THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
COMPANY NUMBER 1648056
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 285244
REGISTERED OFFICE
Ditcham Park, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5RN
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CONTENTS Pages
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| Report of the Independent Auditors | 11 - 14 |
| Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities | 15 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Charity Balance Sheet | 17 |
| Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 18 - 19 |
| Charity Cash Flow Statement | 20 - 21 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 22 - 33 |
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THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
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Status and Administration
audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025 and confirm they have also been prepared to meet the
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
The directors of the charitable company are its Trustees (Governors) for the purpose of charity law. The Memorandum and Articles of Association and this annual report refer to these individuals as the Governors of the School.
its admissions and bursaries policies. In addition, the report explains the wider contribution the educational resources of the School make to public benefit, including the pupils and staff of maintained state schools within our local community.
Aims
The Objects of the Charity, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, are to promote and provide for the advancement of education and in connection therewith to conduct, carry on, acquire and develop in the UK any School or Schools for the education of both boys and girls. In accordance with the current prospectus, Ditcham Park School currently educates approximately 420 pupils; it is co-educational and provides a continuous education for children aged from 4 to 16 years.
As a charitable trust, Ditcham Park School seeks to benefit the public through the pursuit of its stated aims. We seek competences. Through our academic curriculum, programme of pastoral care, and wide range of sporting and other activities, we promote the academic, moral, and physical development of our pupils, building their self-confidence and providing them with the skills and desire to go out into the world and improve it.
an all-
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All children are unique and have a distinct blend of and by identifying and developing their abilities whether they are academic, sporting or in the creative arts.
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Promote Academic Excellence: We seek to inspire within our pupils a lifelong love of learning by creating a culture of innovative, dynamic and progressive teaching which ensures that, as our pupils learn, they are excited, curious and, like their teachers, passionate about their interests.
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Provide an environment where pupils are happy and where they can flourish: We believe that our relatively small size helps us provide outstanding pastoral care, so each child is known and valued. Our physical environment, situated on a beautiful 16-acre site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, positively influences behaviour and encourages an appreciation of our natural environment and encourages a sense of well-being.
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Prepare pupils for the future: We aim to provide our pupils with the academic qualifications, knowledge and skills, including technological and creative skills, to equip them for Further and Higher Education and to take full advantage of the opportunities provided in our Digital Age. We aim to develop self-confident young people with Christian values, a growth mind set and the desire to shape the modern world for the better.
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Connect with the Community: We aim to develop strong links with our parents and the local community. We believe that an education at Ditcham Park School should be accessible to children from the local community.
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Academic Objectives
Our objectives are set to reflect our educational aims and the ethos of the School. In addition, when setting our benefit guidance.
Our key objectives for the year included:
Establish a commercial entity for the purpose of creating additional income streams
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Establish a charitable foundation for the purpose of raising funds for means tested bursaries and capital projects Streamline five administrative processes Further improve standards of Pupil Welfare and Pastoral Care Improve Professional Development & Staff Wellbeing
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Continue to develop Sport, Clubs & Activities including House Activities
Pastoral Care
As a relatively small school we are proud of the high levels of personalised pastoral care we have in place for each pupil. We nurture and develop our pupils in a safe yet stimulating environment. Through our pastoral support system, -confidence and can provide the guidance necessary to support pupils through any life challenges they might experience. Alongside the broad curriculum delivered by our team of highly motivated, talented and inspiring teachers, the development of strong relationships and open communication channels between pupils, staff and parents gives us great satisfaction as a school. This is a significant contributing factor in delivering our outstanding academic results and pupils are undeniably happy at Ditcham. They feel safe, secure, valued, supported as well as challenged.
Review of Activities and Achievements
The School has experienced a dynamic and rewarding year, strengthening its positive reputation across a broad range -curricular offerings has continued to attract new pupils, leading to an increase in enrolment despite the challenges posed by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The School celebrated a good set of GCSE results in August 2025 37% of all results were graded 9-7 (A-A) and 93% of results were pass grades 9-4 (A-C). Headmaster, Graham Spawforth commented : I congratulate our Yr11 students for their achievements. It is particularly impressive considering this cohort started senior school in the middle of the pandemic. These results are a credit to their hard work and to their dedicated teachers.
Among many strong individual performances particular congratulations go to Sam who has achieved an outstanding set of 10 grade 9s and to Mirri who achieved 100% 9-7s. Likewise, Polina who joined the School from Ukraine in September 2022 and therefore has had to take her GCSEs in a second language, has also achieved an excellent set of results including good passes in English Language and Literature and a top grade 9 in Art and Russian.
Class Teacher (Juniors) and Form Tutor (Seniors) in the first working week of the term.
We enjoyed a full fixture list of football and netball matches and some great performances by our pupils in the Butser Hill cross country run.
The 2024/25 academic year has been a remarkable season for the Creative & Performing Arts at Ditcham Park School.
Pupils won 3 highly commended and 3 x 2[nd] in class art prizes in the ISA Regional Art Exhibition in October. In November Yr8 pupils performed a shortened version of 12[th] Night as part of the Shakespeare for Schools Festival. This was a brilliant and thrilling performance.
In October 2024, five-year groups enjoyed three- or four-day residential trips. Year 6 visited Osmington Bay, Year 7 travelled to Little Canada on the Isle of Wight, Year 8 embarked on a language and culture trip to France, Year 9 explored the First World War battlefields in Ypres, and Year 10 remained in the UK for a leadership and cultural experience in London.
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Throughout the year, GCSE Geography and Latin pupils enjoyed a few days in Naples, and senior pupils had the opportunity to go skiing in Austria in January 2025. In addition, Year 4 and Year 5 both enjoyed residential trips to Penshurst Place and Cobnor respectively.
