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2025-07-31-accounts

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

THE INCORPORATED

BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

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Contents Page
Governors, Directors and Charity Trustees 3
Annual Report 4-20
Directors’Report 4-10
Energy Report 11
Strategic Report 12–17
Statement of Accounting and Reporting Responsibilities 17
Independent Auditor’s Report 18-20
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 21
Group Consolidated and Company Balance Sheet 22
Consolidated Cashflow Statement 23
Notes to the Financial Statements 24-38

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GOVERNORS, DIRECTORS AND CHARITY TRUSTEES

The Governors of the Incorporated Bishop's Stortford College Association are the trustees of the charity and the directors of the charitable company. The trustees who served on the Governing Council during the year were:

1 2 3 4 5 6
G.E. Baker, (Chairman) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
I.M. Pearman (Vice Chair)
D.M. Alexander ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ Chair of the Estates Committee
G.W.W. Barker
A.J.W. Conti
P.E. Dodd
J.R. Gammage ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
P.J. Hargrave Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee
R.C.V. Harrison Chair of the Finance & General Purpose Committee
S. Lehec Retired March 2025
P. Mullender Chair of the Education Committee
S. Nurbhai
I.J. Silk
C.P. Solway
D.F. Thomson Governor oversight for Development
A. Westell Appointed March 2025
  1. Member of the Development Working Group.

  2. Member of the Education Committee.

  3. Member of the Estates Committee.

  4. Member of the Finance & General-Purpose Committee.

  5. Member of the Nominations and Governance Committee.

  6. Parent of a pupil at the College.

The following were Representative Governors: G.W.W. Barker, A.J.W. Conti, P.E. Dodd, R.C.V. Harrison, S. Nurbhai and C.P. Solway.

OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE :

Head: J Maguire

Secretary and Bursar: P.M. Stanley

ADVISERS:

Bankers : Lloyds Bank plc, 20 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2LN Auditors : Crowe U.K. LLP, 55 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7JW Solicitors : TEES, Tees House, 95 London Road, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3GW Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP, Narrow Quay House, Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA

Insurance: Endsleigh Insurances (Brokers) Limited, Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire, GL51 4UE

OTHER INFORMATION:

Address and Registered Office: School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PQ

Website: www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org

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The Governors, who are also the directors and charity Trustees, have pleasure in submitting their one hundred and twenty-first annual report together with the audited financial statements for the year, and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

Governing Body

Recruitment of Governors

The Charity Governance Code

Training of Governors

Organisational Structure

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As part of the strategic planning process the Governing Council meets annually at an ‘ Away Day ’ to discuss matters of importance, to review key documents and policies, as well as considering future plans and initiatives.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated financial statements have been prepared for the group for the same period in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Companies Act 2006 and 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) - effective 1 January 2015.

Structure of the Charity

- Senior School . The Senior School has five year groups and prepares pupils for the GCSE and A-Level public examinations, university entrance and for adult life.

Management Structure and Other Relationships

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The volunteer support of parent groups, such as the Friends of the Prep School, is similarly valued. To develop these links further the College retain a programme that includes Parent Evenings and links with the wider community. These are an important aspect of ensuring the delivery of the charitable aims of the Trust.

Employment Policy

Equality Policy

The College seeks to foster warm, welcoming, and respectful environments, which allow us to question and challenge discrimination and inequality, resolve conflicts peacefully and work and learn free from harassment and violence. We recognise that there are similarities and differences between individuals and groups, but we will strive to ensure that our differences do not become barriers to participation, access and learning and to create inclusive processes and practices, where the varying needs of individuals and groups are identified and met. We therefore cannot achieve equality for all by treating everyone the same. We build on our similarities and seek enrichment from our differences and so promote understanding and learning between and towards others to create cohesive communities.

Investment policy and objectives

To meet these objectives the College’s investments are managed as a whole on a total return basis, maintaining diversification in order to produce an appropriate balance between risk and return. The investment strategy is monitored by the Finance & General-Purpose Committee, as is investment performance, which is reported below within the Strategic Report.

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OBJECTS, AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable Objects

In addition, some small trust funds are held to make awards for purposes specified by the donor, embracing both the development of the College’s facilities and the provision of funds for bursaries, scholarships, prizes, and other educational purposes.

