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2024-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 310266

Wells Blue School Charity

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Wells Blue School Charity

Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 16

Wells Blue School Charity

Reference and Administrative Details for the year ended 31 December 2024

TRUSTEES Dr K Bradley J Brown Mrs J Croft (resigned 30/4/2024) Rev S Denyer (resigned 10/10/2025) Mrs L Houlton (resigned 21/5/2024) D Hiscox Dr K Rowlands (resigned 6/2/2024) T Ruddle (resigned 9/9/2025) Mrs M Taylor P Welch (Independent Trustee) M Woodlock - Headteacher (i) L Ashford (appointed 5/6/2024) (resigned 13/1/2025) D Frost (appointed 28/5/2024) P Burrows (appointed 23/4/2024) A James (appointed 2/5/2024) P J James (appointed 8/1/2024) Mrs N Giaretta (appointed 9/9/2025) (i) Foundation Committee PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Kennion Road Wells Somerset BA5 2NR REGISTERED CHARITY 310266 NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Webb & Co Ltd Accountants and Business Advisers One New Street Wells Somerset BA5 2LA SOLICITORS Stone King LLP Upper Borough Court (UBC) Upper Borough Wells Bath BA1 1RG

(i) Foundation Committee

Page 1

Wells Blue School Charity

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and policies

The Objects of the Charity

The objects of the charity are, for the public benefit, to advance education through:

In such way as the trustees think fit including by:

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities and in setting the grant making policy for the year.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The Board of Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity during the year and the position at 31 December 2024 and consider that the charity is in a strong position to continue its activities during the coming year, and that the charity's assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations.

The charity's annual income is derived from agricultural rents and interest from investments. The detailed schedules show the results for the year.

A summary of grants made can be found in the notes to the accounts.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment policy and objectives

As part of our investment policies we are prohibited from investing in funds that include companies producing arms, tobacco or alcohol. The investment strategy is set by the trustees periodically and takes account of recent demand for funds and the quality of funding applications. The trustees consider the income requirements, the risk profile and investment manager's review of the market prospects in the medium term. The strategy is set within an overall policy which states that the endowment fund is to be invested in low and medium risk investments with a view to ensuring that capital appreciation of the fund exceeds inflation over the long term. The trustees reviewed the investments during the year and agreed the investment policy.

Page 2

Wells Blue School Charity

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

At 31 December 2024 the charity had unrestricted free reserves of £10,460 (2023 - deficit £2,558)

It is the charity's policy to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity at a level which equates to approximately 12 months unrestricted expenditure, as well as emergency applications for grants and unexpected calls on resources, including the maintenance of the investment properties. The trustees reviewed and agreed the policy during the year.

Total unrestricted funds, including the revaluation reserve at 31 December 2024 were £15,110 (2023 - £2,093).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Wells Blue School Charity is a registered charity, number 310266.

The charity was registered with the Charity Commission in 1967 and was created by the scheme dated 18 April 1967 which laid down the objects and powers of the charity; modified by the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 4 February 1970, as varied on 24 November 1975, as affected by a Resolution made under s74 of The Charities Act 1993, dated 26 May 2011, and a modification order dated 17 May 2011. Under the powers given in the Charities Act 2011 the scheme was modified on 14 March 2013. The scheme replaces the former trusts of the charity. The scheme was further amended on 27 June 2023.

The charity had been in existence for a number of years before the date of registration. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity, other than those imposed by general charity law.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The members of the Board of Trustees of the charity during the year and the changes since last year are listed on page 3.

Trustees are the persons who are governors for the time being of The Blue School, Wells together with an independent trustee who is not a governor of The Blue School. Governors are elected in accordance with the school's Memorandum and Articles and the law. The lay governors are elected for 4 years and retire by rotation. Retiring lay governors can be re-elected. The current trustees will provide induction and training to the newly appointed trustees.

Organisational structure

The charity is managed by the Board of Trustees who, in their meetings, agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the charity, including consideration of investment, reserves and risk management policies and performance. Trustees meet regularly to discuss and plan objectives and implementation thereof. Matters of general concern are raised with all members.

Policies

As trustees we work within our terms of reference, which are to maintain and improve the Foundation in terms of finance and physical assets in accordance with the Charities Act and the charity's Scheme of Foundation.

Details of intangible income

The trustees use the administration facilities of the Blue School and use of rooms for trustees' meetings. No financial value has been placed on this gift in the accounts.

Related parties

The charity works closely with the local authority and the head teacher and staff at the Blue School.

