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2021-03-31-accounts

First Star Scholars UK (A company limited by guarantee)

Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021

Charity number 1180754 Company number 11067711

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First Star Scholars UK (A company limited by guarantee)

Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021 Accompanying document of unaudited accounts

Contents **Page **
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Report of the Board of Trustees 4
Financial Review 12
Structure, governance and management 13
Risk Management 14
Statement of Financial Activities unaudited accounts
Balance Sheet unaudited accounts

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First Star Scholars UK Report of the Board of Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2021

The Board of Trustees presents its report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021.

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: First Star Scholars UK
Charity registration number: 1180754
Company registration number: 11067711
Registered Office c/o Critchley's LLP
Beaver House
23-28 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
OX12EP
Operational address: 37 Deerhurst Close
Hanworth Park
Middlesex
TW13 7HS
Board of Trustees
Mr P Samuelson Chair
Mr F Young Vice Chair
Mr S Irvine
Ms M Drummond
Ms AM Bird
Dr J Arday
Dr N Dosanjh
Senior Management
Dr L Goodwin Executive Director
Independent Examiners- Critchley’s
Beaver House
23-28 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
OX12EP
Bank- NatWest,
Legal advisors- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher

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Our Alms and objectives

Purposes and Aims

Our charity's purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company's articles of association are to:

  1. To provide relief and assistance to people in need who are young people in the United Kingdom who have entered into the social care system in particular but not exclusively by providing them with academic and life skills education and caregiver engagement.

  2. To advance the education of people in need who are young people in the United Kingdom who have entered into the social care system in particular but not exclusively by providing them with academic and life skills education and caregiver engagement

Core Values

Aims and Objectives - the Scholars

Aspiration: Young People in Care to enter higher education.

Support: Young People in Care to succeed in GCSE and post 16 education

Mental Health - for all First Star graduates to be able to access the support and advice they need to sustain their mental health.

Accommodation - no First Star graduate becomes homeless.

Challenge: Involve universities, STEAM mentors, educators, social services and carers.

Civil engagement - no First Star graduate drawn into crime and incarcerated.

Collaboration: Leverage collective intent and aspiration - political, educational, technological and philanthropic.

Accountability: challenge universities, companies, society, schools, local authorities and our programmes to be accountable for progress of young people.

GCSE transition - for 50% of scholars to achieve 5 + GCSEs at grade 4+.

Aspire to HE -for 34% of scholars to transition to HE {in line with % of all peers).

Secure further training, education or employment-for 100% of students to transition to adulthood with none being NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Make a difference: To the lives of Young People in Care/ Care leavers.

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Ensuring our work delivers our aims

We review our strategic plan and the aims, objectives, and activities in this plan each year. This review looks at progress made towards objectives, the impact of what we achieved in the previous 12 months. The review of our strategic plan helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes and that we respond to current events, notably the Corona virus pandemic. In particular, the trustees consider how objectives are progressed through planned activities and how these contribute to the aims and objectives set.

The focus of our work

Our strategic themes (2019 - 2024) are

Main objectives for the year 2020-2021

Outcomes

Projected 30% will progress to HE (actual data shows 41% progressed to HE). 72% retention rate over 4 years, no scholars expected to be homeless

attached to JD of new Progamme Director

support for transition’s offered for those going to HE

alumni events being organised (Christmas lunch)

soft touch to those less engaged also under way

Skills audit and review undertaken and roles and protocols for trustees revised. New trustees approached and advertised for. New Trustees with experience and expertise in widening participation and care leaver education / University academic and Black Lives Matter expert / online education provision and delivery

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A third cohort and new provider – University of Winchester First Star programme started in 2021 – funding well established and programme director appointed

Level 3 diploma and level 4 diploma awards delivered through First Saturday and summer residentials

venue retained – re launch once Covid-19 allows - guest speaker - Mr Stephen Fry

A comprehensive training programme including mental health first aid; leadership and mentoring; safeguarding; and creative engagement accredited by Transcend Awards and supported by PYE – diploma status to be sought – First Star Youth Empowerment Diploma level 3.

Engagement with a range of organisations continue, funding plans have been impacted by Covid-19 but the development of programmes continue with a number of partners.

Virtual programme with a cohort to start in 21-22 – with central team director appointed and planed 7 nights residential - in discussion with new university provider

Working with potential collaborative partner to establish this programme of lectures (10-12 annually)

How our activities benefit stakeholders.

Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on the provision of the First Star programme and advocacy

Advocacy

First Star has advocacy at its heart. The commissioning of the Centre for Social Justice research and report on Care Leavers transition to and progression at Higher Education (HE) resulted in the 12by24 Report published by the Centre for Social Justice in May 2019. With the support of the Portal Trust, we plan a follow up report in 2022 on the progress of care leaver access to HE provision.

Our advocacy can now be informed by our own data. Children Looked After progress far less well than non-looked-after children between primary school and Key Stage 4, and their average Attainment 8 score is just 21.4 compared to 50.2 (2020) for non-looked after children. The latest cohort of First Star scholars to complete their GCSEs have an average attainment 8 score of 47.1. The widely recognised DfE data suggests that care experienced young people are also much less likely than average to move into higher education. The Department for Education (DfE) calculates that just 6% of care leavers aged 19-21 go on to higher education, compared to 34.1% of 19-21-year-olds in the general population. Other research using slightly different metrics indicates that 13% of care experienced young people under the age of 23 enter HE – First Star data shows 41% of our first graduating cohort progress to university, with a further 19-20% aiming to do so after a gap year or further education. This matters a great deal, because access to higher education can be a powerful gateway to opportunity, particularly for those who have started with so little in life.

