The Oxford School of Thought (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 1 April 2021
Charity number: 1161778 Date of registration: 21 March 2015
Cranmer House 10 High Street Wheatley Oxford OX33 1XX
Following the decision last year to energise the organisation following four years of preparation. I am pleased to give an outline of the results and activities for the year ended 1 April 2021.
Review of Activities and Achievements
Over the past 5 years OST has been gaining knowledge, reviewing and renewing contacts and building a team of likeminded individuals with the experience and drive to change the landscape in Education moving towards a position where it is best placed to promote the changes needed. Since March OST has been actively planning the generation of open public debate in a new way which will lead to innovation and advancement in educational practice that will improve the lives of all.
Aims and Objectives
The Oxford School of Thought was founded by educators as a truly independent Primary Education think tank - the first of its kind in the UK - to advance the public exchange of ideas generated and opinions discussed between experts in their field in the world of education. This will include research and much wider distribution and consumption of material. The intention is to have a positive impact on the way that education is delivered, whether state or independent (private).
The current situation
Whist there are numerous education conferences in which some ideas are generated, the majority are for educators, delivered by educators, and the vast majority of attendees are those in senior positions or have the time to spend attending conferences. Speakers and contributors are often uttering warm words of wisdom but achieving very little change. Seldom are policy makers present, few if any parents are invited. Generally, the entire process is inward looking.
For nearly two years the entire education landscape has changed by Covid 19. As entire communities have locked down and schools been closed, the previous accepted ways of educating children has been overturned. The difference in attainment or achievement between the ‘have’s and have-nots’
The Oxford School of Thought (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 1 April 2021
has increased dramatically this has led many to join the discussion about changing the way we educate children, OST will be at the forefront of this discussion.
Future
This year has marked the beginning of our substantial efforts to influence policy makers. Following the successful rebuild and launch of our website and with the active participation of our extended team and the list of well- known associates who are supporting us, we have recorded a series of live recorded short talks which have been lodged on our website. Speakers have been carefully curated to express views and share knowledge and thinking across education and those who recruit the output from the education processes. The recordings will enable a much wider audience to be informed. We plan to use our developing links with universities and other research organisations to create evidence-based suggestions for revising approaches to primary education.
Discussions have taken place for Oxford School of Thought to become the facilitating body for the management of the Oxfordshire Headteachers' Conference for the coming year.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Oxford School of Thought is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its constitution.
Trustees are recruited for their wide experience and skills to contribute to the achievement and advancement of the Charity's objectives
The following Trustees served throughout the year to 1 April 2021:
Peter Cansell Alexander Cansell
On 14 June 2020 Mr Philip Marples was appointed as a Trustee. Philip Marples is a highly respected Headteacher, writer and conference organiser and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board.
Financial Statements
The receipts and payments during the year to 1 April 2021 are shown below. (2020: nil).
As at 1 April 2021 The Oxford School of Thought had charitable assets of £5133.46 (2019 £300). These assets comprise restricted and unrestricted funds.
The Trustees Report and financial statements were approved by the board on 30[th] September 2021.
The Oxford School of Thought (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 1 April 2021
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Peter Cansell Chair of Trustees 30[th] September 2021
Cranmer House 10 High Street Wheatley Oxford OX33 1XX
| Receipts and payments year ending 1 April 2021 | Receipts and payments year ending 1 April 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution towards costs of OHTC conference 21 | 5000 | ||
| (2020: nil) | |||
| Administration costs to prepare for | OHTC Conference | 21 | 166.54 |
| (2020: nil) | |||
| Balance Sheets | |||
| 1 April 2021 | 1 | April 2020 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds: cash at Bank | 5133.46 | 300 | |
| Total Charity Funds | 5133.46 | 300 |
As at 1 April 2020 The Oxford School of Thought had charitable assets of £300 (2019 £300). These assets comprise unrestricted funds.
The Trustees Report and financial statements were approved by the board on 30[th] September 2021.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
(.)XFOKI) The Oxford School of Thought (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended l April 202 1 Peter Cansell Chair of Trustees 30" September 2020 Cranmer House 10 High Street Wheatley Oxford OX33 IXK