Page 3

Wells Blue School Charity

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

D Hiscox - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Wells Blue School Charity

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Wells Blue School Charity

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Wells Blue School Charity (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Barry Davidson FCCA, FCA

Webb & Co Ltd Accountants and Business Advisers One New Street Wells Somerset BA5 2LA

Date: 24 October 2025

Page 5

Wells Blue School Charity

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
500
15,000
2
680
-
3
-
-
1,180
15,000
-
-
4
31,933
-
31,933
-
-
-
(30,753)
15,000
16
43,770
-
13,017
15,000
2,093
500,000
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Investment income
Other income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
Total
Unrealised gains/(losses)
on investments
NET
INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD
15,110
515,000
Endowment
funds
£
-
43,770
37,926
81,696
1,394
-
1,394
(29,376)
50,926
(43,770)
7,156
2,252,282
2,259,438
2024
Total
funds
£
15,500
44,450
37,926
97,876
1,394
31,933
33,327
(29,376)
35,173
-
35,173
2,754,375
2,789,548
2023
Total
funds
£
-
41,512
155,257
196,769
524
29,304
29,828
51,063
218,004
-
218,004
2,536,371
2,754,375

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Wells Blue School Charity

Balance Sheet 31 December 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Investments
Investments
11
Investment property
12
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
Cash at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Endowment funds
TOTAL FUNDS
2024
£
1,833,351
745,734
2,579,085
122,272
90,051
212,323
(1,860)
210,463
2,789,548
2,789,548
15,110
515,000
2,259,438
2,789,548
2023
£
1,774,297
745,734
2,520,031
125,000
111,084
236,084
(1,740)
234,344
2,754,375
2,754,375
2,093
500,000
2,252,282
2,754,375

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

D Hiscox - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, rounded to the nearest £, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Investments

Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Investment properties

Investment properties which are all freehold, are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless fair value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment.

Investment properties are not held for their investment potential and not for use by the charity and so their current value is not of prime importance. Such properties are not depreciated.

Other investments

Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading 'Gains/(losses) on investments' in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Listed investments are shown at closing mid-market value and the Balance sheet date. Any gain or loss on revaluation is taken to the Statement of Financial Activities

Interest

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be reliably measured by the charity. this is normally upon notification of the interest payable by the bank

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Page 8

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the accounts.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the accounts.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

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

Cash at bank and in hand

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

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt, or the amount it has received as advanced payments for goods and services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
UK investment property income
UK listed investment income
2024
£
50
44,400
44,450
2023
£
825
40,687
41,512

Page 9

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

3. OTHER INCOME

OTHER INCOME
Net gain on sale of investment
Overage claim
2024
£
39,261
(1,335)
37,926
2023
£
30,257
125,000
155,257

The investment manager's fees are netted off against any profit/(loss) on disposals of investments in the year.

4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
5)
£
Charitable activities
28,432
GRANTS PAYABLE
Support
costs
£
3,501
Totals
£
31,933
2024 2023
£ £
Uniforms 3,353 3,168
School photography 3,479 2,915
School projects 20,000 10,000
Canopy project - 5,000
Rewards budget - 5,000
Chaplaincy 500 500
Bursary 500 -
Miscellaneous 600 600
28,432 27,183
The charity receives grant applications from a number of sources within the school and from past
students. Every application is considered by the Foundation Committee in relation to pre-agreed
parameters. Information on requests is given to all trustees via minutes presented and approved at
meetings of the full Board of Trustees.

5. GRANTS PAYABLE

Page 10

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

6. OTHER

OTHER
2024 2023
£ £
Support costs 3,501 2,121

7. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER FEES

2024 2023
£ £
Independent Examiner's Fee 1,740 1,500

8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Trustees' expenses

9.

Trustees' expenses
1 trustee was paid for mileage during the period.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Investment income
824
-
Other income
-
-
Total
824
-
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
-
-
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
29,304
-
Total
29,304
-
Net gains on investments
-
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(28,480)
-
Transfers between funds
40,688
-
Net movement in funds
12,208
-
2024
£
43
Endowment
funds
£
40,688
155,257
195,945
524
-
524
51,063
246,484
(40,688)
205,796
2023
£
-
Total
funds
£
41,512
155,257
196,769
524
29,304
29,828
51,063
218,004
-
218,004

Page 11

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

9.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
(10,115)
500,000
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
2,093
500,000
- continued
Endowment
funds
£
2,046,486
2,252,282
Total
funds
£
2,536,371
2,754,375

10. GIFTS IN KIND

The charity received the use of the administration facilities from the Blue School Wells. No value has been included in the accounts for this donation.

11.