The self-advocacy and opinions of those who have lived experience of foster care illustrate the impact and the need for such a programme. Our Scholars tell us:

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bonds.

It remains clear that progression to HE is still a bigger challenge for Care Leavers than for many of their peers. This reflects First Stars’ advocacy role with First Star continuing on the Advisory Board supported by the DfE and led by NNECL leading to the development of the Quality Mark for Universities, to identify good practice and raise standards ( a key recommendation of the 12 by 24 Report) and launched in 2021 by NNECL (National Network for the Education of Care Leavers).

In 2020-2021 Covid-19 has significantly impacted our advocacy engagement with some events including a proposed roundtable with donors and political voices, Care Leavers and First Star Scholars remaining on hold; our inaugural First Star lecture with special guest Stephen Fry is similarly (temporarily) postponed.

Scholar advocacy reflects our mission and each year two scholars join the Board of Trustees as special advisors. This has remained the case throughout Lockdowns and scholars have been able to alert the Trustees to educational and social issues being faced by them and their peers.

First Star continues to expand networking opportunities to advocate for support for young people in care including through the Fair Education Alliance, Philanthropy Impact, the Care Leavers Covenant, NNECL, NAVSH. Collaborations with other charities including PYE Global, Sister Systems aid our programme provision for Scholars. Charities such as mybnk also contribute to programme provision.

Who used and benefited from our services?

First Star Scholars UK was established in 2017 with its first pilot programme at St Mary's University, Twickenham, and is based on the model established in the US by Peter Samuelson in 2011. There are a record number of looked-after children in the UK, with 90 entering the care system every day and over 100,000 passing through the system each year. Leveling up or 'catching up' on missed educational progress is also now an established national intervention through the national tutoring programme.

First Star programmes develop this theme to a much a deeper level and build long-term pathways based on scholars’ own aspirations. These pathways include HE (41%); FE (5%); apprenticeships (5%); work (5%) unknown (17%); undecided and not yet on a course (13%). Early intervention pre-GCSE and through the GCSE and post 16 educational pathway of our scholars has ensured they are never alone in their personal and educational journey. In the pilot programme 72% of scholars stayed with the programme and graduate from First Star in 2021. Retention in cohort two in 2020-21 was over 85%. Session for carers are included in our programme and youth coach training / staff training and development is also a focus in. enabling effective support for our young people. A significant number of mentors and youth coaches (university students for the host university) have progressed in careers and voluntary work with young people.

For the first time the development of an alumni aspect of our provision recognises that our engagement with scholars does not end with their graduation. Financial support, surety for course fees, materials and resources and personal items from everyday items such as kettles to support for social engagement in fresher’s week are all being offered to graduating scholars. While we know that the numbers entering care reportedly increased by 44% during Covid -19 (Barnardo's, 2020) and the gap in learning between disadvantaged and peers grew by 36% during Covid -19 (Education Endowment Fund, 2020), we also know that care experienced students are 38% more likely than peers to not complete their degree course (Harrison, 2021) – First Star is working to support scholars into and through their HE and post-graduation experience, providing mentors and financial support, among others.

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This year’s GCSE results lend advocacy to our virtual programme plans, with scholars’ engagement almost wholly through online provision – 1-1, small group and whole group sessions ensuring they kept up, in touch and supported through the GCSEs. Looked-after Children in the UK achieve below average outcomes at GCSE with only 17.5% achieving a pass in English and Mathematics compared to 58.8% of all pupils (2018 data) while in 2021 58% of First Star scholars passed both. 79% of First Star Scholars passed English (grade 4+) compared to 73.6% of all pupils; 63% passed maths (69.2% of all pupils), while their average EBacc score was 5.28 compared to 4.38 for all pupils (2020) and 1.7 for CLA (2020). First Star scholars overall pass rate (grade 4+) was 89% compared to 79.7% (England) and 76.9% (London). Scholars overall pass rate (grade 5+) also exceeded their peers at 62.8%.

In a busy year, cohort 1 graduate in 2021; cohort 2 undertake GCSEs in 2021 and cohort 3 join the programme in 2021. For 2022/3 new cohorts are being planned at two campus programmes – London and the Midlands and though our virtual programme. Our programme retains the model of 30 Scholars per cohort recruited at age 14 = year 9. Scholars commit to the 4-year programme and are supported by carers, referred by an adult - often their virtual school head and there is no 'cherry picking' of the brightest and best.

Selection is made through conversations with the young person in question to make sure they are willing to commit, as well as with teachers, Virtual School Heads, carers and social workers to make sure that a young person would benefit from a First Star academic programme. Eligible scholars have a care plan; a CAMHS referral; are in kinship care; have been identified by children's services as on the edge of care or have appropriate refugee status.

First Star Scholars UK expansion in 2021 includes two cohorts plus the first alumni group – cohort 2 at St Mary's University and cohort 3 at University of Winchester. The programme runs a First Saturday programme each month to sustain engagement and support scholars and offers a three to four-week residential each summer on campus at the University of Winchester and St Mary's. One impact of the Pandemic has led to a more flexible model of provision – some programmes are adopting a weekly residential with weekend breaks to support the university provider in keeping the facilities Covid secure and supporting mental health for young people sustaining relationship the carers. In addition, a further residential weeks are planned for Easter 2022 to complete the annual programme. Evaluations in 2022 will review the provision (albeit it within the context of Covid 19) and ensure the flexible models continue to meet scholars’ needs. Cohort 2 and 3 recruitment has been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown, but referrals were significantly higher than the pilot Cohort and full cohorts will be recruited for 2021/22.

