2021-08-31-accounts

Registered number: 10562182 Charity number: 1175704

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONTENTS

	Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charitable Company, its Trustees and Advisers	1
Headteacher’s Annual Report	2 - 8
Trustees' Report (including Directors' Report and Strategic Report)	9 - 18
Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements	19 - 23
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities	24
Consolidated Balance Sheet	25 - 26
Charitable Company Balance Sheet	27 - 28
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	29
Notes to the Financial Statements	30 - 52

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Trustees and	Susan Allan(Bursar)
School Committee	Christopher Allen
	David Bunney (Clerk)
	Robert Lincoln
	Anton Maree(Head)
	Carol Rayner(Treasurer)
	Charles Nicholas Seed
	Andrew Whiteley
Company registered number Charity registered number Registered office Company secretary Independent auditors Bankers Solicitors	10562182 1175704 Ackworth School Ackworth Pontefract West Yorkshire WF7 7LT Susan Allan BHP LLP Rievaulx House 1 St Mary's Court Blossom Street York North Yorkshire YO24 1AH Barclays Bank Plc 5 Market Place Pontefract West Yorkshire WF8 1AD Weightmans LLP Westgate Point Westgate Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 2AX

Page 1

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

We started the new academic year under no illusions as to the impact the pandemic was having upon the School. Even before term began the early return of boarders from Asia meant the provision of quarantine for 14 days prior to the start of term. We proved to be very adept at managing their needs. In fact adaptation has been a key feature of this year; with Staff across the school displaying their resourcefulness.

Realising the need for hand sanitising, the corridors and classrooms were equipped with the latest applicators and all logical health and safety standards were applied including signage to remind and advise staff and pupils of the need to exercise caution. Although this increased wastage, the school tried to manage by using re-usable masks.

The pandemic made it essential for us to adapt quickly whilst remaining focused on the necessity to provide an education to all of our pupils, as long as it was safe to do so. Despite the impact upon admissions, our pupil numbers remained high at 494, especially amongst day pupils - with strong support emanating from our existing parent body. Boarding numbers declined, but only marginally, with some pupils opting to return late for the start of the autumn term. Strong word of mouth amongst parents attracted new pupils to the School.

The decision to provide iPads to pupils in the Senior School and Year 5 and 6 in Coram House was the correct decision in light of the need to provide guarantees to parents across the world in terms of access to education. The improved communication with pupils enabled out pastoral care to reach every pupil and parents were also included.

The decision to use iPads catapulted Ackworth School into the 54% of independent schools able to provide lessons through the use of devices to students in secondary schools. It certainly transformed the school’s ability to market itself as a modern and proactive school and introduce a degree of flexibility that had not existed before. Within weeks the pupils and teachers were able to use the technology as adeptly as they might have used pen and paper. We are proud that we have made such significant gains whilst retaining our Quaker values.

On the part of teachers and pupils the application of advanced educational technology and the training required placed particular demands upon our infrastructure and the expansion was prioritised with Apple TV and 65” television sets being applied to classrooms around the school. It is fair to state that despite the demands on our resources we managed to deal with the needs of modernisation effectively.

It is a continuing source of pride to us that our pupils were all able to progress their learning during the pandemic.

Founders’ Day could not progress as normal and we had to dispense with our usual gathering in the Meeting House in favour of more discrete year group meetings. Although restricted to the campus, teachers introduced a novel approach to the day by introducing a range of activities that explored themes of Peace, the Senses, Famous Walks, or something connected to the history of the school - lunch was, of course, the traditional Bangers and Mash.

Our new technology was exploited to the full, allowing an online coffee meeting with Old Scholars. The oldest visitor was 100 years old and lived in Nova Scotia. It was important to all that the School was prospering despite the global crisis.

Our football academy and table tennis academies continued to attract pupils from all over the world. Jamie Fullarton, the Director of Football, delivers a first class programme to U/19 and U/16 teams. Eli Baraty and Sam Mabey together with Will Bayley all combined to add to our coaching depth in our Table Tennis Academy.

The common room areas within the Boys’ Boarding House were extensively refurbished during the summer holidays. A new kitchen and lounge with Netflix and other digital attractions have made the Boarding House even more attractive. The School Medical Centre was also moved into the main school building to be closer to Boarding and the School now has a modern, well equipped and very professional medical consulting room.

Page 2

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Community outreach continued unabated with tennis and table tennis coaches visiting four to five schools each per week for a six week continuous coaching programme which included putting into place a coaching programme for teachers to ensure continuity. Community tennis coaching has had an immediate and important impact upon Ackworth Tennis Club with membership increasing from 18 to 200 in one year. Alice Robson our Level 3 qualified coach won the Lawn Tennis Association Development Coach of the Year award for 2020. Alice coaches 2,000 pupils from 17 primary schools per year.

We continue to be aware of the needs of others and do all that we can to make a meaningful difference. Coaching is provided free of charge and helps us to impact upon children throughout West Yorkshire.

Our Community Programme also includes a Schools Community Committee formed from a group of pupils from all of our local schools. Taking into consideration the inability to meet regularly within the ‘new normal’ we are very pleased that we were able to arrange a Community Litter Pick, the presentation of decorations and Christmas treats to Senior Citizens, instead of their annual Christmas meal, and the sharing of our Christmas Drama Production through a recorded programme with local primary schools and the local community. At the same time the school continued to be a call centre for senior citizens who required help.

GCSE and A-Level Results 2021

The academic performance of our GCSE and A-Level pupils is crucial for our continuing success.

The results this summer were very good and would not have been possible without the professionalism of the Staff. Our GCSE pupils produced outstanding results with 93.2% achieving grades 9-4. The percentage of 9-8 grades was 30.4%, and 9-5 grades was 79.3%.

We had 39 pupils who left Ackworth in 2021, 35 of whom made an application for Higher Education either in the UK or overseas. Following A-Level Results Day in August, 94% of our students will be starting university in September 2021; 88% of those who made an application were successful in gaining a place at their firm or insurance institution, or in adjusting to an even better offer. Three pupils decided to take a GAP year and one pupil has applied to join the RAF.

A further 6% were placed through the clearing system within two weeks of Results Day. This is testament to the excellent careers advice and guidance which our students receive. Of those students who will begin their degree courses at UK institutions this Autumn Term, 47% will be attending one of the top 25 UK universities (as per an independent league produced by The Complete University Guide).

Academic Progress

We continue to have the best value-added in West Yorkshire according to Government data. Through excellent teaching and a very effective intervention strategy, the pupils improve upon their GCSE grades by at least one grade when completing their A-Levels. Our Pastoral and Academic teachers know our pupils well and help them to advance academically. For a non-selective school we are able to produce excellent results on a regular basis.

The Old Scholars’ Cup

This Cup is awarded each year in recognition of outstanding service to the community and it is awarded to the student whose time in School has been supportive of its aims, ethos and routines. This year the Award was presented to Ben Cawood. As a member of the School community, Ben embodied the very best of what we expect in terms of behaviour and representation from our students. His willingness to go the extra mile to make other people’s life easier had been noticed and acknowledged by a wide range of people within the School, from accidentally mentoring the lower school students through kindness and friendship, to diligently introducing new students to the ‘Ackworth way’ by giving tours and generally making people feel settled and secure. As a sports leader Ben helped in organising the inter-form Olympics (just before Christmas); the Olympic day; and Race to Japan. His commitment and support of these events was wonderful. He was the Master of Ceremonies for Olympic Day and brilliantly interacted with Coram House children. He embodied the ethos of Ackworth and his contribution to so many aspects of the school community.

Page 3

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee) HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Creative Arts – Drama

Despite the limitations that Level 3 restrictions had on theatres nationally, the students of Ackworth School embraced Health and Safety regulations and, in a whole new environment, created as much Drama as they could. The school production, a musical, still went ahead, “in bubbles”, with masked singing rehearsals and choreographed social distancing: the musical “The Theory of Relativity”, by Neil Bertram and Brian Hill, was performed in late November 2020, performed both live to bubbled student audiences and transmitted digitally via livestream on Zoom. Over 20 students, from 1st Form through to Upper Sixth, took us on a journey that explored human relationships, our sense of community and our interconnected lives. Student leadership opportunities were central to the production, with students acting as Assistant Directors, focusing on choreography and music direction, as well as lighting.

This little-known and beautiful musical fitted everything that was needed for a Covid-era musical: it had the earcatching songs to reel in an audience, but was unknown enough to stop an audience from singing along (and risking Covid transmission); it was broad enough to accommodate a huge range of student ability, and flexible enough to adapt to the Covid restrictions that we needed to impose on our performance. More than anything, this play had purpose, a genuine and pressing need to perform it. What better time than in the midst of Covid to share a story about the importance of togetherness, the importance of community, the need for separate individuals to be aware of their connections and to come together.

