OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-08-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

Registered number: 13442286 Charity number: 1196330

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 25
Independent examiner's report 26
Statement of financial activities 27
Balance sheet 28 - 29
Statement of cash flows 30
Notes to the financial statements 31 - 45

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Trustees Julie Winyard, Chair
Fiona Willett, Trustee
Mark Beyer-Woodgate, Trustee
Monica Black, Trustee
Deborah Caws, Trustee
Artemi Sakellardiadis, Trustee
Michael Tait, Trustee (resigned 5 June 2024)
Company registered
number
13442286
Charity registered
number
1196330
Registered office
Kingsridge House
601 London Road
Westcliff-On-Sea
Essex
SS09PE
Principal operating
office
Witham Oaks Academy
Spa Road
Witham
Essex
CM8 1NA
Company secretary
S Rudgley
Chief executive officer
J Palmer-Tweed
Accountants
MWS
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditor
4 Chester Court
Chester Hall Lane
Basildon
Essex
SS14 3BL
Bankers
Metro Bank
One Southampton Row
London
WC1B 5HA

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Company for the 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

“To advance the education of the public by providing digital and face-to-face training programmes for aspiring educators.”

The demographic area of Southend, Essex and East London struggles to recruit enough good teachers to maintain supply of staff for local schools. Essex and Thames Education provides excellent training to localities, with the vast majority of trainees taking employment in local schools.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

b. Strategies for achieving objectives

2023 - 26

2026-28

Page 2

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

c. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives

During the 2023-2024 academic year, delivery of the Programme which:

d. Main activities undertaken to further the Company's purposes for the public benefit

At the start of the course 50 trainees were registered with 47 being awarded QTS at the planned end of training in July 2024. Three trainees extended into the 2023/2024 year and one trainee entered the second year of their part time studies. Of those that completed at the end of July, the vast majority of these trainees are now employed in local schools, benefiting the wider community by way of delivering good teaching to children and young people in the area. An additional 9 awards of QTS were made to candidates on the Assessment Only Route into teaching.

Achievements and performance

Page 3

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

a. Main achievements of the Company

Of the 50 trainees (49 full time and one part time) that commenced the course:

In the 2021/2022 year, Essex & Thames Education planned to train 100 new primary and secondary teachers each year. However, the charity made the decision to focus on Primary education for the 2022/2023 year and beyond, and the revised target number of new teachers has been reduced to 75 to reflect this.

Recruitment for the 2022/2023 year was down nationally and the recruitment figures to the course reflect this. The trend continued into the 2023/2024 recruitment cycle, with 50 trainees commencing the course for the 2023/2024 year. For the 2024/2025 year, recruitment improved with 81 trainees commencing the course. However, at the time of this report, March 2025, recruitment for the 2025/2026 cycle is less than anticipated and it is expected that the target of 75 trainees will not be met, with a best estimation of 65 trainees for the year.

Page 4

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

b. Key performance indicators

Trainee Completion Rate

The national average for award of QTS in the 2022-2023 year was 92%, down from 93% in the 2021-2022 year, 95% in 2020-2021 year and 96% in 2019/2020. Performance profiles for 2023-202 were not available at the time of this report (March 2025) and are due to be released in July 2025. The DfE data only includes those that either completed their training at the expected end date or withdrew. Therefore the comparable completion rate for Essex & Thames was as follows:

Essex & Thames education was performing above the national average for completions in the 2023/2024 year.

Trainee Employment Rate and Locality

91.7% of trainees (44 Trainees) that had completed the course with the award of QTS had secured employment at the end of their training year. Trainees were employed in the following areas:

Essex 36 Trainees (76.7%) Southend 2 Trainees (4.3%) Thurrock 1 Trainees (2.1%) East London 2 Trainees (4.3%) Inner London1 Trainee (2.1%) Wiltshire 1 Trainee (2.1%) Kent 1 Trainee (2.1%) Unemployed 1 Trainees (2.1%) Not Teaching 1 Trainee (2.1%) Supply 1 Trainee (2.1%)

Trainee Satisfaction Data:

Of the 48 trainees that had completed the course, 7 responses were received to the satisfaction survey (14.6%). The trainees were asked:

- How would you rate the overall quality of your training?

This compares to: 2021/2022 responses of 59% rating as excellent and 41% as good 2022/2023 responses of 17.4% rating as excellent and 82.6% as good

- Do you feel that you have had sufficient practical experience of teaching for this stage in your training? 100% of respondents answered they felt they had enough practical experience of teaching.

This was comparable to

2022/2023 responses of 74% responding enough and 26% responding they felt they could have had a bit more. 2021/2022 responses of 75% responding enough and 25% responding they felt they could have had a bit more.