Preparation for the Virtual programme is ongoing with the appointment of the programme director, and discussion with a host university for summer 2022 under way. The STEAM lecture series commences in autumn/spring 2021/22. The STEAM lecture programme will support GCSE provision and is targeted towards any teen in care studying GCSEs. With a view to widening horizons and introducing young people to the potential of a wider range of roles and jobs as well as their academic engagement the STEAM programme offers a pre and post lecture engagement to support learning.

Impact

Our pilot cohort graduate summer 2021 with superb outcomes. We remain in contact with a significant proportion of scholars after graduation and are supporting those who have graduated through their transition to University, but also for those working towards a UCAS tariff and those pursing employment and educational pathways

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St Mary's University's First Star Scholars GCSE results have improved despite the challenges of Covid-19 and repeated Lockdowns; with 58% of students achieving 5 or more GCSEs compared to 19% of lookedafter children nationally. In relation to overall (grade 4+) pass rates First Scholars in 2021 (89%) exceeded both London (80%) and national (77%) previous pass rates. With grade 5+ pass rate (5 or more passes) becoming the national criteria for success, First Star scholars (32%) performed well in comparison with peers (63%), nationally.

----- Start of picture text -----
GCSE pass rates 2021
100
80
60
40
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0
Overall pass rate (grade 4+) Overall pass rate (grade 5+) overall pass rates (london)
First Star Cohort 1 First Star Cohort 2 National Average (2021) Average for Children in Care
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A significant focus of the first two years of the academic component of the First Star programme is preparation and support for GCSEs, particularly English, Maths and Science.

Category First Star
Cohort 1		 First Star
Cohort 2		 National
Average		 Average for
Children in
Care
Percentage getting GCSEs in
English & Maths (grade 4+)		 48% 58% N/A for 2021 17.5% (2018)
Percentage getting GCSEs in
English & Maths (grade 5+)		 32% 49.9% (2020) 10.9% (2019)

% getting 5 GCSEs grade 4 &
above		 48% 74% N/A for 2021 19% (2018)
% getting grade 4 or above in
Maths		 60.8% 63% 69.2%
% getting grade 4 or above in
English		 65.4% 79% 73.6%

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----- Start of picture text -----
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentage getting Percentage getting % getting 5 GCSEs grade % getting grade 4 or % getting grade 4 or
GCSEs in English & GCSEs in English & 4 & above above in Maths above in English
Maths (grade 4+) Maths (grade 5+)
First Star Cohort 1 First Star Cohort 2 National Average (2021) Average for Children in Care
----- End of picture text -----

Commonly, pupils take between 2 and 9 GCSEs while 100% of both the pilot cohort (2019) and the second cohort (2021) of the St Mary's First Star Programme took between 3 and 11 GCSEs.

Scholars’ voice

..is important to First Star and two scholars are elected each year as special advisors on the board of trustees. In addition, the independent research undertaken at St Mary's University (unpublished) (Hollingsworth, 2020) gave a summary of the impact and scalability of the programme and made helpful suggestions, noting the impact on the pilot cohort – this research has been supplemented by outcomes and programme activity since and the responses indicate how First Star continues to go further in impacting young peoples’ lives; suggesting that:

The context of Covid – 19 national data and issues

The average disadvantaged student is the equivalent of around three A-Level grades behind their nondisadvantaged peers when taking A-Levels and more privileged students are 25 times more likely to progress to HE than disadvantaged peers. In this context 18% of (all) disadvantaged young people gained places at university in 2020 (compared to over 48% of advantaged peers)

First Star data indicates that:

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S: I learned to be an advocate from First Star, which fights on my behalf for any difficulties I face as a foster child, and I didn’t know I had that right.

K: Join because these people here are not just people on a programme, they are my friends, family and siblings now. I love them with all my heart. We’ve been through it all. They’ve seen me laugh, they’ve seen me cry, we’ve seen each other cry. Being here is all about knocking down walls, building bonds, mental health - it helped everything for me.

Impact of Covid-19

In response to the challenges of Covid-19 FSSUK continues to develop our web site and FSSUK keeps up to date with events in relation to Department for Education and the ongoing advice and plans for covid jabs and being in school safely. FSSUK is reviewing our model to ensure we continue to support those who have to isolate or who have missed schooling and those who are struggling to attend school for a variety of reasons.

Our web site also still includes tips to help if scholars are worried about corona virus

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mindmatters/coronavirus- covid-19-anxiety-tips/

Covid - 19 continues to have a knock-on effect on the residential programmes in the summer, with some impact on these due to a recent outbreak of the virus. All university and local health protocols are in place and our Covid plans support those unable to attend due to Covid and ensure they remain

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part of the First Star family. In response to the challenge of providing Covid safe environments as much as possible. Over the last 18 months First Star shortened summer programmes for each cohort while keeping options open. We are mindful of the funders in all this, and any plans and activities are shared with them as activities progress- our donors and funders have offered support and understanding in that the programme may need to be delivered differently.