The musical reminds us of the need for human connection, as well as the ease with which such connections can be made. “I stand here beside you,” the ensemble sing, “and I look in your face, and I see myself in your eyes.” Community is there for all of us, even if it doesn't look as it normally did - all it takes is a leap of faith.

The Inter-house Drama Festival in the Spring Term continued under similar restrictions but with similar determination and no little panache! Over 30 students committed their time and effort for over a term, across a national lockdown, to successfully put on an online festival of plays. As with so many things, this competition shouldn’t really have been able to happen - yet the students’ determination, their drive, their willingness to work in completely new media, in such trying circumstances, has made the impossible, possible.

Special commendations were awarded to the directors of each House submission, with particular credit being given to Fothergill House, whose director also wrote their production; commendations were also given to a number of actors in recognition of their outstanding performance contributions to their plays. The Award for Most Innovative Production, in recognition of their sophisticated editing and ingenious embedding of the new digital medium into their production, went to Woolman. The Award for Best Ensemble, Best Production and Winner of the Inter-house Drama Competition 2021, for their hyper-theatrical, wickedly irreverent, narratorially-coherent, stylistic pastiche, was Penn House.

Covid restrictions continued as summer arrived, but the determination to keep performing continued unabated. The Junior Drama production that took place at the end of the Summer Term 2020-21 (Sam Holcroft’s “The Wardrobe”) was held outdoors in Great Garden amid England’s Level 3 Covid restrictions. “From the last days of the Wars of the Roses, through the brutality of the English Civil War, the paranoia of the Plague, the heartbreak of WW1 conscription, right up to the savagery of today’s social media, this beautifully-written new play weaves humour with moments in history that ultimately depict the loss of innocence of young people.” (Whatsonstage.com)

It has been an immense endeavour by our younger actors to put on a live performance at such a challenging time: for some pupils, this was their very first production; for some of the older performers (in 3rd Form, aged 14), this was their first experience in taking on leading roles in a play. They pulled off this tremendously difficult feat with heart and aplomb: stories of sexuality, racism, domestic violence, bereavement, fear and hope, were told by a wonderfullytalented group of 11-14 year olds with sensitivity, maturity and a deftness of touch that utterly belied their years. They were ably supported by a host of older pupils who took on wider roles of mentorship and leadership: not only did students form the cast, but there were four student directors who took responsibility for over half of the play’s scenes, students led on makeup, on props, on costumes, on design, on lighting, on sound. “A school is nothing without its students,” as the adage goes.

Page 4

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

The final production of this unique school year came in the penultimate week of the summer term. The Ackworth Summer Monologue, the most recent addition to the school’s dramatic calendar, is also known as “The Cawood Slot”, in recognition of Ben Cawood, the student whose drive, determination and passion to perform began this new tradition. Having performed Alan Bennett’s “A Chip in the Sugar” two years previously, Ben ended his time at Ackworth by performing Duncan MacMillan’s one-man play, “Every Brilliant Thing”, billed as “one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression”.

The play centres around the life of an unnamed ‘narrator’ who has a mother with depression who tries to take her own life on two occasions and eventually does towards the end of the play. It follows his life through childhood to university and into adulthood and how he copes with his mother’s attempts. He writes a list of every brilliant thing – such as really good oranges; falling asleep as soon as you make it onto a plane, waking up when you land and feeling like a time traveller; staying up all night talking; and waking up late next to someone you love. The narrator completes the list to one million, but it did not save his mother.

The challenge of this play to its performer is less the challenge of memorising the 80 pages of the text (though that is, in itself, significant), but how the performer must improvise in relation to the multiple instances of audience interaction which are demanded by the writer. One example of this is that different characters who come into the narrator’s life are played by unsuspecting members of the audience, from the vet who puts the narrator’s dog to sleep to the university lecturer who asks the class to read a book which apparently supported suicide, from school counsellor Mrs Patterson and her sock dog to the narrator’s family - in particular, his father and his wife. “The involvement of the audience could be a challenge but allowed for amusing improvisation,” Ben recalled, “and it was usually the most fun part of the performance – I always loved waiting to see what people would come out with and allowing the improvisation to go mad! However, it also draws the audience more deeply into the story and engages them more fully as they are on edge about whether I will ask them to read out a piece of paper or play a character.”

Such was Ben’s success that in September, he was invited to reprise his performance for a local Women’s Institute, which went down extremely well, despite the entirely different audience demographic. It is hoped that what Ben has started, other Ackworth students will look to carry on, and that this fourth event in the Drama calendar will become a regular tradition alongside the Senior and Junior plays, and the Inter-house Drama Festival. Despite the restrictions and challenges of a society and a school hampered by Covid, the theatrical scene of Ackworth is very much alive and thriving, entirely due to the persistence, passion and single-minded purpose of its brilliant students - long may this continue.

Coram House - Nursery

The Nursery setting continues to be well thought of in the community with a waiting list for most sessions. We had 46 children on role with a few English as an Additional Language children. All children are working within their expected age and stage of development.

The Nursery has been operating within the government guidelines and restrictions and Covid cases have been minimal. Specialist teachers are on the timetable for Physical Education and French. Forest School is also on the timetable with regular outdoor learning taking place in addition. “Welly walks” happen on a Friday.

The Kindergarten sessions in the Summer Term were popular and all children transitioning to Reception Class in September attended. The Kindergarten offers more structure and focused work as well as the opportunity to meet teachers and Staff as well as visiting areas of the School, which are new to them. It also provides a swim in the pool! Many parents attended the sports afternoon and we were able to hold the graduation ceremony which parents were able to attend.

Coram House - Junior School

The numbers have been high with many pupils joining school at varying times over the academic year. Regular Open Mornings (both virtual and live) help to promote numbers in School.

Page 5

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Challenge, for both teachers but especially pupils, has been a focus with the knowledge that challenge is not just for the most able. All children should experience challenge. Our pupil survey clearly showed that pupils felt challenged in all lessons and are grading their own approach to learning after each lesson.

A focused ‘Global Learning Week’ took place with the key difference being the active involvement of the Coram House Global Committee who had spent several weeks planning themes and creating posters. This pupil-led approach to learning has promoted a passion within the pupils and raised awareness of how to care for the planet as well as our local community. Themes such as recycling, food waste and paper free days took place.

Tim Henman visited Coram House, and pupils from both Ackworth and visiting schools enjoyed an afternoon of tennis and fun. The Year 6 production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ presented a musical challenge for our pupils. The performance had to be filmed but was presented to the Prep children. It was an excellent presentation with an impressive ensemble and attention to detail.

Coram House ended the year on a high with ‘festival’ themed end of year parties in the forest.

Although we are still functioning in bubbles, we are very much trying to return to normal. Our pupils have missed some things but we are all endeavouring to close the gaps and develop resilience and a positive mind-set.

Autism Resource

The academic year 2020/21 was another very different year for us; following one Lockdown, another ensued. This time, more of our pupils were able to maintain attendance at school and others were able to make more use of the inclusion opportunities afforded by the new iPads. Unfortunately, some aspects of school life which are much valued had to be temporarily halted and we have missed our Sixth Form volunteers and the visits of the junior pupils for club activities. Although we were not able to meet up in person, some good relationships were forged between international and Autism Resource pupils through ‘pen-pal’ communications!

We were not able to join a local coffee morning, but pupils enjoyed scenario-type activities to replicate the interaction and life skills aspects of the coffee mornings. The Sensory Room has grown in popularity and is well used by our pupils. The pupils themselves fundraised enthusiastically over the year with sponsored swimming, the sale of hot chocolate, an auction and a bring-and-buy sale, and with the generous support of the PSA, a new projector is ready to be linked to the iPads so that the pupils can choose and direct their own more immersive experiences. Founders’ Day was a great success for our pupils, who entered enthusiastically into a hunt around the school grounds with their iPads to discover information about famous Quakers by scanning QR codes around the site.

We are proud of the progress that our pupils make, and we have been able to upgrade our BSquared assessment materials and online recording this year. This will mean that we are able to include a wider range of subject areas which include PSHE and ‘Autism Progress’, and will also be valuable in enabling us to summarise areas of achievement for local authority EHCP Review systems. In order to meet pupils’ needs we offer as much flexibility as we can, so we have continued to offer alternative (ASDAN and AQA) qualifications and awards, and one pupil who has needed to spend three afternoons of his week in hospital has been educated there by our Specialist Teachers.