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to identify your own professional development

Page 5

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

needs (CPD / target setting / use of audits etc)?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to the data from:

2022/2023 26% excellent, 69.5% good and 4.5% requires some improvements

2021/2022 of 63% excellent and 47% good.

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to follow high standards of personal and

professional conduct?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

47.8% answering excellent and 52.2% answering good in 2022/2023

84% answering excellent and 16% answering good in 2021/2022

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to integrate the theoretical elements (centre-based training) of your programme with your practical experiences (school-based training)?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 21.7% excellent and 78.3% good in 2022/2023 59% excellent and 41% good in 2021/2022

- How good has the guidance been in preparing you to stay up-to-date with educational research?

71.4% of respondents answered very confident

28.6% of respondents answered confident

This compares to:

30.4% Very confident, 61% confident and 8.6% slightly confident in 2022/2023 53% very confident and 47% confident in 2021/2022

- How good has your training been in preparing you to take responsibility for pupil safeguarding?

71.4% of respondents answered fully prepared

28.6% of respondents answered somewhat prepared

This compares to:

82.6% fully prepared and 17.4% somewhat prepared in 2022/2023

72% fully prepared and 28% somewhat prepared in 2021/2022

- How good has your training been in developing your understanding of your responsibilities for

Prevent?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement (1 trainee)

This compares to:

47.8% excellent and 52.2% good in 2022/2023

63% excellent and 37% good in 2021/2022

- How good has your training been in preparing you to promote British values such as democracy, liberty, mutual respect and tolerance?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

42.9% of respondents answered good

Page 6

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

This compares to:

69.6% answered confident, 30.1% answered somewhat confident in 2022/2023

38% confident, 59% somewhat confident and 3% not confident in 2021/2022.

- How good has your training been so far in addressing issues relating to your own wellbeing?

57.1% of respondents answered Excellent

42.9% of respondents answered Good

This compares to:

21.7% of respondents answering well supported, 69.6% answering somewhat supported and 8.7% answering not supported at all (2 trainees) in 2022/2023

53% of respondents answering well supported and 47% answering somewhat supported in 2021/2022.

- How has your training been so far in addressing issues relating to pupil wellbeing?

57.1% of respondents answered Excellent

42.9% of respondents answered Good

This compares to:

26% responding excellent and 74% responding good in 2022/2023

47% responding excellent and 53% good in 2021/2022.

- How supportive and effective is professional guidance given by your Personal Tutor?

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

56.5% answered excellent, 39% answered good and 4.5% answered requires some improvement in 2022/2023

69% excellent and 31% good in 2021/2022.

- How supportive and effective is pastoral support given by your Personal Tutor?

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compared to:

47.8% respondents answered excellent, 26% answered good, 4.5% answered requires improvement and 21.7% responded that they had not required support in 2022/2023

66% responding excellent, 28% good and 6% not requiring access in 2021/2022.

- Please rate the quality of support from the SCITT Office

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

39% excellent, 52% good, 4.5% requires some improvement and 4.5% stated that this was not relevant to them in 2022/2023

50% excellent and 50% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of teaching in lectures

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

42.9% of respondents answered good

This compared to

17.3% excellent, 78.2% good and 4.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 53% excellent and 47% good in 2021/2022.

- How well was training pitched for your level of skill and knowledge? (this is a new question for

Page 7

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

2023/2024)

100% of respondents answered ‘pitched correctly’.

- How good was your training in preparing you to understand behaviour and to maintain good behaviour in the classroom?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

30.4% excellent, 65.1% Good and 4.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 59% excellent, 38% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How good was your training in preparing you to understand and apply pedagogy?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 21.7% excellent and 78.3% good in 2022/2023

56% excellent and 44% good in 2021/2022.

- How good was your training in preparing you to teach pupils across a range of academic abilities?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 8.7% excellent, 78.2% good and 13.1%

47% excellent, 50% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to teach pupils from all ethnic backgrounds?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement (1 trainee)

This compares:

17.3% excellent, 78.2% good and 4.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 47% excellent, 47% good and 6% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How good was your training in preparing you to teach and assess the progress of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

42.9% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

17.3% excellent, 73.9% good and 8.8% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 41% excellent, 56% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How helpful has the guidance given in lectures been to help you to learn how to plan effective

lessons?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

42.9% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

13% excellent, 65.2% good and 21.8% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 38% excellent, 59% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

Page 8

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

curriculum?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

42.9% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

13% excellent, 65.2% good, 17.3% requires some improvement and 4.5% responded that this had only been partly covered in 2022/2023

56% excellent, 41% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How good has your online training been so far in preparing you to teach phonics ?