First Star Programme

The University providers were closed to some residential provision and have all reopened and First Star follows their Cvoid-19 protocols while also ensuring regular additional cleaning and testing as appropriate. University First Star Directors worked from home where appropriate and in line with the return-to-work provision of their campus – the exception being the summer residentials and we plan (Covid permitting) to return to face to face First Saturday programme in the autumn. Our immediate focus has been on ensuring the online provision and support for scholars continues and this has been revised and increased – offering 1 -1 revision and career support as well as group and cohort sessions. The directors have well established protocols for keeping in touch and keeping young people engaged as much as possible. Staff and scholar recruitment, and staff training has continued with increasing number of scholars on cohort 2 and recruitment to cohort 3 at the University of Winchester all undertaken during lockdowns and social distancing - all eventualities are being considered and planned for.

The Virtual Learning Environment

First Star developed this to provide support for scholars and carers and is now expanding provision and resourcing for teachers and youth workers. Our focus in developing a staff training diploma (First Star Diploma in Youth Empowerment) reflects increasing need and opportunity to impact workers in different spheres of educational and support whose training lacks focus on looked after young people – reflecting our determination to support those supporting Children Looked After in any setting.

There is scope to increase the use of the learning platform and the inaugural First Star STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) lecture is due to take place in autumn 2021 – this will lead many more young people to our site and resources as well as engaging them in career enhancement and learning opportunities.

While the VLE development is still ongoing we are reviewing new staffing opportunities to respond robustly to current and long term Covid-19 issues. In line with the concept of Levelling UP being brought forward by the government through the national tutoring programme - First Star already preparing to recruit mentors for our scholars who will support them beyond their graduation from First Star. This is being undertaken with Safeguarding, including for graduates, at the forefront of our plans.

The Virtual Programme

First Star is bringing forward plans for a virtual version of our programme – mainly resources online and drawing scholars from across the country. The essential ingredient of the First Star Family remains at the core of this provision. Each cohort (new cohorts proposed for each year) will undertake a four-year programme mirroring our campus provision with a 7-night condensed residential each year. While this offers a different experience First Star aims to engage reach a wider scholar network, and linked with the STEAM lectures, engage many more young people in their education potential. This development has been made possible by the husbanding or resources during the pandemic and a change of direction in appointments allowing First Star to appoint a full time director to manage and run both the virtual programme and the STEAM lectures

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding continues to be viewed by the Trustees as an ongoing risk as we continue to expand our activities in the provision of online learning and support. The risks are several for our young people. First Star policy and procedures reflect updated guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021); to ensure compliance and best practice is maintained. The issues of online provision, Peer to Peer abuse, radicalisation and FGM are all included and updated in our annual policy review. New staff and trustees undertake NSPCC training and annual updates in training are included in our staff development. As our online provision expands additional advice and safety protocols are introduced to manage new activities including more live lessons. We continue to review our protocols to ensure our provision complies with advice and legislation

Our Scholars

Our scholars' placements have been more vulnerable during the pandemic with anecdotal evidence suggest an increase of placement breakdowns by over 30%. It is also clear that more children have entered the care system and may experience placement breakdown for a number of factors - First Star programme directors continue to monitor our scholars’ placements carefully, offering support to carers and scholars. Furthermore, there is a real risk that some LAC may be lost to education. Programme staff are maintaining contact with scholars and their carers.

Financial Review

First Star has secured new funders despite the challenges of Covid-19 and in addition has secured restricted funding for programmes (university led). First Star had a net increase in funds of £67, 328. First Star reports to donors in an annual cycle determined by the timing of funded donations and donor requirements. Restricted Funds - University led programmes report to First Star where restricted funding from donors requires this. University programme providers also secure funding directly from donors and are solely responsible for reports and audits in relation to these funds. This year restricted funds for university partners have been secured and these are noted in the accompanying accounts - First Star Scholars Unaudited Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] March 2021 - see accompanying document.

Principal Funding Sources

The principal funders for First Star Scholars UK are:

The MariaMarina Foundation; The Peter Cundill Foundation; the National Lottery Community Fund For our university-based programmes funders include The Linbury Trust and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Investment Policy

First Star does not currently invest funds received

Reserves Policy

The Board of Trustees considered the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the charity. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed by the charity should be a minimum of 3 months of the expenditure. The reserves target agreed by Trustees is £27,000 in general funds.

The present level of reserves available to the charity of £141,776 exceeds this target level which is considered a minimum level. This is in the main due to the impact of Covid-19 – the pandemic has slowed key activities and developments – these include the research and lecture / advocacy activity, delayed appointment of admin/social media staff (appointed feb 2021), the acquisition of office space /hot seats within an office setting and the appointment of additional staff. Staffing proposals have been reviewed during the pandemic and is now being increased in line with the change in focus to incorporate virtual, alumni and fundraising roles. Reserves available are £141,776. The timing of donations can affect the held reserves throughout the year.

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Plans for Future Periods

In planning for expansion, the board recognises that programme expansion is not linear and should be viewed over years. Despite the onset of the pandemic, First Star expansion has continued with the opening of a third cohort at the University of Winchester. The development and imminent launch of the Virtual Programme ensures that staff expansion is essential to ensure quality and sustainability of expanding programme. The launch of the new virtual programme and the associated STEAM lecture series are made possible by the increase in reserves at the end of this reporting period. The appointment of a Director at the University of Winchester is being undertaken by the UoW while for the virtual programme this post will be directly appointed to FSSUK staff.

Key Performance Indicators over the next 3-5 years:

  1. Expansion of Board and Patrons

  2. 6 programmes by 2024

  3. UK (and beyond) wide expansion to include Home Countries and Ireland

  4. To ensure sustainability of First Star Scholars UKs 3-5-year business plan includes fundraising, corporate partnerships, office and staff expansion, marketing and event management.

