WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(Company limited by guarantee)
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Charity Number: 310930
Company Number: 00621311
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Head’s Report for the Year Ended 31st August 2025
Academic and Pastoral Achievements
Once again, our pupils have achieved outstanding results in the 11+ entrance assessments. This success was celebrated with offers from many of the leading independent senior schools, including Bancroft’s, Brentwood, Chigwell, City of London Boys’, City of London Girls’, Felsted Forest, Haileybury, New Hall and St Edmund’s, An increasing proportion of pupils also sat for grammar school places, with around one-third of the cohort securing a place, including offers from, Chelmsford, King Edward VI Grammar School, Henrietta Barnett, Ilford County High, Latymer, Queen Elizabeth’s, Southend High School for Girls, and Woodford County High.
These accomplishments underscore the high academic standards and dedication of our pupils and staff, reflecting the School’s continued commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Of the 27 scholarships and awards received (39% of pupils achieving one or more scholarships), 18 were academic, 7 were in music, and 2 were in sport. The staff’s commitment to both academic and pastoral excellence ensures that every pupil is provided with the guidance and support needed to reach their full potential.
Sporting Achievements
It has been another highly successful year for sport at WGPS, marked by exceptional pupil participation and a rich programme of fixtures and events. The department continues to go from strength to strength, with every pupil in Years 4 to 6 representing the School in at least one competitive fixture over the course of the year.
A particular highlight was the netball team reaching the finals of the Redbridge qualifying event, while the Boys’ U11 cricket team also advanced to the final of the Redbridge Cricket qualifying event. Our teams competed admirably across a range of IAPS tournaments, including cricket, football, hockey, netball and swimming. We were especially proud that one of our pupils was selected for county-level netball, and that we have forged strong partnerships with local development squads such as Essex Open and Pulse Netball.
In addition to competitive success, WGPS hosted several major sporting events. We welcomed more than ten local schools to our annual cross-country and U11 football tournaments, and our community fixtures, including the popular Parents vs Staff cricket match at Woodford Green Cricket Club and the well-attended Netball League were enjoyed by all. We were also delighted to hold our swimming gala at the London Aquatics Centre and Sports Day at the Lea Valley Athletics Centre. The revised Sports Day format, which for the first time included pupils from Years 1 and 2, proved a resounding success and will continue in future years.
Our broad PE and Sport programme offers pupils opportunities across athletics, basketball, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rugby and tennis, reflecting our commitment to participation, teamwork, and excellence in all areas of School life.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Science and STEAM
The 2024-2025 academic year was one of significant progress and achievement in Science and STEAM at WGPS. Our annual STEAM Week was a particular highlight, focusing on IT in Science and showcasing the innovative use of technology across the curriculum. The STEAM Club, offered to pupils in Years 3 to 6 who demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm for maths, science, and technology, also flourished. As part of their studies on animal environments and space, pupils visited the Science Museum to take part in a hands-on workshop, bringing their classroom learning vividly to life.
WGPS pupils continued to excel in external competitions. Twelve pupils represented the School at the Brentwood Science Exhibition, presenting creative projects inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from digital presentations to practical experiments. In the National Science Quiz, one of our teams reached the finals at Oxford University, finishing a commendable 19th place among 27 top schools nationwide.
Further extending their practical experience, pupils from Years 5 and 6 took part in the Felsted Experience Science Day, enthusiastically engaging in experiments such as slime making, using Bunsen burners, building electrical circuits, and identifying animal skulls. To conclude an impressive year, a Year 6 team won first place in the Forest Junior Science Competition for their teamwork, creativity, and experimental design.
Internal monitoring also reflected strong and consistent practice across the School. A recent book scrutiny highlighted high-quality planning, pupil engagement, and an increase in outdoor learning opportunities. This success has led to the introduction of a new lunchtime Science activity to encourage further exploration and experimentation.
We are also delighted to have returned Science lessons to the newly completed Science Hub; a purpose-built, fully equipped space for pupils in Years 1 to 6 and for practical exploration in the EYFS. The focus throughout the year has been on enabling our pupils to think creatively, apply scientific principles, and approach learning as inquisitive, hands-on scientists.
Music and Performing Arts
The Music and Performing Arts department has had another outstanding year, continuing to develop and maintain its reputation both within the School and the wider community. With the retirement of a long-standing singing and piano teacher, the department has been fortunate to recruit two new visiting Music teachers, providing six days of teaching between them. This will undoubtedly shape the department's future, particularly with the addition of a piano teacher who is a qualified Kodály teacher, which complements the School's holistic musical teaching approach.
The department continues to maintain a high number of children learning a musical instrument in School, demonstrating its enduring appeal despite the financial pressures facing many families. Our calendar of events expanded this year, with a second year of our popular Summer Jazz event at Hawkey Hall and the first-ever "Christmas with St Cecilia" concert at the All-Saints Church, Woodford Wells. This larger venue provided improved acoustics, more space for performances, and an expanded social area, although it also highlighted the need
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
for foldback monitors. A major highlight of the year was the performance of our Easter play, featuring commissioned music by the acclaimed composer Russell Hepplewhite. The opportunity for our pupils to premiere a piece of music written especially for them was a truly amazing and prestigious experience that will be remembered for a long time.
Our musical achievements extended into the competitive arena, with the Choir 5&6 winning first place twice at the Stratford & East London Music Festival. This success is a testament to the dedication of the pupils, who consistently juggle their commitments to achieve such results. The Choir 5&6 and the Orchestra went on to compete in the National UK Schools Music Festival, where the Orchestra achieved a bronze award for third place in the country, and the Choir 5&6 secured a silver award for second place. These achievements demonstrate that while enjoyment of music is paramount, it is supported by a foundation of high standards, discipline, and performance.
