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2024-08-31-accounts

Company Registration No. 01584957 (England and Wales) Charity No. 283708

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Report of the Governors 2-8
Independent auditors’ report 9-11
Consolidated statement of financial activities 12
Consolidated balance sheet 13
Charity balance sheet 14
Consolidated statement of cash flows 15-16
Notes to the financial statements 17-30

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Legal and administrative information

Governors Dr R Day (Chair until March 2024)
Mrs R Newton (Chair from March 2024)
Mrs E Brook Revd N Wells
Mr W Badawy Mr G House
Mrs K Potten Revd J Burke
Mrs S Hill Dr John Holloway
Mr D Walker
Head Mrs Tracy Harris (Appointed 1 September 2023)
Secretary Mr G Ives (Resigned August 2024)
Mrs Cecilia Handel (Appointed September 2024)
Company registered number 01584957
Charity Commission
registration number 283708
Registered office and
principal address Talbot Heath School
Rothesay Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH4 9NJ
Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc Barclays Wealth
Bournemouth Branch The Helm
45 Old Christchurch Road 39 Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth Bournemouth
BH1 1ED BH8 8EH
Solicitors Steele Raymond LLP Wilsons Solicitors LLP
Richmond Point St John’s Street
43 Richmond Hill Salisbury
Bournemouth Wiltshire
Dorset SP1 2SB
BH2 6LR
Auditors Saffery LLP
Midland House
2 Poole Road
Bournemouth
BH2 5QY
Investment advisers Barclays Wealth
The Helm
39 Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8EH

Page 1

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors For the year ended 31 August 2024

The Governors present their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024. The provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 (FRS 102) have been adopted in their preparation.

Governors

The Governors are also the Trustees and Directors of the company. Those who served during the year and who were in office at the date of this report are listed below:

Dr R Day Mrs S Richards (Resigned 19 March 2024) Dr D Sadd (Resigned 22 March 2024) Mrs R Newton Mrs A Ewins (Resigned 19 March 2024) Revd N Wells Mrs K Potten (Appointed 19 September 2023) Mrs T Magrath (Resigned 17 September 2024) Mr W Badawy Revd J Burke Mr G House Mrs C Sutcliffe (Resigned 13 December 2024) Mrs E Brook (Appointed 2 July 2024) Mr D Walker (Appointed 25 March 2025) Dr John Holloway (Appointed 25 March 2025) Mrs S Hill (Appointed 25 March 2025)

Status and administration

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 9 September 1981. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were last updated on 13 March 2012.

Objectives and activities

In setting the School’s objectives and planning activities, the Governors have given careful consideration to the Charities Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and on fee charging.

The objects of the company are the advancement of education providing boarding and day schooling for girls between the ages of 3 and 18. The School has a Junior School with a Pre-Preparatory Department. Each stage of the curriculum is tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular age group. The transition between key stages is carefully monitored to ensure continuity of care. The school also runs a Tennis Academy, in conjunction with West Hants Tennis Club and a Swimming Academy, in conjunction with Poole Swimming Club.

The School is a Church of England School, founded on Christian principles, with a strong chaplaincy team and religious leaders from other faiths who visit the school for assemblies and as part of the Religious Studies programme to foster understanding between pupils of all faiths and to ensure the spiritual support of all members of the School community. The School has been designated as a School with a religious character.

Trustees take the views of its stakeholders very seriously. In addition to regular surveys of pupils, parents and staff, the students’ voice is heard through a School Council in the Senior School, the Prefect system in the Junior School and through suggestion boxes and meetings with the Heads of House in Boarding.

Structure, governance and management

The company is controlled by the Board of Governors, which meets four times a year to determine the general policy of the School and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. A subsidiary trading company, Rothesay Events (registered number 10139433), wholly owned by Talbot Heath School Trust Ltd, was incorporated on 21[st] April 2016 and became active on 1[st] September 2017. The results of the trading company have been consolidated in these financial statements.

The following committees exist and operate under terms of reference issued by the Board. The Chair of the Board of Governors is an ex officio member of all committees except the Appeals Committee.

Page 2

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

The operational leadership and management of the school is delegated to the Head who also has delegated powers to authorise payments to a maximum of £10,000.

Appointment of Governors

The Governing Body consists of not less than 8 and not more than 18, of whom two are nominative governors, nominated by the Bishop of Winchester and the Bishop of Salisbury. At the time of this report there are 8 governors. All governors are entitled to hold office for a period of 3 years from the date of election/nomination. The Chair and Vice-Chair of Governors are elected by the Governing Body for a term of 2 years and 4 terms may be served consecutively.

Appointment of new Governors during the year is subject to re-election at the Annual General Meeting; at which one third of the Foundation Governors retire annually. At the AGM held in March 2024, Mrs Magrath retired and was re-elected, Mrs A Ewins, Mrs D Sadd and Mrs S Richards retired and were not re-elected and Mrs K Potten was appointed.

Prospective Governors are required to complete a self-declaration confirming that they are not disqualified from being a Charity Trustee. An induction is provided to all new Governors who are given a mentor and on-line access to the Governors’ Information area of the school intranet site. This details statutory and operational information and guidance concerning the School, its policies and a code of conduct for Governors. The content of the Governors’ Information area is subject to annual review by the Full Governing Board.

Governors complete a Skills Audit and evaluate their competency as a body, every two years. This informs training, succession planning and recruitment. A Recruitment, Induction and Training process and policy is being reviewed in the Spring term of 2025.

Page 3

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Statement of Governors’ responsibilities

Company law and laws applicable to charities in England and Wales, require the Governors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its surplus or deficit for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the Governors are required to:

The Governors are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the company and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and applicable Charity Law. 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.

The Governors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Risk management

The Board of Governors has compiled a risk register, identifying the major risks to which the company is exposed, by assessing the potential impact and likely occurrence of each risk. The assessment of such has enabled the Governors to develop risk-handling options for each major risk. The risk register is reviewed on a termly basis by the sub-committees and reported to the full Board. A description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the company together with the plans and strategies for managing those risks are:

Main Risks Controls
Income, expenditure and cash flow Regular financial reporting with strong budget planning and
controls
Policy and political change Monitoring the charitable aims and maximizing public benefit
Inferior quality teaching leading to poor external
examination results		 Robust teacher appraisal procedures and pupil achievement
tracking systems
Narrow curriculum leading to failure to recruit
pupils, particularly in the Sixth Form		 Sufficient finance for excellent teacher recruitment and
curriculum resources
Site and infrastructure failure Regular maintenance and asset management
Critical incidents Effective crisis management and Health & Safetytraining
Dissatisfied stakeholders Excellent communication and information through a range of
media includinga vibrant and up-to-date website.