  5. Development projects to focus on

  6. Annual lecture series (2022 revised plan for inaugural)

  7. First Star Diploma Awards linking curriculum across academies

o Training and support for directors, mentors, youth coaches, tutors and volunteers

First Star Academies UK 3-5-year strategic plan, approved in November 2019, focuses on meeting these KPls. First Star is moving forward with expansion plans for 2021 and 2022. These include a new university led programme established each year. Discussion have been held with over 15 universities in England initially. A third cohort launches in 2021 and further new providers are in discussion with First Star to launch programmes in 2022.

The addition of a Virtual Programme that focuses on scholars not able to access a physical university led campus setting while offering the same support, access to our diploma curriculum and academic development and a hybrid campus residential of 1 week. Plans include a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths to reflect the employment and academic opportunities at HE that scholars can aspire to.

Current cohorts continued online until lockdown eased, and still responds to Covid alerts in each setting. This allows face to face provision, and for reduced residentials in 2020 and revised plans for 2021 - we hope a return to our full residential programme either summer 2021 or summer 2022

Advocacy and our planned Annual Lecture series will go ahead at some point in 2021-2022 depending on covid restrictions and the prevailing sense of public interest in physical engagements. First Star continues engagement with stakeholders including local authorities (virtual school heads especially), programme (University) providers and the university sector, the Government through the Department of Education, NNECL, other charities and funders to support our scholars.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 16[th ] November 2017 and registered as a charity on 19[th] November 2018. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is

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governed under its Articles of Association. Originally established as First Star Academies UK; on 12[th] February 2020 a resolution was passed to change the name of the charitable company to First Star Scholars UK. This change was confirmed at Companies House and the Charities Commission. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The Directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as Trustees.

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 9 to the accounts in the accompanying document.

First Star's work focuses upon young people in care. The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that the needs of this group are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. Recent recruitment of trustees has included trustees from the university sector, online and HE provision and a Black Lives Matters expert

Two scholar special advisors are nominated to the Board each year and represent the view and ideas of the cohorts. In addition, the strategic plan continues to drive our recruitment now aimed potential new trustees in roles related to Marketing/ PR; Finance/ accountancy; Media; Fundraising and development; Political Advocacy; Care experienced or Care Leaver with HE experience.

Trustee Induction and Training

Most trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to visit a First Saturday / summer programme (Covid-19 permitting). During the interview and selection process new trustees are introduced to the obligations and roles of trustees, including the importance of safeguarding.

All trustees are updated and engage with safeguarding policy and training. An induction pack for new trustees is under review as per our strategic planning to enable trustees to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. All materials are securely shared through our online HUB and include:

Information is also shared in relation to information from the various Charity Commission publications signposted through the Commission's guide "the Essential Trustee". This is distributed to all new trustees through the HUB.

Risk Management

The Trustees are responsible for the overseeing of the risks faced by First Star. Detailed considerations of risk are delegated to the Executive Director of First Star Scholars UK. Risks are identified, assessed and controls established throughout the year. A formal review of the charity's risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis with reporting by exception at quarterly board meetings. Risk is managed under the headings of Governance, External Risk/Covid- 19 Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Risk, Financial Risk and Operational Risk.

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Polices are reviewed on an annual/biannual cycle as appropriate to each policy.

The main risks that the Trustees have identified and the plans to manage those risks are:

► Governance: First Star's is successfully expanding, and clear robust strategic governance is essential to this expansion and our ongoing success.

We manage this risk through trustee access to trust material and support through the HUB which is to be supplemented by an induction programme to be developed in spring 2022 and a review of trustee engagement 2021-2022.

► External Risk/ Covid -19 risk. Our ability to continue is reliant on raising funds and appointing appropriate staff plus successful outcomes for scholars. Risks Include: Programme closure; new programmes not starting; deteriorating relationships with donors; changing government policy; safeguarding concerns; lockdown issues including scholars not engaging or getting zoom fatigue.

We manage these risks by collaborating closely with university partners in programme development and fund- raising activities; national and collaborative marketing and advertising of posts across provision.

We manage these risks by maintaining awareness and advocacy with local and central government agencies and departments; raising awareness through the use of Foster Boy events; clear safeguarding policies and regular training for staff and good communication with donors regarding the impact of Covid restrictions.

► Regulatory and compliance risks; security of documents; compliance with government, company and charity law is essential to our reputation and the well-being of staff and those we benefit. Risks include: Non return of compliance documents; incomplete and late reports to donor's; security of documents.

We manage these risks through a secure Hub; the support and advice of our legal advisors; the engagement of accountancy firm to reconcile expenditure and process salaries each month; through annual financial audit; reporting and stewardship with donors and contracts securing timeline's with donors and university programmes.

► Financial risk: sustainably of First Star Scholars UK is essential if the programme is to expand nationally. Risks include: Poor budgetary control; inadequate reserves; lack of fund raising

We manage these risks ensuring sufficient reserves to ensure sustainability; monthly, quarterly budget monitoring; strategic fund raising for First Star and in collaboration with university programmes; supported by external reviewer to develop strategic and sustainable budget plans; the planned appointment of fundraiser

► Operational Risk: expansion brings some additional risk including as additional staff and volunteers are engaged and new partners sought. These risks include: Lack of staff capacity; lack of resources for projects and initiatives; lack of attention to staff well-being and health and safety; volunteer issues

We manage these risks through consideration of budget for staff resources to support expansion; HR policies under review ongoing; a fundraiser to be appointed in 2021-2022; recruitment protocols for volunteers; new projects considered as would like to in budget plans; ensuring expansion is secured for the benefit of scholars and sustainable for their four-year programme

Organisational Structure

First Star Scholars UK has a Board of Trustees of 7 trustees and the Executive Director who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. In addition, legal representatives and scholar's' representatives attend board meetings.

