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2025-03-31-accounts

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity No: 1144395

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ Report 2 - 5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6
Statement of Receipts and Payments 7
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 8
Notes to the Accounts 9 - 11

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their report and accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Trust Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

OUR PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES

The Trust was formed to advance the education of people with autism and/or language, communication or interaction difficulties, particularly those currently or previously attending or supported by Phoenix School.

It also aims to support international work with link organisations working with people with autism and / or language, communication or interaction difficulties.

Grant making policy

Grants are awarded after submission of applications to the Trust. Applications are assessed to establish whether they are in the Charity’s objectives and the Trustees review applications that meet their requirements in terms of the benefit given. Grants have been paid during the year of £15,000 (2024– £15,000).

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Teacher Training Programme

The Trust administers the Trainee Teacher Bursary in partnership with Phoenix School and the London East Teacher Training Alliance (LETTA). In July 2024, three trainees successfully completed the programme, with two moving directly into teaching posts at Phoenix School in September 2024. A further three trainees joined in September 2024 and are on track to complete their training by July 2025. All three have already been offered teaching positions at Phoenix School, subject to the successful completion of their programme.

Many other trainees within the LETTA programme undertake placements at Phoenix School during their rotations, gaining valuable experience in working with children with autism. These placements enable trainees to apply specialist knowledge and skills in their future mainstream teaching settings and some of these trainees later apply to work at Phoenix School.

This initiative plays a pivotal role in ensuring Phoenix School has both the teaching capacity and the specialist expertise needed to meet the complex needs of children with autism. The bursary programme not only offers a proven pathway for recruiting high-quality teachers but also strengthens the professional development of existing staff. At a time when schools nationally face significant challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, Phoenix School stands out for maintaining a full complement of teaching staff.

Equally important, the programme creates a structured career pathway for support staff aspiring to enter teaching. By nurturing talent internally, the school fosters loyalty, builds staff morale, and secures long-term workforce sustainability. This approach ensures Phoenix School can continue providing consistent, high-quality teaching and serves as a model of innovative practice in teacher recruitment and development.

Many programme alumni continue their careers at Phoenix School, while others take their specialist expertise into mainstream and special schools across the UK.

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Model school in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Phoenix Sylhet, established in September 2019 through a partnership between Phoenix School, Apasen UK, and Apasen International, stands as a pioneering model special school in Bangladesh. It is among the first of its kind in the region, demonstrating what high-quality provision for children with special educational needs can look like.

The project involved developing purpose-built facilities, including specialist classrooms and an outdoor play area, and recruiting and training teachers and teaching assistants to deliver a curriculum tailored to children with autism and other learning needs.

The Executive Headteacher and staff of Phoenix School in London continue to provide vital support through weekly online meetings, curriculum development, and visits to Sylhet. Parents of Phoenix students have also contributed through fundraising initiatives to meet specific needs, reinforcing the strong sense of community ownership behind the project.

Phoenix Sylhet has faced significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, severe flooding, and recent political instability in Bangladesh. These setbacks have slowed progress towards financial independence, making additional support essential. The Trust has committed to funding the school for the 2025/26 academic year, with future requirements to be reviewed.

Phoenix Sylhet is transforming the lives of children and families in Sylhet and establishing itself as a flagship project of international collaboration — demonstrating how expertise, innovation, and community commitment can deliver lasting change and inspire similar initiatives across Bangladesh.

Youth Club and Holiday Scheme

In the past year, 66 Phoenix students and alumni participated in the Phoenix School Youth Club. Provision included a holiday club during every school break (excluding Christmas), 30 Thursday sessions, and 30 Saturday sessions.

A highlight of the year was a residential trip for ten young people to two villas in the Cambridgeshire countryside, featuring a day trip to Cambridge, swimming, and a BBQ at sunset.

Saturday sessions offered a wide range of community and leisure visits, including Stamford Bridge Stadium, Dreamland in Margate, Gravity in Stratford, and pumpkin picking in Epping. Thursday sessions featured themed evenings with activities such as cooking, games, music, and movies, providing both enjoyment and opportunities to build independence.

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Cont/d)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Public benefit statement

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance “public benefit: running a charity” (PD2). The achievements and activities above demonstrate the public benefit arising through the Charity’s activities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The trust is in a very healthy financial state with the increase in reserves of around £10,000 this year. The Trustees can be very satisfied with the Trust’s financial position with a total cash balance amounting at the year-end 31 March 2025 to £179,180 (2024 - £168,345)

RESERVES POLICY

It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain reserves at a sufficient level to enable activities in the medium term. Reserves are set at the level required to guarantee the continuation of activities despite any unexpected shortfalls in income. The Trust has set aside some of its reserves for the operating costs of Phoenix Sylhet. The Trust is committed to fund a further £15,000 in 2025/26, with a possible extension of funding a further three years, totalling £45,000.