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Shares
Other
Additional information as follows:
MARKET VALUE
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
2024
£
1,826,010
7,341
1,833,351
2023
£
1,761,197
13,100
1,774,297
Listed
investments
£
1,761,197
321,746
(227,557)
(29,376)
1,826,010
1,826,010
1,761,197

Of the total investment asset valuation 71.30% (2023 -69.90%) are held in the UK, 28.70% (2023 -30.10%) overseas.

Page 12

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

11. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued

Investments (neither listed nor unlisted) were as follows:

2024
£
Cash
23,320
Transfers in
850,183
Transfers out
(866,162)
7,341
12.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
FAIR VALUE
At 1 January 2024
and 31 December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
2023
£
23,320
526,598
(536,818)
13,100
£
745,734
745,734
745,734

Investment assets were independently valued by Carter Jonas Chartered Surveyors in June 2012 at market value. The trustees believe there is no significant difference between this valuation and the market value of the properties at the Balance sheet date.

Due to the age of the investment properties there is insufficient data to be able to accurately disclose their original historical cost.

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WIT HIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£ £
Other debtors 122,272 125,000

Other debtors - relates to an overrage claim payable in respect of land sold at Yenston.

Page 13

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other creditors
15.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Investments
-
500,000
Current assets
16,970
15,000
Current liabilities
(1,860)
-
15,110
515,000
16.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1/1/24
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
(2,558)
Capital Revaluation
4,651
2,093
Restricted funds
Capital Fund
500,000
Sheltered Area Appeal
-
500,000
Endowment funds
Capital Fund
2,189,115
Maintenance Fund
2,000
Extraordinary Repair Fund
61,167
2,252,282
TOTAL FUNDS
2,754,375
Endowment
funds
£
2,079,085
180,353
-
2,259,438
Net
movement
in funds
£
(30,753)
-
(30,753)
-
15,000
15,000
50,926
-
-
50,926
35,173
2024
£
1,860
2024
Total
funds
£
2,579,085
212,323
(1,860)
2,789,548
Transfers
between
funds
£
43,770
-
43,770
-
-
-
(43,770)
-
-
(43,770)
-
2023
£
1,740
2023
Total
funds
£
2,520,031
236,084
(1,740)
2,754,375
At
31/12/24
£
10,459
4,651
15,110
500,000
15,000
515,000
2,196,271
2,000
61,167
2,259,438
2,789,548

Page 14

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
1,180
(31,933)
Restricted funds
Sheltered Area Appeal
15,000
-
Endowment funds
Capital Fund
81,696
(1,394)
TOTAL FUNDS
97,876
(33,327)
Comparatives for movement in funds
Net
movement
At 1/1/23
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
(14,766)
(28,480)
Capital Revaluation
4,651
-
(10,115)
(28,480)
Restricted funds
Capital Fund
500,000
-
Endowment funds
Capital Fund
1,983,319
246,484
Maintenance Fund
2,000
-
Extraordinary Repair Fund
61,167
-
2,046,486
246,484
TOTAL FUNDS
2,536,371
218,004
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
824
(29,304)
Endowment funds
Capital Fund
195,945
(524)
TOTAL FUNDS
196,769
(29,828)
Gains and
losses
£
-
-
(29,376)
(29,376)
Transfers
between
funds
£
40,688
-
40,688
-
(40,688)
-
-
(40,688)
-
Gains and
losses
£
-
51,063
51,063
Movement
in funds
£
(30,753)
15,000
50,926
35,173
At
31/12/23
£
(2,558)
4,651
2,093
500,000
2,189,115
2,000
61,167
2,252,282
2,754,375
Movement
in funds
£
(28,480)
246,484
218,004

Page 15

continued...

Wells Blue School Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2024

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Notes on Endowment funds

Assets held by the charity subject to restriction are carried in the Capital Fund. The income from these is credited to the fund and has been transferred to unrestricted funds. In 2024 this amounted to £43,770 (2023 - £40,668)

The Maintenance Fund is restricted to expenditure on the routine maintenance of the charity's investment properties.

The Extraordinary Repair Fund is restricted to expenditure on the charity's investment properties of an extraordinary nature.

Notes on Restricted Funds

Capital Restricted Fund

There have been no movements on the Capital Restricted funds during the year. The Restricted fund was established on 19 May 2011 when the Wells Blue School campus was donated by Somerset County Council and represents the value placed upon the land and buildings in the hands of the charity under the terms of the transfer at that time.

Sheltered Area Appeal

A sheltered appeal was established to raise funds for covered areas following a structural concrete issue; the payment was disbursed in the post year-end period.

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The charity awarded the Blue School £27,932 in support of projects for the year as disclosed in note 5.

Page 16