Investment policy

The company may make investments as it sees fit. The strategy for investments is generally one of medium risk, but this is reviewed annually. Asset allocations focus on long-term growth and sustainability of the funds to support the school beyond the foreseeable future.

The Governors consider the ethics of the companies in which the portfolio is invested from time to time and, whilst they would wish to invest in companies with a philosophy compatible to that of the School, they are mindful of the requirement placed upon them as Trustees to maximise the charity’s investments.

The School has delegated investment management to Barclays Wealth. A written policy statement has been provided to, and agreed with, the investment managers. Barclays Wealth has fully delegated powers within the terms of this policy. The investment policy is to invest across a broad range of funds and markets and requires an income return sufficient to

Page 4

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

meet any shortfall in annual expenditure, and long-term growth greater than RPI to ensure the future security of the portfolio.

The policy also provides that no single investment should exceed 5% of the total value of investments, and no single market sector to exceed 15% of the total.

In the 12 months to 31 August 2024, the Queensmount Fund portfolio decreased 3.65%; this is against a benchmark increase of 1.44% and the General Fund portfolio increased 11.4% compared to a benchmark increase of 1.44%. The decreases within the Balance sheet on the Queensmount Fund are due to cash withdrawals which have taken place in the year. The Governors will continue to keep the investment portfolio under review in the forthcoming year.

In accordance with the School’s accounting policies, investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The investment advisors to the School have confirmed that, in the previous year, there was no permanent diminution in the value of the School’s assets.

Grant making policy

During the academic year the School provided financial assistance through 29 bursaries (2023: 22) amounting to £120,012 (2023: £120,756) and 128 (2023: 93) scholarships amounting to £319,571 (2023: £301,799). Some pupils received both scholarships and bursaries. In addition 13 (2023: 13) pupils received Governors’ Free places amounting to £82,468 (2023: £106,220), No (2023: 2) pupils received Boarding bursaries of £nil (2023: £4,244), 1 (2023: 20) pupils received Sixth Form Scholarships amounting to £3,458 (2023: £70,372), 14 (2023: 12) pupils received a tennis academy award of £92,274 (2023: £95,896), No (2023: 2) pupils received Music awards of £nil (2023: £1,618), 2 pupils (2023: 3) received a Clergy bursary of £17,303 (2023: £30,442), 4 (2023: 5) pupils received Speech Training & Drama awards amounting to £2,820 (2023: £2,892) and at the TH Swimming Academy 20 pupils (2023: 17) received awards totalling £74,403 (2023: £81,732) This represents a total of £712,309 (2023: £815,968).

In total, the sums awarded for the year amount to 7.9% (2023: 9.6%) of gross fees.

The Board’s policy is to make awards based on academic ability and/or excellence in Art, Performing Arts, Music or Sport. Bursaries are made on the basis of need and to relieve hardship where it considers that a pupil’s education and future prospects are at risk. Awards are given at the discretion of the Head and bursaries are reviewed annually.

Reserves policy

The current level of the School’s reserves is detailed in notes 15 and 16 to the accounts.

The Board is of the opinion that fixed assets, principally the School property, represent the majority of reserves and it is essential that these facilities are maintained to a high standard. It also believes that the facilities of the School, including classroom facilities, should continually be improved in order to maintain the long-term viability of the School. This will be the largest area of capital expenditure for the foreseeable future.

The current level of reserves, referred to as free reserves, and representing the reserves of the School excluding those invested in fixed assets and not specifically designated is currently in surplus by £858,464 (2023: £1,139,433). The Governors consider the ideal level of free reserves to be a minimum of a terms worth of unrestricted fund expenditure, i.e. four months, which is approximately £2.85m. This would enable the School to cover charitable expenditure, staff salaries and other overheads in the event of closure.

Whilst the current level of reserves only represents two months expenditure, the Governors feel it is at a practicable and achievable level in order to cover the risks and uncertainties operating as an independent educational establishment, and if there was a requirement, resources could be withdrawn from the investment portfolios to provide any additional support required.

The Governors intend to continue building up reserves out of annual operating surpluses while reducing external borrowing to reach the goal of four months expenditure in reserve, whilst carefully maintaining the ongoing external demands of further capital expenditure to equip the School with the up-to-date facilities needed to maintain the standard of educational services currently provided.

Page 5

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Fundraising policy

The Trustees take their responsibility under the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 seriously and have considered the implications on their activities.

The school continues to raise funds directly from parents via the Parent Staff Society to support the purchase of equipment for the STEAM Hub.

Commercial sponsorship for the school will be used solely for the purpose of additions or improvements, not for funding core operational activities and sponsorship must support the curriculum and provide added value to pupils’ learning.

The charity has a separate fundraising bank account which details all individual entries, the responsibility for which rests with the Bursar, who in turn reports directly to the Governing Body on a termly basis.

All fundraising is carried out in accordance with the standards of the Fundraising Code of Practice. Direct appeals to our parent and alumnae community are planned carefully to ensure they are neither unreasonable, persistent, or obtrusive.

No complaints have been received regarding fundraising activity during the year.

Remuneration Policy for senior staff

The Board of Governors and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running, and operating the Trust on a day-to-day basis. All governors give of their time freely and no director received remuneration in the year. Details of the governors’ expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in note 4 and 5 to the accounts.

The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually. In view of the nature of the charity, the directors benchmark against pay levels in other Independent Schools of a similar size.

Review of financial activities

The net incoming resources for the year, before transfers and investment gains, amounted to £5,568 (2023: £697,459). In addition, there were realised investment gains of £107,178 (2023: £137,358) and unrealised investment gains of £364,328 (2023: losses of £158,701) contributing to the net incoming resources of £477,074 (2023: £676,116). Furthermore, during the year £50,659 (2023: £600,870) was spent on capital items.