With expected reductions in education funding, the Trust will explore how it can use of its reserves to develop and maintain out of school activities at Phoenix School and to support the school with any other activities that it may be able to fund. The Trust will review this on an ongoing basis.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Teacher Training Programme

The current three trainees will complete their programme in July 2025. A further three trainees are due to begin in September 2025.The Trust remains committed to continuing this initiative as a proven pathway for recruiting and retaining teachers to work with children with autism.

International programme: Model School in Sylhet, Bangladesh

The Trust, alongside Apasen International, has committed to funding Phoenix Sylhet for another year while supporting the development of a sustainable long-term funding model. Parents and staff continue to play an active role through fundraising initiatives.

In 2025, Apasen International plans to submit a new application to the Bangladesh Government for a further three years of programme funding from 2026. This next phase is critical to consolidating Phoenix Sylhet’s role as a national model of inclusive education, setting standards of practice, and inspiring similar initiatives across Bangladesh.

Youth Club and Holiday Scheme

The Trust will continue to support the Youth Club and Holiday Scheme, which offers young people with autism opportunities to develop social and life skills while enhancing well-being through engaging activities. Provision will continue to include cooking and arts sessions, off-site visits, and residential experiences.

The project has benefited from grant funding, including £15,000 from the John Laing Charitable Trust, £6,000 from the Clifford Chance Foundation, and £20,000 from DFN Project Search, with Phoenix School funding staffing costs. The Trust will seek longer-term funding partnerships to ensure the sustainability and future development of this vital provision.

Risk management

The financial operating risk of the Trust is managed by regular financial reporting at Trustee meetings, analysing existing liabilities, projected income and forecast costs. These figures are updated as necessary over the course of the financial year.

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Cont/d)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Trust was formed through the establishment of a Trust Deed dated 3[rd] March 2010 and amended on 2[nd] December 2014 and 22[nd] March 2016. It was registered as a charity on 21[st] October 2011 under charity number 1144395.

Organisation

The Board of Trustees administers the charity. The Trustees meet termly to review the affairs of the charity and to consider grant applications which are only paid to a beneficiary upon the approval of the Trustees.

The Trust supports Phoenix School’s work with the local community and follows the school’s financial management protocols.

Appointment of Trustees

There are currently four Trustees, all of whom are either part of the local community or a member of staff or a governor of the Phoenix School. Any new Trustee must have some connection with either the local community or the school.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Number: 1144395
Trustees Stewart Harris MBE – Chair
Matthew Snow (Appointed on 08 July 2025)
Jonathon Caunt
Veronica Armson
Principal Office: Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, London E3 2AD
Independent Examiner: David Terry
Ramon Lee Ltd, 93 Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4BA
Bankers: NatWest Plc, Stratford Broadway Branch,
Ground Floor, Gredley House, 1-11 Broadway, London E15 4BQ
Website: www.phoenix.towerhamlets.sch.uk

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (Cont/d)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Charity Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

APPROVAL

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

STEWART HARRIS MBE (CHAIR) TRUSTEE

Date: 26 November 2025

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 10.

This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my Independent Examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trustees’ accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and 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

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

D TERRY – Chartered Accountant RAMON LEE LTD 93 TABERNACLE STREET LONDON EC2A 4BA

Date: 26 November 2025

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Receipts
Grants and donations
2
Rental income
Investment income
Total Receipts
Payments
Charitable activities:
Bursaries
Grant funded activity
3
Governance costs
4
Total Payments
Net of Receipts/(Payments)
Cash Funds Last Year End
Cash Funds This Year End
Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,643
24,100
6,515
33,258
-
15,439
1,398
16,837
16,421
142,534
158,955
Restricted
Funds
£
35,000
-
-
35,000
32,200
8,386
-
40,586
(5,586)
25,811
20,225
Total
2025
£
37,643
24,100
6,515
68,258
32,200
23,825
1,398
57,423
10,835
168,345
179,180
Total
2024
£
35,631
11,050
1,164
47,845
41,000
26,413
1,296
68,709
(20,864)
189,209
168,345

The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these accounts

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Cash Funds
Cash & Bank 3 158,955 20,225 179,180 168,345
Total Cash Funds 158,955 20,225 179,180 168,345

Approved by the Trustees on 26 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

…………………………………………………….

STEWART HARRIS MBE (CHAIR)

The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these accounts.

