Chard School
Annual Report and Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Charity registration number.. 310219
Chard School
Contents
Trustee's Report
1 tog
Statement of Trustee's Responsibilities
10
Independent Examinevs Report
Statement of Financial Activities
12
Balance Sheet
13
Cash Flow Statement
14
Notes to the Financial Statements
151026
Chard School
Trustee's Report
The trustee presents the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year
ended 31 August 2025.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The objed of the Charity is lo provide and run a school in Chard for boys and girls within the local
community and surrounding area.
The school is a small independent Co-educational day school for 4-11 years old, situated in the
historic Somersel town of Chard.
In setting out its objectives and the planning of activities the sole Trustee, Chard Independent School,
has given Careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in
particular to ils supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and on fee-charging.
Public benefit
To ensure that Chard School continues lo fulfil ils charitable obligations to enable access to the
school to children from all backgrounds. in addition to the assisted places for lower income families.
The Trustee actively seeks ways and means of supporting the school such as offering scholarships
and additional bursaries. The school accepts Eady Years vouchers making its high quality eady years
education more widely accessible.
The school opens its facilities lo outside groups, for example, science, art, craft and music, ensuring
that a range of local children are able to access Chard School. The school regularly engages with
local charity and non-profit organisations, such as the Church of the Good Shepherd, taking part in
the Chard Town Remembrance Sunday parade and SeNice al St Mary's Church. A commitment lo
fundraising for charities, both al home and overseas, educates the children in the needs of others and
directly benefits less privileged children.
Pag8 1
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
hievements and performance
Achievements
The school is actively concemed in raising money for charity, especially local charities and other good
causes, through fundraising events such as mufti4ays, cake sales, Royal British Legion poppy
collections and many others.
The funds for the past year were given lo the British Legion Poppy
Appeal and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The school continues lo forge links with other local schools. The sports teams played a number of
fixtures both al home and away against both local preparatory school and slate schools during the
academic year. These fixtures included hockey, football, cross country, lag rugby, athletics, netball,
rounders and cricket. This is facililaled by the reinvigoration of the
membership of the Independent Schools, Association which offers access to a wide range of sporting
opportunities for different levels of ability.
To expand the learning experien of all pupils, the school provides a number of popular after school
clubs including craft clubs, sports clubs, outdoor Clubs, academic clubs, science clubs, music dubs.
Art work of pupils of all ages is regularly exhibited at many local art exhibitions and horticultural shows
including the Ilminsler Arts Festival, exhibitions at Chard Museum, Chard Library, Berenson's
Solicitors, Chard Horticultural Show, Chard Guildhall and the Ilminsler Art Centre.
Pupils go on school trips and visits lo places of local interest and public facilities including Chard
Museum, Chard Library, Chard Leisure Centre, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Forest School trips
to ROAM, the factory of Numatic International, Charmouth Beach, Sealon Wetlands and Tramway.
The children in years 3, 4 and 5 & 6 children enjoy a school residential trip biannually. These
residential trips will be expanded in scale and scope over the forthcoming year, with a trip lo the Isle
of Wight for our oldest children's residential.
Pupils participate in many challenging stage productions involving drama, music and dance.
Productions including the Pre-prep and Prep Harvest Festival Services, Prep Remembrance Service,
Pre-Prep Nativity play, the Christmas Carol Service, the Easter Musical led by Year 3 & 4 and the
Cerdic end of year show 5 & 6.
Music lessons are popular with pupils studwng a wide range of musical instruments including piano,
clarinet, flute, violin, recorder, guitar, ukulele, brass, drums as well as singing. The school choir has
grown in size and reputation.
In 2025 Pupils left for Colyton Grammar School, Wellinglon School, Vvoodroffe and HolyTOOd,
Scholarships were awarded including an academic scholarship and Performing Arts Scholarships lo
Wellinglon.
Pag8 2
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Summative assessment
The summative assessment that takes pla at Chard School includes:
Reading and Spelling age assessments (September.. Year 3 +1.
The most recent tests show that..
2024 2025
07ard khool Readl
NrJtion81 Avewe Fleading
ChaTd Sthocl Writin
NrJtion81 Avewe Writing
Chardsthool M*hs
Notlonal Average Maths
These results, alongside teacher assessment, are used lo inform our decisions when assessing
children during and at the end of each year. The results of these summative assessments are tracked
and monitored al three separate points during the year, where decisions are made about each child's
provision.
