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2023-08-31-accounts

Company Number: 01239211 Charity Number: 270757

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED t/a COPTHORNE PREP SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED

Page 1

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

INDEX

Governors’ Report …………………………………………………………..…………….………………….. 3 - 8 Independent Auditor’s Report ………………………………….……..…….………….…..………… 9 - 12 Statement of Financial Activities …………………………………………..………..………………… 13 Balance Sheet …………………………………………………………………………..………………………. 14 Statement of Cash Flows ……………………………………………………………….…………………. 15 Notes to the Financial Statements ………………………………………………..………………….. 16 - 27

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

The purpose of this report

The Governors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements for the period 1[st] September 2022 to 31[st] August 2023. The annual report serves the purposes of both a trustees’ report and a directors’ report under company law. The Governors confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the charity 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.

Status of the company

Copthorne School Trust Limited was incorporated under the Companies Acts 1948 to 1967 as a Company limited by guarantee on 2 January 1976, company number 01239211. The Company has charitable status with the number 270757. On 1[st] December 2021, a resolution was passed by the Board that the updated articles of association be adopted and filed with both Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Governing Body

The Governors of the Charity are the School's Board of Governors. The Board operates with two standing subcommittees; the Education Committee and the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

The Governors are covered by trustee indemnity insurance included in the School's insurance policy.

Mrs S Coutinho (legal surname: Seth) – Chair of Governors T Chidgey Ms L Fegan Dr M Fegan S Gibbons Mrs A Higgs B Moir

Governor training

All new Governors are inducted into the workings of the School. Individual Governors also attend specific training courses held by professional advisors and where appropriate cascade this information down to other Governors.

Registered office and principal address

Copthorne Prep School Effingham Lane Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3HR

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Key executives and professional advisers

Headmaster: N Close Bursar/Secretary: P Flowerday - resigned 19 May 2023 A Owens - appointed 24 April 2023 Bankers: National Westminster Bank, The Boulevard, Crawley, RH10 1XU CCLA, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4ET Auditors: Kreston Reeves LLP, Springfield House, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2RG Solicitors: Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP, Narrow Quay House, Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA DMH Stallard LLP, 3rd Floor, Origin One, 108 High Street, Crawley, RH10 1BD

Organisation

The Governors of the School act in the capacity of the Company's directors for the purposes of the Companies Act and in the capacity of trustees in respect of its charitable objectives under the Charities Act. Governors are appointed at the discretion of the Governing Body through an established recruitment process. The Governors meet on a termly basis to review and direct the general educational charitable objectives of the Charity. Additional meetings are convened as required. The Education Committee meets termly and oversees all aspects of academic activity and development together with pupil welfare and pastoral care . The termly meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee overseas all financial activities, Health, and Safety matters, as well as the oversight of the maintenance and development of the site and buildings.

The day-to-day operation of the School is controlled by the Headmaster and his Senior Leadership Team and the finances by the Bursar. Details of the Governors are shown on page 3.

The Headmaster is a member of the Incorporated Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). The School is a member of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association (ISBA), the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS). Guidance, support and advice is sought from the relevant associations.

Objects and principal activities

The objects as set out in the Memorandum are to promote and provide for the advancement of education and in connection therewith to conduct, carry on, acquire and develop in the United Kingdom any boarding or day school or schools for the education of children of either sex or both sexes.

Founded in 1902, Copthorne Prep School has developed an outstanding reputation for helping children to realise their full potential. By providing opportunities for all to succeed, children leave us as confident individuals, well prepared for their progression to senior schools of their choice. We inspire all our pupils to become lifelong learners, responsible global citizens and the very best that they can be.

We strive:

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Review of activities and future developments

Academic Achievement

As mentioned in the most recent ISI report, the achievement and progress of pupils at Copthorne Prep are excellent. Pupils successfully transition to secondary education in both the state and independent sectors, and this year, we’re proud to report that 27 scholarships were awarded to our leavers.