Further successes included a student being awarded a place in the prestigious National Youth Children's Choir of Great Britain for the second consecutive year. The department's programme of instrument hire has also expanded, with WGPS now owning two cellos, multiple violins, two flutes, a trombone, and three trumpets, with a saxophone to be added soon. The School continues to achieve excellent music exam results and is seeing a slow but steady increase in the quality of top-end performers.
In addition to these external achievements, the department maintained its strong tradition of in-house events. These included the annual Clemence & Gwynne and Barker & Gwynne cup competitions, Solo Teatime concerts, and end-of-term concerts. We also continued our community outreach with carol singing at a local residential home and performing at the Rotary Club’s Youth Makes Music event. A standout event was the Whole School Singing competition, which created a fantastic atmosphere as each year group learned a different song from The Sound of Music. The year concluded with the Christmas Cantata, various nativities, and the Year 6 play.
Finally, we are proud to report that of the eight children who applied for music scholarships this year, seven were successfully awarded. While a highly musical year group can leave a gap in ensembles for the next year, we are confident the department will continue to build on this success. The forthcoming year is exciting, with plans to secure a second-in-department to support the department’s expansion, particularly in catering to the needs of our younger pupils in Key Stage 1.
Pupil Voice
At WGPS, we are committed to listen actively to the voices of our pupils. The School uses the Atom Learning Pupil Wellbeing Survey for Years 3 to 6 to triangulate pupil feedback with progress and attainment data, providing a more holistic understanding of pupil attitudes to School and self.
Leadership and pupil voice continue to play an important role in School life. Our Head Boy, Head Girl, and their Deputies lead by example and act as key representatives of the pupil body, while our team of Ambassadors - covering areas such as Art, Languages, Nurture, and Sport - help to promote our School values and excellence in learning across the community.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
House Captains further support teamwork and positive competition through inter-house events and initiatives.
An active School Council meets regularly to discuss ideas, gather feedback, and make meaningful contributions to School improvement, from environmental projects to playground development and community events. To extend opportunities further for all pupils, the School has also established a Pupil Leadership Working Party, with the goal of ensuring that leadership and representation are embedded throughout every year group. This initiative reflects WGPS’s strategic and long-term commitment to developing confident, responsible, and engaged young leaders.
School Community and Wider Engagement
Community engagement and social responsibility continue to be central to life at WGPS. Over the past year, pupils have raised more than £9,000 through events such as sponsored walks, performances, enterprise initiatives, and national charity campaigns, supporting causes including Comic Relief, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Haven House Hospice, Smiles with Grace and Young Minds, The School has recognised the importance of supporting local charities and has a long-term commitment to working with Wanstead Charity to provide care packages for those in need. These activities not only contribute to important charities but also instil empathy and a strong sense of civic responsibility in our pupils.
The School continues to strengthen its partnership with Tooled Up Education and continues to embed the Girls on Board programme. Alongside this, WGPS remains committed to expanding Mental Health First Aid training for staff, reinforcing our dedication to pupil wellbeing.
Collaborations with local schools have continued to enrich learning, including the joint Year 5 Drama Day. Governors have also remained highly engaged, attending key School events and contributing to the “What’s Next for WGPS” session led by the Head of School and Chair of Governors, which outlined the School’s strategic priorities and long-term vision. We were also proud to launch the Once a Red, Always a Red alumni project, celebrating the achievements of former pupils and inspiring our current learners to aspire confidently to the next stage of their education.
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(the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited
Report of the Trustees
For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
The trustees of the School (the “Trustees”), (who are also directors of the Company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006), present their report with the financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31st August 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 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) (Charities SORP 2015 (Second Edition effective 1 January 2019), and the Companies Act 2006.
Objects, Aims, Objectives and Principal activities
The principal object of the Company is to carry on and conduct a preparatory school for the education of boys and girls in accordance with the principles of the Christian faith but on a non-denominational basis.
Strategic Aim and Intended Effect
The School’s strategic aim is to reflect its educational aims and ethos so that every pupil is nurtured, encouraged to be curious, and enabled to achieve their very best - academically and personally - within a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment. This includes sustaining high standards in teaching and learning, strengthening pastoral care, and ensuring strong communication and partnership with families, all underpinned by a data-informed, evidencebased approach.
Objectives for the Year
To achieve the above, the School will:
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Provide a stimulating, skills-based curriculum that prepares pupils for future learning and life, with explicit teaching of metacognition and learning behaviours through the development of a WGPS Learner Framework.
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Embed ongoing assessment to track progress and inform timely intervention, ensuring appropriate stretch and challenge supports all our learners.
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Further strengthen pastoral provision through consistent behaviour expectations and pupil-voice mechanisms, including leadership roles and surveys to triangulate wellbeing with attainment.
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Leverage existing technology and internal expertise, including staff-wide training in the effective use of AI to enhance differentiation and personalisation of learning materials.
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Refine and implement the streamlined School Development Plan (“SDP”), aligning milestones to parent and staff survey feedback and reporting transparently on impact.
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● In 2024-25, the School invested significantly in the learning environment and site safety through completion of the new Science Laboratory, upgraded washrooms, boilers, entry and tannoy systems, power supply and air conditioning. Going forward, the School is committed to refurbishing the Foundation Stage 1 classrooms, creating a new Foundation Stage 2 outdoor learning area, and redeveloping the Cottages to enhance Music and Art provision.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Report of the Trustees
For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
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Develop high-quality CPD with coaching and mentoring (including revised PDPs) to build staff capability and leadership at all levels. Investment has been secured in order to provide all of the senior leadership team with executive level coaching training.