ARE
GD
loo
60
75
33
loo
40
72
13
loo
60
74
26
Comparison against National Data
ily) -
i(Ki
75
25
Iilili
Llidird *li(poI
Reading
cli.ud *liuol
A%'rrJ¥e
ReAIlii
Wriiii¥
Ai'erwge
ritij
Ai'etAge Maths
Vtrtttig,S'Aticqul Expteied StsJMl*th • ArhjrviiG¥e1irl
Pag8 3
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Financial review
The Trustees have continued to manage the School carefully through a period of recovery and
development. The year saw continued progress in stabilising PLJpiI numbers, improving operational
efficiency and investing in the leaming environment.
The Trustee re¢ognises that the reserves position al the year end remains below the level considered
desirable for a charity of this nature. Rebuilding reserves is a key strategic priority following the
investment undertaken and the financial pressures eXperIend in rent years.
The Trustee has established a clear plan to restore reserves over the medium term. This will be
acheived through continued growth in pupil numbers, careful control of expenditure, strengthening
recurring income and appropriate fee strategies.
Financial perfom)ance and cash flow are monitored closely through regular budget reviews, forecasts
and strategic planning. The School remains committed to maintaining financial suslainbility while
protecting the quality of education and opportunities provided to pupils.
During the year the School continued lo invest in facilities, including improvements to teaching spaces
and the wider leaming environment. These developments reflect confidence in the future of Ch8rd
School and support continued growth.
Policy on reseryes and investments
The Trustee aims lo maintain sufficient free resetves in unrestricted funds lo meet all income and
expenditure fluclualions as they arise and, due lo the uncertainly of income streams, lo retsin
sufficient funds to enable the school to operate with redUd numbers for a period of al least one year
without reducing its ability lo a¢pt additional pupils. Reserves are sel at a level lo cover fixed Costs.
Al year end, restricted reserves were £1,500 12024 £nill and permanent endowment funds were
£1,13412024 - £1,134). A description of reserves is provided in Note 18.
The charity does not currently hold any significant investment portfolios and the cash balance is
retained lo fund the ongoing charitable activities of the school.
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
Continuing a period of recovery and slabilisation, Chard School is now focused on sustainable growth.
Priorities include increasing pupil numbers, enhancing educational provision, maintaining strong
community relationships and rebuilding reserves lo a sustainable level.
The Trustee believes the School has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. With continued
prudent management and successfLJI implementation of il's plans, Chard School is well positioned for
a positive future.
Pag8 4
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Discounts on school fees
To support the recruitment of new pupils the school has offered the following discounts..
1. Staff child incentive.
2. Armed For$ and Veteran Discount of 10Q/o
3. 100/0 Old Cerdics, incentive for the whole school period for any direct descendants of the Old
Cerdics, Association members.
4. For existing families, the previous discounts remain in place as follows..
Family discoLJnts are given on second and third children at the rates of 6Yo and 100/0
respectively per term.
b. Assisted places have been awarded lo lower income families. The total discounts and assisted
places awarded over the financial year were 3.4 /o12024 _ 4.20) of the total gross fee income.
The school also accepts Early Years funding vouchers.
The Old Cerdics Association
The Old Cerdics, Association (former pupils) founded on 1st December 1929 continues to welcome
both past and present pupils to its ranks. Staff employed al the school automatically become
Honorary Members during their tenure al the school. In furthering its aims and objectives the
Association lakes an active interest in the school and is represented 8t all major school events. One
of the Trustees is an Old Cerdic.
Old Cerdics Association Scholarship Fund
The Old Cerdics, Scholarship Fund is a charity linked to the school administered separately by
Trustees appointed annually by the Association. It continues to support the school financially and
during the year made a direct contribution of £2,000 towards scholarships awarded by the school. At
the discretion of the Head Teacher the Fund also continued lo make termly awards of £100 each
in the name of the Old Cerdics, Academic Award and the Lawren Powell Music Award to children in
their final year al the school. This has increased lo £150 each in 2025126.
As well as donations from The Old Cerdics, Association lo support refurbishments at the school,
individual Old Cerdics have also made generous personal donations lo the school in the year. These
funds were used towards bursaries and school refurbishments.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Chard School was established under a Trust Deed dated 24 May 1971, and conslitules a
unincorporated charity, as defined by Charity Commission scheme. 11 is a registered charity under the
Charity Commission with the registration number 310219.
Pag8 5
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Recruitment and appointment of Directors
The sole Trustee of Chard School is Chard Independent School (company registration number
089048591, a registered charity. Its Directors are appointed for a term of 5 years by resolution of the
Board passed al a special meeting. On completion of a 5 year term, Directors may be re-appointed for
a further 5 year term subject to the approval of the Board. New Directors may be appointed not more
than 3 months before the tenm of an existing Director expires or should a Director resign, with effect
from the dale of expiry or resignation. The current provision is for a Board ideally Consisting of not less
than 8 and not more than 12 co-opted Directors. The Board is currently recruiting for additional
members to join the board.