Pupil Experience

At Copthorne Prep, we take pride in offering a diverse and comprehensive education. We firmly believe that enjoyment and inclusivity should go hand in hand with high standards and the pursuit of excellence. In the current academic year, we have not only maintained our tradition of achieving outstanding academic results, but we have once again dominated the sports scene both locally and at national level. Notable successes include our U13 girls’ netball team, who were crowned IAPS U13 champions, and our U11 Cross Country runners who achieved podium placements at the Malvern Championships. Our excellent and extensive sport facilities, including indoor swimming pool, full-sized floodlit Astro pitch, four hardcourt tennis courts, and a spacious sports hall, enable all pupils to take part at a standard that is best suited to their abilities. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of physical education skills through the Pre-Prep and these skills are then developed in the Prep School in both team and individual disciplines.

Once again, we’ve enjoyed considerable success in chess this year solidifying our reputation as one of the leading chess schools in the South of England. Five of our pupils competed in the national finals this year, with two earning places on the England Chess Team.

Our pupils have also had the privilege of participating in exceptional musical and dramatic performances, as well as a diverse and exciting co-curricular program ranging from tower climbing to philosophy, all of which is accessible to everyone.

Our approach to education centres around discovery-led, inquiry-based learning and skill acquisition, with teachers serving as facilitators rather than mere sources of academic knowledge. These skills extend beyond academics and are integrated into the creative and performing arts, practical areas such as design technology and Lego. Pupils develop woodworking skills to create birdhouses and utilise technology like robotics, computer-aided design, and micro controllers to gain insights into the work of engineers.

Our strategic development plan aims to provide a curriculum that adapts to the evolving demands of the twentyfirst century workplace. We focus on developing teaching and learning methods to nurture confident, inquisitive, and empathetic pupils who possess a clear sense of their identity and aspirations.

We continue to leverage our remarkable grounds, providing opportunities for our children to experience Forest School, learn about sustainability, engage in den building, and explore various flora and fauna. Pupils of all ages have the chance to partake in outdoor learning, reinforcing traditional knowledge through interaction with the natural world.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Music also thrives at Copthorne Prep and is an integral part of our curriculum. We have a dedicated and dynamic group of visiting peripatetic music teachers under the leadership of our Head of Music, who provide individual music lessons across the school; nearly 80% of our pupils learn to play an instrument. The school maintains a strong orchestra, choir, and string groups, in addition to the full programme of soirees and musical performances. Copthorne Prep has achieved significant success in ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exams and Trinity College exams, with pupils entering a variety of instruments and voice up to Grade 8 standard.

Public benefit

The School, in setting its objectives and planning its activities has given due regard to the duties set out in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and the guidance given by the Charity Commission. During the year the School provided means tested bursaries and scholarships amounting to £177,539. Other discounts, including staff and sibling discounts, amounted to £94,501.

In terms of financial hardship, the School is accessible and encourages parents to apply for assistance. Each bursary application is assessed on its own merits and awards are made accordingly and subject to the School’s ability to fund these within the context of what is viable within its overall budget. The School also has a duty to ensure that bursary grants are applied fairly.

The School also reaches out to the local community to provide access to its facilities. During the year, Copthorne Junior School used the School site for various sport related activities.

Pay policy for senior staff

The School's key management personnel are its Senior Leadership Team which comprises the Headmaster, Deputy Head, Bursar, Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery, Director of Wellbeing, and the Head of HR. Arrangements are in place for setting the remuneration for these personnel and, the Board has taken into consideration benchmark information and market pay for these roles. This exercise, together with the overall remuneration of other personnel, forms part of the Board's annual salary review, as part of the budget process, which again takes account of market rates of pay and relevant benchmark reports.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity 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.

The governors are fully aware of and recognise the challenges facing the school as a standalone prep school and the independent education sector as a whole at the present time and in the future. As part of reviewing our strategic plan, we are looking for solutions that will allow us to retain the unique ethos and values of Copthorne, enhance our educational offering, maximise our efficiencies and most importantly ensure we offer the best outcomes for all our pupils for many years to come.

Principal risk and uncertainties

The Governors are responsible for the overseeing of the risks faced by the School. Detailed considerations of risk are delegated to the Senior Management of the School. Risks are identified, assessed and controls established throughout the year. Risk is managed under the headings of governance and management, law and regulation, external factors, and human resources.