Two pupils joined us at the beginning of the year from Barnsley Local Authority. It is many years since we last had pupils from Barnsley, and we have forged good relationships with their case-workers, who have been supportive and appreciative of the excellent progress that both boys have made with us over the year.

The pandemic made it difficult for our pupils to visit other establishments in order to arrange suitable supported transitions on to their next steps – and the decision was made in the summer that two pupils for whom we would have been planning a move to a residential placement or a Further Education course, would in fact remain with us for another year. Another pupil, however, left Autism Resource in the summer in order to study Business Studies at Leeds City College, and we wish him well for the future.

Page 6

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

We are immensely fortunate in not only having a committed and skilled staff team, but we are also supported by the entire school community. We would like to extend our thanks to all those, within the Resource and in the wider school, who give their time and encouragement to the Resource.

Staff News

We have experienced another year of reasonable stability, in what has been a challenging period of recruitment. Two thirds of our English Department left due to retirement and a move to a different area of teaching. We have gained two very experienced teachers, Rebecca Gleave and Laura Hulse, who have returned to part- time roles, following a period of maternity leave. This has fitted in well with our staffing requirements.

Our restructure presented us with some challenges to deliver subjects where there was not a requirement for a full timetable. This was because of the decision to remove German from our language offer and allow it to run through at GCSE level for this year, and a reduced demand for EAL because of lower overseas student numbers.

The restructure of our academic staffing provided us with an opportunity to deliver a more cost efficient timetable. This has allowed us to think more creatively around our staffing and look for areas where we can create some flexibility.

I would like to mention Staff who left at the end of the academic year and thank them, in turn, Katy Divine; Maureen Gibbins; Stevie-Ann Harrison; Andrew Hilton; Shannon Hoyle; Lizzie Hussey; Catherine Jackson; Belinda Mellor; Liz Rayner; Michelle Walker and Christopher Wrigglesworth. All of them have made a substantial difference. We wish them well in the future wherever it takes them. They leave knowing that they will always be welcome at the School.

The pupil numbers in our Autism Resource increased and our staffing has risen in line with this. In October, we plan to have a new Head of Learning Support/SENCO, who will be responsible for all aspects of SEN within the senior school and will offer guidance to Coram House to ensure a consistent approach throughout the school.

Boarding

Nicola Gilbert has been appointed as the Head of Boarding and we look forward to a rejuvenation of boarding following Covid 19. The market will respond to positive news, and we have targeted January 2022 as the likely time for fresh impetus from our existing and long-established areas for recruitment.

Christopher Bailey retired as Housemaster, having looked after Boys’ School House for 18 years. Christopher’s patience and guidance has positively affected and influenced generations of pupils and he has been very much appreciated by all who have known him. He will continue to teach at the School as the Head of Biology. Katy Devine will also remain at the school as a Boarding House Tutor. Ros Noble and Jim Davies both step back from their role as Assistant Housestaff in the respective boarding houses.

Covid has probably created some stability in that levels of movement in many employment sectors has been relatively stagnant, with staff turnover being generated out of necessity as opposed to choice. This has been evident from the reduced levels of advertising in the education sector, which would suggest that people are happy to stay where they have stability, particularly in the state sector.

Page 7

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

HEADTEACHER’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Final Thoughts

It is impossible to ignore the collective effort that it takes to make the School such a success. I am also fortunate to be supported by a very interested, dedicated School Committee, I have a loyal, effective and committed Senior Management Team, and teachers who are excited about teaching and are relentless in their drive to offer the very best to the pupils. Finally, nothing happens without the work of the office staff; the Works Department and Gardeners; the Catering and Domestic Staff – they support, fix, create, feed and keep the buildings and accommodation clean and safe.

Anton Maree

Anton Maree (Jan 28, 2022 15:14 GMT)

Anton Maree Headteacher

Date: Jan 28, 2022

Page 8

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts 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 published in October 2019.

The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

This time last year we were hoping that lives would return to some sort of normality through the implementation of the Covid 19 programme but at the start of 2022 Covid restrictions are still in place in schools and society at large. Promising initiatives that had been introduced in the previous year understandably fell by the wayside and the fall in boarding numbers meant a significant reduction of revenue. However, we are hoping that some events will be able to take place after Easter 2022 as at the end of 2019.

Nervousness from overseas boarders and quarantine regulations that restricted travel options reduced expectations further to the extent that a significant deficit of £695k had been budgeted for this financial year. However, it is pleasing to report that the trading position actually left us with a very small trading deficit in School, and this result is further improved in the consolidated position with good investment returns.

Ackworth School has so far escaped the most serious impact of Covid 19 felt by so many families and organisations. This owes much to the quality of leadership shown throughout the crisis by Anton Maree and Susan Allan, respectively Head and Bursar, and the deep, and unstinting, support that they have received from so many of their colleagues. Whilst staff have remained calm throughout, the many uncertainties encountered have led to some frustration over the continuing interruptions of illness and regulatory requirement and the impact on the school routines. However, unlike many schools, the pupils at Ackworth have continued to receive a first-class education thanks to the decision to introduce education technology to the classroom such that virtual learning helped to overcome the many interruptions.

There is a continuing awareness of the impact of the Covid crisis on the mental health and wellbeing on staff and pupils. For those who have suffered moments of stress and personal crisis, support has been available from colleagues and our health professionals.

As 2022 begins we look forward to a revival of our plans for a sound financial future built on providing a challenging curriculum within a caring environment. The School has not stood still during the crisis of 2020/21 because opportunities for development can always be found but we do not forget our School motto; Non Sibi Sed Omnibus, translated as ‘not for oneself but for all’ but interpreted as ‘Caring for Others’

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Charity was founded in 1779 and was registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 529280. In January 2017 the school incorporated and from 1st September 2018 has traded as a company limited by guarantee under the charity number 1175704. The charitable objects of this new charity remain unchanged from the objects of the old charity. The Directors, Governors (also the Trustees), executive officers and principal address of the Charity, along with the particulars of the Charity’s professional advisers for the reporting period, are given on page 1.

Page 9

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The Charity is governed by its Trust Deed dated 20th April 1799 as amended by a subsequent deed dated 9th August 1873 and its Articles of Association dated 11th August 2017.

Organisation, Governance and Management

Ackworth School was founded by John Fothergill (and others) on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the latter part of the 1770’s, the first pupils arriving on 18th October 1779, a day still traditionally celebrated as Founders’ Day. The Founders intended that the school should provide an education for the children of Friends who were “not in affluence”. Much has changed since then, but Quaker values still underpin the school which now educates children of all faiths, denominations and backgrounds.

The School company continues to be monitored by Ackworth General Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) which appoints the School’s Governing Body, known as the School Committee. Ackworth General Meeting meets at the School in May each year to receive the annual accounts and to hear reports from the School Committee and the Head.

As previously mentioned, incorporation took effect from 1st September 2018. In support of this process Directors were appointed as follows to reflect their position on the School Committee:

• Clerk to the School Committee

• Deputy Clerk

• Treasurer

• Clerk of the Education and Pastoral Sub Committee

• Clerk of the Estate and Domestic Sub Committee

• Clerk of the Compliance and Policies Sub Committee

• Head (Executive Director)

• Bursar (Executive Director)

It is intended that Ackworth General Meeting remains the responsible body for spiritual matters and will continue to be drawn from all the Area Meetings in Britain Yearly Meeting.

The School Committee carries out its responsibilities in accordance with the published Rules for Government which Ackworth General Meeting has the power to amend on the recommendation of the School Committee.

The directors of the school are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the school, but they take their guidance from the wider School Committee who meet six times a year, three times in full session (when all Sub Committees meet) and three times as one Committee for a one-day session. The work of implementing Committee policies is carried out by six Sub Committees:

• The Finance Sub Committee (Clerk – Carol Rayner) scrutinises revenue, the budget and capital expenditure. This Committee also supervises and finalises the audited financial statements and annual report for approval by the Governing Body.

• The Education and Pastoral Sub Committee (Clerk – Robert Lincoln) considers educational and pastoral strategy, issues and policies.

• The Planning Sub Committee (Clerk - David Bunney) considers proposals for the development of the School and the risk associated with the operation of the school as well as advising senior management of the strengths and weaknesses of strategic options.

• The Estate and Domestic Sub Committee (Clerk – Andrew Whiteley) oversees and monitors capital building projects, and reviews maintenance programmes, as well as those activities not related to teaching.

• The Compliance and Policies Sub Committee (Clerk – Nick Seed) reviews the School’s policies ensuring that they are updated regularly and appropriately as legislation and regulations require.

Page 10

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

• The Salaries and Wages Sub Committee (Clerk – David Bunney) makes recommendations to the full Committee about the pay of senior executives as well as considering the pay award across the wider staff.

