2024-12-31-accounts - North Tyneside Learning Trust

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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07353837 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1143299

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

FOR

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

BK Plus Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 13 Windsor Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HE

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

	Page
Chair's Report	1 to 2
Report of the Trustees	3 to 21
Independent Examiner's Report	22
Statement of Financial Activities	23
Balance Sheet	24 to 25
Cash Flow Statement	26
Notes to the Financial Statements	27 to 35

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

CHAIR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts at the end of my first year as Chair of North Tyneside Learning Trust. It is a privilege to share some of the highlights and reflections from what has been a year of both achievement and challenge.

The World of Work Project continues to be a cornerstone of the Trust's offer to schools, with another highly successful year of delivery. In 2024/25, the programme engaged 9,883 children and young people, supported by 221 companies and 931 business volunteers. Looking ahead, the Trust will play a vital role in helping schools implement the refreshed Gatsby Benchmarks and prepare for new statutory work experience requirements, ensuring that our young people continue to benefit from world-class careers education.

Our partnership with the Ogden Trust has gone from strength to strength, now in its third year. Astro Camps expanded to five more schools, science libraries grew with new resources on the theme of Forces, and plans are already underway for the fourth annual Phizzi Conference at the Baltic in November 2025.

This year also marks the beginning of the second decade of the Great North Maths Hub , proudly led by the Trust since its establishment by the Department for Education in 2014. With Lindsey Fagan appointed as Maths Hub Lead in May 2025, supported by a strengthened leadership team, we are well placed to continue delivering excellence in mathematics education across the region.

The Trust has also continued to innovate through new and creative programmes. The A Splash of Colour Intergenerational Art Project expanded further this year, connecting children and young people with residents in sheltered housing schemes to produce collaborative artworks inspired by shared stories and memories. The project not only nurtures creativity but also builds meaningful bonds across generations, gaining national recognition along the way. Similarly, the launch of NTLT Talks , following our accreditation as a TED-Ed Approved Educator, has given children and young people a platform to develop confidence, communication and oracy skills, with participants presenting talks on topics close to their hearts. In addition, our establishment of AI Networks has provided schools with the opportunity to explore the practical application of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and administration, helping staff and leaders to prepare for the future of education while reducing workload. Together, these initiatives highlight the Trust's commitment to creativity, innovation and forward-thinking practice.

We also said farewell to valued Board members Nick Preston, Stephane Bommel and Gill Wilson, whose contributions as Directors have been greatly appreciated. I am delighted to welcome Claire Harrison Hoggarth, Headteacher at Benton Dene School, as Schools Director (Special Schools), and Ruth Jobey, Headteacher at Battle Hill Primary School, as Schools Director (Primary). Their experience and insight will be invaluable as the Trust navigates the year ahead.

Our annual Star Awards at St James' Park once again showcased the extraordinary talents and achievements of our young people, with 28 remarkable finalists joining the NTLT Star Awards Hall of Fame. We were also proud to see four more schools achieve Schools of Sanctuary status , bringing the total in North Tyneside to 14, with further schools set to follow in 2025/26.

At the same time, the Trust continues to operate within a challenging and shifting educational landscape. Academy conversions have reduced the Trust from 43 schools in September 2023 to 37 in September 2025, with more to follow during 2025/26. The planned closure of Monkseaton High School on 31st August 2026, alongside the impact of falling birth rates and financial pressures, signals further change ahead. These challenges will inevitably shape the size and scope of the Trust in the years to come, but our commitment to children, young people, and schools remains steadfast.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

CHAIR'S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment to North Tyneside Learning Trust. Together, we will continue to strengthen opportunities, raise aspirations, and make a lasting difference for the children and young people we serve.

Mrs L J Baggett

Chair, North Tyneside Learning Trust

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND AIMS

Objectives and Aims

The Trust's objectives are set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association, in summary the Trust's objective is 'to advance education, health and training for all children, young people and communities of North Tyneside and to promote community cohesion under the Education Acts'.

The Trust works closely with North Tyneside Council and has a Local Authority Cabinet member serving as a Director on the Trust Board.

Public Benefit

Careful consideration is given to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular on advancing education for the children and young people of North Tyneside when planning Trust activities.

The Trust vision focusses on connectivity, recognising the power of the Trust in establishing, maintaining and maximising lucrative connections for schools and this remains a central part of our work.

Our Vision

To provide excellent schools, through the power of connectivity between phases, education partnerships and industry, thereby enabling children and young people to realise their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Our Mission

To improve education and life chances for all children and young people;
To work in partnership with employers and higher and further education;
To raise achievement and transform learning though innovative, high quality teaching and creative curriculum development;
To operate at the centre of research and development activity geared towards improving social mobility and tackling disadvantage;
To strengthen pathways to further and higher education and employment; and
To support the transformation of North Tyneside and the wider region into high wage, high skill economy characterised by enterprise, ambition and success.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - continued

Our Values

Connectivity at the heart of everything we do;
Improving standards, raising achievement and promoting excellence;
Embracing innovation and creativity; and
Levelling the playing field for all children and young people.

Trust Priorities 2025-2026

To support school development;
To strengthen leadership;
To improve life and educational experiences;
To support the strategic development of Careers Education;
To strengthen the profile of the Trust.

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Overview

The Trust has historically had a Partnership Agreement in place with individual schools and resources generated from agreements with partner schools is the primary source of income for the charity. Many Trust programmes and services are resourced from Partnership Agreement income and shaped directly by partner schools to ensure that the needs and priorities of schools continue to be met. The Trust delivers a number of regional activities which generate additional income and extend the Trust's offer to schools. The Trust has also been successful in developing partnerships and attracting grants from external companies and trusts to offer additional projects to schools. In recent years pressure on school budgets has been particularly acute and a number of schools have been forced to withdraw from the partnership agreement with the Trust. During 2024/25 the Trust had a Partnership Agreement with 37 schools generating an income of almost £400,000.