Day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Executive Director. The

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Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met along with ensuring the charity continues to develop working practices in line with good practice.

Related Parties

First Star works closely with the university providers offering the First Star programme. Scholars are associated with a particular programme and university. With the advent of the Virtual Programme this association will be with FSSUK and key university partners providing residentials each year. Each university programme has a full time Director appointed by the University who works with the Executive Director (FSSUK) to ensure the programme runs according to the curriculum, safeguarding and budget expectations of First Star as established through the Memorandum of Agreement.

With the increase in programmes and providers, Director’s meetings and conferences will be introduced in 2021-2022. The sharing of best practice and resources and support for new Directors / programmes will be supported by this group.

Biannual reports from each programme are presented the Executive Director from Programme Director/s and – each quarter the Executive Director presets an update on programmes to the Board. Annual Reports to funders/donors and each Programmes financial report are presented in November. The University Programme Directors are also responsible for reports to direct donors. The reporting process is negotiated with each donor separately, with some funds channeled through First Star and some funds provided directly to the university for each programme. First Star maintains its own budget separate from the Programmes at different university providers. University providers are responsible for auditing their own accounts.

Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees

Company law requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees followed best practice and:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The monthly accounting records are delegated to the Executive Director and a monthly report provided for trustees. The trustees prepare and ensure a quarterly update is scrutinised at the quarterly Board meetings.

The Board of Trustees is 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.

23

The Bo8rd of Twstees three1￿ Icy Ihe p￿[#)50 (rf c#)mFffj law and truslees A)r thé purrw rA tharity low, who during tha yo8r and up to tha date of this report aro set out in th8 acc•)mpanying doOJ￿nI. In Ko)rdanc& Imth r￿anY Iww. a8 the ¢4yrwnYs direth. rAbfy that. so faras ￿ are owar8, there As no relpvantaudit Inlomiali￿ ofwhich the compan￿$ independent ex8miners 8rn unaware,. and ￿ Ihe directors ollhe company we have taken all the steps rhét we ought lo h8ve faken in trrderto make ourselves awar8 of any relev8nr audit infom>ation and lo establish that th8 Charit￿$ examiner ￿ aware ol Ihal infonn81Jon. Audltorn I Indopend¢nt Ex•mln•r CrilchleY8 wgre wpwnted 88 the chaii18t4e companys Independent Examlners provbjlng unaudlted accounts and have $xpr8ssed their willingnes6 to Lxjntinue In that capacity. This fep(xt has b8en in ats)Nd8nce wlth the r•qUIrer￿ ofthe Companb88 *£12006. The Independent Examiner is satis￿ that the aix(wJnts of the company are not required to b8 audlted under Part 16 of the 20(h Ad and are digible for 1ndepeThJ￿I examinaoon. The Ind•pgndgnt ExamIne￿ Report￿Mp8n1e8 drxyjment. Agreed ty tho Bogrd of Trustees (ele¢knlc conflmiaucffll Peter Samudson Frank yo￿9 Marta DrLllnrr•J Stuart Irvine Ann&mari8 Blrd Jason Arday No%￿1 Dosanlh arvj strjntd on b8halfby.' MrP& Dats ts ? bEcèMkn rS4mudscffl. Chair ofTnth8

Company number: 11067711 Charity number: 1180754

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

INDEX

Page 1-3 Report of the Trustees
4 Report of the Independent Examiner
5 Statement of Financial Activities
6 Balance Sheet
7-9 Notes to the Financial Statements

1

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK

(FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Registration number: 1180754 Company Registration number: 11067711 Registered Office: Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP Trustees/Directors: Stuart Irvine Marta Drummond Peter Samuelson Francis Young Anne-Marie Bird (Appointed 25/08/2020) Dr Jason Arday (Appointed 25/08/2020)

Independent examiners: Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

2

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charitable company was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 16 November 2017.

The governing document of First Star Scholars UK is its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Board of Trustees appoints any new Trustees.

On 12 February a resolution was passed to change the name of the charitable company to First Star Scholars UK.

OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the Charity (Articles of Association clauses 2.1(a) and 2.1(b)) are:

In order to further the objects the charity expends money directly on relevant projects.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

ACHIEVMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

During the year resources were expended on activities as detailed in notes 4 and 5 of the financial statements.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The results are shown in detail on page 5 of the financial statements. During the year to 31 March 2021 the charity had a net increase in funds of £67,328 (2020: 20,306).

RESERVES

The charity retained reserves to allow for fluctuations in income. At the year ended 31 March 2021 unrestricted reserves of £141,776 is considered adequate for this purpose (2020: £74,448). The trustees have considered the sustainability of the charity and believe that a minimum reserves of £27,000 should be retained.

3

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED)

FUTURE PLANS

In planning for expansion, the board recognise academy expansion is not linear and should be viewed over years. Staff expansion is essential to ensure quality and sustainability of expansion programme.

Key Performance Indicators over the next 3-5 years:

  1. Expansion of Board and Patrons

  2. 6 academies by 2024

  3. UK wide expansion to include Home Countries and Ireland

  4. To ensure sustainability of First Star Scholars UKs 3-5 year business plan includes fundraising, corporate partnerships, office and staff expansion, marketing and event management.

