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2025-07-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1156110 (England and Wales)

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Andrew Moffat Sam Hockman Neil Graham (Appointed 6 November 2024) Katherine Knight (Appointed 16 June 2025) Graca Fonseca (Appointed 10 February 2025) Jon Alexander (Appointed 10 February 2025) James Teasdale Charity registration England and Wales 1156110 Principal address 86 - 90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE Independent examiner Galloways Accounting (Bexhill) Limited 23 St Leonards Road Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN40 1HH

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1
Trustees' report 2 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Statement of financial position 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 18

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Foreword from Chair of Trustees

This year has been a strong one for Smart School Councils. We have continued to grow, deepen our impact and help more young people to get a practical, inclusive experience of democracy and speaking up at school.

We are proud to have reached a major milestone, supporting 600 schools across the UK. Almost a third of our school members are in the most deprived areas of the country, and we are proud that our programme is supporting the young people who most need it.

This year we have delivered a healthy surplus, as a result of a new fundraising strategy, a continued increase in trading income, and careful spending. We also retained 85% of members this year, showing strong support for our programme.

It’s led to a big impact, a wider reach and a stronger financial position. These will all be important ingredients in our longer term ambitions. With a strong foundation, I am confident that Smart School Councils will continue to deliver a fantastic impact in the coming year.

.............................. Sam Hockman Chair of Trustees

30/03/2026 Date: .........................

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

Objectives and aims

The principal objective of the organisation is to advance children in life and help children and young people who from time to time may participate in school councils and other forms of student representation and action through:

(a) Providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as responsible individuals;

(b) Providing support and activities which develop the skills, capacities and capabilities of those who work with children and young people to listen to and engage with young people.

Public benefit

The Principal Activity during the year continued to be that of providing Education about active involvement in democracy to school children and teachers.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Achievements and performance

We continue to believe that everyone’s voice should be valued and included in a democracy. And that schools are fantastic places to achieve that. We’re really proud that more schools are taking the steps to involve everyone in democracy and debate, not just a small group of pupils.

With 600 member schools, we are proud to be helping young people and the adults that work with them to speak up. We are helping around 180,000 young people to find their voice in school.

Case Study: Partnership with Electoral Commission

In 2025, we ran workshops with blind and visually impaired young people in Liverpool. They chose to debate issues around the electoral system and its accessibility for disabled young people and those with additional needs. They then worked to create scripts and filmed videos highlighting the key issues they identified. The young people who took part all stated that it had helped them to feel more confident to speak about democracy and be more likely to get involved in the future. They also felt that they would be more likely to engage with democracy and the electoral process.

These debates were then shared with SEN settings across the country where young people watched the videos and discussed the issues themselves. They had an opportunity to have their views heard directly by the Electoral Commission and with the other schools who took part. In our post-project surveys, the young people stated that this was a highlight for them - the ability to debate and see the views of other young people in areas quite different from their own.

Case Study: Involvement in democracy

Our surveys show that the number of young people involved in democracy increases by 81% after using our programme. At Kells Lane Primary, participating has meant that all young people now engage in weekly discussions, building the confidence to express their opinions. Pupils now have genuine leadership opportunities at the school and a deeper understanding of how their ideas can shape school life.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

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

Similarly in Halling School, the shift was immediate. Pupils started bringing ideas, challenging decisions, and collaborating in new ways. Instead of simply talking about school lunches, for instance, pupils designed and trialled a new menu format.

“It’s not just that more voices are heard - it’s that they’re doing something with their voice”

These might seem like small changes, but for the young people involved, these are important issues that they have been able to raise and change as a group, showing they can organise.

Impact

Our programme has four key aims:

  1. To involve significantly more young people in pupil voice and democracy

  2. To increase the number of young people who feel listened to in school

  3. To help young people build better speaking and listening skills

  4. To support young people most in need

Goal Impact this year
To help more young people to be actively
involved in democracy through pupil voice		 The average percentage of pupils involved in pupil
voice before the programme is 6%. After the
programme, it is 87%.
To help more young people feel listened to The average percentage of pupils who felt
listened to before the programme is 36%. After the
programme, it is 89%.
To help young people build better speaking
and listening skills		 94% of teachers ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that
their Smart School Council is having a positive
impact on speaking skills. 92% of teachers
‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that Smart School
Council is having a positive impact on listening
skills.
To support young people facing disadvantage or
with additional needs
30% of our member schools are in the most
deprived areas (IMD1 or IMD2)

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

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

Financial review

During the year the organisation received income of £264,632 (2024: £220,422) of which £59,467 (2024: £76,344) was restricted grant income. In the same period the Expenditure totalled £192,174 (2024: £231,732) of which £48,308 (2024: £76,344) was restricted. The net surplus in unrestricted funds for the year was £61,299 (2024: net deficit £11,310). A positive result due to careful monitoring of core costs and investment in fundraising activities.