We were grateful to Reverend Will Hughes who led a whole school Harvest Festival Service in September and an Advent Service in November. We paid tribute to the sacrifice and service provided by members of the armed and emergency services in a Service of Remembrance on 11 November. The term ended with Christmas celebrations which included a performance of the Nativity by our youngest children in our Nursery and Reception class and Yr1 & 2
During the Spring Term, 70 enthusiastic Junior Pupils from Yr4/5/6 joined the Young Voices mass singing event at
February brought Battle of the Bands, where 9 Senior School Bands competed for the coveted Battle of the Bands
Festival which involved both Junior and Senior pupils
The school also enjoyed a record-breaking number of sporting fixtures in 2024/25. Our Yr6 boys football team enjoyed a most successful season. Numbers of pupils joining our Tennis Academy increased considerably and, in the summer, we started competing in LTA sponsored tennis competitions quickly establishing ourselves as one of the strongest teams in Hampshire!
At the end of the Summer Term the school organised a three-day Environment Festival which was designed to raise our pupils awareness and understanding of nature and our environment. Linked to this we organised Festival 49 in our walled garden which was incredibly well attended by parents and the wider school community.
The Academic Year finished on Friday 4[th] McCubbin, Zoologist and Spring Watch presenter was our Guest of Honour. We were delighted to welcome our Founder, Paddy Holmes to this event.
Public Benefit
The Governors confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission guidance when exercising powers or duties to which this guidance is relevant.
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Education: During the year, the School has educated 426 children. The academic standard achieved was very high see the Review of Activities and Achievements above. All leavers gained entrance to the Senior School or Sixth Form College of their choice. Pupils at Ditcham Park School are well prepared for the future which is a stated aim so they are able to make significant and worthwhile contributions in later life to the common good, as many of their predecessors have already done.
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Saving to Public Expense: During the year, all children at the School were educated through the generosity of their families and other benefactors at no cost to the public. The School receives no grant from the exchequer.
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Bursaries: This year the value of means tested bursaries totalled £140,994 and 2.18% of our gross fees, which provided assistance to 12 of our pupils, of which 1 pupil benefitted from a full remission of fees. During the academic year, we continued to support a total of 1 pupil from the Ukraine who have relocated to the area owing to the ongoing conflict in their country. This pupil was awarded full remission on all fees which totalled £18,835.
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Scholarships: In addition, the School awarded scholarships to 74 pupils, based on their educational merit and potential, totalling £126,040 and representing 1.95% of our gross fees. The progress of pupils receiving scholarships is reviewed annually to ensure their progress is in line with their abilities. No scholarships were withdrawn in the year as a result of such reviews.
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Sharing Facilities: At Ditcham Park School, we take pride in being an active and supportive part of the wider community. We maintain strong links with local educational institutions, regularly offering student placements to trainee teachers from the Universities of Chichester and Winchester, as well as Bohunt Sixth Form College. Throughout this financial year, we have collaborated with several local schools, providing our grounds as a campsite for Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. Our sports hall has also served the community, hosting winter training sessions for a local hockey club.
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In addition, we hosted a series of webinars for both our parents and the broader community, covering key topics in education such as literacy development, reading strategies, and internet safety. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to enriching and engaging with the community around us.
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Aid to Others: The school actively supports a wide range of charitable initiatives, with pupils selecting the causes they wish to champion each year. For the financial year ending 31 August 2025, Ditcham Park School raised a total of £4,663.67 in support of eleven charities, including Final Straw Foundation, Refugee Network, Make-A-
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Wall. Fundraising activities included themed events such as Christmas Jumper Day (£278.54), cake sales (£149.70), school nativity collections (£195.19), and Carol Service and Junior Disco donations (£372.62). Craft sales during Environment Week also generated £287.80 for the Final Straw Foundation.
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donations to the Petersfield Food Bank, which were distributed to families in need across the local area during the festive season.
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Outreach and Community Access: The Prep Schools in particular.
Future Plans
The prime objective of the Governors is to provide, for each individual pupil, a high standard of all-round education, including excellent examination results, strong pastoral care and a broad extra-curricular experience. The Governors intend to continue with their current strategies to make surpluses and generate cash inflows in future periods that will ensure the continuing viability of the charity and enable the School to fund future improvements.
Commercially, and in response to the increasing financial pressures from rising fees and operational costs, the school is actively working to diversify its income streams in order to reduce the financial burden on our families. To this end, we have established a subsidiary trading company, Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited, which will help generate additional revenue through various initiatives. These include the development of satellite nurseries, the introduction of an 'in-house' uniform shop, and the expansion of our successful tennis academy. By creating these supplementary income sources, we aim to ensure the school's continued financial sustainability while keeping fee increases to a minimum for our parents.
-year building and facilities development plan includes a number of projects that will, once complete, benefit the majority of pupils and staff with improvements focussed on three primary areas in the School: Physical Education facilities, School Dining/Assembly areas and the Creative Arts, the latter to include a purpose-built performance auditorium.
Environmental issues are a priority for the School community, and we always consider the energy efficiency and longer-term environmental impact of each new facility as plans are drawn up for their development. Our pupils and Ditcham Park School being awarded a Green Flag with Distinction. Governors are mindful of the need to incorporate
In alignment with the school's ten-year masterplan established in 2018/2019, significant progress continues toward the submitted for planning approval and received consent in October 2022. To support the project's viability, a more costeffective design is currently under development in partnership with the school's long-standing architectural consultant. This revised approach aims to balance ambition with affordability and remains ongoing. Preparatory work for the CCA has started and includes the relocation of the estates barn which will be moved to a site north of the science block, thereby clearing the designated area for construction.
In the summer of 2024, the school invested in a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on the upper section of the netball and tennis courts. This new artificial surface enables year-round access for a variety of sports, including tennis, netball, football, and hockey.
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Financial Results
The consolidated financial statements show a net deficit for the year on the consolidated activities of £180,676. The principal source of income is fees, accounting for 84% of the income. The net cash decrease for the group was £1,263,892. The group does not receive any additional income from endowments. The Governors are continuing their strategy of deploying all net incoming resources to investing in the educational purposes and fabric of the School, and as an educational Charity, the parents of our pupils have the assurance that all the income of the School must be applied for educational purposes.
Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited
The consolidated financial statements incorporated the financial results of the subsidiary in its first year of trading. A new offsite nursery opened in Sutton in February 2025, complementing the expansion of the existing onsite nursery. The onsite facility now accommodates up to 24 children and offers year-round childcare for 51 weeks annually. Both nurseries provide care for children aged six months to four years, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Demand remains consistently high, with the onsite nursery setting operating at near full capacity most days, and Oru, Sutton receiving multiple new enrolments weekly.
Under the umbrella of the school's enterprise division, additional services continue to thrive. The school shop supplies uniform and essential items for parents, while the Tennis Academy delivers year-round coaching sessions to the local community, catering to tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Reserves and Investment Powers
The School's main financial instruments comprise bank balances and debtor and creditor balances. The main purpose of these instruments is to finance the School's operations. The nature of the financial instruments used by the School is such that their market value does not fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. Debtors are managed in respect of credit and cash flow risk by the regular monitoring of outstanding amounts. Creditors liquidity risk is managed by ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet amounts due.
Reserves will be accumulated, when possible, for the development of the School, whilst retaining a minimum cash holding in general funds of sufficient size to ensure the uninterrupted running of the School and meet the objectives of the charity as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Currently the School retains the sum of £500,000 in general funds to cover its immediate operational expenses; this amount is regularly assessed against forecast income and expenses for its suitability. As at 31 August 2025, the School had one loan commitment in favour of NatWest bank, related to the CBILs loan. Generally, the School aims to manage its funds prudently to permit further development.
The School intends to continue building reserves to provide funds for its 10-year development plan, as outlined in "Future Plans". The cash flows required to generate the funds needed to finance these investments, whilst simultaneously maintaining the day-to-day operation of the School, are assessed by the School and the Governing Body.
Investments are governed by the Memorandum of Association which permits the funds to be invested in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit by the Governors. At 31 August 2025, investments were held in interest bearing bank accounts with NatWest and Lloyds. There is no exposure to stock market or other risks.
Our Ethos Strategies and Policies
The broad strategy of the School is to provide an excellent all-round education for its pupils and to provide our pupils with the skills, qualifications and the self-confidence to pursue a successful and meaningful life. This is achieved by identifying and developing the abilities that each child possesses using a holistic approach to education. In addition, the charity endeavours to maintain a co-operative relationship with local Schools and the wider local community as far as it is able within its financial means and rural location high on the South Downs.
Our School welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. To admit a prospective pupil, we need to be satisfied that our School will be able to educate and develop a prospective pupil to the best of his/her potential and in line with the general standards achieved by his or her peers.
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Entrance interviews and assessments are undertaken to satisfy the School and parents that potential pupils can cope disability do not form part of our assessment processes. Economic status is only taken into consideration when a parent applies for a means-tested bursary. We are an equal opportunity organisation and are committed to a working environment that is free from any form of discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or disability. We will make reasonable adjustments, within the constraints of the existing School buildings, to maintain accessibility to all areas of the School for any staff or pupils who are or become disabled. As new building developments are planned, accessibility for disabled pupils, staff and visitors is a key consideration.
Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
evenings, end of term and end of year reports. We maintain regular contact with parents throughout the year through informal contacts, electronic weekly newsletters and termly printed colour newsletters. Pupils are supported by Form Tutors, House Captains, Heads of Year (Pastoral) and a system of staff and pupil mentors, which includes Mental Health Support.
Access Policy
It is important to us that access to the education we offer is not restricted to those who can afford our fees. Our pupils, we believe, benefit from learning within a diverse community. Social interaction, conversation and shared experiences help our pupils develop an understanding of the perspectives of other people that will be vital in their adult lives.
Bursaries Policy
Our Governors view our bursary policy as an important factor in our efforts to widen access to the education we offer and the facilities we enjoy. We believe our bursary awards provide children from families who would otherwise not be able to afford the fees with the opportunity to increase their attainment and significantly improve their life chances. Our bursary awards are open to all who meet our general entry requirements and are made solely on the basis of parental
means, we work with a third party, Bursary Administration Ltd, and take several factors into consideration, including family income, investments and savings and family circumstances such as dependant relatives and the number of siblings.
However, our School has no endowments and in funding our awards we are mindful to ensure a balance between feebenefiting from the awards. The bursary awards granted range from 10% to 100% remission of fees, in some cases including transportation to our site. We advertise the availability of these awards on our website and in our prospectus.
Fee Financial Planning Policy
Advance planning for School fees is important for many parents who are hoping to send their children to Ditcham Park. A School Fee Plan is available via a third-party provider to help those who wish to fund educational costs through regular contributions.
Family Discounts Policy
The School places importance on family continuity amongst our pupil population and we therefore offer discounts to our many parents who have more than one child at the School.
Assistance for our Staff
As part of our emphasis on attracting and retaining high calibre staff, we offer a discount scheme for staff members who choose to educate their children at our School.
Scholarships Policy
The purpose of our scholarship awards is to recognise high academic potential, or the ability to excel in Music, Sport, Art or Drama. Scholarships are awarded with a fixed remission of fees between 5% and 30%, available for both Juniors and Seniors. We advertise the availability of scholarship awards on our website, in our prospectus and in a printed brochure available at our Open Mornings or by request. Further details are available directly from the School. The progress of pupils receiving scholarships is reviewed at least annually to ensure their progress is in line with their abilities.
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Learning Disabilities Policy
It is central to the ethos of Ditcham Park School that all pupils are equally valued and share a right to a broad balanced curriculum which promotes personal development preparing them for increasing independence and responsibility. All pupils are offered relevant help and assistance in their learning wherever and whenever a need is identified. In some circumstances, with the agreement of parents, teachers and Learning Support staff, a pupil may receive one to one support from a specialist literacy/numeracy teacher. Ditcham Park can provide onsite specialist timetable and activity commitments where possible. This support requires a fee paid for by parents.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Governors, who are also the charity trustees, administer the Charity and are responsible for the overall management and control of The Ditcham Park School Charity Association. The Council of Governors meets not less than four times each year and at such other times as the Chairman shall appoint. The work of implementing most of their policies is carried out by the three committees covering Finance and Personnel, Buildings and Education, and there are also a further three sub committees attended by at least one governor and these cover Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Marketing.