Careers Education and the World of Work

The Trust World of Work project continues to provide valuable support to schools through the delivery of employer led careers education opportunities for children and young people from pre-school to post 16.

During 2024/25 the Trust World of Work project was supported by 954 business volunteers from 189 companies to offer employer led careers education opportunities to 9,883 children and young people across Trust schools. 73 employer led careers events were delivered during the year including Careers Fairs, Mock interviews, Career Speed dating, Enterprise mornings and Career Zone Workshops.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Changes in Careers Education Standards

The Gatsby Benchmarks for good career guidance underwent a significant update in 2024/25 and the refreshed benchmarks now form part of statutory guidance issued by Government from September 2025. Careers Leaders across schools are being supported by the Trust to implement the updated benchmarks. Half termly Careers Leader Networks have been used to create opportunities for Careers Leaders to share practice and address implementation challenges collectively. The Trust is also working with both employers and schools to develop modern and meaningful work experience opportunities that meet the new statutory requirements and help build sustainable relationships that can deliver the ten days of quality workplace learning each young person is expected to receive during their secondary education from September 2026. Through these coordinated efforts, we aim to ensure all our schools are well-prepared to meet the enhanced expectations and deliver outstanding careers provision for every young person.

CareersLive

In November 2024 the Trust hosted its annual Trust wide secondary schools Careers Fair at Burnside College in Wallsend. The event attracted over 700 young people from across 7 schools. 63 organisations supported the event including employers, higher and further education institutions, apprenticeship providers and careers guidance specialists. CareersLive continues to be well supported by a range of employers and is now firmly established ass an annual event offered to young people in secondary schools.

STEAMLive

On 5th June 2025 the Trust hosted STEAMLive the second primary focussed Careers Fair at The Parks Leisure Centre. STEAMLive is modelled on the successful CareersLive event the Trust delivers each year for secondary schools as a way of introducing the concept of the Careers Fair early by offering younger children an opportunity to attend an event tailored specifically to their age and phase of education.

Over 200 Year 6 children from 5 Primary schools 1 middle school and 2 special schools attended and took part in a carousel of interactive activities designed by employers to illustrate various aspects of work in their respective industries. 21 employers from a range of sectors supported the event including; Accenture, A Squared Engineering, Freudenberg, Procter and Gamble and Virgin Money. Employers focus on creating exhibition stands and careers activities that are accessible to younger children. This year's event featured a mobile planetarium supplied by Durham University enabling children to view star constellations and planets across the galaxy. The North East Ambulance Service also supplied an Ambulance and two Paramedics enabling children to explore equipment and facilities on the emergency vehicle. STEAMLive is now an established annual careers event offered to primary school children.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Think Law and Think Engineering

Working in partnership with local Law Firms and Engineering companies the Trust continued to offer a unique careers experience to young people considering a career in either the Legal Sector or Engineering. 24 sixth form Students successfully completed the 2024/25 Think Law and Think Engineering programmes offering master classes, work place visits and online contact with business mentors. Think Law is now in its 10th year of delivery and Think Engineering has been running for 7 years and both programmes continue to receive incredibly positive feedback from Students. A previous Graduate of the Think Law 2022/23 programme subsequently secured a Legal Apprenticeship with Womble Bond Dickinson and presented to this year's cohort of Students on a company visit demonstrating the success of the programme in supporting Students to pursue a career in law. The Legal Apprentice is a former Student of Marden High School and Monkseaton High School Sixth Form and now volunteers with the Trust World of Work programme to offer Mock Interviews and support Career Speed Dating events.

Quality in Careers Standard

The Trust continues to support programmes to improve the quality and impact of careers education in schools sponsoring both the Quality in Careers Standard Award for schools and professional careers qualifications for Careers Leads. The Trust has supported 5 secondary schools to achieve the Quality in Careers Standard award and a further 4 are in progress. Marden Bridge Middle School became only the second Middle School in the country to achieve the award in July 2025.

Careers Networks

The Trust has continued to service and support a Careers Leader network, enabling Careers Leads from across schools to meet regularly, share practice and support each other to achieve and maintain the Gatsby Benchmarks of good careers guidance. The Trust Careers Leaders Network meets every half term and is now hosted in employer venues, enabling Careers Leads to visit business premises and learn more about local employment opportunities contributing to the continuing professional development of Careers Leads across schools.

Primary WOW Resources

During 2024/25 the Trust extended its Primary WOW resources available to schools by introducing new Early Years career boxes and teaching resources extending delivery across schools from early years to Key Stage 2. The primary resources are aligned to the Career Development Institute (CDI) Framework. The primary WOW resource offer 5 age appropriate and engaging workshops for delivery including Superhero CV, Weird and Wonderful Jobs, Top Trumps, Career Blockbusters, Guess Who and Career Desert Island. Over 1000 children from across 7 primary and special schools accessed the primary careers loan equipment during 2024/25.

Connexions

The Trust continues to recognise the importance of providing independent careers advice to young people. During 2025/26 the Trust will continue its commitment to ensuring that Students in Trust partner schools have access to a comprehensive, independent careers information, advice and guidance service investing over £30,000 in the Connexions Service, matching funding commitments made by schools. The Connexions service deliver in 14 Trust Partner Schools including 5 secondary schools, 4 middle schools and 5 special schools.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

STEM Learning CPD

In April 2025 the Trust established a subscription with STEM Learning to offer schools access to all science learning CPD available through the National STEM Learning Centre in York. The CPD includes over 100 virtual courses, as well as online self-paced programmes, residential courses and conferences. 15 schools have accessed training valued at £3,458. During 2024/15 the Trust Science Lead Practitioner will work with schools across the Trust to match training needs with courses available and maximise engagement in STEM learning.