  5. Development projects to focus on

  6. Annual lecture series (2020 inaugural)

  7. First Star Awards linking curriculum across academies

  8. Training and support for directors

First Star Academies UK 3-5-year business plan, of which was approved in November 2019, focuses on meeting these KPIs.

This report is prepared in accordance with the small companies’ regime under the Companies Act 2006.

On behalf of the Trustees

Stuart Irvine Trustee

Date… 14th July 2021 …………………

4

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of First Star Scholars UK (the company) for the period ended 31 March 2020 which are set out on pages 5 to 9.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under s. 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s. 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s report

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

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

Name of examiner: Robert Kirtland Name of firm: Critchleys Audit LLP Relevant professional body: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address: Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2EP Date: ……………………….

5

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including Income and Expenditure Account)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Note
Unrestricted Unrestricted
2021 2020
£ £
Income from:
Donations and grants 3 182,072 351,715
Total income 182,072 351,715
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Provision of academic and life skills education to
children in social care 4 114,744 331,409
Total expenditure 114,744 331,409
Net income for the year 67,328 20,306
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances brought forward at 31 March 2020 74,448 54,142
Fund balances carried forward at 31 March 2021 141,776 74,448
All activities are continuing.

The notes on pages 7 to 9 form part of these financial statements

6

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK) (REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11067711)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2021

Note
2021
2020
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
7
268
Current Assets
Debtors
-
-
Cash at bank
147,130
79,667
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
8
(5,622)
(5,892)
Net current assets
141,508
Total assets less current liabilities
141,776
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
141,776
£
673
73,775
74,448
74,448

The trustees consider that for the year ended 31 March 2020 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. No member or members have deposited a notice requesting an audit for the current financial year under section 476 of the Act.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial period and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on …………… and signed on its behalf:

……………………………………………..

Stuart Irvine Trustee/Director

The notes on pages 7 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

7

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1 CHARITY INFORMATION

The company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital. However every member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company such amount as may be required, but not exceeding £1.

It is incorporated in the United Kingdom with its registered office at Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford OX1 2EP

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charity (which is a public benefit entity) comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They have been prepared under the historical cost convention except that investments are valued at market value. They have also been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

There are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

b)

Income

All monetary donations, gifts and grants are included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Interest income is recognised when received.

c)

Expenditure

Expenditure is charged on an accruals basis and includes irrecoverable VAT. It is all allocated to the company’s charitable activity. Direct costs are included in the relevant charitable activity and support costs are those costs that are not direct to one activity.

d)

Fund accounting

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. As all income during the year is unrestricted the trustees took the decision to not prepare a funds note.

e)

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis over four years on fixed assets.

8

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (continued)

3 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS

Grants

Donations

4
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activities undertaken directly
Provision of academic and life skills education to children in social
care
Support costs
Wages and salaries (see note 5)
Advertising and marketing
Office costs
Travel and subsistence
Information technology
Other costs
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Independent examination fees
Accountancy and payroll fees

5
WAGES AND SALARIES
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
1 employee (2020: one) earned over £60,000 per annum.
The average number of employees was one person (2020: one)
during the year.		 2021
£
174,392
7,680
182,072
2021
£
15,060
77,810
819
5,340
-
7,500
885
405
2,580
4,345
114,744
2021
£
70,385
4,610
2,815
77,810		 2020
£
328,000
23,715
351.715
2020
£
230,000
74,343
1,941
5,755
5,689
5,102
1,365
405
2,475
4,334
331,409
2020
£
66,667
5,009
2,667
74,343

9

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (continued)

6 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No Trustee received any remuneration in the year (2020: nil).

No travel and subsistence expenses were paid during the year (2020: £4,360 paid to 3 trustees).

7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Office
Equipment
£
Cost:
At 31 March 2020
1,618
Additions
-
At 31 March 2021
1,618
Depreciation:
At 31 March 2020
945
Charge for the year
405
At 31 March 2021
1,350
Net book value:
At 31 March 2021
268
At 31 March 2020
673
8
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021
£
Trade Creditors
38
Other tax and social security
2,422
Accruals and deferred income
2,580
Other creditors
582
5,622

Total
£
1,618
-
1,618
945
405
1,350
268
673
2020
£
38
2,391
3,015
448
5,892

9 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended 31 March 2021, there were no related party transactions. During the year ended 31 March 2020, trustee expenses were paid totalling £4,360.

Company number: 11067711 Charity number: 1180754

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

INDEX

Page 1-3 Report of the Trustees
4 Report of the Independent Examiner
5 Statement of Financial Activities
6 Balance Sheet
7-9 Notes to the Financial Statements

1

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK

(FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Registration number: 1180754 Company Registration number: 11067711 Registered Office: Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP Trustees/Directors: Stuart Irvine Marta Drummond Peter Samuelson Francis Young Anne-Marie Bird (Appointed 25/08/2020) Dr Jason Arday (Appointed 25/08/2020)

Independent examiners: Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

2

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charitable company was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 16 November 2017.

The governing document of First Star Scholars UK is its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Board of Trustees appoints any new Trustees.

On 12 February a resolution was passed to change the name of the charitable company to First Star Scholars UK.

OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the Charity (Articles of Association clauses 2.1(a) and 2.1(b)) are:

In order to further the objects the charity expends money directly on relevant projects.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

ACHIEVMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

During the year resources were expended on activities as detailed in notes 4 and 5 of the financial statements.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The results are shown in detail on page 5 of the financial statements. During the year to 31 March 2021 the charity had a net increase in funds of £67,328 (2020: 20,306).