Smart School Councils Community operates a Reserves Policy which aims to retain unrestricted reserves equivalent to three months' worth of ordinary running costs. The reserves policy is reviewed annually by the trustees to ensure it meets the demands and requirements of current charity performance.

Based on the planned expenditure for the year to July 2026 the Trustees would aim to hold minimum unrestricted reserves at the start of the year of £60,000 (2024: £50,921). The actual unrestricted reserves balance on 31 July 2025 was £82,691 (2024: £21,392). The charity has invested additional resources into fundraising and has successfully built back the reserves position.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is constituted as a Charity Incorporated Organisation and is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with registration number 1156110. The Charity is governed by the standard constitution document which includes voting members other than its charitable trustees which is dated 14 August 2014.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Andrew Moffat Sam Hockman Neil Graham (Appointed 6 November 2024) Katherine Knight (Appointed 16 June 2025) Graca Fonseca (Appointed 10 February 2025) Jon Alexander (Appointed 10 February 2025) James Teasdale

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed by the decision of the members at the annual general and rotate by resignation of one third of their number on an annual basis.

The two founder members of the Charity, Asher Jacobsberg and Greg Sanderson are not Trustees. Greg Sanderson is an active Manager within the Organisation, and Asher Jacobsberg left the Organisation in July 2017.

Organisational structure Additional Governance Matters

Smart Schools Councils employs three full time members of the staff, Greg Sanderson, Director, on a full-time basis. The trustees are responsible for managing and assessing Greg's performance.

The organisation also employs a number of associates to deliver training and provide expert support on an ad hoc basis. Associates are managed by Greg Sanderson, the Director. The trustees regularly review the risks faced by the Charity at the Trustees' meetings and have developed an Organisation risk register to formalize the procedures.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

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

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. Sam Hockman Trustee 30/03/2026 Date: .............................................

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Smart School Councils Community (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025.

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.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I 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.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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:

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

==> picture [123 x 40] intentionally omitted <==

Peter Watters FCA

Galloways Accounting (Bexhill) Limited

23 St Leonards Road Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN40 1HH Date: ............................

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 41,000 59,467 100,467 160 76,344 76,504
Charitable activities 4 163,372 - 163,372 142,207 - 142,207
Investments 5 793 - 793 1,711 - 1,711
Total income 205,165 59,467 264,632 144,078 76,344 220,422
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 1,019 - 1,019 1,605 7 1,612
Charitable activities 7 142,847 48,308 191,155 153,783 76,337 230,120
Total expenditure 143,866 48,308 192,174 155,388 76,344 231,732
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds 61,299 11,159 72,458 (11,310) - (11,310)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 August
2024 21,392 - 21,392 32,702 - 32,702
Fund balances at 31 July
2025 82,691 11,159 93,850 21,392 - 21,392

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 JULY 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 14 8,184 1,068
Cash at bank and in hand 99,277 67,768
107,461 68,836
Creditors: amounts falling due within 15
one year (13,611) (47,444)
Net current assets 93,850 21,392
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 18 11,159 -
Unrestricted funds 19 82,691 21,392
93,850 21,392

30/03/2026

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

.............................. Sam Hockman Trustee

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum of Association, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The 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. 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 or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the 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.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Amortisation

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Intangible fixed asset - Computer Software Fully depreciated

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.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

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.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.9 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

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.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 1,000 - 1,000 160 - 160
Grants 40,000 59,467 99,467 - 76,344 76,344
41,000 59,467 100,467 160 76,344 76,504

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Total
PayPal Income 8 12
Membership sales 160,933 138,227
Postage Income 17 15
Upsells Sales 2,414 841
Miscellaneous Income - 3,112
163,372 142,207

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 793 1,711
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Trading costs
Purchases 1,019 - 1,019 1,605 7 1,612