Eco Schools

During 2024/25 schools across the Trust were encouraged to pursue an NTLT Eco Award by engaging in a range of eco-friendly activities as part of the Trust Climate Strategy. 12 schools achieved the NTLT Eco Schools Award including 7 primary schools, 2 middle schools 2 High schools and 1 special school. Activities included; walk to school days, save electricity days, Litter Pick events, creative recycling, wildlife surveys, outdoor lessons, tree planting, as well as pre-loved uniform and book sales.

Ogden Trust Partnership

Delivery of Year 3 of the Ogden Trust Partnership continued during 2024/25 on the theme of Forces. Schools received further books and games featuring this year's Forces theme to extend the Science Libraries established in year 1 of the Partnership. 4 primary schools and a nursery school accessed the Astro Camps loan equipment to offer an in school residential experience, immersing children in the world of space science. 3 primary schools accessed resources to encourage parental engagement in Science inviting parents and carers into school to carry out physics related activities with their children. 3 primary schools participated in a special visit to Discovery Museum to explore the North East regions incredible contribution to science and engineering through the Big 5 Inventors Tour learning about pioneering local figures including; Charles Parsons, Joseph Swan, William Armstrong, and George Stephenson.

Plans for the fourth annual Phizzi Conference are in place with The Baltic set to host the event on 20 November 2025 for Ogden Partnership Schools with this year's conference focussing on the theme of Light and Sound. Support from the Ogden Trust includes a funding commitment of £80,000 over 5 years to resource all of these activities in schools.

Great North Maths Hub

The Trust has been proud to lead the Great North Maths Hub since its establishment by the Department for Education in 2014. As we enter the second decade of the national Maths Hubs programme, our leadership structure has been updated to reflect the evolving needs of schools and strengthen the Hub's offer.

Lindsey Fagan was appointed as the new Maths Hub Lead in May 2025 following the departure of Laura Tullock. Lindsey has a long history of involvement with the Maths Hub since its creation in 2014 and previously served as Deputy Maths Hub Lead. Jo Morrison has been appointed as Deputy Maths Hub Lead and 5 Assistant Maths Hub Leads have been created with responsibility for Primary, Secondary, Post 16, Leadership and Engagement (cross-phase) and Targeted School Support.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

School Development Offer

Targeted Support for Schools is a key area of growth for the Great North Maths Hub, working closely with the newly formed Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams to broker effective support for schools. The School Development Lead Programme offered through the Hub in turn equips leaders to drive maths improvement across multiple schools through structured development initiatives, workshops, and online communities. The aim is to grow and develop a team of School Development Leads that will deliver the growing Targeted Support programme.

Securing Foundations at Year 7

Launched in 2024 the 'Securing Foundations at Year 7' programme is geared towards supporting the most disadvantaged pupils that may have left primary school settings without securing the foundations needed to progress effectively on their secondary maths journey. The Project supports Key Stage 3 teachers in ensuring a smooth transition from primary to secondary mathematics and will be expanded in the year ahead.

Teaching for Mastery Specialists

The Teaching for Mastery Specialists programme remains central to the work of the Great North Maths Hub. 78% of Primary Schools and 68% of Secondary Schools in the region have engaged with the Teaching for Mastery Programme since the programme began in 2015. During 2024-25 a record number of participants trained as NCETM Mastery Specialists, 28 in total including 13 Primary, 10 Secondary and 5 from Further Education.

Maths Hub Conference

The ever popular annual Maths Hub conference 'Leading the Way in Primary Mathematics' was held in February 2025. This year's event focussed on leadership, professional development and innovative teaching strategies. The conference was attended by 220 Headteachers and Subject Leaders from primary schools across the region.

Artificial Intelligence

Following the success of the AI Conference hosted by the Trust in July 2024 a series of AI Networks were established by the Trust to explore the potential opportunities and benefits of using AI in education. Six networks focussing on Assessment, Teaching and Learning, Planning, Pastoral Support, Safeguarding and Administration were established and met throughout 2024/25. The networks have served to offer participants practical examples on the use of AI in education. Work on AI will continue in 2025/26 exploring opportunities for AI to enhance teaching and learning and reduce teacher/staff workload.

12th Annual NTLT Star Awards

On 10th July 2025 the Trust hosted the 12th Annual Star Awards event at a glittering awards ceremony live at St James Park in Newcastle to celebrate the phenomenal achievements of 28 incredible children and young people from across 26 Trust Partner Schools. The awards were generously supported for the 12th consecutive year by main sponsor Vision for Education.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Great North Tyneside Learning Trust Litter Pick

The second annual Great North Tyneside Learning Trust Litter Pick took place across the Trust during the week of 24-28 March 2025. Over 1500 children and young people from across 13 Trust partner schools participated in the initiative across the week with a focus on taking care of their local environment.

The Great NTLT Litter pick was established in 2024 in memory of David Bavaird, former High Sherriff of Tyne and Wear, NTLT Foundation Governor and longstanding ambassador of the Trust. The Trust remains committed sharing and fulfilling David's last wishes for a better future 'Hug the people you love, think before a cross word is spoken, be kind to one another and if you can, give some of your valuable time to your community' (David Wilson Bavaird JP) The Great NTLT Litter Pick offers an annual volunteering opportunity and serves to improve and protect the local environment.

The Trust would like to thank Bloom Catalyst Fund for their kind and generous grant award to support the 2025 Great NTLT Litter Pick.

Schools of Sanctuary

A further 5 North Tyneside Schools embarked on their journey to become Schools of Sanctuary during 2024/25, 4 schools achieved the award and the fifth will continue working towards achievement in 2025/26. An awards ceremony for the 2025 Schools of Sanctuary took place on 11 July 2025 in North Tyneside Council Chambers. 14 North Tyneside schools now have Schools of Sanctuary status. North Tyneside Learning Trust is proud to support Schools of Sanctuary and in order to ensure the programme continues locally, the Trust will be exploring the possibility of becoming the Schools of Sanctuary Local Lead organisation responsible for promoting, co-ordinating and supporting the Schools of Sanctuary network locally with representatives trained and licensed to oversee and deliver Schools of Sanctuary Award process through City of Sanctuary UK.