Each meet at least three times each year and work under the chairmanship of a Governor appointed at the AGM each year. The Council makes strategic decisions and ensures that the structure and management arrangements for governance of the School are well defined to provide effective oversight and guidance.
The Bursar/COO is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the Governors and their Committees, preparation of papers and management accounts and the review of matters arising.
All trustees give of their time freely and no remuneration was paid in the year. No Governor or person connected with a Governor received any benefit from a means tested bursary or scholarship awarded to our pupils.
The Governors appoint the Headmaster and the Bursar/COO & Clerk to the Governors to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity.
Governing Document
The Ditcham Park School Charity Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 2 July 1982 as amended by special resolution on 27 May 2002. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in England.
Organisational Management
Our Governors determine the general policy of our School. The day to day running of the School is delegated to the Headmaster, supported by Senior Staff. The Headmaster undertakes the key leadership role overseeing educational, pastoral, and administrative functions in consultation with the SLT (Senior Leadership Team). The day-to-day administration of both sections of our School is undertaken within the policies and procedures approved by our Governors which provide for only significant expenditure decisions and major capital projects to be referred to our Governors for prior approval.
The Headmaster oversees the recruitment of all educational staff and teaching support staff, whilst under delegated authority, the Bursar/COO oversees the recruitment of administration, estate and catering staff. The Headmaster, who also acts as Clerk to the Governors.
Other Relationships
The School is a member of the Independent Schools Council, Independent Schools Association, the Independent Schools Bursars Association and AGBIS. These memberships provide an opportunity to share expertise, knowledge and experience across the independent school sector and provides appropriate representation to Government and regulators of the views of the sector when required.
Risk Management
The Governors examine the major risks that the School faces each financial year when preparing and updating the strategic plan. The Charity has developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the School in the future. Governors have prescribed a risk assessment methodology, and the Senior Leadership Team undertakes an annual review. The Senior Leadership Team reported their findings to the Governors during the year; Governors reviewed the findings and were satisfied that procedures were in place to effectively manage all known risks.
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Governor Recruitment and Appointment
The Governing body requires breadth and depth of experience to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently. Where possible the Governors consider that the skills and experience of the Board should comprise the following:
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A Governor with a legal background
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A Governor with a financial/accounting background
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A Governor with professional experience of the building industry, ideally a Quantity Surveyor
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A Governor with education experience
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A Governor with senior managerial or business experience
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A Governor with experience of equal opportunities or disability needs
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At least one female Governor and at least one male Governor
Anyone with the approval of a majority of the Council of Governors can become a member of the charity. Each member agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity being wound up. The Council has at least two and not more than fifteen elected members, each of whom shall be called a Governor. The Council elects a Chair and Vice Chair. One third of the remaining elected members of the Council, or the nearest number thereto, retire in rotation according to length of service on the Council. They can be re-elected. The Governors retiring by rotation and being eligible for reelection at the next Annual General Meeting (June 2026) are Mrs Parrett, Mrs Dentten, Mr Overend.
Governor Induction and Training
New Governors receive an internal induction information pack familiarising them with the School and its operation, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the governance and financial management procedures of the School, the development plan and recent financial performance. New Governors also receive external induction training to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law. All Governors are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Governors have a programme of training updates via online webinars via AGBIS, and they receive reimbursement for training expenses and associated travel costs.
The Governors (who are also the Directors of The Ditcham Park School Charity Association for the purposes of applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company and Charity law requires the Governors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Governors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP.
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Governors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the SORP and 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.
The Governors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporation and financial information
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Statement as to Disclosure of Information to Auditors
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there is no relevant audit information, being information needed by the auditor in connection with preparing
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the Governors, having made enquiries of fellow Governors and the auditor that they ought to have individually taken, have each taken steps that he/she is obliged to take as a Governor in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Auditors are aware of that information.
Governors and Charity Trustees
The Governors who served during the financial year and since that year end were: Mr R Overend (Chair of Governors) (Chair of the Education Committee) (Creative Arts and Music Link) Mr C J Pickett (Vice Chair of Governors (Designated Governor for Health & Safety) Mr J Hall (Chair of the Building Committee) (Resigned 14/10/2024) Mr G Seddon (Chair of the Finance & Personnel Committee) Mrs C Baynes (Member of the Finance & Personnel Committee) (Resigned 02/12/2024) Mrs N Dentten (Member of the Finance & Personnel Committee) Mrs R Parrett (Member of the Education Committee (Deputy Designated Governor for Child Protection) Dr L Pye (Member of the Building Committee) Mr A Robinson (Member of the Education Committee) Mr P Symonds (Member of the Finance & Personnel Committee) (Designated Governor for Data Protection) (Resigned 01/01/2026)
Patrons: Mrs P M Holmes Commander M E Buchanan, RN (retired) Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles KCMG, LVO Mr J P Daley Mrs K S Morton Mr B H Strugnell Mrs A Moody Mr A Dale The Headmaster: Mr G D Spawforth The Busar and Clerk to the Governors: Mr G Jones (Resigned 31/08/2025) Mr C Hurtley (Appointed 01/09/2025, Resigned 01/01/2026) Mrs V Smith (Appointed 01/01/2026) Address and Registered Office: Ditcham Park Petersfield Hampshire GU321 5RN Registered Charity Number: 285244 Registered Company Number: 01648056 VAT Number: 480 3062 14 Principal bankers: Natwest Bank PLC 77 High Street Godalming Surrey GU7 1AZ Senior Statutory Auditor: Mrs Julie Watts Auditors: James Todd & Co Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Furzehall Farm 110 Wickham Road Fareham Hampshire PO16 7JH
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James Todd & Co will be deemed to continue in office under s487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. and company directors) on
Signed by order of the Council,
Mr R Overend CHAIRMAN
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Ditcham Park School Charity Association (the charitable company and its subsidiary) for the year ending 31 August 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Balance Sheets, the Consolidated and Cash Flow Statements 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:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable group and the charitable 2025 and of incoming resources and application of resources for the year ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice,
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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 Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 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 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 going concern for a period of at least 12 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 governors are responsible for the other information, contained within the 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 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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Page 11
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION - CONTINUED
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and charitable company and its environment obtained in the report).