Whilst the School Committee is responsible for governing the School it delegates the day-to-day management of the School to the Head, supported by his Senior Management Team. The Head and the Bursar attend all meetings of the Governing Body and Deputy Heads attend as required. Delivery of Ackworth School’s charitable vision and purpose is primarily dependent on our key management personnel and staff costs are the largest single element of the School’s expenditure.

All meetings are conducted in accordance with the Quaker Business method as described in Quaker Faith and Practice. Individual members of the Committee with a special interest have linked themselves with the school department to reflect such interest. The Clerk to the School Committee maintains regular contact with the Head and the Bursar and other staff members, either by email, telephone or personal visits; similarly, the Treasurer has regular contact with the Bursar. The Clerks of the main sub-committees (Education and Pastoral, Estate and Domestic, Compliance and Policies) keep in touch, as the need arises, with, respectively, the Head and the Bursar and others. Any Committee member is welcome in the School at any time, particularly at special school functions, it being understood that such visits shall be made in accordance with the usual courtesies and shall not be seen to be interfering with the management of the School. We remain very conscious of the separation of Governance and Management of the School.

Recruitment and training of Governors

As noted above, the members of the School Committee are appointed by Ackworth General Meeting. Nine members, who must be Friends, and the Treasurer, who need not be a Friend, are nominated by a Nominations Committee drawn from Ackworth General Meeting. In addition, four members are nominated by Ackworth Old Scholars, these names being approved at Ackworth General Meeting.

Induction into the workings of the Charity is carried out by Friends and Officers already serving on the Committee with ongoing training being undertaken through attendance at events organized by the Friends Schools’ Council (FSC), the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS), and other relevant organisations. In addition to the training provided for Committee members, FSC enables Ackworth School to be a part of the Quaker Schools network. The school encourages the creation of working relationships with members of other educational professional bodies such as HMC, Society of Heads, Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA), Independent Association of Primary Schools (IAPS).

The School Committee maintains a record of the training received by each individual member of School Committee.

Related Parties

The Ackworth School 1950 Trust exists to hold funds of gifts, legacies, donations etc. for the benefit of Ackworth School, and to lend or gift these funds to the School. The Trustees of the 1950 Trust (being members of the School Committee who are Friends or Old Scholars) are also the holders of the whole of the issued share capital of Ackworth School Estates Limited (ASEL) which is a trading company with responsibility for the external letting of the School’s land, premises and facilities. Any profit made by ASEL is donated to the School.

The Wennington School Bursary Fund provides bursary support to the School. This is administered by Trustees who are all current members of School Committee.

The Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation provides grants and scholarships to pupils and is empowered to make grants to the School at the discretion of its Trustees who are appointed by School Committee. The finances of all the above trusts are incorporated into the School’s consolidated accounts.

Risk Management

The School Committee continues to review the Risk Register at least three times a year to provide a formal element to the identification and assessment of risk. The Senior Management Team are the custodians of this document and

Page 11

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

ensure that this continues to be an effective working document.

The School Committee continues to consider the risks and uncertainties that may arise from the current global pandemic including the financial impact that this has had on some parents, the current political environment and the implications of BREXIT on pupil numbers and supplies. We remain alert to these and other issues even if we are unable to directly influence the course of events.

Our plans and strategies for managing risk include maintaining effective internal controls, risk registers, succession planning, compulsory safeguarding training and procedures, incident reporting and monitoring systems and insurance cover wherever appropriate.

The School Committee continues to monitor the coronavirus situation and is taking appropriate action to limit the risk to pupils and staff.

Cash flow is identified as one of the main areas of risk to the well-being of Ackworth School, as we have seen in more normal times in the recent past. The School Committee has particular concern about the ability of some parents to pay fees following the commercial impact that the pandemic has had on many of them and as a result the School Committee has chosen to increase its bad debt provision. This is in recognition that some parents simply cannot pay through genuine economic hardship but the School committee are clear in their intention that all fees would be fully paid by the time pupils end their career at Ackworth.

During the year under review there were two periods during which boarders were unable to return home either through lockdown or travel restrictions, and as consequence many boarders found themselves unable to see parents for very long periods. During these times the pupils were well cared for at School by dedicated staff.

Reduced pupil numbers meant that the school reengineered its cost base and resulted in a small number of staff being made redundant in order to ensure the long-term viability of the school. These restructuring costs are included in these accounts and contribute to the School’s small trading deficit.

We are fortunate to have good banking facilities and are able to access cash funds if required. Should support be required it will be used to support the cash needs of the business although with further pupil recruitment opportunities in January and April 2022 we expect trading conditions to be difficult but workable.

Investment in, and partnerships for, our football and table tennis academies will further support our recruitment of increased boarding numbers in the 2022/23 financial year, and the introduction of the vaccine gives us the confidence to expect to re-introduce lettings to bring in additional revenue from hospitality activities.

The School’s Governing Body continues to meet throughout the pandemic and has been meeting as needed but at least in line with the regular School Committee timetable.

OBJECTIVES, AIMS AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable Object

The object of the Charity is to be a boarding school, with day pupils also attending, for the education of boys and girls of both the Religious Society of Friends, and others, operating on the principles of the Religious Society of Friends. It aims to create a happy and secure environment in which all pupils realise and develop their own special abilities in constant awareness of the needs and claims of others.

Public Benefit Aims and Intended Impact

In meeting its object, the public benefit aim of Ackworth School is to offer opportunities for an excellent independent education, by providing strong academic tuition, and developing wider sporting, artistic and social skills in all its pupils. It strives to develop in its young people a strong sense of self-worth and a recognition of the duties of citizenship

Page 12

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

required of us all in support of the wider community. The School seeks to provide the opportunity for every child to develop in the context of their own special gifts and abilities and each child is encouraged to develop a moral and spiritual framework for their future. We recognise the challenges of modern life after Ackworth School and seek to deliver a rounded and multifaceted education that prepares our students to meet these challenges.

As well as the provision of mainstream education, the School also maintains a resource for the support and education of children on the autistic spectrum whose needs cannot always be adequately accommodated by the broader education system. Demand for places continues to exceed our resources despite our recent investment in expanding our facilities within the school to accommodate up to 20 students. In addition, the School provides specialist support for those children within the mainstream who require specialist learning interventions. There is also a thriving Foundation programme which caters for overseas students who wish to develop English language skills prior to joining mainstream education.

Our young people, like so many in society are facing increasing pressures, some of which can be manifested in social media activities, amongst other things, which can lead to mental health issues. The presence of an on-site counsellor has, for a number of years made a significant difference to the wellbeing of our students. Our pastoral staff continue to provide unparalleled support for our young people. Our aspirations for a wellbeing centre have been realised and have proved invaluable throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Trustees recognise the responsibilities placed on the School that arise from being the largest employer and landowner in the wider village community, a legacy left to us by previous generations of Trustees. Some of our facilities are unique within the village and when lockdown restrictions have permitted, we have continued to provide access to these facilities for local schools as well as to other charitable organisations for leisure use. Membership of the Ackworth Tennis club continues to grow, thanks in no small part to the facilities provided by Ackworth School and the School’s contribution to the part funding of the community tennis coach. In a similar vein local schools benefit from the free use of the school swimming pool and table tennis coaching whilst the local football club are grateful for the use of our pitches and facilities.

The School was delighted that what would otherwise have been empty kitchens were put to good use by the school’s contract caterers Thomas Franks. They provided food and expertise to make and distribute meals as part of their feeding communities’ initiative. We continue to work with Thomas Franks on this initiative which will hopefully see some of our own pupils involved in the food preparations. So far over 40,000 meals have been provided through the feeding communities initiative.

Ackworth School is one of three founding members of “This is Ackworth”, a community group without any political affiliation that reaches out to the whole Ackworth community. Activities remain curtailed by the Covid crisis but we hope these can be resumed in due course.

In pursuing these aims Ackworth School Committee, as the Charity Trustees, have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s published general and relevant sub-sector guidance concerning the operation of the Public Benefit requirements under the Charities Act.

Objectives for the year

The School’s main objective continues to be the provision of a first-class education in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. Such education is to be as broad as possible and tailored, to meet the needs of each individual student. The School Committee realises that the classroom experience for both staff and pupils is key to the success of our students, but in these ever changing times, it is vital that the educational provision can be delivered across other channels too. The School takes care that the Quaker ethos, particularly in recognising and responding to “that of God in everyone”, underpins the whole approach to education. From a business perspective the main objective for the year under review was to ensure that the declared trading surplus started to reverse the depletion of financial reserves seen in previous years, at the same time as investing in the fabric of the school and education of our pupils.