Young People's Welcoming Summit

Working in partnership with the charity Walking With the Trust hosted a 'Welcoming Schools Summit' on 18th February 2025 at the Linkskill Centre. The Summit assembled 9 children and young people from each of the 9 participating schools to work together and explore ways of making schools welcoming places for everyone, placing young people in the driving seat to improve things in their school and in their community. The Young Mayor and Youth Councillors supported the event which identified areas of action for the Youth Council to pursue.

A Splash of Colour

The annual NTLT art exhibition A Splash of Colour this year featured 945 individual pieces of artwork created by children and young people across 25 schools. The artwork was exhibited across 8 public venues throughout North Tyneside from 9th to 30th April 2025. This year's theme of 'light' inspired a diverse range of artwork featuring lighthouses, light photography, chalk drawings and paintings

A Splash of Colour provides a valuable platform to celebrate the creativity of children and young people across schools whilst offering an opportunity for young artists to experience how it feels to display their art publicly, instilling confidence and encouraging continued engagement with the arts.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

A Splash of Colour Intergenerational Art Project and Exhibition

A Splash of Colour intergenerational art project brings together residents in sheltered housing schemes with children and young people from their local Trust partner school to jointly create artworks for display in communal areas. The artwork is inspired by the childhood memories of residents which are shared with Students to create collaborative pieces of artwork.

During 2024/25 A Splash of Colour Intergenerational Art project was extended to a further 7 residential homes offering opportunities for both primary and secondary schools to participate in this popular and successful project. The project has already been shortlisted as a finalist for several national awards including Clarion Futures Age-Friendly Awards and the North East Housing Awards.

The 156 individual pieces of artwork created with the involvement of 60 tenants from 8 sheltered housing retirement schemes and 143 children and young people from 8 local schools was publicly displayed in a two week exhibition which opened on 12 July 2025 at Wallsend Library.

During 2025/26 the project will be extended to several more residential homes and local schools in a programme set to eventually extend to all 26 residential schemes across North Tyneside.

The Trust would like to thank Banks Community Fund, National Lottery Community Fund and S4 North Tyneside for their kind and generous grant donations to support A Splash of Colour Intergenerational.

Grow to Eat Intergenerational Food Project

Building on the success of A Splash of Colour Intergenerational Art project, grant funding has been secured to support the launch of a spin off project in 2025/26 based on food production and consumption. The Grow to Eat food project will bring together residents in sheltered housing schemes and children from local primary schools to grow and eat food together. Seeds will be planted in homes and schools and once harvested the children and the residents will enjoy the produce together in a home cooked summer lunch.

The Trust would like to thank Warburton's Community Grant (administered by the Charitable Aid Foundation) and miller Homes Community Fund for their kind and generous grant donation to support A Splash of Colour Intergenerational Food project.

NTLT Talks - TED-ED Approved Educator

In December 2024 the Trust was successful in an application to become a TED-Ed 'Approved Educator' which offers 12 months access to TED-Ed resources enabling the Trust and its schools to access support to create and deliver TED Talks. The resources are accessible to educators globally however use isn't extensive within the UK and the Trust is the only organisation registered in the North East.

A pilot project was established with George Stephenson High School, Wellfield Middle School and Benton Dene Primary School during Spring and Summer 2025 to trial the resources at different ages and phases. 243 children and young people ranging from year 4 to year 12 have created and presented NTLT Talks on topics of interest including friendship, skateboarding, mental health, Elvis, dogs and decision making. This new programme enables children and young people to develop and improve their oracy, confidence, communication, presentation and public speaking.

During 2025/26 NTLT Talks will be offered to a further cohort of schools with an opportunity to participate in a NTLT Talks Showcase in July 2026.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Apprenticeship Ambassador Network

The Trust continues to secure and host a £50,000 grant from Department for Education to resource the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, one of 9 regional networks which forms part of a National Network of companies and organisations committed to raising the profile of Apprenticeships and creating apprenticeship opportunities. Supporting the network in this way demonstrates the Trust's continued commitment to Apprenticeships as a valuable progression route for young people.

Grant Funding

During 2024/25 the trust continued to explore opportunities for grant funding from companies and trusts to support its work across schools. Several successful grant applications secured much needed resources for the Trust to support a range of projects including the annual Great North Tyneside Learning Trust Littler Pick, A Splash of Colour intergenerational art project, NTLT Talks, Primary Career Boxes the planned Grow to East Intergenerational food project.

The Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank the following funders for their kind and generous grant contributions to our work.

Bloom Catalyst Fund, Banks Foundation, National Lottery Awards for All, Hadrian Trust Catherine Cookson CT, The Joicey Trust, Warburton's Community Grant (administered by Charitable Aid Foundation), Miller Homes Community Fund.

Partnership Agreement with Schools

Partnership Agreement contributions from schools remains the main source of income for the Trust. Partnership Agreement income has been steadily decreasing in recent years dipping below £400k for the first time in 2024. More and more schools converting to academy status coupled with increasing pressures on foundation school budgets is likely to lead to further reduction in Partnership Agreement income in future years. The Trust continues to supplement Partnership Agreement income with some limited match funding from reserves however during 2024/25 annual spending levels and Trust programmes and services to schools were reviewed to bring expenditure levels more closely in line with income. A further 1 year Partnership Agreement will be offered to schools in 2025/26 recognising the increasing challenges faced by schools to set balanced budgets over three years.

The Trust will continue to pursue grant income from companies and trusts to deliver valuable projects across schools, supplementing the core funding available through the Partnership Agreement with schools.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Board Development

There were several changes to the Trust Board during 2024/25.

Laura Baggett, Headteacher at Monkhouse Primary School was appointed Chair of North Tyneside Learning Trust in September 2024 following the resignation of Jonathan Heath.