Page 6

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

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

The Board is committed to high standards of corporate governance and reviews its activities on a regular basis. The Board is responsible for the Charity's system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.

Financial Review

The financial results of the school are set out on pages 13 and 14 of the accounts. The school generated income of £3,770,633, costs to run the School amounted to £4,246,907 and fee discounts of £272,040 were given. At the year end the net assets were £2,631,782 including fixed assets of £2,771,790, cash balances of £729,244, fees received in advance and deposits of £882,781 and other working capital.

Reserves policy

It is the Governors' policy to maintain reserves that will permit them to maintain and develop the School's facilities for the purpose of enhancing over time its ability to meet its long-term charitable objectives. To that end, the Governors seek to ensure that there are sufficient reserves to afford reasonable protection to the charitable company in the context of current and anticipated commitments and exposure to external and/or internal risks. The Governors review the reserves position regularly.

At the year-end unrestricted funds for the School stood at £2,631,782 (2022: £3,108,056). After deducting the carrying value of tangible fixed assets held for the School's own use, free reserves, as defined by the Charity Commission, were (£140,008) (2022: £140,157). Whilst this is currently lower than the target of one term’s expenditure, it reflects the significant investment in the School’s grounds, buildings, and facilities. This is common in independent schools which have to finance their own capital investment.

Information on fundraising practices

All fundraising activities for the School are carried out by School staff with assistance from the parents and pupils with the running of specific fundraising events. They decide, after consideration, which charities they wish to donate to therefore raising their awareness of both local and global issues. Charities varied from Crawley Open House, Children in Need, and the Royal British Legion to name but a few. The School does not use professional fundraisers or have any commercial participators. The school did not receive any complaints in respect of its fundraising activities.

Page 7

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Governors’ responsibilities statement

The Governors (who are also directors of Copthorne School Trust Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Governors' 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 Governors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Governors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Governors are required to:

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

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Governors at the time when this Governors' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

Kreston Reeves LLP have expressed their willingness to continue as auditors for the next financial year.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Governors and approved by them on 13[th] November 2023

_______ Mrs S Coutinho ( Chair of Governors)

Page 8

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Opinion

We have audited the Financial Statements of Copthorne School Trust Limited (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31[st] August 2023 which comprise the Statement of financial activities including a summary income and expenditure account, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of cash flows and notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the Financial Statements:

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the governors’ annual report, other than the Financial Statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The governors are responsible for the other information contained within the governors’ annual report. Our opinion on the Financial Statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the Financial Statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the governors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 8, the governors (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the governors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

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

Page 10

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

Based on our understanding of the charitable company and industry, and through discussion with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to safeguarding, health and safety, and employment law. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006, Charities Statement of Recommended Practice 2019 and pension legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Page 11

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Kreston Reeves LLP

Kreston Reeves LLP Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Horsham

Dated: 14 November 2023

Kreston Reeves LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 12

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including summary Income and Expenditure) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Unrestricted
Funds
Notes
£
INCOME FROM:
Charitable activities
3
3,684,895
Other trading activities
4
62,648
Investments
5
23,090
_
Total income
3,770,633
_
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
46,585
Charitable activities
4,200,322
_
Total expenditure7
4,246,907
_
NET INCOME
(476,274)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
-
_
(476,274)

Fund balances at 1stSeptember 2022
3,108,056
_
FUND BALANCES at 31st August 2023
2,631,782
___		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
_
-
_
-
-
_
_
-
_
-
-
_
-
-
_
-
___		 Total
Funds
£
3,684,895
62,648

23,090
_
3,770,633
_
46,585
4,200,322
___
4,246,907
_
(476,274)
-
_
(476,274)
3,108,056
_
2,631,782
_		 2022
£
3,880,127
79,091
1,399
_
3,960,617
_
30,376
4,245,364
_
4,275,740
_
(315,123)
-
_
(315,123)
3,423,179
_
3,108,056
___

There are no other recognised gains and losses other than the net income for the year. All operations and activities are continuing.

The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of these Financial Statements.