Induction and traiTning of the Directors of the Trustee
All new Directors of the Trustee charity follow a pre-determined induction programme which is based
on an adapted form of that used for paid staff. The induction process for newly appointed Directors
comprises an approach from the Chaim)an of the Board, followed by an offer lo attend the next board
meeting and a tour of the premises. A welcome pack is then provided including a brief history of the
charity, a copy of various documents including latest board minutes, latest available accounts, trust
deed Ichard School), memorandum and articles of association Ichard Independent School) and
Charity Commissioner's guidance 'The Essential Trustee.. We are members of both AGBIS (The
Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools} and IAPS (The Independent Association of
Prep Schools) which both provide excellent training for our Directors.
Oryanisotional structure
The Trustee lakes decisions on all aspeels of the school's activities. Its board meets regularly,
meeting at least three limes throughout the year to determine the general policy of the Charity and
review its overall management and control, for which il is legally responsible. The work of
implementing most of the Trustee's policies is carried out by various committees which meet as and
when necessary.
The Trustee organises the number of pupils attending the school and the subjects taught. 11 appoints
head to control the internal running of the school, including choices of the teaching methods,
arrangement of classes, leaching staff, sch(iol hours, management and discipline. The Head and
Finance Officer act as key management personnel supported by other teaching members of the
Senior Management Team. The remuneration of key management personnel is set by the Trustee
with due recognition to the financial restrictions within the Charity-
Pag8 6
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Major risks and management of those risks
The TrLJStee conlinLJes to monitor key risks, including economic pressures, changes affecting
independent schools, pupil recruitment and relenlion, and the ongoing maintenance requirements of
the School's historic buildings.
Through careful financial management, investment in facililes and a continued focus on educational
quality, the School is well placed to address these challenges and continue its positive development.
Decline in pupil numbers
Chard School has faced a threefold threat to ils long-lemi sustainability as an independent provider of
education..
The challenging economic climate, commonly referred to as the cosl-of-living crisis.
The introduction of VAT on independent school fees, together with increases in Employer National
Insurance contributions and the National Minimum Wage.
The removal of charitable business rates relief.
Collectively, these factors have increased costs for both parents and the School, reducing the
disposable income available to families and placing additional pressure on school budgets.
To miligale these risks, the School continued the comprehensive wsl-control review initiated in the
previous year. The measures implemented have slrenglhened the School's financial resilience and
positioned il lo navigate these challenges successfully while creating opportunities for future growth.
A further strategic consideration is the School estate. The three Grade Il. listed buildings that form
part of the historic campus require ongoing resloralion and investment to ensure they remain fit for
purpose and continue to serve the School commLJnity for decades lo come.
Pupil Retention and Growth
A range of initiatives has been introduced to support pupil recruitment and relenlion. Key measures
include..
The provision of free after-school clubs led by teachers and volunteers.
b. A focused 11 + preparation programme designed lo support pupils applying to Colyton Grammar
School and those seeking academic scholarships.
c. Improvements lo school catering. Following feedback from pupils and parents, a parent task force
reviewed alternative local suppliers and is overseeing a transition lo a new catering provider.
d. Consideration of extending the School's provision to age 13 by introducing Years 7 and 8. This
proposal responds directly to parental demand. While il runs counter to the wider independent sector
trend towards 11 + transfer, it reflects the needs of the School community, as al least half of Chard
School pupils progress to stale secondary education. Parents have expressed a desire for their
children lo benefit from additional years of high-qualily education before commencing GCSE
studies.
Having recovered from significant financial challenges in recent years, the School has demonslraled
resilience in the fa of adverse economic conditions and changes in govemment policy. Through
careful management, strategic planning, and continued investment in its educational offering, Chard
School has not only remained sustainable but is now well positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
Pag8 7
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustee
Chard Independent School
Directors of Chard Independent Mrs G L Buckley (resigned 25 January 20251
School
Mr M A Buckley (resigned 25 January 20251
Mrs A M Dugdale {resigned 25 January 20251
Mr S Hull
Mr J M Salt Iresigned 3 October 2025}
Mr M D Silch
Mrs A Dugdale Iresigned 25 January 20251
Mr P J Higgs (resigned 13 February 2026}
Mr D Brown (resigned 12 September 20251
Mrs S Flannery lappoinled 12 December 20241
Ms A Kempster lappoinled 3 October 20251
Ms A L Kempsler lappointed 3 October 2025)
Mr M Oppe (appointed 6 June 20251
Hgadteachgr
Mrs R Pielesz MA.Ed,B.Ed,FCCT,NPQSL,NPQML
Pag8 8
Chard School
Trustee's Report (continued)
Reference and Administrative Details (continued)
Charity Registration Number
310219
Principal Office
Chard School
Fore Street
Chard
Somerset
TA20 1QA
Independent Examiner
Francis Clark LLP
Ground Floor
Blackbr(x)k Gale 1
Blackbrook Business Park
Taunton
Somerset
TA12PX
The annual report was approved by the trustee of the charity on
by..
