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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration no:1182413

PREMIER LEARNING ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

PREMIER LEARNING

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

_______________ Trustees E Frost A Ducker C Lee Charity number 1182413 Address Premier Learning C/O 16 School Grove Aston Sheffield S26 2DF Independent Examiner Emma Broad Banker RBS Edinburgh EH12 9JN

PREMIER LEARNING TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2024


The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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 (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). This report serves the purpose of both a trustees’ report, and a directors’ report under company law.

In setting plans and priorities for areas of work Premier Learning has had regard to the guidance from the Charity Commission on the provision of Public Benefit, with particular attention paid to how planned activities will contribute to meeting the objectives of Premier Learning.

Objectives and activities

To advance the education of the public, in particular (but not exclusively) those living in North East England who are unable to communicate due to lack of English language skills, in the subjects of English language and IT skills, through the provision of educational courses and activities.

Charitable purposes (Public Benefit)

Premier Learning benefits the public through the provision of free English skills courses.

An example of a recent specific project successfully completed is through funding received through Multiply. We were able to provide six levelled courses streamed into ability groups. We had a 100% pass rate

At the start of 2024 we continued with 6 levels of classes all receiving 4 hours tuition per week. All classes remained full for the academic year. We decided not to provide online classes. We felt that the progress needed to support students was better face to face. We were able to offer additional support to those who needed extra classes in reading and writing at the lowest level. We also increased the levels of provision at the pre-entry level where demand was the highest. We supported learners from the moment they arrived and provided additional literacy support as many were illiterate in their own language. Our teaching staff had increased challenges in supporting those with diverse needs as more students were coming to classes with no English and with lots of additional needs. This was still the case in 2024 and this was combined with a very transient learner group. We faced increasing challenges getting people engaged and committing to learning

One hotel was still being used locally . We still needed to provide English classes for some people locally. We secured funding to support these individuals through SYCF and provided streamed classes for them being housed locally through the asylum system. This came with additional challenges as we had to organise things remotely and assess virtually. Where possible we encouraged learners to come out of the hotels and attend provision within our classes. This came with additional challenges as many had no money for bus fares. We decided to help fund their bus fares for those most in need. Additional challenges we faced were learners not having a device so keeping in contact was an issue and often learners could be moved by the Home Office without notice so they could no longer attend. Provision with learners from the hotel ceased in August 2024 with the riots that took place. Many learners disappeared and we were unable to locate where they had gone to help with signposting for further classes. This became a very unsettling time for our current learners. Many would not attend summer school due concerns of attacks, especially at the school or in the local community. Once term restarted in September we had to provide reassurance that classes were safe to attend. Thankfully, people did return and attendance was back to our expected level.

As the academic year moved on there was high demand for class places and waiting lists in operation. Even with our partnership working, there was, and still is a severe lack of ESOL places. Often we had new learners starting at different points within the year so planning and ensuring learners did not fall behind was a challenge. We have supported 322 students in some form of language learning at our Eastwood School provision in 2024. Hotel learners were 33 up until it closed. We continued with our learning ambassadors to help support communication, getting people signed up and generally staying in touch with us. We provided a summer school for those we felt were the most vulnerable and who needed continuity over the holiday period. We have been able to provide some additional support classes this year due to having some unrestricted funds that we could allocate. These have proved popular and are very much needed. These have included extra reading and writing sessions. We engaged 42 people here.

We received grants from SYCF to support basic literacy courses for our weakest learners which was important as they needed to be taught in small groups. We received a grant to support language skills and employability. 30 people successfully completed this and there was a waiting list for the next course. A large proportion came from the SYMCA led funding on Multiply, devolved through RMBC. We are part way through delivery of the last year contract, which has been highly successful and a 100% success rate. Maths skills are embedded into ESOL for different groups. Preparation for work has been another element and supporting parents with Maths for their children’s learning in a practical and engaging way. Across the three strands we have engaged 137 people to date and anticipate that this will increase further. This funding came to an end in 2024 and we had challenges where to signpost people to other courses. As the funding ended quicker and there was no exit strategy, we decided to continue classes from some of our reserves but we reduced the timetable.

Staff have attended in house training sessions around lesson planning, differentiation, where to refer learners to other services and have completed a skills needs audit, which is continuing to be addressed as part of their CPD. We are working hard to secure external funding to buy in specialist ESOL CPD for our tutors. This is proving a long and drawn out process.