Page 13

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

Company Number: 01239211

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
10
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
12
672,543
Cash at bank and in hand
729,244
_
1,401,787
CREDITORS:due within one year:
13
(1,084,646)
_
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
CREDITORS:due after more than one year:
14
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
15
Restricted funds
15
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 2023
£
£
2,771,790
146,585
1,521,840
_
1,668,425
(1,032,964)
_
324,223
___
3,096,013
(457,149)
_
2,631,782
_
2,631,782
-
_
2,631,782
_		 2022
£
2,967,899
635,461
_
3,603,360
(495,304)
_
3,108,056
_
3,108,056
-
_
3,108,056
___

The entity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the entity to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. However an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

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 Board of Governors on 13[th] November 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Mrs S Coutinho

Chair of Governors

The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of these Financial Statements.

Page 14

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

2023 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
Net cash flow from operating activities (712,130) 170,517
Cash flow from investing activities
Interest income received 23,090 1,399
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (49,735) (816,393)
Disposal of tangible fixed assets 5,800 9,000
Net cash flow from investing activities (20,845) (805,994)
Cash flow from financing activities
Receipt of loan - 500,000
Repayment of loan (41,348) (33,337)
Payment of loan interest (18,273) (6,410)
Net cash flow from financing activities (59,621) 460,253
_____ ___
Net cash flow (792,546) (175,224)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1stSeptember 1,521,840 1,697,064
Cash and cash equivalents at 31st August 729,244 1,521,840
RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2023 2022
£ £
Net expenditure for the year (476,274) (315,123)
(as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustment for:
Depreciation charges 222,548 223,191
Loan interest 18,273 6,410
Loss/(Profit) on disposal of fixed assets 17,496 (9,000)
Investment income (23,090) (1,399)
(Increase)/decrease in stocks - (44,962)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (525,958) (46,771)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 54,875 174,705
__ __
Increase/(decrease) in cash provided by operating activities (712,130)
__		 170,517
__

The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of these Financial Statements.

Page 15

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) General information and basis of preparation

Copthorne School Trust Limited is a private charitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 3 of these Financial Statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are detailed in the Governors’ Report.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1[st] January 2019.

The Financial Statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. The Financial Statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

b) Going concern

Having reviewed the funding facilities available to the School together with the expected ongoing demand for places and the School’s future projected cash flows, the Governors have a reasonable expectation that the School has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Financial Statements as outlined in the Statement of Governors’ responsibilities.

c)

Income recognition

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities ( SOFA ) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Income from charitable activities includes school fees receivable, registration fees and fees from ancillary activities. School fees receivable consist of charges billed for the school year ending 31[st] August, less bursaries, discounts, and other allowances. Fees received for education to be provided in future years are carried forward as deferred income. Registration fees are non-refundable fees which are recognised once parents/guardians have committed for the child to attend the school in the school year ending 31[st] August. Income from ancillary activities is generated from additional activities such as music exam fees and after school clubs being offered to pupils in the school year ending 31[st] August.

Page 16

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)

Income from trading activities includes income earned from rents and lettings to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for renting out the buildings and fields of the School in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Income from investments includes interest which is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

Income from grants received are recognised when there is reasonable assurance that the School will comply with the conditions attaching to the grant and the grant will be received.

d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates.

e)

Support costs

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include administrative and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.

f)

Pension schemes

The School contributes to a Teacher-specific defined contribution scheme and it is accounted for as such. The School also contributes to a defined contribution personal pension scheme for non-teaching staff. All contributions are included in pension costs in the period to which they relate.

The School also has members in the Independent Schools Pension Scheme (ISPS). ISPS is a funded scheme, and the assets are held separately from those of the school in separate trustee administered funds. The scheme trustee commissions an actuarial valuation of the scheme every three years using the prospective unit credit method. The ISPS is a multi-employer scheme, and these is insufficient information to use defined benefit scheme accounting, therefore the school accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme and the contributions are recognised in the period to which they relate. Where the actuarial valuation reveals a shortfall of assets compared to liabilities, a liability for additional agreed contribution payments is recognised in full.

g)

Other employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the school, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

Termination payments are recognised as an expense at the amount expected to be paid when the termination is communicated to the affected employees.