Public Benefit

The school engages with the wider community on a broad range of activities. Where the school can assist the community without detriment to advancing the education of its pupils, it is delighted to do so. The activities it has and continues to support are: Literary Awards across local schools. The school opens its World War II air raid shelter to school groups and community groups from across Dorset. It also provides subsidised facilities for a local netball academy. The school has opened a swimming academy in conjunction with Poole Swimming Club which provides a public facility for children and adults across the Dorset community. Providing outdoor learning facilities on our playing fields and in our Forest School area for local schools.

School achievements and performance

The school prepares an annual report to parents for each academic year. A summary of the report is given below:

Charitable activities

The whole school has worked hard together to support worthy causes and to raise awareness of charities through assemblies and fundraising. Great empathy for others has been shown by pupils choosing to support organisations that have a great global impact as well as a deeply personal connection. Once again TH girls have chosen to show their desire to make the world a fairer and better place. Some of the local, national and global charities supported this year were Children in Need, Godfrey’s Kitchen, Poppy Appeal, Red Nose Day and Dorset Mind.

Public examination results

Talbot Heath pupils achieved excellent examination results. 92% of A level pupils achieved their first choice university places with 79% of all grades A*-B. GCSE pupils also performed very well with 46% of all grades 7-9.

Page 6

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Information Communication Technology

Talbot Heath's was redesignated as an Apple Distinguished School in 2024 reflecting its innovate use of Apple devises. As a Regional Training Centre courses have been promoted through email and social media. Our school continues to lead in STEM fields, demonstrated by our team’s victory in the Rotary STEM competition, where they emerged as champions. The event challenged students’ ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, all of which are critical for success in today’s world.

In addition, our BIMA Digital Day allowed students to interact with industry professionals in the digital and technology sectors, providing them with invaluable insights into future career paths. This experience was essential in encouraging our students to think critically about their digital futures.

Creative and performing arts

Our Scholars Music Concert was a testament to the talent and hard work of our musically gifted students. Their dedication and discipline were clear to all, and it was a proud moment for the music department to witness such a polished performance. The school performance of Frozen was an undoubted highlight, described by many as “stunning” and “magical.” The professionalism with which the students performed on stage, and the technical skill behind the scenes, illustrated the power of collaboration, creativity, and dedication to the arts. The Carol Service, which featured both traditional and contemporary music, alongside lessons delivered by students, was a stunning end to the term. It was heartening to see our students showcase their musical talents in a way that celebrated both individual achievement and community spirit. Christmas time saw our first EYFS Nativity play. Our youngest pupils performed in the Jubilee Hall, speaking and singing clearly and delighting the audience of family and friends. Key Stage 1 performed a Nativity based around ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in the Great Hall and the experience was all the more magical as it snowed during their performance.

Sport

We were thrilled to be named Dorset LTA Tennis School of the Year 2023, a prestigious accolade that recognises our exceptional tennis programme and our students’ accomplishments on the court. In the National Tennis Finals, our U13 team became national champions, and our U15 team secured the runner-up position. These achievements were a reflection of the school’s commitment to sporting excellence, underpinned by expert coaching and the students’ relentless determination.

Our overall sports ranking also saw a significant improvement with Talbot Heath being placed 46th in the Top 200 Sports Schools of 2023, climbing from 59th the previous year, which underscores our growing reputation as a top-tier sporting institution. The summer also brought further sporting achievements. Our swimming teams shone brightly at the World School Games, with our Year 7/8 team coming in second and our Year 9/10 team winning first place. These results, along with our successes in tennis, reaffirm Talbot Heath’s standing as a school where sport plays a pivotal role in student life.

Future plans

Talbot Heath's 2024-27 Strategic Development Plan is built on four pillars: sustainability, curriculum, wellbeing, and leadership. The plan aims to create a unified school culture that encompasses both Junior and Senior School, as well as teaching and support staff. It also seeks to strengthen connections with alumnae, both staff and former pupils, to ensure that those who depart from the school remain connected to the Talbot Heath community.

Sustainability - Sustainability is at the forefront of Talbot Heath's commitment. The school recognizes the importance of preserving the environment for future generations and aims to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations. From reducing its carbon footprint and conserving natural resources to promoting eco-friendly initiatives and educating students about environmental stewardship, sustainability will be woven into the fabric of the school culture.

Curriculum - The curriculum serves as the backbone of education, shaping the learning experiences and opportunities for every student. It provides a structured framework through which knowledge, skills, and values are imparted, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded education. The plan will create a clear pathway for girls as they progress through each year, fostering continuity and progression in their education journey.

Wellbeing - The plan will review and enhance co-curricular offerings across all levels, developing a Talbot Heath Mini Baccalaureate that celebrates and recognizes girls' involvement in various aspects of school life. It will also develop a Talbot Heath Healthy Minds and Body curriculum that embeds education for resilience and kindness at its heart. The plan will also develop TH wellbeing goals for students across the school, embed an understanding of these goals and how students can master them to improve their wellbeing, and provide a range of opportunities to inform parents of new risks and safeguards.

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Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Report of the Governors (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Leadership - Leadership development stands as a cornerstone of Talbot Heath's commitment. The school is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders by providing comprehensive opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through tailored programs, mentorship initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities, the school aims to empower students to unlock their leadership potential and make meaningful contributions to society. The plan will prioritize leadership development across governance, senior leadership team, staff, and students, and expand pupil leadership opportunities, nurturing girls' skills and talents to prepare them for life beyond school.

Auditors

A resolution to re-appoint Saffery LLP will be submitted to the Annual General Meeting.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

(a) So far as each of the Governors is aware, there is no relevant information that has not been disclosed to the company’s auditors, and

(b) Each of the Governors believes that all steps have been taken that ought to have been taken to make them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors have been made aware of that information.

By order of the Governing Body, who also approve the strategic report in their capacity as directors.

Mrs R Newton Chair of Governors

Date: 26 June 2025

Page 8

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Independent auditors’ report To the Governors of Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Talbot Heath School Trust Limited (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiary (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charity Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including 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 group and parent 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 trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information; we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Page 9

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Independent auditors’ report (continued) To the Governors of Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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

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

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Governors’ Responsibilities set out on page 4, the Governors (who are also the directors of the parent charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the group and parent 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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.

Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:

We assessed the susceptibility of the group and parent charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the trustees, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls, and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations

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Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Independent auditors’ report (continued) To the Governors of Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

that are of significance in the context of the group and parent charitable company by discussions with trustees and updating our understanding of the sector in which the group and parent charitable company operate.

Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the group and parent charitable company include The Companies Act 2006 and guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The charity is subject to other laws and regulations where non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, through significant fine, litigation or restrictions on the charity’s operations. We identified the most significant laws and regulations to be those monitored by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Audit response to risks identified:

We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the parent charitable company’s records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the parent charitable company’s policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.

During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the parent charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent charitable company’s members 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 parent charitable company and the parent charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Casidhe Baleri (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Saffery LLP

Statutory Auditors Midland House 2 Poole Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 5QY

Date: 30 June 2025

Saffery LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 11

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Consolidated statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
FROM:
Donations, legacies and grants
5,738
Income from charitable activities
School fees receivable
2
8,283,503
Other trading activities
Letting income
357,629
Sundry
3
293,220
Investment income
62,407
Total income
9,002,497
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Provision of education
8,842,474
Raising funds
Financing costs
133,215
Investment management
20,233
Costs in relation to trading activities
25,353
178,801
Total expenditure
4
9,021,275
Net income before gains/(losses)
on investments
(18,778)
Net gains/(losses) on investments
9
337,679
Net surplus/(deficit)
318,901
Transfers between funds
15
65,046
Net movement in funds
6
383,947
Fund balances brought forward
11,387,355
Fund balances carried forward
15/16
11,771,302		 Designated
funds
£
-
-
-
-
34,773
34,773
-
-
8,377
-
8,377
8,377
26,396
133,827
160,223
(65,046)
95,177
1,590,797
1,685,974		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,050
-
-
-
-
2,050
(2,050)
-
(2,050)
-
(2,050)
58,422
56,372		 Total
2024
£
5,738
8,283,503
357,629
293,220
97,180
9,037,270
8,844,524
133,215
28,610
25,353
187,178
9,031,702
5,568
471,506
477,074
-
477,074
13,036,574
13,513,648		 Total
2023
£
4,617
7,674,460
301,657
1,142,237
132,480
9,255,451
8,399,186
126,346
32,184
276
158,806
8,557,992
697,459
(21,343)
676,116
-
676,116
12,360,458
13,036,574

The notes on pages 17 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

All amounts derive from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Page 12

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Consolidated balance sheet

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
-
Queensmount Fund
-
Prize Fund
-
General Fund
-
WVB Fund
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
12
Net current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors:
Amounts due in more than one year
13
Net assets
14
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
General funds
15
Designated funds
15
Revaluation reserve
15
Restricted Funds
16		 2024
£
£
12,251,424
1,276,514
70,000
2,547,098
1,051,335
4,944,947
17,196,371
4,049
441,493
1,545,599
1,991,141
(3,600,269)
(1,609,128)
15,587,243
(2,073,595)
13,513,648
11,443,228
1,542,400
471,648
56,372
13,513,648		 2024
£
£
12,251,424
1,276,514
70,000
2,547,098
1,051,335
4,944,947
17,196,371
4,049
441,493
1,545,599
1,991,141
(3,600,269)
(1,609,128)
15,587,243
(2,073,595)
13,513,648
11,443,228
1,542,400
471,648
56,372
13,513,648		 2023
£
£
12,598,688
1,324,926
70,000
2,286,379
943,405
4,624,710
17,223,398
7,450
373,409
856,285
1,237,144
(3,222,253)
(1,985,109)
15,238,289
(2,201,715)
13,036,574
11,300,258
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
13,036,574		 2023
£
£
12,598,688
1,324,926
70,000
2,286,379
943,405
4,624,710
17,223,398
7,450
373,409
856,285
1,237,144
(3,222,253)
(1,985,109)
15,238,289
(2,201,715)
13,036,574
11,300,258
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
13,036,574
4,049
441,493
1,545,599		 7,450
373,409
856,285
17,196,371
(1,609,128)		 17,223,398
(1,985,109)
1,991,141
(3,600,269)		 1,237,144
(3,222,253)
15,587,243
(2,073,595)		 15,238,289
(2,201,715)
13,513,648 13,036,574
11,443,228
1,542,400
471,648
56,372		 11,300,258
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
13,513,648 13,036,574

The surplus for the financial period dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company was £507,469 (2023: £634,404). As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate profit or loss account or statement of comprehensive income is presented in respect of the parent Company.

26 June 2025

Approved by the Governing Body on ……………………………………………. and signed on its behalf by

Richard Day Chairman of the Governing Body

Rebecca Newton Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee

The notes on pages 17 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Charity balance sheet For the year ended 31 August 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Investments
9
-
Queensmount Fund
-
Prize Fund
-
General Fund
-
WVB Fund
-
Rothesay Events Limited
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
12
Net current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors:
Amounts due in more than one year
13
Net assets
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
General funds
15
Designated funds
15
Revaluation reserve
15
Restricted Funds
16		 2024
£
£
12,251,424
1,276,514
70,000
2,547,098
1,051,335
1
4,944,948
17,196,372
4,049
370,934
1,387,278
1,762,261
(3,574,783)
(1,812,522)
15,383,850
(2,073,595)
13,310,255
11,239,835
1,542,400
471,648
56,372
13,310,255		 2024
£
£
12,251,424
1,276,514
70,000
2,547,098
1,051,335
1
4,944,948
17,196,372
4,049
370,934
1,387,278
1,762,261
(3,574,783)
(1,812,522)
15,383,850
(2,073,595)
13,310,255
11,239,835
1,542,400
471,648
56,372
13,310,255		 2023
£
£
12,598,688
1,324,926
70,000
2,286,379
945,405
1
4,624,711
17,223,399
7,450
334,802
712,063
1,054,315
(3,220,213)
(2,165,898)
15,057,501
(2,201,715)
12,855,786
11,119,470
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
12,855,786		 2023
£
£
12,598,688
1,324,926
70,000
2,286,379
945,405
1
4,624,711
17,223,399
7,450
334,802
712,063
1,054,315
(3,220,213)
(2,165,898)
15,057,501
(2,201,715)
12,855,786
11,119,470
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
12,855,786
4,049
370,934
1,387,278		 7,450
334,802
712,063
17,196,372
(1,812,522)		 17,223,399
(2,165,898)
1,762,261
(3,574,783)		 1,054,315
(3,220,213)
15,383,850
(2,073,595)		 15,057,501
(2,201,715)
13,310,255 12,855,786
11,239,835
1,542,400
471,648
56,372		 11,119,470
1,540,866
137,028
58,422
13,310,255 12,855,786