RESERVES

The charity retained reserves to allow for fluctuations in income. At the year ended 31 March 2021 unrestricted reserves of £141,776 is considered adequate for this purpose (2020: £74,448). The trustees have considered the sustainability of the charity and believe that a minimum reserves of £27,000 should be retained.

3

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (CONTINUED)

FUTURE PLANS

In planning for expansion, the board recognise academy expansion is not linear and should be viewed over years. Staff expansion is essential to ensure quality and sustainability of expansion programme.

Key Performance Indicators over the next 3-5 years:

  1. Expansion of Board and Patrons

  2. 6 academies by 2024

  3. UK wide expansion to include Home Countries and Ireland

  4. To ensure sustainability of First Star Scholars UKs 3-5 year business plan includes fundraising, corporate partnerships, office and staff expansion, marketing and event management.

  5. Development projects to focus on

  6. Annual lecture series (2020 inaugural)

  7. First Star Awards linking curriculum across academies

  8. Training and support for directors

First Star Academies UK 3-5-year business plan, of which was approved in November 2019, focuses on meeting these KPIs.

This report is prepared in accordance with the small companies’ regime under the Companies Act 2006.

On behalf of the Trustees

Stuart Irvine Trustee

Date… 14th July 2021 …………………

4

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of First Star Scholars UK (the company) for the period ended 31 March 2020 which are set out on pages 5 to 9.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under s. 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s. 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s report

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

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

Name of examiner: Robert Kirtland Name of firm: Critchleys Audit LLP Relevant professional body: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address: Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2EP Date: ……………………….

5

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including Income and Expenditure Account)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Note
Unrestricted Unrestricted
2021 2020
£ £
Income from:
Donations and grants 3 182,072 351,715
Total income 182,072 351,715
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Provision of academic and life skills education to
children in social care 4 114,744 331,409
Total expenditure 114,744 331,409
Net income for the year 67,328 20,306
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances brought forward at 31 March 2020 74,448 54,142
Fund balances carried forward at 31 March 2021 141,776 74,448
All activities are continuing.

The notes on pages 7 to 9 form part of these financial statements

6

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK) (REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11067711)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2021

Note
2021
2020
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
7
268
Current Assets
Debtors
-
-
Cash at bank
147,130
79,667
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
8
(5,622)
(5,892)
Net current assets
141,508
Total assets less current liabilities
141,776
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
141,776
£
673
73,775
74,448
74,448

The trustees consider that for the year ended 31 March 2020 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. No member or members have deposited a notice requesting an audit for the current financial year under section 476 of the Act.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial period and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on …………… and signed on its behalf:

……………………………………………..

Stuart Irvine Trustee/Director

The notes on pages 7 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

7

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1 CHARITY INFORMATION

The company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital. However every member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company such amount as may be required, but not exceeding £1.

It is incorporated in the United Kingdom with its registered office at Beaver House, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford OX1 2EP

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charity (which is a public benefit entity) comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They have been prepared under the historical cost convention except that investments are valued at market value. They have also been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

There are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

b)

Income

All monetary donations, gifts and grants are included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Interest income is recognised when received.

c)

Expenditure

Expenditure is charged on an accruals basis and includes irrecoverable VAT. It is all allocated to the company’s charitable activity. Direct costs are included in the relevant charitable activity and support costs are those costs that are not direct to one activity.

d)

Fund accounting

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. As all income during the year is unrestricted the trustees took the decision to not prepare a funds note.

e)

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis over four years on fixed assets.

8

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (continued)

3 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS

Grants

Donations

4
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activities undertaken directly
Provision of academic and life skills education to children in social
care
Support costs
Wages and salaries (see note 5)
Advertising and marketing
Office costs
Travel and subsistence
Information technology
Other costs
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Independent examination fees
Accountancy and payroll fees

5
WAGES AND SALARIES
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
1 employee (2020: one) earned over £60,000 per annum.
The average number of employees was one person (2020: one)
during the year.		 2021
£
174,392
7,680
182,072
2021
£
15,060
77,810
819
5,340
-
7,500
885
405
2,580
4,345
114,744
2021
£
70,385
4,610
2,815
77,810		 2020
£
328,000
23,715
351.715
2020
£
230,000
74,343
1,941
5,755
5,689
5,102
1,365
405
2,475
4,334
331,409
2020
£
66,667
5,009
2,667
74,343

9

FIRST STAR SCHOLARS UK (FORMERLY FIRST STAR ACADEMIES UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (continued)

6 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No Trustee received any remuneration in the year (2020: nil).

No travel and subsistence expenses were paid during the year (2020: £4,360 paid to 3 trustees).

7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Office
Equipment
£
Cost:
At 31 March 2020
1,618
Additions
-
At 31 March 2021
1,618
Depreciation:
At 31 March 2020
945
Charge for the year
405
At 31 March 2021
1,350
Net book value:
At 31 March 2021
268
At 31 March 2020
673
8
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021
£
Trade Creditors
38
Other tax and social security
2,422
Accruals and deferred income
2,580
Other creditors
582
5,622

Total
£
1,618
-
1,618
945
405
1,350
268
673
2020
£
38
2,391
3,015
448
5,892

9 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended 31 March 2021, there were no related party transactions. During the year ended 31 March 2020, trustee expenses were paid totalling £4,360.