John Newport, Headteacher at Marden Bridge Middle School and Steve Wilson Headteacher at Whitley Bay High School joined the Trust Board as Schools Directors (Secondary) in September 2024, replacing Paul Johnson Headteacher at Churchill Community College (retired April 2024) and Jonathan Heath, Headteacher at John Spence High School (retired August 2024). Nick Preston also retired from the Board as a Director (Employers) in October 2024 following his departure from Employer Partner Capita.

Claire Harrison Hoggarth, Headteacher at Benton Dene School joined the Trust Board in November 2024 replacing Gill Wilson Headteacher at Woodlawn School (retired in October 2024) Ruth Jobey, Headteacher at Battle Hill Primary school joined the Trust Board as Schools Director (Primary) in December 2024 replacing Stephane Bommel, Headteacher at Hazelwood Primary School (retired in September 2024).

Natural turnover continues to ensure that the Board composition is periodically renewed and refreshed. All new Board Directors undergo induction training to ensure that all Directors are fully aware of their responsibilities and have the knowledge skills and experience to ensure full compliance both as a charity and limited company.

Trust Governor Recruitment and Support

Governors play a vital role in Trust schools and the Trust remains committed to recruiting and deploying effective Trust Governors to strengthen governance and leadership across its schools. During 2023/24 work continued to support the recruitment, training and development of our network of 68 Trust Governors positions across schools led by the Trust Governor Strategic Lead Jacqui Sugden. 5 new Trust Governors were appointed during the year on a 4 year term of office along with 4 re-appointments. Despite continuing to attract new high calibre individuals to serve as foundation Trust Governors year on year, the Trust continues to carry vacancies across schools. The Trust continues to work hard to attract new Governors for schools. Social Media Platforms including LinkedIn and X are used to advertise the role. Trust Governors continue to receive support from the trust during their term of office with induction training and six half termly briefings issued annually. The Trust will continue to invest in governance and leadership to support its schools.

National Governance Association Training Workshops

The popular series of Trust Governor Training Workshop commissioned by the Trust and delivered by the National Governors Association continued throughout 2023/24 offering valuable professional development opportunities around key governance issues including; Using Data, Investigation and Panel Hearings, Equality Diversity and Inclusion and Staff mental health and wellbeing. The workshops delivered across the year remain cost effective and popular across trust partner schools with 36 participants from 38 schools accessing the training. A further series of Workshops are already planned for 2025/26 covering highly topical Governance issues including; Successful Governor Visits, Governing AI in Schools, The changing landscape of careers education, Effective Governance of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Navigating Ofsted - what governors need to know.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - continued

Chairs and Vice Chairs Network

The Chairs and Vice Chairs Network established in 2023 has continued to meet during 2024/25. Led by a serving Chair each network meeting focuses on a popular Governance theme and participants have the opportunity to share practice and benefit from the support and expertise of others in similar roles. During 2025/26 Chairs and Vice Chairs will be invited to explore the funding of schools and the financial cycle at a time when challenging school budgets are of increasing concern to Governors.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Going Concern

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason it adopts the Going Concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

Business Review

These financial statements reflect the operational activity of the Trust. During the period the Trust received a total income of £0.500m (£0.525m in 2023).

The Trust's 3 year Partnership Agreement established with individual schools is the primary source of income for the Charity. Income from the Partnership Agreement will be in the region of £0.350m in 2025.

Costs for the year totalled £0.510m (£0.654m in 2023).

As an Educational Charity there is an assurance that all the income of the Trust must be applied for educational purposes. The resources received in year were applied to fulfil the charitable objectives of the Trust.

Financial and Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Trust has developed a Finance Policy and Procedure and has formal operating procedures in place with agreed authorisation levels and controls for the administration of the Trust's financial resources.

The Trustees regularly review the finances at meetings. The money held by the Trust is monitored closely in terms of level of spend and appropriateness against the objectives. Financial control over the Trust account is managed through a system of Trustee agreement and then two signatories to release funding.

Reserves totalled £0.588m as at 31 December 2024 (£0.597m in 2023).

Environment

The Trust recognises the role it has to play in protecting the environment. An Environmental Policy has been developed and the Trust is committed to encouraging all Trust schools to adhere to the principles established around waste management and recycling, energy and water consumption, purchasing, investments and learning in schools. In February 2022 the Trust launched its Climate Strategy and has offered a series of opportunities to engage schools in programmes and initiatives to educate on climate change with a view to building on this work further year on year. During 2024/25 12 schools achieved the NTLT Eco Schools Award including 7 primary schools, 2 middle schools 2 High schools and 1 special school.

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NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW - continued

Reserves Policy

The Trustees review the reserve balances of the Trust annually at the year end. This review encompasses the nature of the income and expenditure streams, any Trust commitments and the nature of the reserves. The Trust reserves can be divided between:

Restricted funds are those which cannot be readily realised and used for an alternative purpose, principally the restricted fixed assets reserve and the restricted funds reserve.
Unrestricted funds are those which can be used freely to meet the objectives of the Trust and at 31 December 2024, these funds stood at £0.588m (£0.597m in 2023).

Investment Policy

Trust funds are currently held in an online account with Barclays Bank. The Trust also has an interest bearing savings account with Barclays Bank. Surplus funds from the current account totalling c£600k are held in the interest bearing savings account linked to the Trust current account, to help maximise the income generation potential of its reserves whilst ensuring that operating costs can be covered without any cash flow concerns.

The Trust continues to submit grant applications and pursue partnership opportunities in order to secure additional resources to spend on charitable activities. The Trust also pursues contracts for the delivery of services to schools in order to diversify its income stream.

The Trust has developed an Investment policy to maximise the income available to invest in its charitable aims and safeguard the resources already secured. Trustees review the Investment policy regularly in order to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.