This compares to:

8.7% excellent, 69.5% good and 21.8% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 50% excellent and 50% good in 2021/2022.

- How good has your training been in preparing you to teach reading and comprehension?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

This compares to:

34.7% excellent, 60.8% good and 4.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 63% excellent and 47% good in 2021/2022.

- How good has your training been at preparing you to assess and use pupil data (both formative and

summative assessments) to inform your teaching?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

This compares to:

17.4% excellent, 60.8% good and 21.8% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 44% excellent and 56% good in 2021/2022.

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to provide effective feedback to pupils?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

This compares to:

17.4% excellent, 69.6% good and 13% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 28% excellent, 69% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How good has your training been in preparing you to communicate with parents or carers?

42.9% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

13% excellent, 60.8% good and 26.2% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 44% excellent, 50% good and 6% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How good has your training been in preparing you to deploy support staff effectively?

Page 9

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

57.1% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

13% excellent, 56.5% good and 30.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 44% excellent, 50% good and 6% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- How has your training been so far in preparing you to use your voice effectively?

42.9% of respondents answered excellent

57.1% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

30.4% excellent, 56.6% good and 13% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 75% excellent and 25% good in 2021/2022.

- How would you rate the school environment in terms of being welcoming to trainees?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

47.8% excellent, 47.8% good and 4.4% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 72% excellent, 22% good and 6% requires improvement during 2021/2022.

- Placements: How would you rate the quality of information sharing about the pupils?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

34.8% excellent, 60.8% good and 4.4% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 69% excellent and 31% good in 2021/2022

- Did you have sufficient opportunities to observe good and outstanding teaching?

100% answered that their needs were met.

This compares to:

95.5% answering ‘seen plenty’ and 4.5% answering ‘would have benefitted from seeing more’ in 2022/2023

94% answering yes and 6% no in 2021/2022

- Did you have sufficient opportunities to teach phonics?

85.7% of respondents answered yes

14.3% of respondents answered no

100% answered yes in 2022/2023 100% answered yes in 2021/2022

- Did you have sufficient opportunities to teach early mathematics?

100% of respondents answered yes

This compares to: 95.5% yes and 4.5% no in 2022/2023 94% yes and 6% no in 2021/2022

- How helpful was the lesson feedback you were given by your Senior General Mentor?

85.7% of respondents answered excellent 14.3% of respondents answered good

Page 10

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

This compares to: 73.9% excellent, 26.1% good in 2022/2023 60% excellent, 28% good and 12% requires improvement in 2021/2022.

- How helpful was the lesson feedback you were given by your General Mentor?

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

56.5% excellent, 39% good and 4.5% answered that this is the same person as the SGM in 2022/2023 69% excellent, 25% good and 6% where the senior and general mentor were the same person in 2021/2022.

- Are you receiving enough mentoring time from your Senior General Mentor?

100% of respondents answered yes

This compares to: 95.5% yes and 4.5% no in 2022/2023 78% yes and 22% no in 2021/2022.

- Please rate the availability of planning time with your General Mentor.

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to: 56.5% excellent, 30.4% good and 13.1% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 47% excellent, 50% good and 3% requires some improvement in 2021/2022.

- Please rate the quality of support from other school staff.

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 60.8% excellent, 34.7% good and 4.5% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 66% excellent and 34% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of target setting.

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 47.8% excellent and 52.2% good in 2022/2023 53% excellent, 44% good and 3% requires improvement in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of support to manage behaviour.

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

52.2% excellent, 43.5% good and 4.3% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 69% excellent and 21% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of support to help you understand and apply pedagogy

This compares to: 39.1% excellent and 60.9% good in 2022/2023 47% excellent and 53% good in 2021/2022.

Page 11

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

- Please rate the support that you received to plan lessons and understand how the school curriculum is implemented.

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

34.7% excellent, 34.7% good and 30.6% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 38% excellent, 56% good and 6% requires some improvement in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality support in school to make assessments to identify pupil progress.

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to:

39.1% excellent, 56.5% good and 4.4% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 59% excellent and 41% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality support in school to provide you with guidance in relation to professional

behaviours.

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

This compares to: 47.8% excellent and 52.2% good in 2022/2023 51% excellent and 49% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of professional discussions in terms of impact on your teaching.

100% of respondents answered excellent

This compares to: 47.8% excellent and 52.2% good in 2022/2023 51% excellent and 49% good in 2021/2022

- Please rate the quality of support for teaching children with SEND.

85.7% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

This compares to:

39.1% excellent, 52.2% good and 8.7% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 41% excellent and 59% good in 2021/2022.