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of the audit.
Responsibilities of governors
As explained more fully in the G Responsibilities Statement set out on page 9 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 they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free for material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the governors are responsible for assessing the charit ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 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 to have no realistic alternative but to do so.
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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 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 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:
The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
-
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the group and charitable company through discussions with governors and other management, and form our commercial knowledge and experience of the School sector;
-
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the operations of the group and charitable company, including Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2016, data protection, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation;
-
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
-
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team maintained alerts to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
Page 12
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION - CONTINUED
We assessed the susceptibility of the group and including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
-
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
-
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we;
-
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
-
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
-
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in note 2. were indicative of potential bias;
-
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
-
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
-
reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
-
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigations and claims;
-
reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regul
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the governors and other management and the inspection of regularity and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than this that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards of Auditing(UK) (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 take n the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
-
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the group and charitable company whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain certain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or override in internal control.
-
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the group and
-
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosure made by the governors.
Page 13
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION - CONTINUED
-
audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the group or
-
financial statements or, of such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation (i.e gives a true and fair view).
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planning scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during the audit.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Charit 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 Charitable Compan members permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charit members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mrs Julie Watts FCCA ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of James Todd and Co Limited Statutory Auditor Drayton House Drayton Lane Chichester West Sussex PO20 2EW
Dated:
Page 14
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
Notes INCOME Income from charitable activities Fee income Other income 3 Income from other trading activities Non-charitable trading 5 Income from generated funds Investment income Total income EXPENDITURE Cost of generating funds Fundraising and publicity 4 Non-charitable trading Charitable activities Direct charitable expenditure 6 Support and governance costs 7 Total expenditure Net (deficit)/surplus before transfers Between funds Transfers between funds Net (deficit)/surplus Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward at 1 September 2024 Total funds carried forward at 31 August 2025 |
Unrestricted Funds General Designated 2025 2025 £ £ 5,777,711 (140,994) 527,740 856 441,189 - 104,689 - 6,851,329 (140,138) 77,923 - 744,404 - 5,295,032 - 774,508 - 6,891,867 - (40,538) (140,138) (140,994) 140,994 (181,532) 856 (181,532) 856 6,151,638 2,852,336 5,970,106 2,853,192 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4,584 4,584 |
Total 2025 £ 5,636,717 528,596 441,189 104,689 6,711,191 77,923 744,404 5,295,032 774,508 6,891,867 (180,676) - (180,676) (180,676) 9,008,558 8,827,882 |
Total 2024 £ 5,613,303 520,858 - 76,836 6,210,997 52,906 - 4,947,042 651,315 5,651,263 559,734 - 559,734 559,734 8,448,824 9,008,558 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER 01648056)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
Fixed assets Tangible Assets Current assets Stocks Debtors Prepayments Cash at Bank and In Hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets: Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Accruals and deferred income Provisions: Amounts falling due after more than one year Unrestricted funds Designated Funds General Funds Revaluation Reserve Restricted funds Total charity funds |
Notes 10 11 11 12 12 12 15 17 17 17 |
2025 2024 £ £ 7,629,542 7,225,519 35,654 20,910 29,752 52,396 190,215 190,747 ,3,620,141 4,884,033 3,875,762 5,148,086 (1,710,893) (1,811,041) 2,164,869 3,337,045 9,794,411 10,562,564 (620,751) (1,419,724) (195,778) (134,282) (150,000) - 8,827,882 9,008,558 2,853,192 2,852,336 4,680,797 4,868,795 1,289,309 1,289,309 8,823,298 9,003,974 4,584 4,584 8,827,882 9,008,558 |
|---|---|---|
The surplus for the year in relation to the School only was £135,532 (2024:£565,356)
The financial statements were approved by the Council of Governors on and signed on its behalf by
________ Mr R Overend - Governor
________ Mr G Seddon - Governor
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 16
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER 01648056)
CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible Assets 10 Investments Current assets Stocks Debtors 11 Prepayments 11 Cash at Bank and In Hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets: Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 12 Accruals and deferred income 12 Provisions: Amounts falling due after more than one year 15 Unrestricted funds 17 Designated Funds General Funds Revaluation Reserve Restricted funds 17 Total charity funds 17 The financial statements were approved by the Council of Governors on by _____ Mr R Overend - Governor _____ Mr G Seddon - Governor |
2025 £ 7,013,231 100 7,013,331 18,088 959,915 128,990 3,601,467 4,708,460 (1,703,137) 3,005,323 10,018,654 (610,151) (108,791) (150,000) 9,149,712 2,853,192 5,002,627 1,289,309 9,145,128 4,584 9,149,712 |
2024 £ 7,000,146 100 7,000,246 20,910 478,443 188,516 4,686,085 5,373,954 (1,810,209) 3,563,745 10,563,991 (1,419,724) (130,087) - 9,014,180 2,852,336 4,867,951 1,289,309 9,009,596 4,584 9,014,180 and signed on its behalf |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 17
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from finance activities New loan in year Repayment of bank loans Net cash from financing activities Increase(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
|
|---|---|
1. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Net movement in funds Add back depreciation charges Add loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Deduct interest income shown n investing activities (Increase)/Decrease in stock Decrease/(Increase) in debtors (Decrease)/Increase in creditors Cash generated from operating activities |
2025 £ (180,676) 231,045 25,257 (104,689) (14,744) 23,176 (428,535) (449,166) |
2024 £ 559,734 229,136 3,465 (76,836) (1,792) (108,115) 1,704,366 2,309,958 |
|---|---|---|
2. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The amounts disclosed on the Cash Flow Statement in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of these Balance Sheet amounts:
| Year ended 31 August 2025 Cash and cash equivalents Year ended 31 August 2024 Cash and cash equivalents |
31.8.25 £ 3,620,141 31.8.24 £ 4,884,033 |
1.9.24 £ 4,884,033 1.9.23 £ 3,047,199 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 18
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
3. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
| Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Debt Debts falling due within 1 year Debts falling due after 1 year Total |
At 1.9.24 £ 4,884,033 4,884,033 (240,000) (260,000) (500,000) 4,384,033 |