28 June 2026
and signed on its behalf
S Flannery.........................
Mrs S Flannery
Director of Chard Independent School - the Trustee
Pag8 9
Chard School
Statement of Trustee's Responsibilities
The Iruslee are responsible for preparing the Iruslee, report and the financial statements in
accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable lo charities requires the trustee to prepare financial statements for each financial
year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the ¢harily and of the incoming resources
and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the
trustee are required to..
select suitsble accounting policies and then apply them consistently.,
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.,
make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent.,
stale whether applicable accoLJnting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charity will continue in business.
The Iruslee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them lo ensure that the financial
slalemenls comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008, and the provisions of the conslitulion. The Iruslee are also responsible for safeguarding the
assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.
The trustee are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the charitable companvs website. Legislation governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Page 10
Chard School
Independent Examinerfs Report to the trustees of Chard School
I report lo the trustee on my examination of the accounts of Chard School for the year ended 31
August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As Ihe charity trustee of Chard School you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Acl'l.
I report in respect of my examination of the Chard School's accounts carried out under section 145 of
the 2011 Act and in carrwng out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by
the Charity Commission under sertion 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent examlner's statement
Since Chard School's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body
listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination
because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accounlanls in England and Wales, which is
one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confim that no materi81 matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materi81 respect..
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Chard School as required by section 130 of the
Act., or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements conceming the fom and conlenl of
accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any
requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view which is not a matter considered as part
of an independent examination.
I have no COnrnS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo
which allenlion should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
S Austen
Sharon Austen FCCA
Francis Clark LLP
Ground Floor
Blackbrook Gale 1
Blackbrook Business Park
Taunton
Somersel
TA1 2PX
Date..
29 June 2026
Page11
## **Chard School**
## Statement of Financial Activities
## Year Ended 31 August 2025
|**Note**
**Income and Endowments from:**
Donations, grants and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investment income
4
Other income
5
Total Income
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
Total Expenditure
Losses on investment assets
Net movement in funds
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
18|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
12,840
332,529
9
19,005
364,383
(425,256)
(425,256)
(53)
(60,926)
72,286
11,360|**Restricted**
**£**
1,500
-
-
-
1,500
-
-
-
1,500
-
1,500|**Endowment**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,134
1,134|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
14,340
332,529
9
19,005
365,883
(425,256)
(425,256)
(53)
(59,426)
73,420
13,994|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**Endowment**
**funds**
**£**
37,194
-
428,405
-
41
-
18,071
-
483,711
-
(560,681)
(1,901)
(560,681)
(1,901)
(168)
-
(77,138)
(1,901)
149,424
3,035
72,286
1,134|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
37,194
428,405
41
18,071|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||483,711|
|||||||(562,582)|
|||||||(562,582)|
|||||||(168)|
|||||||(79,039)
152,459|
|||||||73,420|
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The notes on pages 15 to 26 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Chard School
Balance Sheet
31 August 2025
2025
2024
Note
Flxed assets
Tangible assets
65,822
66,246
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
10
150,558
52,202
119,320
113,318
202,760
232,638
Credltors: Amounts falllng due wlthln one year
1106,5911
180,6421
Net current assets
96,169
151,996
Total assets less current liabilities
161,991
218,242
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 13
Deferred income
124,7561
123,241
131,1261
113,696
14
Net assets
13,994
73,420
Funds ofthe charlty:
Endowment
1,134
1,134
Restricted
1,500
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted
11,360
72,286
Total funds
18
13,994
73,420
The financial statements on pages 12 10 26 were approved by the Iruslee, and aulhorised for issue on
28 Junp. 2026 and signed on their behalf by..
S Flann8ry
Mrs S Flannery
Director of Chard Independent School - the Trustee
The notes on pages 15 to 26 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 13
Chard School
Cash Flow Statement
Year Ended 31 August 2025
2025
2024
Note
Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles
Net cash expenditure
159,4261
179,0391
Adjustments to cash flows from non