Page 13

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

It is also recognised that the achievement of these objectives required the establishment of a sound financial platform based on increasing revenue and reducing costs. despite the continuing challenges presented to us by the arrival of Covid -19. Our focus quickly turned to delivering the same quality of education for pupils, keeping the whole school community safe and maintaining adequate reserves to ensure the long-term survival of the school.

Strategies to achieve the objectives

At each meeting, the School Committee reviews the strategic plan for the current year, this process being led by the Head. Details of the achievements in the year under review are contained in the Head’s Report, on pages 2 to 8.

Spiritual Life in the School

Every year we seek evidence of Quakerism in action within the School Community and this may include testimony from students, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents, and School Committee members. We are content that Quakerism is evident and dynamic in all aspects of the life of the School. In saying this we are not complacent, and never should be, and we continue to find ways to expand the ethos of Quakerism in our lives. In particular, we are pleased that a visiting Friend has been appointed, who despite the restrictions on school visits this year has nevertheless provided staff with an external “listening ear” and has provided spiritual guidance to those in need. We welcome support from Quakers outside the direct School community who can help to give witness to the spiritual life of the School. The school would during “usual” times hold Meeting for Worship for the Senior School on Thursday mornings and hold Meeting for Worship for Coram House on Wednesdays. However, the guidance restricting large gatherings has impacted on our ability to hold these meetings in person and as a result, the morning meetings and readings have been recorded for pupils to view online.

Grant Making Policy

The School has, at its heart, the testament of equality espoused by Friends and encourages pupils to attend irrespective of their parents’ ability to meet the fees. A significant portion of incoming charitable resources is expended on meanstested Bursaries and Scholarships each year; 15.9% of gross fee income was disbursed in this manner during the reporting period (16.1% in 2020).

In addition, the school had 17 pupils in the year who were in the main funded by governmental organisations (17 in 2020) who are educated in the School’s Autism Resource. However, in 2021/22 academic year we are delighted that we are able to increase this provision to 20 pupils.

Volunteering and Community Action

With its Quaker foundation and the motto ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’ (not for oneself but for all) the School encourages in students, and staff, a sense of consideration for others and service to the wider community. With this in mind it is good to report the School’s concern to be involved in local programmes that collect donations for the local food bank, and toys for disadvantaged children and these continue to play a significant part in charity activities.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Student Numbers

Numbers in School fell during the year year which seemed to reflect the trend seen at other independent schools in our region. The increase in senior day pupils has aided the fall in boarding numbers but the prospects for 2022/23 look more promising. The travel restrictions that have impacted boarding numbers for the last two years are starting to lift and the world is once again becoming more accessible.

The School Committee is ever mindful of the sacrifices made by parents to keep their children in School, particularly when establishing the School budget and setting fees.

Ackworth, like all independent schools, has to work hard in a competitive market to maintain its numbers and aim to balance its budget. We recognise the great effort being put in by our management team to continually evaluate the value derived from expenditure without endangering the quality of care and education at Ackworth at the same time as

Page 14

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

endeavouring to maintain or increase pupil numbers.

Education

In reducing costs care has been taken to avoid a diminution in the quality of education offered to students. We are committed to maintaining small class sizes but had to face the reality that there was a fall in demand in some subjects leading us to review our curriculum and, in some cases, withdraw courses where only one student was enrolled for an A’level. This meant that some staff left the school in the year under review. The quality of teaching and pastoral care is maintained at a high standard, but we are continually striving to enable pupils to achieve to their full capability. The introduction of individual iPads for pupils in senior school and in some parts of junior school has enabled us to ensure that the quality of educational provision has been maintained during the Covid crisis when pupils were restricted to online learning and has proved invaluable in reducing other direct education costs. Anton Maree continues to make a significant positive impact on the life of the School and his vision and energy continue to be an inspiration to the whole School community.

New staff are introduced to our Quaker ethos early in their first term and this continues to make the atmosphere within the School generally happy and helpful.

Educational matters are not dealt with at any length in this part of the report as the Head’s report gives detail of all aspects of education at Ackworth.

Policies and Welfare

The School is fully compliant with regards to statutory policies. Those staff who are designated in the role of safeguarding of children work in close co-operation with the Clerk to the Compliance and Policies Sub Committee.

All Committee members and all Staff receive Safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe in Education training on an annual basis. Regular updates are received by all Committee members and Staff.

The Compliance and Policies Sub Committee provides valuable support to the staff as they care for the School and the people in it. Their work has increased importance in improving the School Committee’s understanding of the quality and effectiveness of policies and monitoring and ensures that it is conversant with their content and effectiveness and can discuss any changes with senior staff. There are many statutory policies, and changes, which are regularly reviewed. These form the foundation of the School’s approach to providing a safe environment for all and which we must demonstrate for any ISI inspections. This aspect of school governance and management is never ending, and we must continue to keep abreast, if not ahead, of regulatory and statutory requirements

Estate

The nature of our estate together with Grade 1 listed buildings means that we have buildings in continual need of repair and an environment that must be protected. The maintenance system continues to work extremely well for shorter term needs, and we are very grateful to the maintenance team for their enthusiastic and flexible approach to their work whilst working within tight budget constraints. However, the budget constraints do not allow for full redevelopment of buildings. The School has engaged architects to formalise its ambitions for the future into a workable operating plan. A driving force for this work is the potential for use by the wider community in Ackworth and discussions have taken place with Wakefield Council and Ackworth Parish Council about the plans. At the same time, we are aware of the need to constantly upgrade many of our building services assets such as boilers and lights, which will help us to become a more sustainable school fit for the challenges of the 21st century.

Development Plan

The Planning Sub-Committee of the School Committee considers the development plan and its implementation each term. With resources always in demand, there is a need to balance priorities. The Head only considers plans to develop the school if they aid student retention and recruitment, improve the environment (health and safety), generate income or provide wider community use. There is also a focus on the use of existing buildings to meet a strategic need rather than considering new build options. The Head and his colleagues are encouraged to develop connections with

Page 15

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

outside bodies who can help to support our long-term ambitions for the School.

The School Committee continues to review the future of the School together with its Quaker heritage and connections in the long term. The forecast continued improvement in the School's annual financial situation will allow more certainty in this process.

The School Committee is continuing to review and update the School’s longer term financial plan to ensure that we move forward with developments in the most prudent and effective manner, keeping a close eye on the likely effects of any decisions on our future role in the wider community as well as to our financial well-being.

Fundraising

Fundraising has been limited to raising funds for specific charities which are chosen by the pupils during the year. However, Rebecca Edgington has been instrumental in keeping old scholars updated with our developments and assists us in engaging old scholars in helping us to raise funds for bursaries and estates developments.

FINANCIAL REVIEW AND RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

Overview

The economic environment continues to be challenging particularly given the continuing policies around Covid 19. As a result the School’s financial outcome showed a standstill in performance for the year ended 31 August 2021, albeit this is an improvement on the £695k deficit that was budgeted for the year. This is due in part to the fact that increased day pupil numbers cannot fully replace the drop in boarding numbers. However, mainly due to the positive performance of the various investments held by the related charities, we are pleased to report an overall consolidated surplus of £126k.

Fee income has decreased by 5.4% (2020: increased by 7.9%). Scholarships and bursaries represented 15.9% of fee income (2020: 16.1%). The results continue to demonstrate the Trustees’ aspiration to promote accessibility by providing financial support where possible.

In considering whether it is correct to prepare the accounts on the going concern basis the Trustees have reviewed these annual accounts, the systems and processes currently in operation, together with a review of current banking arrangements (including the loan taken out in the year, and the ability to access an overdraft facility), future cash flows and forecasts and they have considered a range of potential outcomes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further details are given in note 1.2 to the accounts. Further, in accordance with Charity Commission Guidance note CC12, the Trustees are satisfied that they have reviewed their responsibilities and conduct the affairs of the school in such manner as to believe it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

Pension Liability

Following the withdrawal from Teachers’ Pension Scheme there is no pension liability

Reserves Policy

The School’s business plan recognises the need to build up reserves to ensure the long-term financial stability of the School. Whilst no specific level of reserves can be defined as ideal, the Trustees would hope to achieve a level of free reserves equivalent to one-half of budgeted annual expenditure (£4m). In this respect there is much work to be done: the School currently holds no free reserves in the accounting sense. However, unrestricted funds currently stand at £3.0m (2020: £3.0m). The School Committee have set a break-even budget for 2021/22 which in light of the Coronavirus lockdown in place at the time of writing will prove to be challenging.