Cash flow £ (1,263,892) (1,263,892) - 240,000 240,000 (1,023,892) |
At 31.08.25 £ 3,620,141 3,620,141 (240,000) (20,000) (260,000) 3,360,141 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements. Page 19
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
CHARITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of investments Net cash from investing activities Cash flows from finance activities New loan in year Repayment of bank loans Net cash from financing activities Increase(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
|
|---|---|
1. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Net movement in funds Add back depreciation charges Add loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Deduct interest income shown n investing activities (Increase)/Decrease in stock Decrease/(Increase) in debtors (Decrease)/Increase in creditors Cash generated from operating activities |
2025 £ 135,532 221,470 25,257 (104,689) 2,822 (421,946) (558,449) (700,003) |
2024 £ 565,356 229,136 3,465 (76,836) (1,792) (531,931) 1,699,339 1,886,737 |
|---|---|---|
2. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The amounts disclosed on the Cash Flow Statement in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of these Balance Sheet amounts:
| Year ended 31 August 2025 Cash and cash equivalents Year ended 31 August 2024 Cash and cash equivalents |
31.8.25 £ 3,601,467 31.8.24 £ 4,686,085 |
1.9.24 £ 4,686,085 1.9.23 £ 3,047,199 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 20
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
CHARITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
3. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
| Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Debt Debts falling due within 1 year Debts falling due after 1 year Total |
At 1.9.24 £ 4,686,085 4,686,085 (240,000) (260,000) (500,000) 4,186,085 |
Cash flow £ (1,084,618) (1,084,618) - 240,000 240,000 (844,618) |
At 31.08.25 £ 3,601,467 3,601,467 (240,000) (20,000) (260,000) 3,341,467 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 22 to 33 form part of these financial statements. Page 21
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
The Ditcham Park School Charity Association is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in Governors Report.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Basis of Preparation of Accounts
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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Ditcham Park School Charity Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.
Group Financial Statements
The financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly owned subsidiary Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited on a line-by-line basis. A separate Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure Account for the charity have not been presented because the Charity has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
Going Concern
The Governors and management team regularly review the financial position of the School, including future cash flow forecast. The School currently hold sufficient and appropriate cash balances. Accordingly, after making appropriate enquiries. The Governors consider the School has sufficient resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make significant judgements and estimates that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. In this period, the Governors believe that the critical accounting policies where judgements or estimations are necessarily applied are summarised below:
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Fee Income
Fee income and charges for services are accounted for in the period in which the service is provided, net of VAT.
Donations
Donations received for the general purposes of the charity are credited to the Unrestricted Funds. Donations for purposes restricted by the wishes of the donor are taken to the Restricted Funds where these wishes are
Resources Expended
Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis.
Page 22
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
Support and Governance Costs
Only those costs specifically identified as for the support and governance of the charity are included in the financial statements as such costs.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Assets are capitalised as tangible fixed assets when they are intended for use on a continuing basis in the
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their expected residual values, over their useful economic lives. The following rates are used:-
Land Not depreciated Freehold Buildings Between 2% straight line and 10% straight line Leasehold Buildings Straight line over 33 years IT Equipment and Software 5%, 10%, 20% and 33.33% straight line Fixtures, Fittings and Other Equipment 10% and 20% straight line and 25% reducing balance
The charity has adopted the revaluation model to revalue items of freehold property whose fair value can be measured reliably. The revaluations shall be made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying value amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period.
The fair value of land and buildings is usually determined from market-based evidence by appraisal that is normally undertaken by professional qualified valuers.
Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities and added to reserves in a separate revaluation reserve.
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost based on normal levels of activity, and net realisable value.
Debtors
Fees receivable are recognised at their recoverable amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any discounts.
Cash at Bank and In Hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid accounts.
Creditors
Creditors 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 are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.
Pensions
Retirement benefits for the employees of The Ditcham Park School are separated between teaching and support staff pension schemes.
Teachers Pension Scheme
Until April 2021 the School participated solely in the Pension Scheme for its teaching staff. From 1[st] April 2021, due to the rising costs of the Teachers Pension contributions (ERS) the school has introduced an alternative Aviva APTIS pension scheme which is a defined contribution scheme. From 1[st] April 2021 the School has contributed a maximum of 16.48% into each chosen scheme. Teachers electing to remain in the TPS do so by self-funding the additional cost of the higher Employers Contribution of 23.68% prescribed by the TPS. From 1[st] October 2021 the School has moved to a Withdrawal Status with the TPS. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the TPS and Aviva Aptis of £420,515 (2024: £378,317) and at the year-end £48,279 (2024 - £28,336) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.
Page 23
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
The TPS is an unfunded multiemployer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.
The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the 2020 and the Valuation Report, which was published in October 2023.
Following the McCloud judgement, the remedy proposed that when benefits become payable, eligible members can select to receive them from either the reformed or legacy schemes for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. The actuaries have assumed that members are likely to choose the option that provides them groups of relevant members.
The employer contribution rate for the TPS is 28.6%, and employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution of 28.68%.
Support Staff
Contributions are made into a defined contribution scheme for the noncontribution for the year is a maximum of 10%, in direct correlation to the employees own contribution rate of choice.
The total pension commitment at the balance sheet date was £73,148 (2024: £46,513) which includes TPS and Aviva Aptis.
Leasing Commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities account on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through the statement of financial activities, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the activities.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Page 24
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
Financial Liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
cancelled.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Governors.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
3. OTHER INCOME
Transport Fees Miscellaneous Income 4.FUNDRAISING AND PUBLICITY Marketing Costs |
2025 £ 220,238 308,358 528,596 2025 £ 77,923 77,923 |
2024 £ 220,238 300,620 520,858 2024 £ 52,906 52,906 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
5. TRADING SUBSIDIARY
The wholly owned trading subsidiary Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited is incorporated in the United Kingdom (company number 15224993) and will pay all of its profits to the charity under the gift aid scheme. Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited operates two day nurseries, a tennis academy and a uniform shop.
