Trustees’ Full Year Review 2023/24
From a community perspective, there remains reasonable interest and participation in our events, both large (the Summer Fair and the Christmas fair, including the auction of hampers) as well as the smaller ones (including a quiz night, cake sales, halloween raffle, discos, mothers’ day event and wreathmaking workshops) but we are seeing a decrease in parental engagement with events. However, it is to be noted that for the first time in a while, a year group held an event independently to raise money for FoG and Form 1 raised £600 by holding a bonfire night. The majority of FOG income continues to come from the Second Hand Uniform Shop (SHUS).
The FOG team has remained strong in numbers with a natural turnover of members. Each member of the team brings different skills and qualities, and the result has been a variety of well organised and fun events. We continue to evaluate our events to ensure that they fulfil one of the charity’s aims: to build community or to raise money for the school/charity. We continue to look for new members, especially those parents of lodge children who will remain in school as it is still the case that the majority of members have children in main school.
The revision to the charity donations has continued to be successful. We are now supporting charities chosen by the students up to a capped maximum of £1500 each year from the money raised at cake sales. Trustees discussed increasing the maximum amount at the meeting in October but agreed to keep the amount the same level as previously.
The various fundraising activities still allow one larger donation for the benefit of girls across the school, as well as several smaller ones. Although we have made some significant donations this year (library, Sphero coding bots, new playhouse for lodge), we do still need to work on a system which continues to identify suitable future spending projects. This remains a concern from the previous year.
Fundraising
The Trustees have aimed to balance fundraising with community building across a range of activities. Whilst some of our event proceeds are allocated towards external charities, the remainder are to fund projects to benefit Godstowe school directly both now and for the future.
The following events were held over the course of the year (with income after costs):
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a) Cake sales (£1974)
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b) Other community events (£4355) c) Christmas Fair (£4516)
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d) Summer Fair (£3024)
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e) SHUS (£15,394) f) Merchandise sales (£969)
In total these raised : £29,067 (including £516 of admin expenses)
Donations
FoG made donations of £36,682 during the year. These can be split into those to the school itself and those to charities and external support.
Donations to the school amounted to £35,557 with the key spend being on the renovation of the library (£30,417). In addition to this, funds were used to purchase Sphero bots and a new playhouse for lodge. The aim remains for donations to have maximum impact for the maximum number of pupils.
Donations to charities amounted to £1125 and was primarily directed by Mrs Lake and through choices influenced by the girls. This year the chosen charities were: Hearing Dogs trust, Wycombe Homeless Charity and the Rainbow trust. This money is assigned from the three cake sales that are held each year.
Our aim is not to retain any more than a ‘working balance’ so that we can manage future events. As much income as possible is donated or allocated to future donations. At this point, we are investigating the possibility of new playground equipment for main school. Our year end balance of £38,391 reflects this allocation as well as the fact that the key income came from the summer fair which was at the tail end of the year.
Organisation
As laid down in the rules the Trustees have continued to meet to make decisions on the strategic direction of the Friends and any fundraising activity, whilst the Committee has met at least each half term, and often more frequently, to plan events.
Financial summary:
The net decrease in overall balance held during the year is £9960.
We continue to operate cash accounting – this means that the cost of individual events are not presented in the accounts, i.e. the total profit of the event is reported only. Once presented and approved by the Trustees, the 23/24 accounts, once signed off by Trustees, can be verified and must be submitted to the Charities Commission by 30/6/25.
Please note and approve this report.
Charles Fellowes Treasurer 31st January 2025
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
- 3 Dona%ons and legacies
Unrestricted Funds (£)
| Donaons and gi/s Other Total 4 Raising funds (Fundraising and publicity)* Staging fundraising events Support costs Total |
2023 73,377 17,019 90,396 2023 48,187 258 48,446 |
2024 24,795 17,870 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,665 | ||
| 2024 10,925 5,018 15,943 |
Note: Support costs for 2024 include £3418 investment in merchandise to sell to raise funds.
- 5 Charitable ac%vi%es
| Charitable ac%vi%es | ||
|---|---|---|
| Direct dona%ons | ||
| made (£) | ||
| 2023 | 2024 | |
| Direct dona*ons made | 33,846 | 36,682 |
- 6 Trustees
during the year.
7 Taxa%on
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within secon 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or secon 252 of the Taxa*on of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2024
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Accruals and deferred income 0 150
Note: Fees for stalls paid up front for Christmas fair in December 2024.
End of report
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Charity registration number 1143885
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr C Fellowes |
|---|---|
| Miss M Grainger | |
| Mrs S North | |
| Mrs H Ross | |
| Mrs E Smith | |
| Mrs C Wiseman-Clarke | |
| Charity number | 1143885 |
| Principal address | Godstowe Preparatory School |
| Shrubbery Road | |
| High Wycombe | |
| HP13 6PR | |
| Independent examiner | |
| Mr Kayeye Cedric Ntumba | |
| Insttute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales | |
| (9060376) | |
| 20-22 Wenlock Road | |
| London N1 7GU |
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report | 2 |
| Statement of fnancial actvites | 3 |
| Balance sheet | 4 |
| Notes to the fnancial statements | 5 - 8 |
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024.
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 Charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
The objectives of the Charity is to advance the education of pupils in the school, in particular by: Developing effective relationships between staff, parents and others associated with the school; Engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the school and advance the education of the pupils.
Achievements and performance Financial review
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the Charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial
statements were:
Mr C Fellowes
Miss M Grainger Mrs S North
Mrs H Ross Mrs E Smith Mrs C Wiseman-Clarke
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
.............................. Mr C Fellowes
Trustee
Date: ......3[rd] February 2025.............
FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Friends of Godstowe (the Charity) for the year ended 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done for financial statements to provide a true and fair view per Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Mr Kayeye Cedric Ntumba
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (9060376)
20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU United Kingdom
Dated: .....3[rd] February 2025......
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Donatons & Legacies Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable actvites Total expenditure Net income for the year/ Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 September 2023 Fund balances at 31 August 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds (£) Notes 2023 3 90,396 4 48,446 5 33,846 82,291 8,105 39,792 47,897 |
2024 42,665 |
2024 |
| 15,943 | |||
| 36,682 52,625 |
|||
| (9,960) 47,897 |
|||
| 38,391 |
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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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes Current Assets (£) Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets 8 Income funds (£) Unrestricted funds |
2023 47,897 47,897 47,897 47,897 |
2024 38,391 150 38,541 |
|---|---|---|
| 38,541 | ||
| 38,541 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on ....3[rd] February 2025......
.............................. Mr C Fellowes Trustee
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 AUGUST 2024
- 1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Friends of Godstowe is a registered charity with the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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 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 Charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity 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 Charity 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 Charity 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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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
-
1 Accounting policies (Continued)
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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 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’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.
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
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.
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
3 Donations and legacies
Unrestricted Funds (£)
| Donatons and gifs Other Total 4 Raising funds (Fundraising and publicity) Staging fundraising events Support costs Total |
2023 73,377 17,019 90,396 2023 48,187 258 48,446 |
2024 24,795 17,870 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,665 | ||
| 2024 10,925 5,018 15,943 |
Note: Support costs for 2024 include £3418 investment in merchandise to sell to raise funds.
- 5 Charitable activities
| Charitable actvites | ||
|---|---|---|
| Direct donatons | ||
| made (£) | ||
| 2023 | 2024 | |
| Direct donatons made | 33,846 | 36,682 |
6 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2024
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FRIENDS OF GODSTOWE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Accruals and deferred income 0 150
Note: Fees for stalls paid up front for Christmas fair in December 2024.
End of report
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