The Trust has successfully delivered a 1 year Partnership Agreement established with schools for the period 2024-2025. The Trust has historically invested up to 200k to the Partnership Agreement from reserves to supplement contributions made by schools. Trust reserves are however depleting year on year and income from schools is reducing. During 2025/26 the Trust Board will continue to scrutinise annual spending levels and the programmes and services offered to schools in order to ensure that expenditure more closely matches the reduced level of income secured from schools.

Page 14

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The Trust has ambitious plans for the future in line with its objectives.

Strategic Work

To explore the options for the future of the Trust and its schools within a fully academised education system;
To maximise opportunities available to the Trust and its schools through the newly created North East Combined Authority;
To successfully lead the Great North Maths Hub and extend its reach to more schools across the region; and
To develop partnerships with companies, higher and further education institutions, charities and trusts to enhance and enrich the curriculum and introduce new approaches to teaching and learning.

Membership

To retain the commitment of all Trust schools to a 1 year Partnership Agreement (2025-2026) with the Trust;
To successfully deliver on the 1 year (2025/26) Partnership Agreement with schools ensuring all schools achieve or exceed the value of their Partnership Agreement contributions in Trust services; and
To actively engage employer partners in a programme of activities to support schools to deliver careers education, develop employability skills and improve the performance of our children and young people.

Strengthening Governance and Leadership

To secure and maintain two Trust Governors on each Trust School Governing Body;
To provide effective training and support which meets the development needs of our network of Foundation Trust Governors; and
To encourage Leaders across school to engage with the Inclusive Leadership Programme offer.

Operational Programmes

To work in partnership with schools and North Tyneside Council to accelerate school improvement;
To secure further apprenticeships to reduce the chances of young people becoming NEET;
To offer a range of curriculum enrichment opportunities to complement and enhance the education offer in schools; and
To support schools to deliver an effective careers education ensuring that interventions reach all children and young people.

Page 15

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS - continued

Future Investments

The Trust continues to retain a relatively healthy unrestricted reserve balance on the accounts totalling £0.588m at the end of 2024 to support the continuation of our work. The majority of this resource will continue to be committed to educational programmes which benefit our member schools. The financial resources available to us will also enable us to cover our core costs over the next year and in doing so enable us to continue our work to deliver long term strategic interventions and transformational improvements in education. During 2025/26 the Trust will once again seek to invest a proportion of its resources into the partnership agreement with schools. Trust reserves levels are depleting year on year as the Trust income stream from schools reduces.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

North Tyneside Learning Trust is a company limited by guarantee (company number 07353837, incorporated on 23 August 2010) and a registered Charity. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary documents governing the Trust.

Members' Liability

The liability of the members of the charitable company is limited. Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required (not exceeding £10) upon winding up of the charitable company.

Method of Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The Trustees of North Tyneside Learning Trust act as Directors of the charitable company for the purposes of Company Law. Details of Trustees who served throughout the year are included in the Reference and Administrative Details section on page 18 . The Articles of Association provide for the appointment of Trustees, drawn from each of the principal constituencies, with School Directors in the majority.

The current Board comprises of 10 members:

Six drawn from Schools;
One drawn from Employer partners;
One drawn from Further Education/Higher Education partners;
One drawn from North Tyneside Council; and
One co-opted.

One Former Employer Partner Director continues to serve on the Trust Board as a Co-opted Director. The Chair is drawn from the school directors. Appointment and removal of Directors is subject to any restrictions imposed by the Education Acts.

Page 16

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - continued

Trustee Induction and Training

The Trust has a formal policy and procedure covering the recruitment, induction and training of Trustees. All new Trustees are provided with an induction pack and receive a formal induction on appointment.

Trustees are provided with access to appropriate training during their appointment to the board. This training covers the roles and responsibilities of acting as a Trustee.

Organisational Structure

The charitable company comprises of 59 members (37 schools, 22 Employer Partners). These members are made up of Trust Schools, Employers, Higher Education establishments, Diocesan Authorities and the Local Authority. The members of the company determine the objectives of the Trust and appoint Trustees to the Trustee Board. The Board acts as Directors for the purposes of Company Law.

The Trustee Board is responsible for establishing strategic priorities, determining policy, approving new programmes and expenditure and the appointment of Governors to the Trust School members' Governing Body. The Trustee Board comprises of a minimum of one representative of each of the following: the Employer members, the Higher Education members, the Local Authority and six representatives of the Trust School members. During the course of the period the Trustee Board formally met 5 times. The Trust has a Chief Executive to support the Trustee Board in strategic and operational planning and to lead on the development of programmes and partnerships to deliver the Trusts objectives.

The Chief Executive also acts as the registered Company Secretary and is based at the Trust core team office at Norham High School. Operational capacity has also been secured through Trust members. Under the Articles of Association decisions are made by majority vote, except for land decisions which are made by resolution.

The Trustees receive no remunerations for acting as Trustees.

At the annual members' meeting the Chief Executive and Trustees report back to members and discuss the future direction of the Trust in order to meet its objectives.

Page 17

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - continued

Related Parties

The Trust works closely, in collaboration, with North Tyneside Council. Historically the Trust was commissioned by North Tyneside Council to deliver a transformative learning and skills programme focussing on school improvement, curriculum and pedagogic innovation, transforming learning environments, research and development and Early Years and Family Support. This commissioning arrangement ceased at the end of March 2015.

In April 2015 the Trust established a 3 year Partnership Agreement arrangement directly with schools. A second generation 3 year Partnership Agreement was established with schools covering the period 2018-2021. In 2021/22 the trust began offering a 1 year Partnership Agreement to schools recognising the budget challenges faced by schools. A partnership fee is levied at each individual school based on pupil numbers. This has enabled the Trust to continue operating on the collaborative partnership model on which the organisation is based. The Partnership Agreement with the schools generated income totalling £0.384m in 2024. The 3 year agreement has historically provided the Trust with medium term funding certainty enabling the Trust to offer greater continuity in the provision of services to schools however current budget challenges across schools has led to the need to offer 1 year agreements in recent years.