Page 17

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)

h) Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

i) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets retained for use by the School at rates calculated to spread each asset’s cost, less its estimated residual value at prices ruling at date of acquisition, over its expected useful economic life, which for each class of asset is initially assessed as averaging:

Freehold buildings and improvements over 5 to 50 years Plant and machinery 20% straight line Motor vehicles 25% straight line Fixtures and fittings 10% straight line

Items costing less than £1,500 are written off as an expense as acquired.

j) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at the transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

k) Cash

Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments from the date of opening of the deposit or similar account.

l) Financial Instruments

The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and financial liabilities and their measurement bases are as follows:

m)

Funds

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Further details of each fund are disclosed in note 15. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund are set out in the notes of the Financial Statements.

Page 18

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

n) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

o) Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met, and the grants received. During the prior year the charity made use of the UK government coronavirus job retention scheme.

2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The School makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below:

Under component accounting the freehold buildings are divided into major components which are considered to have substantially different useful lives. Judgement is used in allocating property costs between components and in determining the useful lives of each component and this judgement may have a material impact on the depreciation charge.

Critical areas of judgement:

Deposits held by the School repayable when a pupil leaves the School are included in other creditors falling due within one year to reflect the notice period which can be given.

3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
Gross fees
3,661,509
Less:bursaries, scholarships, and allowances
(272,040)
Add: other charges to pupils
290,726
Registration fees
4,700
_
3,684,895
_		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
_
-
_		 Total
Funds
2023
£
3,661,509
(272,040)
290,726
4,700
_
3,684,895
_		 Total
Funds
2022
£
3,943,379
(313,369)
243,717
6,400
_
3,880,127
_

All income from charitable activities in the prior year was unrestricted.

Page 19

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
Rent and lettings
50,363
Sundry income
11,093
Profit on sale of assets
1,192
_
62,648
_		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
_
-
_		 Total
Funds
2023
£
50,363
11,093
1,192
_
62,648
_		 Total
Funds
2022
£
54,866
15,225
9,000
_
79,091
_

All income from other trading activities in the prior year was unrestricted.

5. INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
Bank interest
23,090
__		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
__		 Total
Funds
2023
£
23,090
__		 Total
Funds
2022
£
1,399
__

All investment income in the prior year was unrestricted.

6. GOVERNANCE COSTS

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
Auditor’s remuneration - current year
15,000
Other accountancy costs
5,396
Other governance costs
800
_
21,196
_		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
_
-
_		 Total
Funds
2023
£
15,000
5,396
800
_
21,196
_		 Total
Funds
2022
£
14,400
4,003
2,780
_
21,183
_

During the year, the Governors did not receive nor waive any remuneration from the School or other benefits in their capacity as directors and charity trustees. No expenses (2022: nil) were reimbursed to Governors for attending external meetings and seminars.

During the year, the children of 6 (2022 – 3) of the Governors attended the School. None of the children of the Governors received a bursary. Any applicable sibling discounts and scholarships have been awarded under the usual school criteria.

Page 20

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

7. EXPENDITURE: analysis of total expenditure – Current year

7.
EXPENDITURE: analysis of total expenditure – Current year
Staff costs
Charitable activities
£
School operating costs
Teaching
2,015,655
Welfare
184,562
Premises
164,352
Support
322,245
_
2,686,814
Expenditure on governance
-
Expenditure on raising funds
-
_
2,686,814
_
7. EXPENDITURE: analysis of total expenditure – Prior year
Staff costs
Charitable activities
£
School operating costs
Teaching
2,174,717
Welfare
179,454
Premises
166,361
Support
330,318
_
2,850,850
Expenditure on governance
-
Expenditure on raising funds
-
_
2,850,850
_
All expenditure in the current and prior year was unrestricted.
8.
NET INCOME
Net income is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Auditor’s remuneration – current year
Auditor’s remuneration – non-audit services		 Other
£
364,126
129,253
416,582
359,802
_
1,269,763
21,196
46,585
_
1,337,544
_
Other
£
307,632
125,870
478,914
237,724
_
1,150,140
21,183
30,376
_
1,201,699
_		 Dep’n
£
35,110
-
187,439
-
_
222,549
-
-
_
222,549
_
Dep’n
£
31,362
-
191,829
-
_
223,191
-
-
_
223,191
_
2023
£
222,549
15,000
5,396
__		 2023
Total
£
2,414,891
313,815
768,373
682,047
_
4,179,126
21,196
46,585
_
4,246,907
_
2022
Total
£
2,513,711
305,324
837,104
568,042
_
4,224,181
21,183
30,376
__
4,275,740
_
2022
£
223,191
14,400
4,003
_