26 June 2025

Approved by the Governing Body on ……………..…………………………………………………… and signed on its behalf by

Richard Day Chairman of the Governing Body

Rebecca Newton Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee

The notes on pages 17 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Consolidated statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 August 2024

2024
Notes
£
£
Net cash absorbed by operating activities
1
982,839
Cash flows from investing activities
Bank and other interest received
10,502
Dividends received
86,678
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
(50,659)
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets
910
Payments to acquire investments
(1,109,249)
Proceeds from sales of investments
1,260,519
Net cash inflow from capital expenditure
and financial investment
198,701
Cash flows from financing activities
Bank loan repayments
(492,226)
Net cash outflow from financing activities
(492,226)
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period
689,314
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period
156,285
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period
845,599		 2023
£
£
(44,998)
9,910
122,570
(600,870)
881,380
(2,777,731)
2,792,323
427,582
(492,223)
(492,223)
(109,639)
265,924
156,285		 2023
£
£
(44,998)
9,910
122,570
(600,870)
881,380
(2,777,731)
2,792,323
427,582
(492,223)
(492,223)
(109,639)
265,924
156,285
(109,639)
265,924
156,285

Page 15

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 August 2024

1 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities

Net incoming resources per statement of
financial activities
Dividends receivable
Depreciation
Profit/loss on disposal
Bank and other interest received
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Decrease in provisions
Decrease in stocks
Net cash absorbed by operating activities
2 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Net cash:
Cash in hand at bank
Short term deposits
Overdraft facility
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
£
5,568
(86,678)
397,346
(334)
(10,502)
(68,084)
742,122
-
3,401
977,271
982,839
2024
£
563,620
981,979
(700,000)
845,599		 2023
£
£
697,459
(122,570)
400,911
(864,079)
(9,910)
(12,799)
(128,197)
-
(5,813)
(742,457)
(44,998)
2023
£
606,869
249,416
(700,000)
156,285

Page 16

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2024

1 Accounting policies

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Talbot Heath School, Rothesay Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9NJ.

As it is limited by guarantee, the School does not have any share capital. The members, consisting of the Governors and Directors, undertake to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 each in the event of the company being wound up.

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective from 1 January 2019, the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice. The accounts are drawn up on the historical cost basis of accounting, with the exception of the investments which are held at market value.

The School constitutes a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the School. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the School’s financial statements.

This charitable company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this charitable company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The charitable company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

The financial statements of the charitable company are consolidated in the financial statements of Talbot Heath School Trust Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, Talbot Heath School, Rothesay Road, Bournemouth, BH4 9NJ.

1.2

Basis of consolidation

The financial statements consolidate the results of the charitable company and its wholly owned subsidiary Rothesay Events Limited (company number 10139433) on a line-by-line basis. A separate Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure Account for the charitable company has not been presented because the Trust has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

1.3 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.

1.4 Fees and similar earned income

Fees receivable and charges for services and use of the premises, less any allowances, scholarships, Bursaries granted by the School against those fees, but including contributions received from restricted funds, are accounted for in the period in which the service is provided.

Page 17

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

1.5 Investment income

Investment income from dividends, bank balances and fixed interest securities is accounted for on an accruals basis. Income from investment properties is accounted for in the period to which the rental income relates.

1.6 Donations, legacies, grants and other voluntary incoming resources

Voluntary incoming resources are accounted for as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the School is considered probable. Voluntary income for the School’s general purposes is accounted for as unrestricted and is credited to the General Reserve. Where the donor or an appeal has imposed trust law restrictions, voluntary income is credited to the relevant restricted fund and incoming endowments are accounted for as permanent trust capital or expendable trust capital, according to whether the donor intends retention is to be permanent or not. Gifts in kind are valued at estimated open market value at the date of gift, in the case of assets for retention or consumption, or at the value to the School in the case of donated services or facilities.

1.7 Expenditure

Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer-term liabilities. Expenditure attributable to more than one cost category in the statement of financial activities is apportioned to them on the basis of the estimated amount attributable to each activity in the year, either by reference to staff time or the use made of the underlying assets, as appropriate. Irrecoverable VAT is included with the item of expenditure to which it relates.

Grants awarded are expensed as soon as they become legal or operational commitments.

Governance costs comprise the costs of running the School, including strategic planning for its future development, also external audit fees, any legal advice for the Board of Governors and all costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements, such as the cost of Governors meetings and of preparing statutory accounts and satisfying public accountability.

1.8 Tangible fixed assets

Expenditure on the acquisition, construction or enhancement of vehicles, furniture, machinery, ICT infrastructure and other equipment costing more than £500 are capitalised and carried in the balance sheet at historical cost. ICT equipment costs are written off as incurred. In certain circumstances, where the original costs of assets are not ascertainable, a reasonable estimate of the cost, if material, has been used. Other expenditure on equipment incurred in the normal day-to-day running of the School is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

Capital assets donated are capitalised in fixed assets and are included as incoming resources.

1.9 Depreciation

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of all relevant tangible fixed assets less estimated residual value based on current market prices, in equal annual instalments over their expected useful economic lives as follows:

Freehold buildings - 2%/4%/5%/10% on a straight line basis
Artificial sports pitches -10% on a straight line basis
Furniture, fittings and equipment -15% on a straight line basis
Motor vehicles -20% on a straight line basis
Computer and office equipment -33% on a straight line basis

1.10 Fund accounting

The charitable trust funds of the School are accounted for as unrestricted or restricted income, or as endowment capital, in accordance with the terms of trust imposed by the donors or any appeal to which they may have responded. Endowment funds are further subdivided into permanent and expendable.

Unrestricted income belongs to the School’s corporate reserves, spendable at the discretion of the Governors either to further the School’s Objects or to benefit the School itself. Where the Governors decide to set aside any part of these funds to be used in future for some specific purpose, this is accounted for by transfer to the appropriate designated fund.

Page 18

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

Designated income and funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Governors for particular purposes. Income arising on assets within the designated fund is included within that fund. The following designated funds exist:

Queensmount Fund

The fund was established in 1987. There is no formal deed establishing the fund, and no limitations other than the approval of the Board of Governors, and within the limitations of the Trustee Investment Act. The primary purpose of the fund’s investment activity is to generate income and capital growth to maintain the value of the fund to provide financial assistance to pupils and to fund capital projects.