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The receipts and payment accounts have been drawn up as a summary of the receipts and payments made during the year by the charity. Amounts are included as received by the charity or as cheques are drawn. The accounts and statements do not include accruals and prepayments in respect of income and expenses.

The receipts and payments accounts and statements of assets and liabilities have been prepared following the guidance for accounting for smaller charities issued by the Charity Commission.

2. GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Grants and Donations
Trainee Teacher - Bursary Scheme
Phoenix School
Youth Club and Holiday Scheme
Clifford Chance Global Foundation
Other Donation
Sylhet donations
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
2,010
633
Restricted
Funds
£
35,000
-
-
-
Total
2025
£
35,000
-
2,010
633
Total
2024
£
35,000
531
-
100
2,643 35,000 37,643 35,631

Donation income in 2024 totalling £35,631 was attributed to unrestricted funds of £100 and restricted funds of £35,531.

3. ANALYSIS OF GRANTS

Grants paid
Apasen International
Other charitable expenses
Phoenix Sylhet School expenditure
Youth Club and Holiday Scheme
2025
2024
£
£
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
439
310
8,386
11,103
8,825
11,413
23,825
26,413

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3. GOVERNANCE COST

Governance Costs
Independent examiner's fees
2025
2024
£
£
1,398
1,296
1,398
1,296

4. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Restricted funds
Phoenix School
Youth Club and Holiday Scheme
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance as
at 01.04.24
£
7,000
18,811
25,811
142,534
142,534
168,345
Receipts
£
35,000
-
35,000
33,258
33,258
68,258
Balance as
Payments
at 31.03.25
£
£
32,200
9,800
8,386
10,425
40,586
20,225
16,837
158,955
16,837
158,955
57,423
179,180

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (Continued)

Movement in funds – previous year

Restricted funds
Phoenix School
Youth Club and Holiday Scheme
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance as
at 01.04.23
£
13,000
29,383
42,383
146,826
146,826
189,209
Receipts
£
35,000
531
35,531
12,314
12,314
47,845
Payments
£
41,000
11,103
52,103
16,606
16,606
68,709
Balance as
at 31.03.24
£
7,000
18,811
25,811
142,534
142,534
168,345

Description, nature and purpose of restricted funds:

Phoenix School – Grant provided to pay for the bursary scheme for trainee teachers.

Youth Club and Holiday Scheme– Grant provided for a Youth Club and Holiday Scheme for young people with autism. The Project encourages young people to develop their social and life skills whilst improving their wellbeing through participating in activities in the local community. Activities include cooking, physical activities, off-site and residential trips.

5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, a restricted grant of £35,000 (2024 – £35,000) was received from Phoenix School where Veronica Armson and Jonathon Caunt are governors. The grant was utilised for LETTA programme for teacher trainees.

The Youth Club is an out-of-hours service run by Phoenix School. During the year, the charity expended £8,386 (2024 - £11,103) for Youth Club.

Youth Club and LETTA are funded via PSACT, with Phoenix School providing funding and oversight.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration during the year (2024 – Nil).

There were no other related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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THE PHOENIX SCHOOL FOR AUTISM CHARITABLE TRUST

MINUTES OF A BOARD MEETING

HELD AT: Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, London E3 2AD

HELD ON: 26 November 2025

PRESENT: Stewart Harris MBE – Chair Matthew Snow Jonathon Caunt Veronica Armson

The minutes of the last board meeting had been signed by the Chair of that meeting as a true record of that meeting.

Accounts

The draft accounts of the charity, together with the draft report of the Trustees and a letter of representation to the accountants in respect of the year ended 31 March 2025 were laid before the meeting.

IT WAS RESOLVED that the Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 be and are hereby approved.

IT WAS RESOLVED that the Trustees should sign the Report of the Trustees, the Balance Sheet of the Accounts and also sign the letter of representation to the accountants.

Any other business

There being no other business the meeting was closed.

___ STEWART HARRIS MBE CHAIR

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The Trustees

The Phoenix School for Autism Charitable Trust

Phoenix School, 49 Bow Road, London E3 2AD

Ramon Lee Ltd 93 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BA

26 November 2025

Dear Sirs

We hereby confirm to the best of our knowledge and belief, having made appropriate enquiries of other officials of The Phoenix School for Autism Charitable Trust, the following representation given to you in connection with your independent examination of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

We confirm that the charity is entitled to exemption from audit and at no time fell into an excluded category. No member has requested an audit.

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Yours faithfully

…………………………. (<25565FOS7A2C74E4.. by: STEWART HARRIS MBE CHAIR

26 November 2025