- Please rate the quality of information and guidance relating to pupil premium.

71.4% of respondents answered excellent 14.3% of respondents answered good 14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

This compares to:

34.8% excellent, 52.2% good and 13% requires some improvement in 2022/2023 38% excellent and 62% good for 2021/2022

The trainees were asked about anything that they thought were particular strengths or would improve the taught element of the programme, responses included:

Page 12

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Trainee Satisfaction Survey: Actions

Of the 48 trainees that completed the course (23/24) only 7 filled in the Trainee Satisfaction Survey. In comparison to the previous year, all responses show an improvement. Except for the questions listed below, all other questions were answered with either an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ response.

How good has your training been in preparing you to take responsibility for pupil safeguarding?

71.4% of respondents answered fully prepared

28.6% of respondents answered somewhat prepared

How good has your training been in developing your understanding of your responsibilities for Prevent?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement (1 trainee)

How has your training been so far in preparing you to teach pupils from all ethnic backgrounds?

57.1% of respondents answered excellent

28.6% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement (1 trainee)

How good has your training been in preparing you to teach reading and comprehension?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

How good has your training been at preparing you to assess and use pupil data (both formative and summative assessments) to inform your teaching?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent 14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

How has your training been so far in preparing you to provide effective feedback to pupils?

71.4% of respondents answered excellent

14.3% of respondents answered good

14.3% of respondents answered requires some improvement

Actions

Employee Retention Rate

There were no changes to staffing during the 2023/2024 year.

Employee Absence Rate

One member of the SLT team was absent due to illness for a period of 20 days.

Page 13

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Marketing Data

Of those that responded to the marketing question of how they found out about the courses, the responses were:

2023-2024 2022-2023 2021-2022
Website 15% 13% 50%
ARU 14% 49% 25%
Apply System 22% 13% 5%
South Essex College 4% 1% 3%
University of East Anglia 0% 3% 0%
Word of Mouth 37% 21% 17%
Current School 6%
Train to Teach Events 2%

Financial Performance

Recruitment into 2023/2024 was very low, with 50 trainees starting the course. A deficit budget was set at £102,982.30. The budget was underspent at the end of the year, with a final reduction in reserves of £99,109.25, leaving reserves of £395,884.79 available.

Recruitment into 2024/2025 was more positive with 81 trainees starting the course. A budget with an expected recovery of reserves of £11,550 was set and at the date of this report, March 2025, is on track. However, a further reduction in recruitment has been experienced for the 2025/2026 cycle, with 41 acceptances at the date of this report. This is comparable to the 2022-2023 recruitment cycle in which 68 trainees were recruited to the course. In light of this, a decision has been made to operate from one base for the 2025/2026 year to reduce costs of rent and lectures in order to avoid further staff losses. It is expected that with 68 trainees there will be a balancing budget.

Performance against the budget is reviewed on a monthly basis and shared with Trustees and Finance, Pay, Resources and Audit committee members. This is discussed in further detail at the meetings of each board and committee three times per year.

c. Review of activities

During the 2023-2024 academic year, Essex & Thames Education trained 50 trainees for the award of QTS, most trainees also undertook the option of the PGCE. Of these, 48 were awarded QTS, and one continues into 2024/2025 on the part time route. The course is structured so that each trainee spends at least 120 days in school practice within two partnership schools and around 70 days in lectures. Support was provided by a Personal Tutor team, school mentors and members of the Senior Leadership Team. A return to face to face lectures was made for around half of all lectures. The challenges faced by trainees in the year were around negative national press focused on teaching in general and the cost of living crisis. Trainees that had recently graduated faced further challenges of transitioning from remote learning at university to face to face learning in base and in schools as everyone adapted to a return to a more normal way of life. The Senior Leadership Team worked with partnership Mentors and Senior Leadership to assist with delivery of the course and to offer support to schools and trainees in another challenging time.

Page 14

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

d. Factors relevant to achieve objectives

Essex & Thames Education now aims to train 75 trainees each year, this was reduced from 100 in 2021/2022 as the secondary phase of training is no longer offered. Recruitment can be affected by outside influences, such as decisions by DfE to award or remove funding to routes into teaching. In years where funding is reduced, trainee numbers also decline before recovering. Primary routes, in particular, do not attract any DfE funding such as bursaries or funding for salaried places; this has an impact on recruitment. It is also known that during periods of recession trainee numbers will fall before recovering in the following years. Nationally, the number of trainees into the 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 years were down on the previous years. Despite this, Essex & Thames saw a recovery for the 2024/2025 year with 81 trainees recruited, comparable to pre-covid levels. However, recruitment into 2025/2026 has declined and it is expected that between 64-68 trainees will be recruited, under the target set of 75 trainees per year.

e. Fundraising activities and income generation

Income was generated through course fees. This was mostly paid via Student Finance England, with a small number of trainees opting to pay fees directly or being supported by partnership schools to have fees paid.