Page 21

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

9. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Employer’s NI costs
Pension contributions

Average number of monthly employees in the year:

Teaching and teaching support
Administration, domestic and maintenance staff
 2023
£
2,240,056
198,307
248,451
_
2,686,814
_
2023
Number
56
24
__
80
____		 2022
£
2,391,678
225,400
233,772
_
2,850,850
_
2022
Number
56
35
__
91
____

The number of employees who received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 is as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
£70,001 - £80,000 - 1
£80,001 - £90,000 1 1
£110,001 - £120,000 - -
£140,001 - £150,000 - 1

Key management personnel are considered to be the School’s Leadership Team, comprising the Headmaster, Bursar, Deputy Head, Head of Nursery and Pre-Prep, Director of Wellbeing and the Head of HR. The total remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel during the year was £457,030 (2022 - £546,447).

Page 22

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1stSeptember 2022
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
At 31stAugust 2023
Depreciation
At 1stSeptember 2022
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31stAugust 2023
Net Book Value
At 31st August 2023
At 31stAugust 2022		 Freehold
property
£
4,509,770
-
(18,687)
39,900
_
4,530,983
_
1,851,273
113,917
-
_
1,965,190
_
2,565,793
_
2,658,497
_		 Plant &
Machinery
Fixtures,
fittings & IT
£
£
211,697
533,244
-
42,235
-
-
-
-
_
_
211,697
575,479
_
_
84,464
403,238
34,119
66,544
-
-
_
_
118,583
469,782
_
_
93,114
105,697
_
_
127,233
130,006
_
_		 Motor
vehicles
Assets under
construction
£
£
141,149
39,900
7,500
-
(7,900)
-
-
(39,900)
_
_
140,749
-
_
_
128,886
-
7,969
-
(3,292)
-
_
_
133,563
-
_
_
7,186
-
_
_
12,263
39,900
_
_		 Total
£
5,435,760
49,735
(26,587)
-
__
5,458,908
_
2,467,861
222,549
(3,292)
_
2,687,118
__
2,771,790
_
2,967,899
_

11. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Investment in Group Undertaking

On 13[th] November 1990, the Charity acquired 100 £1 Ordinary shares, for £nil consideration, representing the entire issued share capital of Copthorne School Services Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales. Copthorne School Services Limited has remained dormant since incorporation in November 1990.

12. DEBTORS

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments		 2023
£
592,544
19,679
60,320
_
672,543
_		 2022
£
13,545
16,879
116,161
_
146,585
_

Page 23

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

13. CREDITORS: FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Pension liability
Accruals and other creditors
Fees received in advance and deposits held
Bank loan
14. CREDITORS: FALLING DUE MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Pension liability (see note 19)
Bank loan
Fees received in advance
Reconciliation of movement in deferred income during the year
Beginning of the year
Released to the statement of financial activities
Received in the year
End of the year
Deferred income relates to fees received in advance.
Bank loan
Due within 1 year
Repayable in 1-2 years
Repayable in 2-5 years
Due in 5+ years
End of the year		 2023
£
98,532
-
36,631
889,863
59,620
_
1,084,646
_
2023
£
67,849
365,695
23,605
_
457,149
_
2023
£
705,369
(705,369)
785,531
_
785,531
_
2023
£
59,620
59,620
178,861
127,214
_
425,315
_		 2022
£
42,772
-
128,640
801,932
59,620
__
1,032,964
_
2022
£
57,574
407,043
30,687
_
495,304
_
2022
£
586,232
(586,232)
705,369
_
705,369
_
2022
£
59,620
59,620
178,861
168,562
_
466,663
__

The bank loan is secured by charge on freehold property and will be repaid over 10 years. The rate of interest on the loan is fixed at 3.62% pa.