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Maintain strong financial health and reputation through effective admissions, marketing, and stakeholder communication, including the development of a new School website with integrated tools to enhance parental communication and engagement.
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Provide broad co-curricular opportunities and community engagement that promote character, wellbeing and service.
These objectives are designed to keep the School accountable for measurable outcomes and to ensure that strategic focus remains responsive to community needs.
Principal Activity
The School’s principal activity continues to be the provision of a co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11. During 2024-25 the School was operating with an average of 370 pupils. Its capacity, known as the DfE Maximum, was increased in 2020-21 to 400 from 384 pupils reflecting the growing demand for places especially in the Early Years, but for operational reasons it is currently capped at 388 pupils.
Volunteers
The Parent Teacher Association (the “PTA”), an independent registered charity, continues to play an invaluable role in strengthening the School community and enriching pupils’ experiences. During 2024–2025, the PTA organised a wide range of popular events, including the Christmas Fair, Easter Crafts activities, the Halloween Disco, the Spring Masquerade Ball, the Summer Fair and the Upper School Easter Wipe Out, all of which were well attended by both current and alumni families.
In addition to these events, the PTA sponsored the purchase of Bots for IT and contributed to the refurbishment of the new Science Laboratory, providing pupils with excellent facilities and enhanced opportunities for practical learning. The PTA also continued to support the School through second-hand uniform sales for the benefit of WGPS pupils.
Financial Review And Results For The Year
Income for the year, primarily from School fees, increased by 2.8% to £5,332,867. Direct expenditure relating to the Company's objectives increased by 11.6% to £5,214,384, 57.1% of this figure being in respect of staff costs. After taking account of management and administration expenses of £1,921,595 (2023-24: £1,450,460) and depreciation of £317,185 (2023-24: £243,370), there was a surplus of £118,483 (2023-24: £514,846) for the year.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
Reserves Policy
The Company's policy is that all funds not already invested in fixed assets such as land, buildings, fixtures and fittings or for planned capital expenditure or for designated purposes are available to meet the Company's general purposes or objectives. These funds are spent at the Company's discretion or by delegation to nominated persons. The Trustees intend that the School should continue to operate with a level of free reserves equivalent to a minimum of a term's income (fees). Although this is a relatively low figure, this reflects the reasonable certainty of fee income being received. The School continues to operate at very close to or at full capacity with strong waiting lists. The current level of reserves (current net assets less future capital commitments) is deemed to be adequate to meet any unforeseen trading circumstances which might arise in the future.
Assisted Places
During the year, the sum of £51,587 (2023-24: £109,080) was allocated to assisted places from the designated Norah Reed and Means Tested assisted places funds. Further information relating to the designated assisted places funds is reported in the Public Benefit Statement. Currently, the designated funds sufficiently cover current commitments to assisted places, with funds available to offer further places in future.
Investment Policy
The Company has absolute powers of investment of its corporate reserves. However, a lowrisk policy is followed so that available retained funds, other than those required for day to day cash management, are placed with the School's bankers or other financial institutions on deposits maturing within approximately 12 months or less, and only with financial institutions which have independently verified secure credit ratings.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Company has a Risk Management Committee which meets on a termly basis to review the principal risks and uncertainties facing the School from strategic, financial and operational perspectives. Risks are graded High, Medium or Low and mitigation factors and controls are considered where appropriate. The great majority of risks are graded as Medium or Low, and emerging risks are identified as and when they arise.
The School has identified the following as the principal risks it faces:
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The potential redevelopment of the adjacent land by the council in order to fulfil the need for additional housing in the borough, including affordable homes and/or the sale or demolition of the Sir James Hawkey Hall.
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The continued impact of the imposition of VAT on school fees and the loss of business rates relief and the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions. The rating of those risks continues to be High. In particular there is a High risk of parents not being able to afford school fees.
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The financial and operational risks posed by increased cost of living, including energy prices and interest rates, which will affect the affordability for parents of School fees in general. The rating of those risks has now been raised from Medium to High given the current economic downturn.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
- The anticipated cost of installing a new substation, generator or other source of additional electric power.
Future Plans
Continuing investment will be made to improve the fabric of existing buildings and to replace old furniture, fixtures and fittings and to improve energy efficiency. New cooling and heating units have been installed in classrooms, boilers have been replaced and the main hall and toilets have been refurbished during the year.
In addition to its short-term objectives, the School is considering the longer-term development of:
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building provision, in line with the findings of a feasibility study and the demand for places at the 3+ entry point;
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its sustainability programme aimed at decarbonising the School estate and net zero compliance in so far as possible:
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ongoing staff development and training built on the CPD programme; and
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ongoing commitment to demonstrating high quality in teaching and learning and regulatory compliance, whilst ensuring high quality pastoral provision.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Company is governed by its articles of association as amended on 24 August 2017.
Governing Body
The Trustees, who are directors of the Company, are also members of the Company. The directors and members are selected and appointed on the basis of such matters as personal competence, specialist skills and availability. The bases of appointment are set out in the Company's articles of association. Directors are required to resign and can offer themselves for re-election after every three years in office.