Page 25
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
| Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited Turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Administrative expenses Interest payable Net loss Retained earnings at the beginning of the year Loss for the year Retained earnings at the end of the year |
2025 £ 441,189 (135,993) 305,196 (615,784) (5,620) (316,208) (5,622) (316,208) (321,830) |
2024 £ - - - (5,622) - (5,622) (-) (5,622) (5,622) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Ditcham Park Enterprises Limited had net liabilities totalling (£321,730) (2024: (£5,522) at the year end.
On consolidation no trading income has been eliminated (2024: £ nil), expenditure of £12,993 has been eliminated (2024: £ nil).
6. DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
| 6.DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Staff Costs £ Teaching Salaries and Costs 3,335,590 Estate Salaries and Costs 224,867 Transport Costs - Catering Salaries and Costs 184,057 Utilities Costs - 3,744,514 7.SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS Support Costs: Salaries and Office Costs Finance Governance Costs: Legal and Professional Fees Audit and Accountancy Fees Payroll Fees |
Depreciation & Loss on Disposal of Fixed Assets £ 107,993 137,206 - 1,528 - 246,727 |
Other Total Total Costs 2025 2024 £ £ £ 449,956 3,893,539 3,575,662 293,346 655,419 629,096 320,364 320,364 308,237 115,717 301,302 283,220 124,808 124,408 150,827 1,303,791 5,295,032 4,947,042 2025 2024 £ £ 670,057 517,351 6,996 18,556 74,072 82,724 17,315 25,870 6,068 6,814 774,508 651,315 |
|
of |
|||
Page 26
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
| Total Staff Costs Comprised: Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Costs |
2025 £ 3,500,218 389,132 518,767 4,408,117 |
2024 £ 3,042,661 309,613 470,610 3,822,884 |
|---|---|---|
One employee earned between £70,000 and £80,000 per annum One employee earned between £90,000 and £100,000 per annum
The average number of employees, analysed by function, was:
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Teaching 62 55
Estate 4 4
Management and Administration of Charity 9 8
Catering 6 6
Trading subsidiary 10 -
91 73
OPERATING SURPLUS
The operating surplus is stated after charging: 2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets and loss on disposal of fixed assets 231,045 229,136
- Remuneration 16,840 12,453
- Accountancy 8,475 10,707
----- End of picture text -----
8. OPERATING SURPLUS
9. TAXATION
the year.
Page 27
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - GROUP
| COST/ VALUATION At 01/09/2024 Additions Disposals Transfer DEPRECIATION At 01/09/2024 Charge for Year E ed on Disposal NET BOOK VALUES At 31/08/2025 At 31/08/2024 |
Assets Under Construction £ 225,373 346,761 - (572,134) - - - - - - 225,373 |
Freehold Land £ 1,925,000 - - - 1,925,000 - - - - 1,925,000 1,925,000 |
Freehold & Leasehold Buildings £ 5,456,842 54,160 - 572,134 6,083,136 726,377 139,276 - 865,653 5,217,483 4,730,465 |
Fixtures Fittings & Other Equipment £ 626,585 196,841 - - 823,426 424,650 51,572 - 476,222 347,204 201,935 |
IT Equipment & Software £ 620,134 81,653 (221,876) - 479,901 477,378 40,197 (177,529) 340,046 139,855 142,746 |
Totals £ 8,853,924 679,415 (221,876) - 9,311,463 1,628,405 231,045 (177,529) 1,681,921 7,629,542 7,225,519 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - CHARITY
| COST/VALUATION At 1 September 2024 Additions Disposals DEPRECIATION At 1 September 2024 Charge for Year Eliminated on disposal NET BOOK VALUES At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 |
Freehold Land £ 1,925,000 - - 1,925,000 - - - - 1,925,000 1,925,000 |
Freehold Buildings £ 5,456,842 54,160 - 5,511,002 726,377 131,243 - 857,620 4,653,382 4,730,465 |
Fixtures Fittings & Other Equipment £ 626,585 143,088 - 769,673 424,650 50,030 - 474,680 294,993 201,935 |
IT Equipment & Software £ 620,124 81,653 (221,876) 479,901 477,378 40,197 (177,529) 340,046 139,855 142,746 |
Totals £ 8,628,552 278,901 (221,876) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,685,577 | |||||||||
| 1,628,405 221,470 (177,529) |
|||||||||
| 1,672,346 | |||||||||
| 7,013,231 | |||||||||
| 7,000,146 |
Page 28
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
The freehold property and property under construction was professionally revalued on 14 August 2018 by Savills (UK) Limited Chartered Surveyors (Regulated by RICS) on the fair value basis. The freehold property was valued at £5,500,000, of which £1,925,000 was deemed to be the land.
To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Governors and supported by a further valuation carried out by Savills (UK) Limited in October 2023, the valuation of the freehold property carried out on 14 August 2018 is not materially different to the value of the freehold property at the 31 August 2025 (taking into account the cost of additions since the valuation was carried out). The Governors believe that it is appropriate to reflect this valuation in the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Revaluations of the freehold land and buildings are carried out with sufficient regularity to ensure that the fair value is reflected in the accounts.
11. DEBTORS - GROUP and CHARITY
| DEBTORS - GROUP and CHARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Due within one year: Fees receivable Prepayments and other debtors Amounts due from subsidiary undertaking |
Group 2025 £ 2024 £ 29,752 52,396 190,215 190,747 - - 219,967 243,143 |
Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 9,001 52,396 128,990 188,516 950,914 426,047 1,088,905 666,959 |
|
| 666,959 |
Included in the balance owed from the subsidiary undertaking is £437,580 which is due after more than one year.
