare | ||
| Country of incorporation | United Kingdom | 07292254 |
| (England and Wales) | ||
| Charity registration | England and Wales | 1138194 |
| Registered office | Palingswick House 241 King Street | |
| Hammersmith | ||
| London | ||
| W6 9LP | ||
| Independent examiner | Haines Watts Swindon Limited | |
| Old Station House | ||
| Station Approach | ||
| Swindon | ||
| Wiltshire | ||
| SN1 3DU |
KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Statement of financial position | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 11 |
KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".
Objectives and activities
The Foundation Trust's purpose, as set out in the objects contained in the company's Memorandum of Association are to:
The Trust's objects (the "Objects") are to advance for the public benefit education in the United Kingdom, in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing by promoting the establishment maintenance, carrying on, management and development of The Knowledge Schools Trust and any of its academies ("the Academy").
The Knowledge Schools Foundation Trust supports the schools and enriches the education of pupils in the Knowledge Schools Trust.
Public benefit
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
Achievements and performance
The Foundation Trust's mission is to increase extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils, particularly in the areas of sport, music, art, drama, educational visits and other activities beyond the classroom. The Trust also supports schools with library resources and career advice.
Financial review
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the trust’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The total reserves held by the Trust at the end of the year-end were £337,596 (£332,403 2024). £17,604 (£10,136 2024) were held in restricted funds and £319,992 (£322,267 2024) in unrestricted funds. The trustees have examined the Trust's requirements for reserves considering the main risks to the organisation. Currently, while the reserves held are in excess of the reserves policy, this is due to some planned expenditure not yet incurred. The trustees consider this position to be appropriate and prudent in the circumstances. Free reserves at the year-end amounted to £320,052 (£322,267 2024)
Major risks
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Ms K A Cooper Mr J P Granville Mr T S Newman (Resigned 31 August 2025) Ms D Purdy Mrs S M Ford Ms S P Robinson Mr T D M Young (Resigned 2 October 2024) Mr A Conabeare
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. New trustees may be appointed by the trust by ordinary resolution. The trustees of the Foundation Trust are elected to serve for a period of four years. Trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, may offer themselves for re-election and may be reappointed at their rotation date at the AGM. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Foundation Trust.
Induction and training of trustees
New trustees are provided with all the relevant documents and policies which are available on the KSFT website. They are also provided with an induction session with the Chair to learn about all the activities of the Foundation Trust and their role and responsibilities as a KSFT Trustee. If new to the charitable sector, trustees will be provided with a trustee information pack.
The trustees' Report was approved by the Board of Trustees. .............................. Mr A Conabeare A[osbest=] Trustee
21st March 2026 Date: .............................................
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Knowledge Schools Foundation Trust (the trust) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the trust (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the trust are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the trust as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Martin Gurney FCA Haines Watts Swindon Limited
Old Station House Station Approach Swindon Wiltshire SN1 3DU Date: ............................
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 135,804 33,333 Investments 4 9,383 - Total income 145,187 33,333 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 147,462 25,865 Total expenditure 147,462 25,865 Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds (2,275) 7,468 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 September 2024 322,267 10,136 Fund balances at 31 August 2025 319,992 17,604 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 169,137 114,919 24,333 9,383 5,385 - 178,520 120,304 24,333 173,327 100,555 29,580 173,327 100,555 29,580 5,193 19,749 (5,247) 332,403 302,518 15,383 337,596 322,267 10,136 |
Total 2024 £ 139,252 5,385 |
|---|---|---|
| 144,637 130,135 |
||
| 130,135 | ||
| 14,502 317,901 |
||
| 332,403 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 368,000 | 370,981 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 9 | ||||||
| one year | (30,404) | (38,578) | |||||
| Net current assets | 337,596 | 332,403 | |||||
| The funds of the trust | |||||||
| Restricted income funds | 10 | 17,604 | 10,136 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 11 | 319,992 | 322,267 | ||||
| 337,596 | 332,403 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
21st March 2026
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... .............................. Mr A Conabeare A[sarees] Trustee
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Knowledge Schools Foundation Trust is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Palingswick House 241 King Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 9LP.