Organisational Management
The directors meet as a full board five times a year to determine and review the policies of the Company for which they are responsible. Additional board meetings are held for specific purposes as required. The day-to-day running of the School is delegated to the Head and Bursar supported by other teaching members of the Senior Leadership Team. The board of directors has set up sub-committees of the board to consider (and report back on) specific aspects of governance; namely Appointments, Curriculum and Safeguarding, Finance and General Purposes and Risk Management. The Estates (Development and Sustainability) subcommittee reports to the Finance and General Purposes committee. The board has also nominated a director to serve as a representative on the School's Health and Safety Committee which is chaired by the
Bursar. The remuneration of key management personnel is determined by the Trustees on an annual basis by reference to anonymised benchmarks and other data in the public domain.
Trustee Induction and Training
New directors receive various pieces of written information regarding the workings of the School as a corporate entity and as a registered charity. All directors are also encouraged to
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
attend seminars organised by various professional firms and independent school umbrella bodies which deal with the responsibilities of Trustees in relation to the Companies Act, Charity Law and the Department for Education requirements.
Structure and Relationships
The Company has no trading subsidiaries, all activities being carried out by the Company itself. The School's Head is an active member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools for the promotion and maintenance of preparatory School standards generally and also takes part in several independent school discussion groups where matters of a common interest are discussed. The School is a member of the Independent Schools Council and the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools; the Head is an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and the Bursar is an active member of the Independent Schools Bursars Association.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
Reference And Administrative Details
Registered Company Number
621311
Registered Charity Number
310930
Registered Office
Glengall Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 0BS
Trustees
Mrs G Haddon (Chair) Mrs T Ashaye (Appointed 10 June 2025) Mr C Barratt Mrs C Bentley (Resigned 10 June 2025) Mrs G Chahal Mrs C Edwards (Appointed 16 September 2025) Mr P Kempe (Deputy Chairman) Mrs L Kennedy Mr C Parkinson (Resigned 4 February 2025) Mrs J Peddy Mr J Preston Mr P Seehra Mrs L Shamrakov Mr M Townsend Mrs J Venditti
Company Secretary
Mrs N Bhangu
Key Executives
Head of School: Miss J Maslen Bursar and Company Secretary: Mrs N Bhangu FCMA, BSc Honours
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
Professional Advisors
Auditors
HaysMac LLP Statutory Auditors 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
Bankers
Virgin Money UK plc 5 Lockey House 1 St Peter’s St St Albans AL1 3LP
Insurance Brokers
Hettle Andrews Eleven Brindleyplace 2 Brunswick Square Birmingham B1 2LP
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in 1959 under company registration number 621311 and registered as a charity in 1963 under Charity registration number 310930. The liability of its members is limited to £5 each by guarantee. The registered office and principal address of the Company is at Glengall Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0BS.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Report of the Trustees For The Year Ended 31st August 2025
Statement Of Public Benefit
A. The Purpose of this Statement
This statement is prepared to accompany the annual Trustees’ Report, and reports on the activities of the School for the year September 2024 to August 2025.
B. Key Details About The Charity
Charity Registration Details
The School was founded in 1932 as a privately-owned school, was incorporated in 1959 and was registered as a charity in 1963.
Location and Operation
The School operated by the charity is in Woodford Green within the London Borough of Redbridge and provides an education for day pupils.
Pupils
The School has capacity for 400 pupils on its roll aged 3 to 11 years, currently capped at 388 pupils for operational reasons.
Admissions Policy
The majority of pupils join the School in the September following their third birthday although there are often opportunities for pupils to join the School at any age up to 11 years. A number of places are available for 7+ entrants in September each year for which assessments are held between the previous November and February. At this time, the School invites applications for means tested assisted places.
Curriculum
The School educates children in accordance with, and beyond the requirements laid down in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 &; 2 of the National Curriculum.
Opportunities to Benefit for those unable to afford fees:
Means Tested Assistance (Assisted Places)
A fund exists to provide means tested assistance with fees for pupils attending the School from the September following their 7th birthday. Applications are invited prior to the entrance assessment held in February or early March. An award can be of any value up to 100% of the full fees and would normally be awarded for the duration of the time that the pupil attends the School, subject to eligibility based upon an annual means test review.
The Norah Read Assisted Places Fund (established in memory of the School’s founder) exists to provide means tested assistance to parents of pupils in Years 5 and 6 already attending the School who experience a change in their financial circumstances.
Non-Means Tested Assistance
None.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited
(the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Other Opportunities To Benefit Provided By The School
The School hosts sporting events to which pupils from other local schools are invited. The School’s SENDCo is also a governor offering special needs advice to a maintained school and the School’s eSafety safeguarding lead mentored another member of staff in a maintained school. One of the School’s Year 5/Year 6 teachers is also a governor at a maintained school. The School hosts a number of pupils from local state schools wishing to gain work experience and puts on a programme to support them during their visits, which are typically held in the Spring or Summer term. Local nursery children and their staff have enjoyed close links with the School and it has been able to invite them to enjoy memorable performances of plays and activities. The School has provided mental health support and training to staff from other schools.
C. The Aims of The Charity
The Objects and Powers* of the Charity include the following:
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To carry on and conduct a preparatory School for the education of boys and girls in accordance with the principles of the Christian faith but on a nondenominational basis;
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to provide general instruction and education together with physical and moral training, and provide for the delivery and holding of lectures, exhibitions, public meetings, classes and debates and directly or indirectly to advance the cause of education whether general, professional or technical;
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to organise sports and other recreations and to acquire any site or premises which may be deemed suitable for the purpose;
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to provide for the training of students and student teachers in the theory and practice of education; and to do such other things as are incidental or the Company may think conducive to the attainment of its Objects or any of them.