The Trust also continues to work closely with North Tyneside Academy Foundation. One of the Employer Directors of North Tyneside Learning Trust is also a Director on the Board of the North Tyneside Academy Foundation. North Tyneside Academy Foundation is a single school Trust and acts as the foundation to Grasmere Academy. Grasmere Academy remain committed to joining Smart Multi Academy Trust and this will continue to be pursued in 2025/26. At the point Grasmere Academy joins Smart, North Tyneside Academy Foundation will be dissolved.

Risk Management

The Trust has developed a risk register which identifies the main areas of risk facing the charity across five key areas (Governance, Operations, Finance, External and Legal). Each risk has been scored using an impact/likelihood calculation and controls have been established to mitigate the risks identified. Board Directors receive a six monthly update report and the Risk Register is reviewed annually.

Page 18

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - continued

Income Stream

The Trust had 1 year Partnership Agreement with 37 individual schools covering the period 2024/25, a reduction of 4 schools on the previous year. A 1 year agreement has been offered to schools for the period 2025/26. As more and more schools convert to academy status it is likely that the number of schools with a Partnership Agreement with the Trust will reduce.

6 Trust schools converted to academy status in 2023/24. A further 5 Trust schools are in receipt of academy orders which will ultimately lead to their departure from the Trust. Monkseaton High School is also scheduled to close in 2026. There is a risk that Trust schools converting to academy status may no longer wish to retain a relationship with North Tyneside Learning Trust and this will lead to a reduced level of income generated through our partnership agreement. There is also risk that with ever increasing pressures on school budgets, some schools may fail to honour their funding commitment or choose to leave the Partnership Agreement early which could ultimately result in a reduction in income for the Trust. In order to mitigate this risk, the Trust service offer to schools is shaped directly by partner schools, ensuring that services meet the needs and priorities of members. The Trust hosts regular partner school engagement events to shape Trust programmes, priorities and strategic direction.

The Trust continues to explore opportunities to diversify its income stream and secure additional resources to deliver the Trusts priorities. During 2025/26 the Trust Board will continue to review the programmes and services offered to schools in order to ensure that expenditure more closely matches the reduced level of income secured from schools.

Academies Agenda

Academy conversion remains the direction of travel for schools across the country. In 2024 North Tyneside Learning Trust had 6 schools convert to academy status. A further 5 Trust schools currently have academy orders issued and one school is set to close in 2026.

All Trust Partner Schools converting to academy status are offered a Partnership Agreement and constitutional changes made at the Annual Members Meeting in October 2023 supports the Trust to continue working effectively with all schools regardless of their legal status.

Schools judged to be failing by Ofsted remain at risk of forced academy conversion. In order to mitigate this risk the Trust continues to support all schools to maintain standards and achieve improvements.

Trust Governors

Maintaining the Trust commitment to the appointment of two Foundation Governors on the Governing Body of every school remains a key challenge for the Trust. A Trust Governor Strategic Lead has been engaged to assist the Trust in delivering an effective Trust Governor recruitment, development and support strategy.

Page 19

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company Number 07353837 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity Number 1143299

Registered Office

Norham High School, Alnwick Avenue, North Shields, NE29 7BU

Trustees Mrs L J Baggett (Chair) Mr D I Hodgson Mrs M E Burdis Mr T Gurr Mr S A Phillips Prof. G Wynn Mr J Newport Appointed 24 September 2024 Mr S Wilson Appointed 24 September 2024 Ms C Harrison-Hoggarth Appointed 6 November 2024 Miss R E Jobey Appointed 10 December 2024 Mr P M Johnson Retired 15 April 2024 Mr J J Heath Retired 31 August 2024 Mr S J J Bommel Retired 27 September 2024 Mr N J Preston Retired 16 October 2024 Mrs G M Wilson Retired 22 October 2024

Senior Management Team

Ms K E Armstrong (Chief Executive and Company Secretary)

Independent Examiner

Nicholas J Liley FCA, BK Plus Limited, 13 Windsor Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HE

Solicitors

Schofield Sweeney, Church Bank House, Church Bank, Bradford, BD1 4DY

Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC, Leicester, LE87 2BB

Page 20

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of North Tyneside Learning Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs L J Baggett - Chair

Page 21

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of North Tyneside Learning Trust ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Nicholas J Liley FCA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

BK Plus Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 13 Windsor Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HE

Date: .............................................

Page 22

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
18,740
Charitable activities
4
Schools improvement
470,925
Investment income
3
11,287
Total
500,952
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
5
Schools improvement
490,335
Other resources expended
19,901
Total
510,236
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(9,284)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
597,847
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
588,563

2023
Total
funds
£
18,250
503,830
3,663
525,743
636,264
17,809
654,073
(128,330)
726,177
597,847

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 23

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07353837)

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 11 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 12 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 13 Unrestricted funds: General fund Partnership Agreement Priorities TOTAL FUNDS	2024 Total funds £ 43,364 967,963 1,011,327 (422,764) 588,563 588,563 588,563 449,972 78,223 60,368 588,563 588,563	2023 Total funds £ 98,003 1,009,415 1,107,418 (509,571) 597,847 597,847 597,847 354,545 167,321 75,981 597,847 597,847

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 24

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07353837)

BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mrs L J Baggett - Chair

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 25

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 15 Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period	2024 £ (52,739) (52,739) 11,287 11,287 (41,452) 1,009,415 967,963	2023 £ (150,328) (150,328) 3,663 3,663 (146,665) 1,156,080 1,009,415

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 26

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

Going concern

The trustees are of the view that there are no material uncertainties regarding the charitable company's ability to continue and as such the charitable company is a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Grants received

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a received basis. Where the income is received for a specific purpose it is recognised as a restricted fund in the Statement of Financial Activities and if not expended during the period is shown in the relevant fund on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement the recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where a condition exists which prevents recognition of the income, a contingent asset is disclosed where it is probable that the condition will be met in the future.