In the event of the company being wound up the liability of the members is limited to £10.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
1.2 Going concern
There are no significant concerns about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the trust.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
1.7 Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the trust’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Donations and gifts 135,804 33,333 Donations and gifts Donations - Individuals 103,855 - Donations - Corporate - - Gift Aid 31,949 - Grants - 33,333 135,804 33,333 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 169,137 114,919 24,333 103,855 101,765 - - 380 - 31,949 12,774 - 33,333 - 24,333 169,137 114,919 24,333 |
Total 2024 £ 139,252 |
|---|---|---|
| 101,765 380 12,774 24,333 |
||
| 139,252 |
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 9,383 | 5,385 |
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Charitable Expenditure Charitable Expenditure Charitable Expenditure 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ Direct costs School and Educational Encrichment Activities 161,617 125,733 967 Fundraising Costs 8,146 3,435 - Legal Fees 529 - - Accountancy fees 2,434 - - Website 601 - - 173,327 129,168 967 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds 147,462 99,588 967 Restricted funds 25,865 29,580 - 173,327 129,168 967 6 Net movement in funds 2025 £ The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements 2,220 |
Total 2024 £ 126,700 3,435 - - - |
|---|---|
| 130,135 | |
| 100,555 29,580 |
|
| 130,135 | |
| 2024 £ 2,160 |
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the trust during the year.
8 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 30,404 | 38,578 |
10 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At 1 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 August | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | resources | expended | 2025 | |
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Boden/Granville | 9,136 | 23,333 | (15,865) | 16,604 |
| 6th Form Chess | 1,000 | - | - | 1,000 |
| Moynitrust | - | 10,000 | (10,000) | - |
| 10,136 | 33,333 | (25,865) | 17,604 | |
| Previous year: | At 1 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 August |
| September | resources | expended | 2024 | |
| 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 6th Form | 957 | - | (957) | - |
| Boden/Granville | 10,220 | 23,333 | (24,417) | 9,136 |
| Art Scholarship | 878 | - | (878) | - |
| ICT Equipment Fund | 3,328 | - | (3,328) | - |
| 6th Form Chess | - | 1,000 | - | 1,000 |
| 15,383 | 24,333 | (29,580) | 10,136 |
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
10 Restricted funds
(Continued)
6th Form - funds received for the 6th form and its Library.
Boden & Granville - funds were initially received to deliver programmes in:
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Developing well sequenced knowledge-rich curriculum for primary level children,
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Providing educational support for needy students and
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Preparing young people for the World of Work.
The programme preparing young people for the World of Work continued for 4 years with the funding provided and additional funding was committed to support the programme for an additional 3 years of which 2023 was the first year.
Gowing Music - Funds received to further the music program at West London Free School.
South Square Trust Art Scholarship - Funds received from the South Square Trust to support the 6th form Art Scholarship Programme.
ICT Equipment Fund - A generous parent provided funds to be used to make a material difference for West London Free School pupils' access to high quality ICT equipment, with a particular emphasis on pupils with additional needs or barriers to learning.
6th Form Chess grant - A generous parent provided funds for use to assist 6th form students to develop chess skills and play in competitions.
Moynitrust - Funds were received from moynitrust to help purchase musical instruments for the trust.
11 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 August | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | resources | expended | 2025 | |
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 322,267 | 145,187 | (147,462) | 319,992 |
| Previous year: | At 1 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 August |
| September | resources | expended | 2024 | |
| 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 302,518 | 120,304 | (100,555) | 322,267 |
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KNOWLEDGE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ At 31 August 2025: Current assets/(liabilities) 319,992 17,604 319,992 17,604 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ At 31 August 2024: Current assets/(liabilities) 322,267 10,136 322,267 10,136 |
Total 2025 £ 337,596 |
|---|---|
| 337,596 | |
| Total 2024 £ 332,403 |
|
| 332,403 |
13 Related party transactions
During the year ended 31 August 2025 a total of £161,617 (2024: £125,733) was donated to the schools in the Knowledge Schools Trust.
One of the trustees is a Trust Director of the Knowledge Schools Trust (Kathryn Cooper).
We no longer have any trustees who are governors of West London Free School but one trustee (Dee Purdy) is a governor of West London Free School Primary and Earls Court Free School Primary.
The Chair of the Knowledge Schools Trust is a member of Knowledge Schools Foundation Trust.
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