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as set out in the articles of association as adopted on 24 August 2017.
D. Demonstrating Public Benefit
The primary benefit of the School is the provision of education which by legal definition (under the Charity laws of England and Wales) is charitable. It is the desire of the Trustees to continue to demonstrate the School’s ‘public benefit’ and to this end they have adopted the guidance principles published by the Charity Commission:
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Principle 1: There must be an identifiable benefit or benefits.
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Principle 2: Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public.
Sections D1 and D2, below, set out the School’s aims and achievements relating to principle 1.
Sections D3 - D6, below, set out the School’s aims and achievements relating to principle 2.
Section D1
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Sub-principle 1a - it must be clear what the benefits are
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Sub-principle 1b - the benefits must be related to the aims
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
The School’s primary benefit is the provision of education to the pupils at the School. Beyond the standard curriculum offered by the School, benefits to the pupils also flow from the following activities:
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An extensive range of extra-curricular activities, some of which are run as after School clubs, including many sporting opportunities, musical and drama opportunities, and various other activities.
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School trips to theatres, education centres, places of worship of different faiths, activity centres and residential educational trips for Years 4, 5 and 6. Visits to the School by theatre companies, authors, and special interest education groups.
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Involvement in support of charities, including specialist Charity days, collections at School concerts and events, and performances by the choir at a local day centre for the elderly. In the year 2024-25 a total of £9,611 was raised by the pupils for various charities.
In addition, educational benefits for pupils, other children and the wider community arise from the following examples:
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The School allows its facilities to be used by a number of groups and associations including football training sessions for children, and hosts professional teaching network opportunities. In some cases, a nominal charge is made for use of the facilities which is well below local commercial rates but in other cases there is no charge made at all.
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The School runs a teatime club on each School day to allow parents who work, to collect their children up to 6.00pm. A breakfast club is also operated, starting at 7.30am, to offer further assistance to working parents. Both are well-attended and appreciated by parents.
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The School hosts sports matches and competitions in which pupils from other schools participate.
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The School supports local senior school pupils in work experience placements to its site.
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Local nursery children have attended events such as plays and performances.
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Financial support is provided through giving to, for example, Comic Relief, the Royal British Legion, RSPCA, and various other charities.
Section D2
● Sub-principle 1c – benefits must be balanced against any detriment or harm
The Trustees take care to ensure that no detriment or harm arises from the activities of the Charity. In May 2023 the School underwent a Focused Regulatory Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate which found that the School was rated Excellent in all areas and met all of the requirements in each of the eight sections of the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, including the welfare, health and safety of pupils.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Section D3
● Sub-principle 2a - the beneficiaries must be appropriate to the aims
The main beneficiaries are children attending the School who are aged between 3 and 11. Children from other schools of similar and other age groups also benefit.
Adult members of the wider community also benefit through use of the School facilities and as beneficiaries of concerts, events, meetings, public meetings etc. held at the School in accordance with item 5(c) of the “Objects” listed in the Company’s articles of association.
Other charities also benefit both directly through money raised by the pupils at the School and indirectly through the use of the School’s premises and facilities in accordance with item 6(o) of the ‘Powers’ listed in the Company’s articles of association.
Section D4
- Sub-principle 2b - where benefit is to a section of the public, the opportunity to benefit must not be unreasonably restricted (other than restrictions arising as a result of the fees charged which is dealt with in Section D5)
Geographical Restrictions
There is no geographical restriction in the stated Objects applied to the opportunity to benefit, although admissions priority is given to local families residing within the locality of the School. In practice, the majority of pupils at the School are drawn from a radius of 10 miles.
Age Restrictions
There are no age restrictions specified in the stated Objects and neither do the objects exclude adults as beneficiaries as well as children. In practice, the main beneficiaries are the pupils at the School aged 3 to 11.
Academic Restrictions
There is no requirement in the governing document for the children to meet specific academic standards as a condition of entry at 3+. Notwithstanding this, children joining the School at 4+, or later, are assessed prior to entry to ensure that they are of an academic standard which will enable them to fit in well with the other children already in the School. (It would not be in a child’s best interest to enter a School where he or she felt unable to cope with the standard of work). Aside from 3+ entry, the next main entry point to the School remains at 7+ where places are awarded to those children who, in the view of the head teacher, would benefit most from becoming a pupil at the School. The School accepts children from within a wide range of academic ability.
Religious Restrictions
The governing document makes it clear that whilst children are educated “in accordance with the principles of the Christian faith” this is on a non-denominational basis. In practice the pupils are drawn from a wide range of faiths, and of no faith, which is viewed as bringing a positive breadth of culture to the School community.
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Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Section D5
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Sub-principle 2b - the opportunity to benefit must not be unreasonably restricted by the ability to pay any fees charged
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Sub-principle 2c - people in poverty must not be excluded from the opportunity to benefit
Despite being located within Greater London, where many costs (especially teacher’s salaries) are higher than elsewhere in the country, the School is pleased that its fees are highly competitive when measured against all Independent Association of Preparatory Schools within the United Kingdom. The Trustees strive to keep costs as low as possible without detrimental effect upon the high standards that the School is renowned for.
The School does not have endowments or large reserves and therefore the main source of income is from School fees. The Trustees are mindful of the fact that any increase in fees to help fund assisted places would have a negative effect in narrowing the number of parents who can afford to pay the fees. The assisted places funds are derived from any trading surplus made as a result of careful management of budgets and bank deposit interest received. It has been possible to accrue a designated Means Tested Assisted Places Fund which is added to each year to fund an increased number of assisted places.