Page 15

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

f. Investment policy and performance

The Board of Trustees may invest to further the SCITT’s charitable aims, but must ensure investment risk is properly managed. When considering an investment the board must:

The board will follow the Charity Commission’s guidance: CC14 Charities and investment matters: A guide for trustees.

Whilst the Board of Trustees has responsibility for the SCITT’s finances, the Scheme of Delegation approved by them delegates responsibility to the Finance Committee:

The investment objectives of Essex & Thames Education are:

Spending and liquidity policy

No investments have been made during the period and there are no plans to make any investments in the immediate future. The CFO has reviewed the 3 year plan and the changes brought by the Market Reform will impact significantly on the cash flow of the organisation as funding will be received in arrear

Page 16

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

g. Duty to promote the success of the Company to achieve its charitable purposes

Essex & Thames Education has a good reputation locally for delivery of teacher training programmes. It has excellent relationships with partnership schools. Performance data is published on the DfE website and allows applicants to make informed decisions about the course to which they wish to apply. Essex & Thames Education’s website promotes the success of the organisation to attract applicants to the courses and the team are positive about the impact that the charity has. This maximises the chances of the organisation achieving a target of 75 trainees per year.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Page 17

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

b. Reserves policy

The reserves held by Essex & Thames Education were acquired when the transfer of the accreditation was made from Runwell Community Primary School, operating as Essex and Thames SCITT, to the charity. In the academic years 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 it has been necessary to spend into reserves due to the ITT Market Reform and work this has created in making the bid during 2021-2022, work on changes required to the curriculum and mentoring during 2022-2024 and low recruitment to the courses in 2022-2023 and 20232024. The Market Reform was released only one year prior and it is policy changes such as these that make it vital to the future of the Charity that reserves are held, as well as unforeseen circumstances such as the Covid19 pandemic and the current economic climate. In addition, 50% of fees are received from Student Finance England in the final months of the course, which requires a healthy level of cash flow to ensure operations can take place. The cash flow forecasts for the next 3 years have been calculated and show a maximum negative cash flow of around £118,000. A decision to hold at least £140,000 in reserves has been made.

Recruitment

The Covid-19 pandemic saw a reduction in the number of applications to teacher training, this is a National trend. This trend continued, further hampered by the current financial climate, with many unable to commit to training at this time, and negative press around teaching as a career. The 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 recruitment cycles showed a reduction of around a third of successful candidates to the course and this has led to expected budget deficits in both years. Recruitment into 2024/2025 improved with 81 trainees starting the course. However, recruitment into 2025/2026 has declined with an expected cohort of between 64-68 trainees.

Income

The usual expectation of recruitment to the course is around 75 trainees per year, just 50 trainees started the course for 2023-2024. This led to a reduction of income and the setting of a deficit budget, using reserves of £99,109.25 to enable the running of the course.

Expenditure

The board of Trustees undertake a thorough review of the proposed budgets each year. A redundancy was made at the end of the 2022-2023 year due to low recruitment for a second year in succession. Two self employed members of staff from the secondary phase did not have their contracts renewed and the one member of the Senior Leadership team that resigned was not replaced. Other cost savings were made where appropriate, however, this could not be at detriment to the course or trainee experience, therefore spending into reserves was approved for the 2023-2024 year. Recruitment for the 2024-2025 year was improved with 81 trainees starting the course, allowing £11,550 to be budgeted to return to reserves.

Rational for Level of Reserves

There a number of factors and risks that determine the level of reserves to be held by the charity, these include:

The Board of Trustees uses information supplied by the CEO and CFO to decide on the level of reserves to be held as a sum of designated funds for the next 3 years. Any reserves that are in excess of the designated reserves amount can be considered for investment purposes, guided by the investment policy.

The current economic climate, the after effects of Covid-19 and the current changes under the ITT Market reform show that it is not excessive for the current level of reserves to be held and it is vital to the going concern of the charity that these are maintained as far as possible.

Page 18

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Review and Monitoring

In the current climate, the policy will be reviewed regularly and updated accordingly. Matters relating to the financial performance of the charity are presented to the Board of Trustees and the Finance, Audit and Pay committee monthly; this assures that action can be taken swiftly if necessary. The Board of Trustees are being updated regularly by the CEO and Senior Leadership team regarding work around the ITT Market Review.