Prize Funds

These funds have been accumulated over many years by donations from former pupils and parents. Prizes are distributed from the income annually at Speech Day.

Restricted funds are funds which have been given for specific purposes; the following restricted funds exist:

Angela Felgate Classics Fund

The Angela Felgate Classics fund was set up in memory of a former Classics teacher following a bequest and will be used to provide grants to cover the cost of an external Classical Greek course for pupils wishing to study Classics at university.

Barbara Miller Award

This fund was set up by an ex-teacher of English and is to be used for annual awards to English Scholars of up to £100.

Clare Austin Smith Bursary

This fund was set up following a bequest from Claire Austin Smith and will be used to provide a bursary for pupils entering lower fifth year through to upper sixth year.

Mary Broad Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to pupils entering a three-year University degree.

Cordelia Westcott Travel Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to those pupils intending to embark on an educational trip before taking up a university place.

Edwards Awards

This fund awards an annual prize to pupils who have been innovative and creative.

Details of funds are disclosed in notes 15 and 16 to the accounts.

1.11 Pensions

Retirement benefits to employees of the School are provided through two pension schemes. The pension costs charged in the Statement of Financial Activities are determined as follows:

1.12 Stock

Stock represents goods for resale and is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Page 19

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

1.13 Debtors

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

1.14 Cash at bank and in hand

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

1.15 Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains/ (losses) are calculated as the difference between market value at the date of disposal and market value at the previous balance sheet date (or date of acquisition if later). Unrealised gains/ (losses) are calculated as the difference between the market value at the balance sheet date and the market value at the previous balance sheet date (or date of acquisition if later).

1.16 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.17 Financial instruments

The trust 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.

1.18 Critical estimate and judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the governors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

There are no critical judgements in the application of the Charity’s accounting policies that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

2 School fees

Gross fees
Less:
Total bursaries, grants and other price differentials		 2024
£
8,995,812
(712,309)
8,283,503		 2023
£
8,490,428
(815,968)
7,674,460

Page 20

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

3 Sundry other income

ndry other income
Other fees and surcharges
Staff lunches		 2024
£
289,087
4,133
293,220		 2023
£
1,137,397
4,840
1,142,237

Other fees and surcharges in FY2024 contains a profit on land sold of £nil (2023: £825,315), minibus income and other sundry income.

4 Analysis of total expenditure

2024:

Charitable activities
School operating costs:
Teaching
Welfare
Premises
Support costs of schooling
Cost of raising funds
Financing costs
Investment management
Expenditure on trading activities
Total resources expended		 Staff costs
£
4,529,554
291,174
223,635
692,182
5,736,545
-
-
-
-
5,736,545		 Other
Depreciation
£
£
332,869
64,922
828,653
-
1,002,302
322,744
546,827
9,662
2,710,651
397,328
133,215
-
28,610
-
25,353
-
187,178
-
2,897,829
397,328		 Total
£
4,927,345
1,119,827
1,548,681
1,248,671
8,844,524
133,215
28,610
25,353
187,178
9,031,702

Page 21

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

4 Analysis of total expenditure (continued)

2023:
Staff costs
Other
Depreciation
£
£
£
Prior Year
Charitable activities
School operating costs:
Teaching
4,342,464
317,981
66,448
Welfare
261,646
823,486
-
Premises
167,831
919,644
322,953
Support costs of schooling
613,806
551,417
11,510
5,385,747
2,612,528
400,911
Cost of raising funds
Financing costs
-
126,346
-
Investment management
-
32,184
-
Expenditure on trading activities
-
276
-
-
158,806
-
Total resources expended
5,385,747
2,771,334
400,911
2024
Within support costs there are the following governance costs:
£
Criminal Records Bureau
2,342
ISC inspection
8,126
Audit
23,690
Governors’ liability insurance
1,300
Governors’ expenses reimbursed
131
Legal fees
19,166
Other professional fees
85,013
139,768		 Total
£
4,726,893
1,085,132
1,410,428
1,176,733
8,399,186
126,346
32,184
276
158,806
8,557,992
2023
£
3,585
4,327
25,030
889
955
7,535
125,695
168,016

The Governors’ liability insurance is in respect of all Governors and the expenses reimbursed relate to 1 Governors and mainly relate to subscriptions to the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools and travel expenses.

Page 22

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

5
Salaries and wages
Salaries
National insurance contributions
Pension costs		 2024
£
4,608,581
444,742
683,222
5,736,545		 2023
£
4,232,404
404,000
749,343
5,385,747

The average monthly number of employees during the year was made up as follows:

Teaching
Administrative and domestic
e number of higher paid employees w
£60,000-£70,000
£70,000-£80,000
£100,000-£110,000
£110,000-£120,000
Total		 Full time
2024
60
32
92
as:		 Part time
2024
47
24
71		 Full time
2023
60
30
90
2024
No
2
2
-
1
5		 Part time
2023
48
21
69
2023
No
3
-
1
-
4

The number of higher paid employees was:

During the year termination payments were made to 2 (2023: nil) employees totalling £12,330 (2023: £nil).

Contributions were made to the Scottish Equitable Pension Scheme, a defined contribution scheme and also to the Department for Education Superannuation Scheme, which is part of the Teachers’ Pension defined benefit scheme for the higher paid employees of £60,990 (2023: £59,739).

The total remuneration received by key management personnel during the year was £737,917 (2023: £749,338).

No Governors received remuneration during the year.

6

Net movement in funds

Net movement in funds
2024 2023
£ £
This is stated after charging:
Auditors’ remuneration (including VAT):
- for audit 22,380 28,468
- for other services 1,310 (2,210)
Depreciation:
- owned fixed assets 397,346 400,911

7 Taxation

The wholly owned subsidiary, Rothesay Events Limited, is registered for corporation tax, however, no taxation liability arose during the year.

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited is exempt from corporation tax due to its charitable status.