As only nominal charges (to cover costs) are made for using the School’s premises and facilities, there is no restriction placed upon community users who are unable to pay commercial rental fees.
During the year 2024-25, 2 pupils benefited from 100% assistance with School fees and 4 pupils received partial assistance from the Means Tested Assisted Places Fund and 1 Norah Read Assisted Place Fund to a total value of £51,587 (2023-24: £109,080). The School is committed to financially supporting Assisted Places for a continuing period.
Section D6
● Sub-principle 2d - any private benefits must be coincidental
Discounts for children ff members of staff
All members of staff are offered discounts against fees for their children. Pupils whose parents are staff members who have completed one full year of service are eligible for the discount scheme.
Conflicts Of Interest
The Trustees comply with their obligations under the Companies Acts regarding conflicts of interest. Each Trustee declares any potential conflicts on appointment and has a continuing duty to do so.
E. SUMMARY
The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity is doing as much as it possibly can to demonstrate its public benefit.
16
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the income and expenditure, of the Company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
e Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
® Observe the methods and principles in the charity SORP;
-
e Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent:
-
¢ State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
e Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Company. After appropriate consideration of risks as part of its normal risk management processes and mitigating actions both already taken and available to be taken, the Trustees consider it appropriate for the going concern basis to be adopted for these accounts.
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
-
e there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and
-
e the Trustees have taken ail steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by order of the board of directors on 18 November 2025 and signed on behalf of the Trustees by:
MrsvoosthheddonG HadGon, Director
G HadGon, Director
17
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited for the Year Ended 31st August 2025
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is in accordance with 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:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of the Company’s net movement in funds, including the income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
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 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
18
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Other information
The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ 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 in respect of that other information.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information are materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
-
the information given in the Trustees’ Report (which includes the Directors’ report prepared for the purposes of Company law) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
the Directors’ report included within the Trustees’ Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Trustees’ Report (which incorporates the Directors’ 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 by the Company; or
-
The Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
Certain disclosures of Trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
-
The Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the Trustees’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responsibilities of Trustees for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities statement set out on page 17, the Trustees (as the directors of the Company for the purposes of Company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
19
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited (the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s 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, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the Company and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the independent school regulations, safeguarding, employment and health and safety regulations and Charity law, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as include the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011, and considered other factors such as income tax, payroll tax and sales tax.
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls). Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
-
Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;
-
Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non- compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
-
Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
-
Identifying and testing journals; and
-
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their accounting estimates.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also
20
(the “Company” or the “School” or the “Charity”)
Woodford Green Preparatory School Limited
greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Lee Stokes Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of HaysMac LLP, Statutory Auditors
10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
Date: 12 December 2025
21
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and grants Charitable activities: 2 . School fees receivable Other trading activities: Rental income Investments 4 Registration fees and other income 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities: . School operations Total expenditure 5 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 37,347 4,860,422 - 168,209 266,889 5,332,867 5,214,384 5,214,384 118,483 5,407,934 5,526,417 |
Total funds 2025 £ 37,347 4,860,422 - 168,209 266,889 5,332,867 5,214,384 5,214,384 118,483 5,407,934 5,526,417 |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,316 4,819,190 1,974 74,475 285,476 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,185,431 | |||
| 4,670,585 | |||
| 4,670,585 | |||
| 514,846 | |||
| 4,893,088 | |||
| 5,407,934 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 25 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
Page 22
18 November 2025
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment income Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The notes on pages 25 to 38 form part of these financial statements |
2025 £ 453,255 (825,205) 168,209 (656,996) (203,741) 4,447,620 4,243,879 |
2024 £ 1,198,561 (249,856) 74,475 (175,381) 1,023,180 3,424,440 4,447,620 |
|---|---|---|
Page 24
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies, all of which have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year are:
1.1 Basis of accounting
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) (Charities SORP Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The School meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the accounting policies, Trustees are required to make judgement, estimates, and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affected current and future periods.
In the view of the Trustees, no assumptions concerning future or estimation uncertainty affecting assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date are likely to result in a material adjustment of their carrying amounts in the next financial year.
The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the School's financial statements, except for the fact that it is no longer considered appropriate to accrue for teachers' holiday pay or to recognise as a prepayment any time teachers have spent in preparing for the following academic year.
1.3 Going concern
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees review the financial information for the School and consider whether the School is a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the accounts. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the School is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the School. In particular, the Trustees have considered the impact of the imposition of VAT on school fees, the removal of Business Rates relief, the increase in Employer's National Insurance contributions and the reduction in pupil numbers. However, through appropriate consideration of risks as part of its normal risk management processes and mitigating actions both already taken and available to be taken, the Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to manage the exposure to the major risks and consider it appropriate for the going concern basis to be adopted for these accounts.
Page 25
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 School fees receivable and similar income
Fees receivable and other fees are accounted for in the year in which the service is provided. Fees receivable represent fees less bursaries and allowances and other income derived from the School's continuing activities.
1.5 Investment income
Investment income from bank balances and fixed interest securities is accounted for on an accruals basis.
1.6 Voluntary sources, grants and donations
Voluntary income is accounted for as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the School is consfdered probable.
1.7 Expenditure
Expenditure is accrued as soon as there is a contractual obligation or a liability is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer term liabilities. Expenditure is allocated to expense headings either on a direct cost basis or apportioned according to time spent. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates. Bad debts are provided for in accordance with the School's bad debt policy.
1.8 Pension costs
During the year, the School participated In three separate pension schemes induding the Teachers' Pension Scheme ("TPS") which is an unfunded government scheme, which provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. The TPS is a multi employer scheme and the funds of TPS are separate from the School. The School withdrew from TPS with effect from 1 September 2024.