The draft budget for 2025/2026 is in progress. As recruitment has reduced, the target of 75 trainees is unlikely with the decision to operate from one base to preserve current staffing levels. Payments to schools continue to be held until recruitment stabilises and reaches 80 trainees per year.

The funds carried forward as at 31st August 2024 total £395,955 of which all is unrestricted.

c. Principal risks and uncertainties

Essex and Thames Education will seek to identify risks and take action to reduce the probability of them materialising and/or to limit their impact. All organisations are at risk of suffering loss or damage to their personnel, property, reputation and ability to deliver services through the occurrence of unforeseen events. While the timing of such events is unpredictable, it is usually feasible to identify the possibility and probability of them occurring.

The Board of Trustees has appointed a Risk Committee to oversee the risk management process; as this role gives a more global view of the activities of Essex and Thames Education. The committee meets on a termly basis to discuss Risk and to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees who hold ultimate responsibility for Risk for Essex and Thames Education.

The strategic objectives of Essex and Thames Education (as stated in the SIP), and the current risk register will be circulated to The Board of Trustees, submitting what they consider to be risks to the achievement of the strategic and operational objectives of Essex and Thames Education.

Page 19

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

d. Financial risk management objectives and policies

The objectives of the risk meeting are as follows:

The Risk Committee shall use the current risk register as the model format to classify the risks according to potential likelihood and impact, and decide whether to treat, terminate or tolerate each risk, according to impact and likelihood of each risk identified.

Value for money shall be considered in formulating an appropriate response to each risk, to avoid the over control of minor risks and the under-control of major ones.

It is likely that the assessment of controls will produce a list of actions required to produce an acceptable internal control system. Clear responsibilities should be allocated to these actions along with a deadline for the action to be completed and a scheduled date for review.

A final version of the risk register may be circulated to all relevant members of the organisation who shall be asked to confirm the accuracy of the register.

A copy shall be placed on the secure area of Essex and Thames Education Google Docs account so that all staff and Trustees are aware of the risks and the strategies in place to deal with them.

e. Principal funding

Income was generated through course fees. This was mostly paid via Student Finance England, with a small number of trainees opting to pay fees directly or being supported by partnership schools to have fees paid.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

Essex & Thames Education is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co opted under the terms of the Trust deed.

Trustees are recommended by members of staff and partnership schools. At Trustee board meetings, any gaps in Trustee skill areas and ways of recruiting individuals with the necessary skills are discussed.

Once an individual has been identified, a recommendation is made to the Board of Trustees for a decision to appoint to be made by way of a vote.

Page 20

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Board of Trustees as overall responsibility for the organisation with responsibilities delegated to boards and committees as shown in the chart below. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year.

Decisions for the day to day operations of the organisation are delegated by the Board of Trustees to the CEO ensuring that these remain within the scheme of delegation. Any decisions to be made that are outside the scope of the CEO according to the scheme of delegation are referred to the relevant Board or Committee for discussion before being presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.

The Trustees are responsible for the governance and supervision of the SCITT and its committees. The Trustees have a number of duties and responsibilities relating to the governance of the SCITT and its finances. In summary, The Trustees are responsible for:

The scheme of delegation sets out the decisions that can be made by the key staff, committees and Board of Trustees. The main responsibilities of the Board of Trustees is to:

Page 21

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

A chart showing the SCITT structure can be found by clicking here.

d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

Trustees are provided with a handbook and are supported by experienced Trustees on the board and have support from the CEO, SCITT Manager and CFO.

Page 22

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

e. Pay policy for key management personnel

Setting of Executive Pay

The board of trustees must ensure its decisions about levels of executive pay (including salary and any other benefits) follow a robust evidence-based process and are a reasonable and defensible reflection of the individual’s role and responsibilities. No individual can be involved in deciding their remuneration.

The board must discharge its responsibilities effectively, ensuring its approach to pay and benefits is transparent, proportionate and justifiable, including:

Independence - decisions about executive pay and benefits reflect independent and objective scrutiny by the board and that conflicts of interest are avoided;

Publication of executive pay

The trust must publish on its website in a separate readily accessible form the number of employees whose benefits exceeded £100k, in £10K bandings, as an extract from the disclosure in its financial statements for the previous year ended 31st August. Benefits for this purpose include salary, other taxable benefits and termination payments, but not the SCITT’s own pension costs. The trust is not required under the Equality Act 2010 (specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 to publish information on the website and on the governments reporting website about the gender pay gap as it has less than 250 employees.