12. CREDITORS - GROUP and CHARITY
Amounts falling due within one year:
Bank loan (see note 13) Fees in advance Social Security and Pension Costs VAT Other Creditors and Accruals Amounts falling due after one year: Bank loan Other creditors |
Group 2025 £ 2024 £ 240,000 240,000 1,021,058 1,458,022 170,821 279,014 113,019 - 1,710,893 195,778 1,811,041 134,282 1,906,671 1,945,323 20,000 600,751 260,000 1,159,724 620,751 1,419,724 |
Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 240,000 240,000 1,021,058 1,458,022 159,949 282,130 112,187 - 1,703,137 108,791 1,810,209 130,087 1,811,928 1,940,296 20,000 590,151 2,60,000 1,159,724 610,151 1,419,724 |
Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 240,000 240,000 1,021,058 1,458,022 159,949 282,130 112,187 - 1,703,137 108,791 1,810,209 130,087 1,811,928 1,940,296 20,000 590,151 2,60,000 1,159,724 610,151 1,419,724 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,810,209 130,087 |
|||
| 1,940,296 | |||
| 2,60,000 1,159,724 |
|||
| 1,419,724 |
Page 29
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
13. LOANS - GROUP and CHARITY
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year or on demand: Bank loan Amounts falling due between one and two years: Bank loan 1 - 2 years Amounts falling due between two and five years: Bank loan 2 - 5 years 14.SECURED DEBTS - GROUP and CHARITY Bank Loans The bank loan is secured 15.PROVISIONS Provision Movements in the year: Balance at 1 September 2024 Provision recognised in the year Balance at 31 August 2025 |
Group 2025 £ 2024 £ 240,000 240,000 |
Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 240,000 240,000 20,000 240,000 - 20,000 Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 260,000 500,000 260,000 500,000 Charity 2025 £ 2024 £ 150,000 - 150,000 - 2025 £ - 150,000 150,000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 240,000 - 20,000 Group 2025 £ 2024 £ 260,000 500,000 260,000 500,000 Group 2025 £ 2024 £ 150,000 - 150,000 - |
The provision relates to a potential repayment of tax arising from an incorrectly established staff pension scheme.
resolved within the next 12 months.
Page 30
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
16. COMPANY STRUCTURE AND CONTROLLING PARTY
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and does not have any share capital. The Governors are the controlling party of The Ditcham Park School Charity Association. At the close of 31 August 2025 there are eleven Governors who are limited to £1 liability each.
17. STATEMENT OF FUNDS - GROUP
| Balance at 1 September 2024 £ General Funds Unrestricted Fund 4,862,329 Revaluation Reserve 1,289,309 Designated Funds Bursaries and Scholarships 150,000 Miscellaneous 2,336 Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 100,000 Development Fund 2,600,000 Total Unrestricted Funds 9,003,974 Restricted Funds Miscellaneous 4,584 Total Restricted Funds 4,584 Total Funds 9,008,558 17.STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CHARITY Balance at 1 September 2024 £ General Funds Unrestricted Fund 4,867,951 Revaluation Reserve 1,289,309 Designated Funds Bursaries and Scholarships 150,000 Miscellaneous 2,336 Capital Equipment Replacement Fund 100,000 Development Fund 2,600,000 Total Unrestricted Funds9,009,596 Restricted Funds Miscellaneous 4,584 Total Restricted Funds 4,584 Total Funds 9,014,180 |
Incoming Resources £ 6,851,329 - (140,994) - - 856 6,711,191 - - 6,711,191 Incoming Resources £ 6,423,133 - (140,994) - - 856 6,282,995 - - 6,282,995 |
Outgoing Resources (inc losses) £ (6,891,867) - - - - - (6,891,867) - - (6,891,867) Outgoing Resources (inc losses) £ (6,147,463) - - - - - (6,147,463) - - (6,147,463) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 31
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
ASSETS OF THE FUNDS - GROUP
| Tangible fixed assets £ Unrestricted Funds General Fund 6,340,223 Revaluation Reserve 1,289,309 Designated Funds - Restricted Funds - 7,629,542 ASSETS OF THE FUNDS - CHARITY Fixed Assets £ Unrestricted Funds General Fund 5,724,022 Revaluation Reserve 1,289,309 Designated Funds - Restricted Funds - 7,013,331 |
Current assets £ 1,017,986 - 2,853,192 4,584 3,875,762 Current assets £ 1,850,684 - 2,853,192 4,584 4,708,460 |
Liabilities £ (2,677,422) - - - (2,677,422) Liabilities £ (2,572,079) - - - (2,572,079) |
Total £ 4,680,797 1,289,309 2,853,192 4,584 8,827,882 Total £ 5,002,627 1,289,309 2,853,192 4,584 9,149,712 |
|---|---|---|---|
The General Fund represents the free funds of the Charity which are not designated for any particular purposes.
The Revaluation Reserve is required by the Companies Act 2006 and represents the amount by which the freehold property exceeds its historical cost. Revaluations of the freehold land and buildings will be carried out with sufficient regularity to ensure that the fair value is reflected in the accounts.
The Bursaries and Scholarships Fund The purpose of this designated fund is to provide support for parents of children at the school who are able to demonstrate financial hardship, in accordance with procedures and criteria laid down by Governors, and in years when the provision within the revenue budget for Bursary Support has been fully committed. The School and Governing body assess the balance of this fund annually, with the target level set at 2% of gross fees.
Development Fund This fund relates to potential projects that are being evaluated by the School. Following the construction of the extension to the Martin Pryce Sports Hall in 2021, the School is now reviewing its options during a time of global economic instability. Capital Equipment Replacement Fund The purpose of this fund is ensure adequacy of monies available to replace large items of capital equipment deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the School, its buildings and grounds.
Page 32
THE DITCHAM PARK SCHOOL CHARITY ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 - continued
17. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
| At 31 August 2025 | committed payments are: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Less than one year | 44,554 | 11,435 | ||
| One to five years | 320,930 | 1,350 | ||
| More than five years | 1,231,200 | - |
18. INSURANCE
The charity is covered for G 5,000,000 per claim per period of insurance.
19. TRANSACTIONS WITH GOVERNORS
During the year two governors had children at the school and paid normal fees. £3,953 was spent purchasing trophies and services from a business owned by a Governor.
20. AND EXPENSES
The Governors neither received nor waived any remuneration in relation to their Governor role during the year (2024: nil).
21. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
The financial statements take into consideration events occurring between 31 August 2025 and the date of their approval by the Council of Governors.
22. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
At 31 August 2025 there was a capital commitment of £nil. (2024 £365,760).
Page 33