All teachers in TPS joined the School's APTIS pension scheme which is a defined contributions scheme administered by Avlva.
The School also participated in both defined benefits and defined contributions schemes administered by TPT Rettrement Solutions Limited ("TPT"). All members of the TPT schemes (non teaching staff) have now also moved to APTIS.
1.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of each asset based on current market prices, over its expected useful life, as follows:
| Freehold buildings | - | 2% straight line basis |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement to properties | - | 10% straight line basis |
| Motor vehicles | - | 25% reducing balance basis |
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 10% straight line basis |
| Computer equipment | - | 25% straight line basis |
Page 26
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.10 Financial instruments
The School only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.11 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.12 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.
1.13 Leasing commitments
Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated over their useful lives or the period of the lease whichever is the shorter. The interest element of the obligations is charged to the SOFA over the period of the lease. Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the SOFA on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are accounted for over the lease term on a straight-line basis.
1.14 Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the School has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.15 Fund accounts
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds are set aside by the Trustees for their specific purposes.
1.16 Taxation
The Company is a registered charity and as such is exempt from income tax and corporation tax under the provisions of section 478 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
Page 27
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2. Fees receivable
| Fees receivable consists of: Gross fees Less: Assisted places and staff concessions |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 4,958,733 (98,311) 4,860,422 |
Total funds 2025 £ 4,958,733 (98,311) 4,860,422 |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,994,601 (175,411) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,819,190 |
3. Registration fees and other income
| Registration and other fees including initial deposits forfeited Sundry income Clubs income |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 106,888 12,332 147,669 266,889 |
Total funds 2025 £ 106,888 12,332 147,669 266,889 |
Total funds 2024 £ 93,049 34,845 157,582 285,476 |
|---|---|---|---|
4. Investment income - bank and other interest
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Bank Interest 168,209 Interest on late fees - 168,209 |
Total funds 2025 £ 168,209 - 168,209 |
Total funds 2024 £ 73,312 1,163 |
|---|---|---|
| 74,475 |
Page 28
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
5. Analysis of expenditure
a) Total expenditure
| a) Total expenditure | Staff Costs (note 6) |
Depreciation (note 8) |
Other Costs | Total 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable expenditure | ||||
| Teaching | 2,368,940 | - | 1,112,141 | 3,481,081 |
| Welfare | 50,159 | - | 483,498 | 533,657 |
| Premises School administration and governance |
101,310 455,195 |
317,185 - |
44,413 281,543 |
462,908 736,738 |
| Total expenditure | 2,975,604 | 317,185 | 1,921,595 | 5,214,384 |
Support cost included within other costs are allocated on the basis of staff headcount.
b) Governance included in support costs
| Remuneration paid to auditor for audit services (excluding VAT) Remuneration paid to auditor for non-audit services (excluding VAT) |
2025 £ 16,400 2,950 19,350 |
2024 £ 15,300 1,900 |
|---|---|---|
| 17,200 |
Prior year
| Staff Costs | **Depreciation ** | Other Costs | Total 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable expenditure | ||||
| Teaching | 2,369,856 | - | 868,777 | 3,238,633 |
| Welfare | 50,178 | - | 377,697 | 427,875 |
| Premises School administration and governance |
101,350 455,371 |
243,370 - |
34,694 169,292 |
379,414 624,663 |
| Total expenditure | 2,976,755 | 243,370 | 1,450,460 | 4,670,585 |
Page 29
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
6. Staff costs
| The aggregate payroll costs for the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
2025 £ 2,417,246 281,405 276,953 2,975,604 |
2024 £ 2,339,144 247,777 389,834 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,976,755 |
The average number of employees during the year were:
| Teaching Office and non-teaching staff |
2025 No. 52 8 60 |
2024 No. 53 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 62 |
The number of higher paid employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| £60,001 - £70,000 | 4 | - |
| £70,001 - £80,000 | 2 | 2 |
| £90,001 - £100,000 | - | 1 |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Total amount of employee benefits (including employer pension | ||
| contributions) of key management personnel | 488,408 | 303,916 |
7. Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the current or preceding year.
Page 30
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
8. Tangible fixed assets
| Freehold land and buildings £ Cost At 1 September 2024 4,266,456 Additions 16,903 At 31 August 2025 4,283,359 Depreciation At 1 September 2024 2,287,071 Charge for the year 125,548 At 31 August 2025 2,412,619 Net book value At 31 August 2025 1,870,740 At 31 August 2024 1,979,385 Debtors Due within one year Fee debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Property improvemen ts £ 1,165,030 394,835 1,559,865 587,420 98,690 686,110 873,755 577,610 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 834,024 323,222 1,157,246 635,435 47,496 682,931 474,315 198,589 |
Computer equipment £ 671,808 90,245 762,053 603,898 45,451 649,349 112,704 67,910 2025 £ 514,304 125,016 |
Total £ 6,937,318 825,205 7,762,523 4,113,824 317,185 4,431,009 3,331,514 2,823,494 2024 £ 24,969 67,601 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 639,320 | 92,570 |
9. Debtors
Following the introduction of VAT on school fees from 1 January 2025, a VAT tax point was created for Autumn term invoices that had been issued prior to the year end. These invoices, which were previously not recognised as debtors, are now recognised due to the establishment of a VAT point. This change has led to a notable increase in both fee debtors and fees received in advance as at the reporting date.