The total funds held by the School are £7,155,150 (2020: £7,029,438), of which £1,684,413 (2020: £1,588,592) are restricted and £160,965 (2020: £140,415) are endowed. £2,267,000 (2020: £2,267,000) are held in the revaluation reserve which will only be realised on the disposal of fixed assets.

Ackworth School Estates Limited (ASEL) continues to derive income from the letting of the School’s land and buildings

Page 16

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

and has contributed £74,497 (2020: £29,474) to the School under gift aid provisions. This is clearly somewhat reduced from previous years given the lockdown which began in March 2020 and which has reduced the lettings income for ASEL in the last two years.

Future Plans

Reviews are regularly undertaken about the future shape of the School that focus on the efficiency of the whole organisation and the academic offering to prospective parents.

Our plans look at investments for the future sustainability of the school, the benefits we can offer to pupils in order to prepare them for the modern world, as well as constantly reviewing current practices to seek both cost and effectiveness improvements. The challenge of recognising and improving efficiencies also requires a provision of potential cost. An improvement in our efficiencies was starting to have a beneficial impact and this coupled with improved pupil recruitment and retention was starting to make a significant difference to our trading position. The impact of Covid-19 will impact on the school’s finances for a couple of years, but the School is relatively debt free save for continuing support from our bankers to assist our cash flow during the year, should this be necessary.

Investment Powers, Policy and Performance

The Trust Deed permits the School to invest the funds of the school in any way that it feels appropriate. The School Committee places restrictions upon investment by following ethical guidelines appropriate to the relationship between the School and the Religious Society of Friends. The Trustees remain confident that the School’s investment partners will apply their ethical guidelines appropriately and hold this principle above setting a target for the performance of the portfolio. During the year the School and related charities investments yielded 1.6%. (2020: 1.5%). Investment income in the related charities enables the schools consolidated position to show a surplus of £125,712. Money laundering regulations now require banks and recipients of funds to undertake due diligence on the origins of donations.

Appointment of Auditors

The Governing Body of Ackworth School appointed BHP LLP of York to audit the accounts of the School and associated bodies for the year ended 31 August 2021 and have reappointed them for the year ended 31 August 2022.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of Ackworth School for the purposes of company law) 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).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and the application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• State whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

• Observe the methods and principals in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and 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.

Page 17

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The Trustees are also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information 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.

Disclosure of information to auditors

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

• there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and

• the Trustees have taken all the steps that they ought to have been taken as Trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

This report, incorporating the Strategic Report, was approved by the Trustees, in their capacity as Company Directors and signed on their behalf by:

David Bunney Clerk to the School Committee

Date: Jan 29, 2022

Page 18

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Ackworth School (the 'parent charitable company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 August 2021 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charitable Company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

 give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2021 and of the group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;

 have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's or the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 19

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees' Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Trustees' Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 the information given in the Trustees' Report (incorporating the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

 the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 the parent charitable company has not kept adequate accounting records, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 the parent charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Page 20

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 21

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

• the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the group and parent charitable company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the independent schools sector;

• we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the group and parent charitable company, including the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation, data protection, Independent Schools Inspectorate, child protection, employment and health and safety legislation;

• we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and

• identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the group and parent charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

• making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and

• considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

• performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

• tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

• assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in Note 2 were indicative of potential bias; and

• investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

• agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

• reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and

• enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims..

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are

Page 22

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Jane Marshall (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

BHP LLP

Rievaulx House 1 St Mary's Court Blossom Street York North Yorkshire YO24 1AH

Date:

Page 23

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Other income 7 Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Raising funds 8 Charitable activities 10 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income before net gains on investments Net gains on investments 15 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 16,054 7,362,167 131,525 9,448 294,025 7,813,219 203,590 7,708,618 7,912,208 (98,989) 108,330 9,341 5,300,431 9,341 5,309,772	Restricted funds 2021 £ 54,525 - - 2,316 - 56,841 - - - 56,841 38,980 95,821 1,588,592 95,821 1,684,413	Endowment funds 2021 £ - - - - - - - - - - 20,550 20,550 140,415 20,550 160,965	Total funds 2021 £ 70,579 7,362,167 131,525 11,764 294,025 7,870,060 203,590 7,708,618 7,912,208 (42,148) 167,860 125,712 7,029,438 125,712 7,155,150	Total funds 2020 £ 52,428 7,786,356 73,249 13,672 363,525
					8,289,230
					346,414 7,672,974
					8,019,388
					269,842 19,469
					289,311
					6,740,127 289,311
					7,029,438

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 30 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Page 24

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REGISTERED NUMBER: 10562182

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Investments 15 Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 18 Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Endowment funds 19 Restricted funds 19 Unrestricted funds General funds 19 Revaluation reserve 19 Total unrestricted funds 19 Total funds	2021 £ 2,844,841 950,894 3,795,735 (3,892,412) 3,042,772 2,267,000	2021 £ 6,810,296 971,994 7,782,290 (96,677) 7,685,613 (530,463) 7,155,150 7,155,150 160,965 1,684,413 5,309,772 7,155,150	2020 £ 2,619,806 389,541 3,009,347 (3,582,865) 3,033,431 2,267,000	2020 £ 6,863,524 804,133 7,667,657 (573,518) 7,094,139 (64,701) 7,029,438 7,029,438 140,415 1,588,592 5,300,431 7,029,438

Page 25

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REGISTERED NUMBER: 10562182

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

David Bunney

Director Date: Jan 29, 2022

The notes on pages 30 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Page 26

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REGISTERED NUMBER: 10562182

CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Investments 15 Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 18 Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 19 Unrestricted funds General funds 19 Revaluation reserve 19 Total unrestricted funds 19 Total funds	2,847,254 706,935 3,554,189 (4,075,177) 1,252,573 2,267,000	2021 £ 6,810,296 335,418 7,145,714 (520,988) 6,624,726 (2,726,590) 3,898,136 378,563 3,519,573 3,898,136	2,586,731 187,681 2,774,412 (3,755,999) 1,305,209 2,267,000	2020 £ 6,863,524 278,463 7,141,987 (981,587) 6,160,400 (2,260,828) 3,899,572 327,363 3,572,209 3,899,572

Page 27

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REGISTERED NUMBER: 10562182

CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The school has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own statement of financial activities in these financial statements. The school's deficit for the year was £1,436 (2020: £257,491 surplus).

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

David Bunney Director Date: Jan 29, 2022

The notes on pages 30 to 52 form part of these financial statements.

Page 28

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 22 Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of investments Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 23	2021 £ 590,989 11,765 (41,400) (1) (29,636) - 561,353 389,541 950,894	2020 £ (560,922) 13,672 (106,647) - (92,975) - (653,897) 1,043,438 389,541

The notes on pages 30 to 52 form part of these financial statements

Page 29

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Ackworth School meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention and are rounded to the nearest £.

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balance Sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Charitable Company and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis.

The Charitable Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements.

1.2 Going concern

The school has net current liabilities of £96,677 (2020: £573,518) and has no free reserves.

The Trustees have considered the impact of COVID-19 on the charity's income and operating cost base. Whilst it is not considered practical to accurately assess the duration and extent of the disruption, the Trustees are confident they have in place plans to deal with any financial losses that may arise.

The Trustees have prepared forecasts of income and expenditure and cash flow for the period to 31 August 2023. Current forecasts indicate that the School expects to be able to operate for the whole of the foreseeable future. . The Trustees will continue to monitor the impact on income and take appropriate action as necessary. Accordingly, the School Committee believe it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charitable Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

• 1.4 Expenditure

Page 30

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

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 allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1.5 Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as an expense. The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

The freehold school land is not depreciated. In accordance with the terms of trust on which they are held, the original school buildings dating back to 1779 have to be maintained in good working order in perpetuity and accordingly the Trustees consider that the lives of these assets are so long and the residual values, based on prices prevailing at the time of valuation, are so high that any depreciation charge would be insignificant. Depreciation of other assets is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Plant and machinery - 20% per annum straight line Motor vehicles - 20% per annum straight line Fixtures and fittings - 20% per annum straight line

Page 31

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.7 Heritage assets

Where heritage assets have been purchased, they are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, heritage assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

1.8 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

1.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charitable Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

1.12 Financial instruments

The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 32

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.13 Pensions

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Group to the fund in respect of the year.

The Group is a member of a multi-employer plan. Where it is not possible for the Group to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the plan as a defined benefit plan, it accounts for the plan as a defined contribution plan.

1.14 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowed funds are held in the Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation and the incoming resources are restricted.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

2. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment

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.