Page 23

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

8 Fixed assets

Group and charity
Cost
1 September 2023
Additions
Disposals
31 August 2024
Depreciation
1 September 2023
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposals
31 August 2024
Net book value
31 August 2023
31 August 2024		 Freehold
Land &
Buildings
£
15,212,812
3,435
-
15,216,247
3,075,220
322,744
-
3,397,964
12,137,592
11,818,283		 Furniture
& fittings &
equipment
£
1,976,413
15,720
-
1,992,133
1,594,339
33,475
-
1,627,814
382,074
364,319		 Motor
vehicles
£
284,840
24,000
(47,326)
261,514
273,564
9,662
(46,749)
236,477
11,276
25,037		 Computer
& office
equipmen
t
£
1,588,403
7,504
-
1,595,907
1,520,657
31,465
-
1,552,122
67,746
43,785		 Total
£
19,062,468
50,659
(47,326)
19,065,801
6,463,780
397,346
(46,749)
6,814,377
12,598,688
12,251,424

The net book value at 31 August 2024 represents fixed assets, which are all used for direct charitable purposes. The gross value of freehold buildings on which depreciation is charged amounts to is £6,263,698 (2023: £6,242,962).

In the Governors’ opinion the aggregate open market value of the freehold land and buildings exceeds its book value.

9 Fixed asset investments

Total fixed asset investments comprise:

Investments listed on a recognised stock
exchange
Other investments – deposits
Unlisted investments		 Group
2024
2023
£
£
4,697,857
4,370,154
247,090
254,556
-
-
4,944,947
4,624,710		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
4,697,857
4,370,154
247,090
254,556
1
1
4,944,948
4,624,711		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
4,697,857
4,370,154
247,090
254,556
1
1
4,944,948
4,624,711
4,624,711

Page 24

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

9 Fixed asset investments (continued)

Investment movements:
Market value at 1 September 2023
Additions
Disposal proceeds
Profit on disposal
Surplus/(deficit) on revaluation at 31 August
2024
Market value at 31 August 2024
Historical cost at 31 August 2024
Analysis of investments:
Cash
Equity shares
Fixed interest securities		 Group
2024
2023
£
£
4,624,710
4,660,645
1,109,250
2,777,731
(1,260,519)
(2,792,323)
107,178
137,358
364,328
(158,701)
4,944,947
4,624,710
4,473,295
4,487,679
Group
2024
2023
£
£
247,090
254,556
3,939,850
3,651,822
758,007
718,332
4,944,947
4,624,710		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
4,624,711
4,660,646
1,109,250
2,777,731
(1,260,519)
(2,792,323)
107,178
137,358
364,328
(158,701)
4,944,948
4,624,711
4,473,296
4,487,680
Charity
2024
2023
£
£
247,090
254,556
3,939,851
3,651,823
758,007
718,332
4,944,948
4,624,711		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
4,624,711
4,660,646
1,109,250
2,777,731
(1,260,519)
(2,792,323)
107,178
137,358
364,328
(158,701)
4,944,948
4,624,711
4,473,296
4,487,680
Charity
2024
2023
£
£
247,090
254,556
3,939,851
3,651,823
758,007
718,332
4,944,948
4,624,711
4,624,711

10 Subsidiaries

Details of the charity’s subsidiary at 31 August 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered office Class of share held % Held
Rothesay Events Limited Talbot Heath School, Ordinary 100.00
Rothesay Road, BH4 9NJ

11 Debtors

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments		 Group
2024
2023
£
£
262,205
216,069
2,721
2,023
176,567
155,317
441,493
373,409		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
170,461
164,612
23,906
14,873
176,567
155,317
370,934
334,802		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
170,461
164,612
23,906
14,873
176,567
155,317
370,934
334,802
334,802

Included within trade debtors is a bad debt provision of £71,238 (2023: £52,642).

Page 25

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

12 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
Bank overdraft
Trade creditors
Fees received in advance
Deposits
Tax and social security
Other creditors
Accruals		 Group
2024
2023
£
£
492,220
492,220
700,000
700,000
275,573
245,018
1,443,432
1,137,619
312,700
356,100
109,265
101,051
70,638
101,948
196,441
88,297
3,600,269
3,222,253		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
492,220
492,220
700,000
700,000
275,573
245,018
1,443,432
1,137,619
312,700
356,100
101,706
101,051
70,639
101,948
178,513
86,257
3,574,783
3,220,213		 Charity
2024
2023
£
£
492,220
492,220
700,000
700,000
275,573
245,018
1,443,432
1,137,619
312,700
356,100
101,706
101,051
70,639
101,948
178,513
86,257
3,574,783
3,220,213
3,220,213

The bank overdraft was secured by way of a fixed charge over the School’s investments and cash deposits held with the same institution.

13 Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year

Fees received in advance
Bank loan
Analysis of loans
Wholly repayable within 5 years:
Not wholly repayable within 5 years by instalments:
Loan maturity analysis
In more than one year but not more than two years
In more than two years but not more than five years
In more than five years		 Group and charity
2024
2023
£
£
364,106
-
1,709,489
2,201,715
1,709,489
1,883,532
-
742,122
492,220
492,220
1,217,269
1,459,596
-
318,183
2,073,595
2,201,715		 Group and charity
2024
2023
£
£
364,106
-
1,709,489
2,201,715
1,709,489
1,883,532
-
742,122
492,220
492,220
1,217,269
1,459,596
-
318,183
2,073,595
2,201,715
2,201,715

The bank loan of £187,785 (2023: £256,071) is secured by way of a fixed charge over the School’s investments and cash deposits held with the same institution.

A 10 year bank loan with a facility of £2,000,000 was entered into during 2018 to finance The Hub project. By the year end this has been drawn down in full and included in creditors at the year end. This loan contains a legal charge over the School. Interest is charged at 2.87% per annum with monthly capital repayments from May 2019.

A second 10 year bank loan with a facility of £2,000,000 was drawn down during 2019 to finance The Hub Project and is included in creditors at the year end. This loan contains a legal charge over the School. Interest is charged at 2.72% per annum with monthly capital repayments from July 2019.