Tax arrangements for senior employees

The trust must ensure its senior employees payroll arrangements fully meet their tax obligations and comply with HM Treasury’s guidance about the employment arrangements of individuals on the avoidance of tax. This is described in HM Treasury’s Review of the Tax Arrangements of Public Sector Appointees which explains that senior managers with significant financial responsibilities should be exclusively on payroll, and therefore subject to PAYE with income tax and NI contributions deducted at source. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a fine by HM Treasury.

f. Related party relationships

A register of business interests is kept and is regularly updated and presented to the board of trustees four times a year.

Page 23

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

g. Financial risk management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Company, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Plans for future periods

2025-28

Members' liability

The Members of the Company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Company in the event of winding up.

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company 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 . 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 Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company 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 Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 24

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 14 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Julie Winyard

Page 25

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Essex & Thames Education ('the Company')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 Company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Dated: 14 April 2025 Jonathan Gorridge FCA ICAEW MWS Chartered Accountants 4 Chester Court Chester Hall Lane Basildon Essex SS14 3BL

Page 26

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
-
506,145
156
506,301
602,714
602,714
(96,413)
492,368
(96,413)
395,955		 Total
funds
2024
£
-
506,145
156
506,301
602,714
602,714
(96,413)
492,368
(96,413)
395,955		 Total
funds
2023
£
25,000
648,909
32
673,941
744,948
744,948
(71,007)
563,375
(71,007)
492,368

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

The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

Page 27

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 13442286

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension asset
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
14
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds		 36,708
369,181
405,889
(15,723)		 2024
£
5,789
5,789
390,166
395,955
395,955
395,955
-
395,955
395,955		 46,006
489,360
535,366
(50,564)		 2023
£
7,566
7,566
484,802
492,368
492,368
492,368
-
492,368
492,368

The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

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 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 14 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Julie Winyard

Page 28

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 13442286

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

Page 29

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
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
The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financial statements		 2024
£
(119,081)
(1,099)
(1,099)
-
(120,180)
489,360
369,180		 2023
£
(155,961)
(1,259)
(1,259)
-
(157,220)
646,580
489,360

Page 30

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1. General information

Essex & Thames Education is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England. It is also a registered charity, Number 1196330

Its registered address is Kingsridge House, 601 London Road, Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, SS0 9PE Its principle place of business is Powers Hall Academy, Spa Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 1NA

2. Accounting policies

2.1 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.

Essex & Thames Education 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.

Page 31

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the 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 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.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the Company's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Company which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

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

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Page 32

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Government grants

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 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.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Office equipment - 20% Reducing balance

2.7 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.

2.8 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.

2.9 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 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 Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

Page 33

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.10 Financial instruments

The Company 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.

2.11 Pensions

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

2.12 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 Company 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 Company 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.

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

2.13 Redundancy payments

Redundancy and termination costs are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities and a liability on the Balance Sheet immediately when the charity has a detailed formal plan in place which has either: been announced to those affected, or the charity has initiated implementation of that plan.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Government grants
Total 2023		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
25,000		 Total
funds
2024
£
-
25,000		 Total
funds
2023
£
25,000

Page 34

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

4. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Education
506,145
Total 2023
648,909		 Total
funds
2024
£
506,145
648,909		 Total
funds
2023
£
648,909

5. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Investment income - local cash
156
Total 2023
32
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Direct costs
602,714
Total 2023
744,948		 Total
funds
2024
£
156
32
Total
2024
£
602,714
744,948		 Total
funds
2023
£
32
Total
2023
£
744,948

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Summary by fund type

Page 35

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)

Summary by expenditure type

Direct costs
Total 2023		 Staff costs
2024
Depreciation
2024
£
£
368,873
1,832
393,408
1,891		 Other costs
2024
£
232,009
349,649		 Total
2024
£
602,714
744,948		 Total
2023
£
744,948

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Education
Total 2023		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
537,770
662,972		 Support
costs
2024
£
64,944
81,976		 Total
funds
2024
£
602,714
744,948		 Total
funds
2023
£
744,948

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Lecturers
SBM
Personal Tutors
Assessment
Other direct costs
Total 2023		 Activities
2024
£
368,873
35,958
-
48,685
55,800
28,454
537,770
662,972		 Total
funds
2024
£
368,873
35,958
-
48,685
55,800
28,454
537,770
662,972		 Total
funds
2023
£
393,408
53,080
46,290
70,295
73,200
26,699
662,972

Page 36

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Activities
2024
£
Depreciation
1,832
Other support costs
22,068
Resources
8,344
Audit costs
5,400
Loss on disposal
1,044
Utilities
2,403
Insurance
4,963
Rent
17,990
Internal control review
900
64,944
Total 2023
81,976
8.
Independent examiner's remuneration
Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Company's annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner in respect of:
All assurance services not included above
9.
Staff costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 Total
funds
2024
£
1,832
22,068
8,344
5,400
1,044
2,403
4,963
17,990
900
64,944
81,976
2024
£
4,752
648
2024
£
302,158
26,829
39,886
368,873		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,891
29,084
14,364
4,860
370
2,230
5,092
23,185
900
81,976
2023
£
4,320
540
2023
£
337,020
19,530
36,858
393,408