Page 33

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 16,054 21,146	Restricted funds 2021 £ 54,525 31,282	Total funds 2021 £ 70,579 52,428	Total funds 2020 £ 52,428

4. Income from charitable activities

School fees Less: Bursaries, scholarships and allowances Total 2021 Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 8,759,532 (1,397,365) 7,362,167 7,786,356	Total funds 2021 £ 8,759,532 (1,397,365) 7,362,167 7,786,356	Total funds 2020 £ 9,279,520 (1,493,164)
			7,786,356

Page 34

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

5. Income from other trading activities

Income from non charitable trading activities

ASEL trading income Other income Rents receivable Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 97,662 32,513 1,350 131,525 73,249	Total funds 2021 £ 97,662 32,513 1,350 131,525 73,249	Total funds 2020 £ 62,539 9,210 1,500
			73,249

6. Investment income

UK quoted investments Bank deposit interest Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 9,365 83 9,448 11,235	Restricted funds 2021 £ 2,312 4 2,316 2,382	Endowment funds 2021 £ - - - 55	Total funds 2021 £ 11,677 87 11,764 13,672	Total funds 2020 £ 11,706 1,966
					13,672

Page 35

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

7. Other incoming resources

Government grants - CJRS Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 294,025 363,525	Total funds 2021 £ 294,025 363,525	Total funds 2020 £ 363,525

8. Expenditure on raising funds

Other trading expenses

Pupil recruitment commission Bank overdraft interest Interest on composition fees Trading costs - subsidiary Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 156,227 17,485 6,759 23,119 203,590 346,414	Total funds 2021 £ 156,227 17,485 6,759 23,119 203,590 346,414	Total funds 2020 £ 293,724 16,131 3,503 33,056
			346,414

Page 36

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

9. Analysis of grants

Grants, awards and prizes Total 2020	Grants to Individuals 2021 £ - 2,000	Total funds 2021 £ - 2,000	Total funds 2020 £ 2,000

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Teaching Welfare Management and administration Premises Governance costs Total 2020	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 4,023,365 836,891 1,373,062 1,423,986 51,314 7,708,618 7,670,974	Restricted funds 2021 £ - - - - - - 2,000	Total funds 2021 £ 4,023,365 836,891 1,373,062 1,423,986 51,314 7,708,618 7,672,974	Total funds 2020 £ 3,970,106 653,677 1,536,846 1,493,855 18,490
				7,672,974

Page 37

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)

Summary by expenditure type

Teaching Welfare Management and Administration Premises Governance Total 2020	Staff costs 2021 £ 3,826,036 491,841 536,774 551,704 - 5,406,355 5,351,614	Depreciation 2021 £ - - 94,628 - - 94,628 89,018	Other costs 2021 £ 197,329 345,050 741,660 872,282 51,314 2,207,635 2,232,342	Total funds 2021 £ 4,023,365 836,891 1,373,062 1,423,986 51,314 7,708,618 7,672,974	Total funds 2020 £ 3,970,106 653,677 1,536,846 1,493,855 18,490
					7,672,974

11. Auditors' remuneration

	2021	2020
	£	£
For audit services	17,225	15,605
Fees payable to the Charitable Company's auditor in respect of:
All non-audit services not included above	640	620

12. Staff costs

Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs	Group 2021 £ 4,401,551 334,609 670,195 5,406,355	Group 2020 £ 4,412,685 339,064 599,865 5,351,614	Company 2021 £ 4,401,551 334,609 670,195 5,406,355	Company 2020 £ 4,412,685 339,064 599,865
				5,351,614

Page 38

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

12. Staff costs (continued)

The average FTE number of persons employed by the Charitable Group during the year was as follows:

Teaching Teaching Support Welfare Nursery Premises Staff Management & Administration	Group 2021 No. 76 15 4 4 24 16 139	Group 2020 No. 74 17 5 3 24 17
		140

The average number of employees on the payroll during the year was 167 (2020: 168)

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

		Group	Group
		2021	2020
		No.	No.
In the band £70,001	- £80,000	1	1

Pension contributions with respect to the above were £24,645 (2020: £20,765). The key management personnel consists of the Head Teacher, Bursar, the Heads of Departments and the Trustees. One or more trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from employment with the school as permitted by the Articles of Association. The head and other staff trustees only receive remuneration in respect of services they provide undertaking the roles of head and staff members under their contracts of employment. Total emoluments paid to the key management personnel, including employer's pension and national insurance, were £667,385 (2020: £643,596).

13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees other than the head and other staff trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2020: nil).

The head and bursar only receive remuneration in respect of services they provide undertaking the roles of head and bursar under their contracts of employment and are not remunerated as trustees. The total remuneration of the head amounted to £97,051 (2020: £99,561) and the total remuneration of the bursar amounted to £80,741 (2020: £80,740) . The total remuneration includes employer's pension contributions.

Page 39

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses (continued)

During the year ended 31 August 2021, expenses totalling £660 were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees (2020: £1,766 to 4 Trustees). These out of pocket expenses were for travelling to meetings and training costs.

The school has arranged indemnity insurance cover for trustees at a cost of £3,327 (2020: £3,327).

14. Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost or valuation At 1 September 2020 Additions Disposals At 31 August 2021 Depreciation At 1 September 2020 Charge for the year On disposals At 31 August 2021 Net book value At 31 August 2021 At 31 August 2020	Freehold property £ 6,540,464 - - 6,540,464 - - - - 6,540,464 6,540,464	Plant and machinery £ 849,996 20,217 (965) 869,248 717,735 49,519 (965) 766,289 102,959 132,261	Motor vehicles £ 35,579 - - 35,579 35,579 - - 35,579 - -	Fixtures and fittings £ 1,333,236 21,183 - 1,354,419 1,142,437 45,109 - 1,187,546 166,873 190,799	Total £ 8,759,275 41,400 (965) 8,799,710 1,895,751 94,628 (965) 1,989,414 6,810,296 6,863,524

Page 40

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

14. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Company

Cost or valuation At 1 September 2020 Additions At 31 August 2021 Depreciation At 1 September 2020 Charge for the year At 31 August 2021 Net book value At 31 August 2021 At 31 August 2020	Freehold property £ 6,540,464 - 6,540,464 - - - 6,540,464 6,540,464	Plant and machinery £ 849,996 20,217 870,213 717,735 49,519 767,254 102,959 132,261	Motor vehicles £ 35,579 - 35,579 35,579 - 35,579 - -	Fixtures and fittings £ 1,328,119 21,183 1,349,302 1,137,320 45,109 1,182,429 166,873 190,799	Total £ 8,754,158 41,400
					8,795,558
					1,890,634 94,628
					1,985,262
					6,810,296
					6,863,524

Heritage assets

The Meeting House, which is a listed Heritage asset circa 1847, is located on the School's site. The School maintains the property but a separate, reliable valuation is not readily available and therefore is included in the accounts at a written down value of £nil.

Revaluation

The land and buildings class of fixed assets was revalued on 1 August 2016 by Stephenson & Son and on 27 September 2017 by CBRE who are external to the charity. The basis of this valuation was trading for the school buildings and open market value for the other land and buildings. The class of assets has a current value of £6,540,464 (2020: £6,540,464) and a carrying amount at historical cost of £4,273,464 (2020: £4,273,464). The depreciation on this historical cost is £nil (2020: £nil). The Trustees do not believe that there has been a material movement in valuation.

Page 41

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

15. Fixed asset investments

Group Cost or valuation At 1 September 2020 Additions Revaluations At 31 August 2021 Net book value At 31 August 2021 At 31 August 2020	Listed investments £ 786,605 - 167,860 954,465 954,465 786,605	Cash held in portfolio £ 17,528 1 - 17,529 17,529 17,528	Total £ 804,133 1 167,860
			971,994
			971,994
			804,133

At the balance sheet date, the Group held investments in the COIF Charities Investment fund with a valuation of £466,148 (2020: £466,148). The historical cost of investments is unknown.