Page 31
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
10. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Fees in advance and Deposits Trade creditors Accruals Other taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 £ 1,785,522 246,630 180,328 216,143 42,373 2,470,996 |
2024 £ 1,567,079 8,536 41,381 56,595 50,959 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,724,550 |
11. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Deposits | 217,300 | 231,200 |
Page 32
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
12. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Norah K Read Assisted Places Fund Means Tested Assisted Places Fund Estate Development Fund Sustainability Fund Parent (VAT Support) Fund Hawkey Hall Contingency Fund Power Upgrade Fund Pension Exit Fee Fund General funds Unrestricted - General Fund Total Unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 September 2024 £ 18,000 150,000 490,000 480,000 250,000 1,000,000 264,000 220,000 2,872,000 2,535,934 5,407,934 |
Income £ - - - - - - - - - 5,332,867 5,332,867 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - - - (192,052) (192,052) (5,022,332) (5,214,384) |
Transfers in/out £ - - 10,000 (480,000) (250,000) - 136,000 (27,948) (611,948) 611,948 - |
Balance at 31 August 2025 £ 18,000 150,000 500,000 - - 1,000,000 400,000 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,068,000 | |||||
| 3,458,417 | |||||
| 5,526,417 |
Page 33
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
12. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Norah K read Assisted Places Fund Means Tested Assisted Places Fund Estate Development Fund Sustainability Fund Parent (VAT Support) Funds Hawkey Hall Contingency Fund Power Upgrade Fund Pension Exit Fee Fund General funds Unrestricted - General Fund Total Unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 September 2023 £ 18,000 150,000 250,000 - - - - - 418,000 4,475,088 4,893,088 |
Income £ - - - - - - - - - 5,185,431 5,185,431 |
Expenditure £ (13,635) (95,445) (194,867) - - - - - (303,947) (4,366,638) (4,670,585) |
As restated Transfers in/out £ 13,635 95,445 434,867 480,000 250,000 1,000,000 264,000 220,000 2,757,947 (2,757,947) - |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 18,000 150,000 490,000 480,000 250,000 1,000,000 264,000 220,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,872,000 | |||||
| 2,535,934 | |||||
| 5,407,934 |
Page 34
WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
12. Statement of funds (continued)
The Norah Read Assisted Places Fund (established in memory of the School's founder) exists to provide means tested assistance to parents of pupils already attending the School who experience a change in their financial circumstances.
The Means Tested Assisted Places Fund was established to provide means tested assistance with fees for pupils attending the School from the September following their 7th birthday.
The Estate Development Fund has been established in order to allocate financial resources to medium term property improvements including fixtures and fittings.
The Sustainability Fund was established to cover the anticipated costs of the School's planned net zero policy.
The Parent (VAT Support) Fund was established to try to reduce the impact of the imposition of VAT on school fees from 1 January 2025.
The Hawkey Hall Contingency Fund was established to cover a potential acquisition of land on the Sir James Hawkey Hall site.
The Power Upgrade Fund was established in order to cover the cost of a new generator or power station (or other power source) needed to meet the School's power supply requirements.
The Pension Exit Fee Fund was established to cover the anticipated exit fee on leaving the TPT scheme.
13. Financial commitments
At 31 August 2025 the Company had total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases for plant and equipment as follows:
| Within one year Between one and five years |
2025 £ 18,330 9,070 27,400 |
2024 £ 22,023 27,400 |
|---|---|---|
| 49,423 |
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WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Tangible fixed assets 3,331,514 Current assets 4,883,199 Creditors due within one year (2,470,996) Creditors due in more than one year (217,300) Total 5,526,417 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,331,514 4,883,199 (2,470,996) (217,300) 5,526,417 |
|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 2,823,494 4,540,190 (1,724,550) (231,200) 5,407,934 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,823,494 4,540,190 (1,724,550) (231,200) 5,407,934 |
|---|---|---|
15. Related party transactions
During the year Trustees incurred travel expenses of £147 (2024: £133).
There were no other related party transactions in the current or preceding year.
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WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
16. Pension commitments
During the year, the School participated in three separate pension schemes including the Teachers' Pension Scheme ("TPS") for its teaching staff. The pension charge for the year includes pension contributions payable to the TPS of £159,933 (2024 - £340,764). There are (and were in 2024) no year end charges.
The TPS is an unfunded government scheme, which provides benefits based on final pensionable pay. The TPS is a multi employer scheme and the funds of TPS are separate from the School. The School withdrew from TPS with effect from 1 September 2024.
All teachers in TPS joined the School's APTIS pension scheme which is a defined contributions scheme administered by Aviva.
The School also participated in both defined benefits and defined contributions schemes administered by TPT Retirement Solutions Limited ("TPT"). All members of the TPT schemes (non teaching staff) have now also moved to APTIS.
The exit charge for leaving the TPT defined benefits scheme has been paid.
17. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Increase in debtors Increase in creditors Investment income Net cash provided by operating activities |
2025 £ 118,483 317,185 (546,750) 732,546 (168,209) 453,255 |
2024 £ 514,846 |
|---|---|---|
| 243,370 (22,218) 537,038 (74,475) |
||
| 1,198,561 |
18. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents |
2025 £ 4,243,879 4,243,879 |
2024 £ 4,447,620 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,447,620 |
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WOODFORD GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
19. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand | At 1 September 2024 £ 4,447,620 4,447,620 |
Cash flows At 31 August 2025 £ £ (203,741) 4,243,879 (203,741) 4,243,879 |
Cash flows At 31 August 2025 £ £ (203,741) 4,243,879 (203,741) 4,243,879 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,243,879 |
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