Page 26

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

14 Allocation of net assets between funds

Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
1
Current year
General funds:
School funds
Designated funds:
Queensmount fund
Prize funds
Revaluation reserve		 Net current
Fixed assets assets/liabilities
£
£
17,160,371
(1,629,500)
36,000
20,372
17,196,371
(1,609,128)
Balance
September
Incoming
2023
resources
£
£
11,300,258
9,002,497
1,521,762
34,773
19,104
-
1,540,866
34,773
137,028
-
12,978,152
9,037,270		 Long term
liabilities
Provisions
£
£
(2,073,595)
-
-
-
(2,073,595)
-
Transfers and
Resources
gains/ (losses)
expended on investments
£
£
(9,021,275)
161,748
(8,377)
(24,862)
-
-
(8,377)
(24,862)
-
334,620
(9,029,652)
471,506		 Fund
balances
£
13,457,276
56,372
13,513,648
Balance
31 August
2024
£
11,443,228
1,523,296
19,104
1,542,400
471,648
13,457,276

15 Unrestricted funds

The revaluation reserve is split between the General school funds and the Designated funds resulting in total fund balances as follows:

General school
fund
£
Carried forward fund balance as above
11,443,228
Revaluation reserve
328,074
11,771,302		 Designated
fund
£
1,542,400
143,574
1,685,984

Unrestricted funds in the charity itself are £11,239,835 (2023: £11,119,470). Designated funds and the Revaluation Reserve are in line with the group figures disclosed above.

The Queensmount Fund came from another school's closure in 1990s. In line with the wishes of that school's charitable objectives, the proceeds were transferred to Talbot Heath for the furtherment of education and to support capital improvement projects. The Queensmount fund is used to generate income, which is used to fund a proportion of the bursaries and scholarships. The capital is set aside to fund future capital expenditure as and when the need arises.

The Prize funds have been accumulated over many years by donations from former pupils and parents. Prizes are distributed from the income annually at Speech Day.

Page 27

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

15 Unrestricted funds (continued)

1
Prior year
General funds:
School funds
Designated funds:
Queensmount fund
Prize funds
Revaluation reserve		 Balance
September
2022
£
10,536,881
1,555,107
19,104
1,574,211
192,253
12,303,345		 Incoming
resources
£
9,212,449
41,002
-
41,002
-
9,253,451		 Resources
expended
£
(8,538,991)
(18,310)
-
(18,310)
-
(8,557,301)		 G&L
£
89,919
(56,037)
(56,037)
(55,225)
(21,343)		 Balance
31 August
2023
£
11,300,258
1,521,762
19,104
1,540,866
137,028
12,978,152

The revaluation reserve is split between the General school funds and the Designated funds resulting in total fund balances as follows:

General school
fund
£
Carried forward fund balance as above
11,300,258
Revaluation reserve
87,097
11,387,355		 Designated
fund
£
1,540,866
49,931
1,590,797

16 Restricted funds

Balance
1 September
2023
£
Current year
Prize funds:
Mary Broad
Scholarship
23,190
Cordelia Westcott
Travel scholarship
(472)
Angela Felgate
Classics fund
9,295
Edwards Awards
550
Barbara Milner Award
1,859
Clare Austin Smith
Bursary
24,000
58,422		 Transfers and
Incoming
Resources
gains/ (losses)
resources
expended
on investments
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
(500)
-
-
-
-
-
(50)
-
-
-
-
-
(1,500)
-
-
(2,050)
-		 Balance
31 August
2024
£
23,190
(972)
9,295
500
1,859
22,500
56,372

Page 28

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

16 Restricted funds (continued)

Balance
1 September
2022
£
Prior year
Prize funds:
Mary Broad
Scholarship
23,190
Cordelia Westcott
Travel scholarship
28
Angela Felgate
Classics fund
9,295
Edwards Awards
600
Barbara Milner Award
Clare Austin Smith
Bursary
24,000
57,113		 Transfers and
Incoming
Resources
gains/ (losses)
resources
expended
on investments
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
(500)
-
-
-
-
-
(50)
-
2,000
(141)
-
-
-
-
2,000
(691)
-		 Balance
31 August
2023
£
23,190
(472)
9,295
550
1,859
24,000
58,422

17 Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains on investment assets




Unrealised gains at 1 September 2023
Additions/(disposals) in the
year




Gains/(losses) arising on revaluations in
the year
Unrealised gains at 31 August 2024		 Queensmount
Fund
£
49,932
11,311
61,243
82,331
143,574		 General
Fund
£
87,099
(998)


86,101

241,973
328,074		 Total
2024
£
137,031
10,313
147,344
324,304
471,648		 Total
2023
£
192,254
129,530
321,784
(184,753)
137,031

18 Commitments under operating leases

At 31 August 2024, the school had aggregate total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below:

Non-cancellable operating leases which expire: 2024 2023
£ £
Within one year 13,487 61,635
Within 2 to 5 years 31,530 2,977

Page 29

Talbot Heath School Trust Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2024

19 Related party transactions

Two governors (2023: Two governors) had a child at the School during the year.

Governors’ liability insurance is provided for all Governors as detailed in note 4 to the accounts.

Details of governors’ expenses are included in note 4.

The charitable company and the group has taken advantage of FRS 102 section 33 from the requirement to disclose transactions with its wholly owned subsidiary undertaking.

20 Pension schemes

The School participated in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (England and Wales) ("the TPS"), for its teaching staff. This is a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme and it is not possible or appropriate to consistently identify the liabilities of the TPS which are attributable to the School. As required by FRS17 "Retirement Benefits", the School accounts for this scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme.

The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the TPS of £435,407 (2023: £692,233). At the year-end £nil (2023: £nil) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.

Under the TPS there is an eight tier employee contribution rate structure. The employee rates remain unchanged and range from 7.4% to 11.7%. Employer contribution rates remain unchanged at 23.68% during the year.

From May 2024, the School transitioned from the TPS to a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its teaching staff. The assets of the scheme are administered in funds independent from those of the School and are controlled by Aviva.

The pension cost charge includes contributions payable to Aviva amounting to £187,207 (2023: £nil). At the yearend £nil (2023: £nil) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.

Non-Teaching Staff:

The company operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its non-teaching staff. The assets of the schemes are administered in funds independent from those of the company and are controlled by Aegon. The contributions made by the school are up to 6% of salary dependent on the employee contributions.

The pension cost charge includes contributions payable by the School and amounts to £247,815 (2023: £53,785). Outstanding contributions at the year-end amounted to £nil (2023: £nil). No further liability rests with the company in respect of the pension schemes.

21 Events after the end of the reporting period

On 27 June 2025, the charity repaid, in full, a bank loan that was outstanding at the balance sheet date. An amount of £840,000 has been used to repay the loan following the sale of shares held in the investment portfolio.

Page 30