Page 42

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

15. Fixed asset investments (continued)

Charitable Company Cost or valuation At 1 September 2020 Revaluations At 31 August 2021 Net book value At 31 August 2021 At 31 August 2020 16. Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Amounts owed by group undertakings Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income	Group 2021 £ - 2,730,285 - 20,979 93,577 2,844,841		Listed investments £ 260,935 - 56,954 317,889 317,889 260,935 Group 2020 £		Cash held in portfolio £ 17,528 1 - 17,529 17,529 17,528 Company 2021 £ - 2,677,865 59,372 20,979 89,038 2,847,254	Total £ 278,463 1 56,954
						335,418
						335,418
						278,463
						Company 2020 £ - 2,495,593 27,738 30,398 33,002 2,586,731
			- 2,553,778 - 30,773 35,255
			2,619,806

Page 43

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

17. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans Trade creditors Amounts owed to group undertakings Other taxation and social security Pension creditor Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Accruals and deferred income includes: Composition fees Fees invoiced in advance Fees received in advance Acceptance fees Accruals Prizes	Group 2021 £ 112,500 580,687 - 95,523 57,969 80,588 2,965,145 3,892,412 Group 2021 £ 78,797 2,410,035 130,979 37,374 303,960 4,000 2,965,145	Group 2020 £ - 408,045 - 80,528 62,716 62,488 2,969,088 3,582,865 Group 2020 £ 113,936 2,503,523 129,355 45,574 176,700 - 2,969,088	Company 2021 £ 112,500 572,273 198,385 92,000 57,969 80,588 2,961,462 4,075,177 Company 2021 £ 78,797 2,410,035 130,979 37,374 300,277 4,000 2,961,462	Company 2020 £ - 408,045 198,385 80,528 62,716 62,488 2,943,837
				3,755,999
				Company 2020 £ 113,936 2,503,523 129,355 45,574 151,449 -
				2,943,837

The majority of deferred income relates to fees for the forthcoming school term. Acceptance fees are refundable when the pupil leaves the School.

Page 44

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

18. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Bank loans Amounts owed to group undertakings Composition fees	Group 2021 £ 487,500 - 42,963 530,463	Group 2020 £ - - 64,701 64,701	Company 2021 £ 487,500 2,196,127 42,963 2,726,590	Company 2020 £ - 2,196,127 64,701
				2,260,828

Composition fees may be returned in certain, exceptional circumstances. Assuming pupils will remain in school, £42,963 will be due within two to five years (2020: £64,701).

The bank loan is repayable in installments with the final repayment due 31 July 2025. Interest is charged at 3% above the base rate.

The bank loan is secured by way of a fixed charge over specific land held by the School.

Page 45

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

19. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds General reserve Revaluation reserve Ackworth School 1950 Trust Non charitable trading funds	Balance at 1 September 2020 £ 1,305,209 2,267,000 1,715,037 13,185 5,300,431	Income £ 7,709,342 - 10,600 93,277 7,813,219	Expenditure £ (7,818,931) - - (93,277) (7,912,208)	Gains/ (Losses) £ 56,953 - 51,377 - 108,330	Balance at 31 August 2021 £ 1,252,573 2,267,000 1,777,014 13,185
					5,309,772

The General reserve, Revaluation reserve and School various funds are the funds of the company.

Endowment funds

Ackworth & Freshfield Educational
Foundation	140,415	-	-	20,550	160,965

Endowment funds

Ackworth and Freshfield Educational Foundation

Monies held for the generation of income to support the provision of scholarships for Ackworth School with the residual being applied for providing financial assistance to those pupils going into further education.

Page 46

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Restricted funds School various funds Wennington School Bursary Fund Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation Ackworth School 1950 Trust Total of funds Restricted funds	327,363 105,765 207,421 948,043 1,588,592 7,029,438	51,200 142 307 5,192 56,841 7,870,060	- - - - - (7,912,208)	- 11,151 21,047 6,782 38,980 167,860	378,563 117,058 228,775 960,017
					1,684,413
					7,155,150

School various funds

This balance is comprised of historic donations and legacies from numerous individual donors. The terms and conditions of the funds relate to specific requests at the time of receipt by the School, however these have been lost over time.

Wennington School Bursary Fund

This fund is for the provision of financial support to those under 25 attending or about to attend Ackworth School through the provision of scholarships and bursaries.

Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation

The provision of special benefits for Ackworth School with the residual being applied for the awarding of bursaries and providing financial assistance to those pupils going into further education or travelling.

Ackworth School 1950 Trust

This relates to various restricted donations lent to the School for specific use.

Page 47

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds General reserve Ackworth School 1950 Trust Non charitable trading funds Revaluation reserve Endowment funds Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation Restricted funds School various funds Wennington School Bursary Fund Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation Ackworth School 1950 Trust Total of funds	Balance at 1 September 2019 £ 1,075,718 1,692,563 13,185 2,267,000 5,048,466 137,362 299,363 104,402 206,434 944,100 1,554,299 6,740,127	Income £ 8,179,272 13,709 62,530 - 8,255,511 55 28,000 200 355 5,109 33,664 8,289,230	Expenditure £ (7,954,858) - (62,530) - (8,017,388) - - - - (2,000) (2,000) (8,019,388)	Gains/ (Losses) £ 5,077 8,765 - - 13,842 2,998 - 1,163 632 834 2,629 19,469	Balance at 31 August 2020 £ 1,305,209 1,715,037 13,185 2,267,000
					5,300,431
					140,415
					327,363 105,765 207,421 948,043
					1,588,592
					7,029,438

Page 48

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

20. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

General funds Endowment funds Restricted funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds Endowment funds Restricted funds	Balance at 1 September 2020 £ 5,300,431 140,415 1,588,592 7,029,438 Balance at 1 September 2019 £ 5,048,466 137,362 1,554,299 6,740,127	Income £ 7,813,219 - 56,841 7,870,060 Income £ 8,255,511 55 33,664 8,289,230	Expenditure £ (7,912,208) - - (7,912,208) Expenditure £ (8,017,388) - (2,000) (8,019,388)	Gains/ (Losses) £ 108,330 20,550 38,980 167,860 Gains/ (Losses) £ 13,842 2,998 2,629 19,469	Balance at 31 August 2021 £ 5,309,772 160,965 1,684,413
					7,155,150
					Balance at 31 August 2020 £ 5,300,431 140,415 1,588,592
					7,029,438

21. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total	Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 6,810,296 660,083 2,262,268 (3,892,412) (530,463) 5,309,772	Restricted funds 2021 £ - 158,863 1,525,550 - - 1,684,413	Endowment funds 2021 £ - 153,048 7,917 - - 160,965	Total funds 2021 £ 6,810,296 971,994 3,795,735 (3,892,412) (530,463)
				7,155,150

Page 49

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

21. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total	Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 6,018,561 291,801 2,637,635 (3,582,865) (64,701) 5,300,431	Restricted funds 2020 £ 844,963 382,832 360,797 - - 1,588,592	Endowment funds 2020 £ - 129,500 10,915 - - 140,415	Total funds 2020 £ 6,863,524 804,133 3,009,347 (3,582,865) (64,701) 7,029,438

22. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Gains on investments Dividends, interests and rents from investments Decrease in stocks Increase in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	Group 2021 £ 125,712 94,628 (167,860) (11,765) - (225,035) 775,309 590,989	Group 2020 £ 289,311 89,018 (19,469) (13,672) 12,580 (169,038) (749,652) (560,922)

Page 50

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents	Group 2021 £ 950,894 950,894	Group 2020 £ 389,541
		389,541

24. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand Debt due within 1 year Debt due after 1 year	At 1 September 2020 £ 389,541 (62,716) - 326,825	Cash flows £ 561,353 (107,753) (487,500) (33,900)	At 31 August 2021 £ 950,894 (170,469) (487,500)
			292,925

25. Pension schemes

The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £670,195 (2020 - £243,236). Amounts totalling £58,623 (2020: £46,081) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

Page 51

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ACKWORTH SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

26. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2021 the Group and the Charitable Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years Later than 5 years	Group 2021 £ 153,591 193,527 39,349 386,467	Group 2020 £ 165,799 260,409 56,212 482,420	Company 2021 £ 153,591 193,527 34,349 381,467	Company 2020 £ 165,799 260,409 56,212
				482,420

27. Related party transactions

The following Trustees had children at Ackworth School on a fee paying basis during 2020/2021: C Allen

Ackworth School Estates Limites (ASEL) (Ackworth is the ultimate controlling entity)

The main activity is the letting of the facilities of Ackworth School. During the year sales amounting to £50 (2020: £120) were invoiced to ASEL and the profit of the company is made available to the School by way of a deed of covenant. At the balance sheet date the amount due from ASEL was £59,372 (2020: £27,738).

Ackworth School 1950 Trust

(The Trustees are also Trustees of Ackworth School)

Ackworth School 1950 Trust receives gifts, legacies and donations and lends these funds to Ackworth School. During the year grants of £nil (2020: £2,000) were paid to the school. At the balance sheet date the amount due to Ackworth School 1950 Trust was £2,196,127 (2020: £2,196,127).

Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation

(The Trustees are also Trustees of Ackworth School)

At the balance sheet date £159,768 (2020: £159,768) was payable to Ackworth & Freshfield Educational Foundation.

Wennington School Bursary Fund

(The Trustees are also Trustees of Ackworth School)

At the balance sheet date the net amount due to Wennington School Bursary Fund was £38,617 (2020: £38,617).

Page 52