Partnership Agreement

Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement individual member schools make a financial contribution to the Trust and in return are eligible to participate in the programmes and services offered by the Trust during the relevant academic year (ending 31 August). It is therefore considered appropriate for the income received from member schools to be allocated to the accounting periods covered by the Partnership Agreement.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Support costs relate to functions of the charity which do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs are charged to the activity to which they relate.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

continued...

Page 27

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

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.

Debtors

Debtors (including prepayments) are recognised at the settlement amount due (or amount prepaid) nett of any trade discounts.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount nett of any trade discounts.

Financial instruments

All financial assets and financial liabilities of the charity qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Sponsorship 3. INVESTMENT INCOME Interest receivable	2024 £ 18,740 2024 £ 11,287	2023 £ 18,250
		2023 £ 3,663

continued...

Page 28

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 Activity £ Partnership Agreement Schools improvement 384,063 Grants Schools improvement 77,475 Other income Schools improvement 9,387 470,925 Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: 2024 £ STEM Learning (SLP) 55,285 Ogden Trust 22,190 77,475 5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Support Direct costs (see Costs note 6) £ £ Schools improvement 436,489 53,846 6. SUPPORT COSTS Management and Governance administration costs £ £ Schools improvement 47,249 6,597 7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): 2024 £ Independent Examiner's remuneration (including VAT): -independent examination fee 1,620 -accountancy services 3,750	2023 £ 406,083 90,084 7,663 503,830 2023 £ 80,084 10,000 90,084 Totals £ 490,335 Totals £ 53,846 2023 £ 1,614 4,504	2023 £ 406,083 90,084 7,663 503,830 2023 £ 80,084 10,000 90,084 Totals £ 490,335 Totals £ 53,846 2023 £ 1,614 4,504

continued...

Page 29

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

9. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries National Insurance contributions Superannuation	2024 £ 228,148 25,446 45,617 299,211	2023 £ 251,634 27,478 49,332
		328,444

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Management and support staff Seconded staff	2024 2 5 7	2023 2 5
		7

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

£90,001 - £100,000

2024 2023 1

The charity's key management personnel comprise the Trustees and the Senior Management Team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel, including Social Security, were £124,286 (2023 - £121,711).

North Tyneside Learning Trust did not directly employ any staff during the period. The staff costs disclosed relate to the Chief Executive and support staff who were seconded to the Trust by Churchill Community College and a number of teaching staff who are fully or partly seconded by the Governing Body of Trust school members.

Due to the arrangement between the employing organisations and North Tyneside Learning Trust in terms of seconded staff, their costs are included with the Statement of Financial Activities.

continued...

Page 30

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
			Unrestricte
			funds
			£
	INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
	Donations and legacies		18,250
	Charitable activities
	Schools improvement		503,830
	Investment income		3,663
	Total		525,743
	EXPENDITURE ON
	Charitable activities
	Schools improvement		636,264
	Other resources expended		17,809
	Total		654,073
	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		(128,330)
	RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
	Total funds brought forward		726,177
	TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
	FORWARD		597,847
11.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Other debtors	4,922	23,573
	Prepayments and accrued income	38,442	74,430
		43,364	98,003

continued...

Page 31

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	2024 £ 65,621 357,143 422,764	2023 £ 102,540 407,031
		509,571

Included within Accruals and Deferred Income are the following amounts received in advance of delivery of the related services.

Balance at 1 January 2024 Released to income during the year Amount deferred in year Balance at 31 December 2024	£ 279,717 (279,717) 237,358 237,358

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds General fund Partnership Agreement Priorities TOTAL FUNDS	At 1/1/24 £ 354,545 167,321 75,981 597,847 597,847	Net movement in funds £ 28,106 (21,777) (15,613) (9,284) (9,284)	Transfers between funds £ 67,321 (67,321) - - -	At 31/12/24 £ 449,972 78,223 60,368
				588,563
				588,563

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Partnership Agreement Priorities TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 500,952 - - 500,952 500,952	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (472,846) 28,106 (21,777) (21,777) (15,613) (15,613) (510,236) (9,284) (510,236) (9,284)

continued...

Page 32

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds General fund Partnership Agreement Priorities TOTAL FUNDS	At 1/1/23 £ 489,736 127,812 108,629 726,177 726,177	Net movement in funds £ - (95,682) (32,648) (128,330) (128,330)	Transfers between funds £ (135,191) 135,191 - - -	At 31/12/23 £ 354,545 167,321 75,981 597,847 597,847

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Partnership Agreement Priorities TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 525,743 - - 525,743 525,743	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (525,743) - (95,682) (95,682) (32,648) (32,648) (654,073) (128,330) (654,073) (128,330)

Transfers between funds

The Trust is committed to providing additional funding from reserves for the duration of the partnership agreement. Previously the Trust had committed up to £200,000, this commitment was reduced to £100,000 from the start of the 2024/25 academic year.

During the academic year ended 31 August 2024, expenditure totalling £32,679 was met from reserves under this commitment, a transfer of £67,321 to the general fund was made to reduce the amount set aside to £100,000 for the 2024/25 academic year.

continued...

Page 33

NORTH TYNESIDE LEARNING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.

15. RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Interest received Decrease in debtors Decrease in creditors Net cash used in operations	2024 £ (9,284) (11,287) 54,639 (86,807) (52,739)	2023 £ (128,330) (3,663) 315 (18,650) (150,328)

16. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash Cash at bank Total	At 1/1/24 £ 1,009,415 1,009,415 1,009,415	Cash flow £ (41,452) (41,452) (41,452)	At 31/12/24 £ 967,963 967,963 967,963

17. ASSETS HELD UNDER TRUST

Land and school buildings used by the 44 Foundation Trust member schools are held in trust on behalf of the individual School Governing Bodies. Foundation Trust Schools are still Local Authority maintained schools however and remain on the Local Authority Capital Investment Plan for all maintained schools.

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