6 Expenditure on raising funds

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Total Total
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 138,355 166,466
Rent & Room Hire 1,767 1,110
Insurance 1,617 1,556
Postage & Stationary 220 728
Advertisment 3,503 3,033
Sundries 4,271 -
Consultancy Finance 3,668 5,587
Travel & Accommodation 394 8,645
Hosting fees, IT & Video 13,263 15,910
Recruitment Costs - 284
Staff CPD & Team building 816 1,482
Freelance Staff Costs 18,748 21,010
Office Equipment/furniture 735 170
Bad Debt 299 279
Staff Entertaining & Gifts 712 344
188,368 226,604
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 1,287 2,016
Governance 1,500 1,500
191,155 230,120
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 142,847 153,783
Restricted funds 48,308 76,337
191,155 230,120

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Bank charges 464 564
Professional fees 140 60
Staff CPD & team building 683 1,392
Governance costs 1,500 1,500
2,787 3,516
Analysed between:
Total 2,787 3,516

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

9 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 1,500 1,500

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
4 5
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 130,804 153,553
Social security costs 4,376 9,211
Other pension costs 3,175 3,702
138,355 166,466

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

13 Intangible fixed assets

13 Intangible fixed assets
Intangible
fixed asset -
Computer
Software
£
Cost
At 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 42,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 42,000
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2025 -
At 31 July 2024 -
14 Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors 8,184 1,068
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Other taxation and social security 5,225 2,138
Deferred income 16 5,989 40,308
Trade creditors 34 183
Other creditors - 2,161
Accruals 2,363 2,654
13,611 47,444
16 Deferred income
2025 2024
£ £
Other deferred income 5,989 40,308
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities 5,989 40,308
Movements in the year:

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

16 Deferred income (Continued) (Continued)
Deferred income at 1 August 2024 40,308 89,153
Released from previous periods (34,319)
(48,845)
Deferred income at 31 July 2025 5,989 40,308
17 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,175 3,702

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 August At 1 August
Incoming
Incoming
Resources
Resources
At 31 July
At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
UBS: Big Debate Club Grant Nationwide - 50,000 (38,841) 11,159
The Grace Trust - 3,000 (3,000) -
Electoral Commission - 6,467 (6,467) -
- 59,467 (48,308) 11,159
Previous year: At 1 August
Incoming
Resources
At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
UBS:Brighter Futures - Big Debate Club - 76,344 (76,344) -

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Note to the Restricted funds

Brighter Futures - Big Debate Club. This fund helped us grow the Big Debate Club project, by funding a member of staff to deliver weekly debate content to our member schools. It also helped deliver Big Debate Club workshops sessions to 4-6 pupils targeting schools who are in areas of deprivation. We worked with school partners to target young people with low confidence to boost their speaking confidence. 72% of pupils made better than expected progress in speaking confidence as a result of these workshops.

The UBS grant - this fund was used to develop and deliver the new online format for the Big Debate Club workshops sessions to 4-6 pupils across 100 schools who are in areas of deprivation. We worked with school partners to target young people with low confidence to boost their speaking confidence.

The Grace Trust - This fund enabled us to provide support for three schools in Blackpool in areas of economic disadvantage. Staff at the three schools were provided with access to training to help them to embed the Smart School Councils pupil voice programme in their schools; access to the Class Meeting Tool software which provides the structure and tools for young people to lead discussions in their classrooms; and online training for their pupils to build the skills and confidence to speak up and lead positive change.

The Electoral Commission - This funding was used to work with a school for the blind and visually impaired in Liverpool to create a series of debates on the electoral process and democracy. This work enabled the students to explore these themes and improve their knowledge of how and why to be involved in democracy. The series was then shared with 10 SEN settings across England so that students could take part in the debates and share their views on democracy and the electoral process with the Electoral Commission. This work was part of a wider project supported by the Electoral Commission to widen participation in elections among under-represented groups across England.

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 August At 1 August
Incoming
Incoming
Resources
Resources
At 31 July
At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 21,392 205,165 (143,866) 82,691
Previous year: At 1 August
Incoming
Resources
At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 32,702 144,078 (155,388) 21,392

SMART SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 July 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities) 82,691 11,159 93,850
82,691 11,159 93,850
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 July 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities) 21,392 - 21,392
21,392 - 21,392

21 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).