Three staff have been employed during this period providing invaluable support. Our lead tutor moved as we could not provide work stability for them. We recruited new staff but felt that the ESOL market is so unregulated that we will only employ tutors with the right experience and qualifications. We decided during this academic year that we would not take external exams for the first time as students had not had enough teaching at their particular level. Students were arriving with very low starting points and there has been the need to repeat objectives until consolidated.

We have engaged the BNO Hong Kongers and are in a position to start delivering classes for these.

As we move forward into 2025, it has been necessary to diversify our funding sources and we continue to seek further funding to meet our client group’s needs. This will include lots of additional provision for people who cannot read and write sufficiently. Demand for classes we know will remain high.

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three- and six-months’ expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a

significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The main method of risk management is to take all major decisions at board meetings where all trustees can consider the risks rather than leaving the decision to people who operate the charity on a daily basis who will generally have a view from their particular operational perspective. However, we are constantly seeking new funding and commissioning opportunities for the sustainability of the activities and the organisation.

Structure, governance and management

The company became a registered charity on 1st March 2019.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

E Frost C Lee

A Ducker

Trustees are appointed either if recommended by the trustees or proposed by a member entitled to vote at a meeting. All trustees shall retire by rotation after three years but are eligible for re-election. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.

All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

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

E Frost Trustee

Dated: 17th October 2025

PREMIER LEARNING

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF PREMIER LEARNING

________________

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Premier Learning

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Premier Learning (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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

Name: Emma Broad

Relevant Professional qualification/professional body: Executive consultant

Address: Jet2holidays ,Holiday House, Ingram Row, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9AW

Date: 17th October 2025

PREMIER LEARNING

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024


Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
2
22870 73853
96723
72,884
__
_
___
______
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
24665
73854
98519
77,447
_____
__
____
_____
Total charitable expenditure 24,665
73,854
98,519 77,447
______ __
____
_____
Net (expenditure) income for the
year/Net movement in funds
_ _ _
______
Fund balances at
1st January 2024 26,192
26,192
30,691
_
______
_ ______
Funds at balance 31
24,396
24,396
26,128
December 2024

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

PREMIER LEARNING

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024
_____________

2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank 24,396 34,153
and in hand
Total asset less
current liabilities 24,396 34,153
Income funds
Restricted income funds 73,853 48,042
Unrestricted funds
22,870
22,223
__
____
__
____
Total funds
96,723
70,265

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 19th October 2025

E Frost

Trustee

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Premier Learning is a CIO organisation currently delivering at Eastwood Village Primary School, Eldon Road S65 1RD and Voluntary Action Rotherham.

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 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 (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 Resources expended

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.

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Charitable activities

These are costs incurred on the charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.

Governance costs

These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including independent examination, strategic management, trustees' meetings and reimbursed expenses.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Land & buildings 6.67% straight line Plant and machinery 33% straight line Fixtures, fittings & equipment 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1 .9 Financial instruments

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

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

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

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.10 Restricted and unrestricted funds

Restricted funds are those received from donors which are subject to restrictions on the purposes for which they may be used. Unrestricted funds are those where there are no externally imposed restrictions and include funds freely available to the charity for expenditure or appropriation to reserves for internally designated purposes.

2 Income from charitable activities

Restricted income funds 73,853
48,042
73,853
48,042
73,853
48,042
Unrestricted funds
22,870
22,223
__
____
__
____
Total funds
96723
70256
3 Expenditure relating to charitable activities
Governance costs 2024
2023

500 500

Governance costs include payments of £500 in respect of independent examination fees for 2023 and 2024

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 Trustees

The role of one of the trustees has provided a necessary service to the charity. In order for this to happen the following has been adhered to:

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

5 Taxation

The organisation is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from charge to corporation tax on its charitable activities.

PREMIER LEARNING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds
Movement in funds
in funds
Movement in funds
in funds
Movement in funds
in funds
Movement in funds
in funds
Movement in funds
Incoming
Resources
Balance at
Incoming
Resources Balance at
Resources expended 1 January 2024 resources expended 31 December 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
GT
Foundation 2400 (2400) - - - -
SYCF
7500 (7500) - - - -
Awards
National
Lottery 20000 (20000)
-
- - -
Trinity
369 (389) - - - -
RMBC 66454 (66454)
_____ _ __ _ ______ ______
96723 (96723) _ _ _ _

GT Foundation: Digital Literacy SYCF: two small grants. One to provide basic literacy. One for pre-entry classes Trinity: CPD training National Lottery: Course provision for six months RMBC: Delivery of Multiply Y2 and Y3-linking employability

7 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.