Page 24

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

15. FUNDS MOVEMENT – current year

1
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
FUNDS MOVEMENT – prior year
1
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds		 September
2022
£
-
3,108,056
_
3,108,056
_

September
2021
£
56,114
3,366,809
_
3,422,923
_		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
-
-
3,770,633
(4,246,907)
_
_
3,770,633
(4,246,907)
_
_
Income
Expenditure
£
£
-
-
3,960,617
(4,275,740)
_
_
3,960,617
(4,275,740)
_
_		 Transfers
£
-
-
_
-
_
Transfers
£
(56,114)
56,114
_
-
_		 31 August
2023
£
-
2,631,782
___
2,631,782
_
31 August
2022
£
-
3,108,056
_
3,108,056
___

In the prior year restricted funds were comprised of £25,000 received for a classroom block and £31,114 for the funds received from the Astro pitch appeal.

Transfers in the prior year represent amounts which have been fully spent on fixed assets.

16. FUNDS: ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS – current year

Fixed Assets
£
Restricted funds
-
Unrestricted funds
2,771,790
_
2,771,790
_
FUNDS: ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS – prior year
Fixed Assets
£
Restricted funds
-
Unrestricted funds
2,967,899
_
2,967,899
_		 Net
Current
Assets
Long Term
Liabilities
£
£
-
-
324,223
(464,231)
_
_
324,223
(464,231)
_
_
Net
Current
Assets
Long Term
Liabilities
£
£
-
-
635,461
(495,304)
_
_
635,461
(495,304)
_
_		 2023
Fund
Balances
£
-
2,631,782
_
2,631,782
_
2022
Fund
Balances
£
-
3,108,056
_
3,108,056
_

FUNDS: ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS – prior year

Page 25

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

17. OPERATING LEASES

Operating lease payments totalling £18,983 (2022: £8,897) have been recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities.

At 31 August the charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Due within 1 year
Due from 1-5 years		 2023
£
17,816
29,108
_
46,924
_		 2022
£
8,808
10,347
_
19,155
_

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions during the period (2022: £ nil).

19. PENSION SCHEMES

The school runs defined contribution personal pension schemes for those members of staff not entitled to join the defined contribution teacher’s scheme: Aviva Pensions Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS). The net assets of the schemes are each held separately from those of the school in independently administered funds.

The pension cost for the year represents the school’s contributions to these schemes of £248,451 (2022: £233,722) and there were no contributions due at the year end.

Contributions in respect of the school's defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the income and expenditure account for the year in which they are payable to the scheme. Differences between contributions payable and contributions actually paid in the year are shown as either accruals or prepayments at the year end.

Independent Schools’ Pension Scheme

The school participates in this scheme, a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 66 nonassociated employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the school to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore, it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.

The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.

The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore, the school is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme.

Page 26

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023

COPTHORNE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2023

19. PENSION SCHEMES (CONT)

A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2021. This actuarial valuation showed assets of £211.1m, liabilities of £249.4m and a deficit of £38.2m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the trustees and the participating employers have agreed that additional contributions will be paid, in combination from all employers to the scheme.

The recovery plan contributions are allocated to each participating employer in line with their estimated share of the scheme liabilities.

Where the scheme is in deficit and where the school has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement the school recognises a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculated using the discount rate detailed in these disclosures. The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost.

The school is required to pay £7,457 per annum from 1 September 2022, increasing 3% each year, for the next 10 years until 30 June 2032. The provision held for the present value of the contributions as at 31 August 2023 is £67,849.

There will be a review of progress at the next valuation.

20. 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 they are a member, or within one year after they cease to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before they cease to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

21. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

At 1
Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year
Debt due after 1 year		 September
2022
£
1,521,840
(59,620)
(407,043)
_
1,055,177
_		 Other non
At 31 August
Cash flows
cash changes
2023
£
£
£
(792,596)
-
729,244
41,348
(41,348)
(59,620)
41,348
(365,695)
_
_
___
(751,248)
-
303,929
_
_
___

Page 27

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023