Page 37

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

9. Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:

Management
Admin staff		 2024
No.
3
3
6		 2023
No.
3
3
6

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

2024 2023
No. No.
In the band £80,001 - £90,000 1 1

Remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year amounted to £224,710 (2023: £215,916) including £193,564 (2023: £185,746) of gross pay and £31,146 (2023: £30,170) of employers pension contributions.

10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 August 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 -

Page 38

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

11. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 August 2024
Depreciation
At 1 September 2023
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 August 2024
Net book value
At 31 August 2024
At 31 August 2023		 Office
equipment
£
16,357
1,099
(4,177)
13,279
8,790
1,447
(2,748)
7,489
5,790
7,566

12. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
6,499
30,209
36,708		 2023
£
33,881
12,125
46,006

Page 39

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 September 2023
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods		 2024
£
2,460
-
-
13,263
15,723
2024
£
18,040
7,242
(18,040)
7,242		 2023
£
1,336
2,597
3,024
43,607
50,564
2023
£
14,100
18,040
(14,100)
18,040

Amounts deferred are deposits received for student placements for the 2024/2025 education year.

Page 40

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

14. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 Balance at
September 31 August
2023 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General Funds 492,368 506,301 (602,714) 395,955

The specific purpose for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Restricted funds

These all relate to restricted government grants the application of which is limited to the conditions imposed by the respective funding agreements.

Transfers include qualifying expenditure related to restricted grant income

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricetd general funds can be used to fulfil any of the charitable objects

Page 41

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
Total of funds
Transfers between funds		 Balance at
1 September
2022
£
563,374
-
563,374		 Income
£
648,942
25,000
673,942		 Expenditure
£
(744,948)
-
(744,948)		 Transfers
in/out
£
25,000
(25,000)
-		 Balance at
31 August
2023
£
492,368
-
492,368

£25,000 was transferred from unrestricted funds into restricted funds in relation to expenditure relating to Market ITT reform grant.

15. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

General funds Balance at
1 September
2022
£
563,374
-
563,374		 Balance at 1
September
2023
£
492,368
Income
£
648,942
25,000
673,942		 Income
£
506,301
Expenditure
£
(744,948)
-
(744,948)		 Expenditure
£
(602,714)
Transfers
in/out
£
25,000
(25,000)
-		 Balance at
31 August
2024
£
395,955
Balance at
31 August
2023
£
492,368
-
492,368
Summary of funds - prior year
General funds
Restricted funds

Page 42

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Tangible fixed assets
5,789
Current assets
405,889
Creditors due within one year
(15,723)
Total
395,955		 Total
funds
2024
£
5,789
405,889
(15,723)
395,955

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
7,566
535,367
(50,564)
492,369		 Total
funds
2023
£
7,566
535,367
(50,564)
492,369

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

Net expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
Decrease in debtors
Decrease in creditors
Net cash used in operating activities		 2024
£
(96,413)
1,832
1,044
9,298
(34,842)
(119,081)		 2023
£
(71,007)
1,891
370
64,078
(151,293)
(155,961)

Page 43

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

18. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Notice deposits (less than 3 months)
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
361,180
8,000
369,180		 2023
£
481,360
8,000
489,360

19. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand At 1
September
2023
£
489,361
489,361		 Cash flows
At 31
August 2024
£
£
(120,180)
369,181
(120,180)
369,181

20. Pension commitments

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 £39,885 (2023: £36,858). £nil (2023: £nil) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

21. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2024 the Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in
activities:
Operating lease rentals
Changes in lease payments arising from COVID-19 related rent
concessions		 2024
2023
£
£
12,000
12,000
the Statement of financia
2024
2023
£
£
12,000
12,000
-
-		 2023
£
12,000

The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the Statement of financial activities:

Page 44

Docusign Envelope ID: E5743CBB-4A4E-43C7-B01C-4A6EAAE75097

ESSEX & THAMES EDUCATION

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

22. Members' liability

Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he/she is a member, or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1 for the debts and liabilities contracted before he/she ceases to be a member.

23. Related party transactions

The company has entered into the following related party transactions during the year, the transaction occurred with Monica Black who is a trustee and were carried out at arms length.

Monica Black Life Coach £nil (2023: £4,061)

There were no amounts outstanding at the year end

Page 45