Ethos, Aims and Intended Impact

Bishop’s Stortford College will be a leading academically selective, co-educational, all-through, day and boarding school for ages 3 to 18, offering a world-class education grounded in the values of belonging, scholarship, and character.

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Principal Activity

Pre-Prep
Prep School
Senior School
Totals
Form
R
P1
P2
LS
US
FI
F2
L3
U3
4F
L5
U5
L6
U6
Totals
25
39
46
49
67
67
86
108
110
137
135
140
109
134
1252
Boarders:
Full/Weekly;
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
4
20
22
22
26
32
129
Flexi/Part-
Time
0
0
0
5
5
0
8
1
1
3
4
4
4
3
38
~~etsleele~~
To ensure the College continues to have a strong financial base and as wider reflection of outside society as possible, the key
management team place considerable emphasis on marketing the College, particularly on future admissions for the younger
age groups and on attracting pupils from a wide range of social backgrounds. As a result, the numbers of potential pupils who age groups and on attracting pupils from a wide range of social backgrounds. As a result, the numbers of potential pupils who
were recorded as prospective pupils and have an interest in joining the College for entry up until 2029, are:

Year of Entry Prospective 2026 372 2027 154 2028 10 ~~=~~ 2029 2

PUBLIC BENEFIT Widening Access

Financial Assistance

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Social Impact

- The Ferguson Lecture Series encouraged attendance from local secondary BSET pupils, with several visiting throughout the year.

- The College swimming pool was used by local clubs, youth groups and schools. The swimming pool is an ‘Approved Training Centre’ for the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards and the College offers spaces on this course for staff from other local schools and swimming clubs.

- The College continued to be an MCC Foundation Cricket Hub giving greater access to superb cricket facilities to a wider group of young people. The MCC Foundation, the charitable arm of the MCC, runs a network of Hubs across the UK, providing free coaching and match-play to state-educated 11-15 year old boys and girls with the aim of improving their cricket ability and boosting their confidence on and off the pitch.

The College provided minibuses and drivers to support wider access to a range of events.

Section 172 Statement

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contractors and our local community leaders, businesses and neighbours. Stakeholders are identified by contractual engagement in terms of parent, pupils, staff and external licensees or by virtue of effect and impact of College activity and support opportunities to our community.

• The College is very much rooted in the community, with approximately 90% of pupils being day pupils and hence living locally, due to it being one of the largest employers in Bishop’s Stortford and from the social interaction described above. Stakeholder views are secured through communications strategies specific to groups, for example, prospective parents and pupils through admissions and events; pupils, teachers and staff through school routines; parents’ evenings, meetings and newsletters, community and neighbours through town business forums and groups. Engagement with all of our community informs strategy, decisions and outcomes. College success depends on the need to:

The Governors identify and consider issues and factors affecting the College by:

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ENERGY REPORT

2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24
**Type of emission ** Activity kWh tCO2e % of total kWh tCO2e % of total

Scope 1
Natural gas
Vehicle fleet
Sub-total
3,303,832
124,064
3,427,896
604.47
30.16
634.63
68.00%
3.39%
71.39%
3,746,600
120,677
3,867,277
685.25
28.71
713.96
68.58%
2.87%
71.45%
Scope 2 Electricity
Sub-total
1,413,120
1,413,120
250.12
250.12
28.14%
28.14%
1,359,248
1,359,248
281.43
281.43
28.17%
28.17%
Scope 3 Grey fleet
Sub-total
17,230
17,230
4.19
4.19
0.47%
0.47%
15,690
15,690
3.79
3.79
0.38%
0.38%
Total gross consumption and emissions
4,858,246
888.94 100.00% 5,242,215 999.18 100.00%
Metric used:
Number of pupils
1,252 1,282
Intensity ratio:
Tonnes of CO2e per Number of pupils
0.710 0.779

2024 Grey fleet has been recalculated, was 10,571 kWh and 2.34 tCO2e. 2024 emissions were therefore under reported by 0.145%.

Intensity Ratio

The intensity metric is unchanged from last year’s number of pupils (finishing the year). The resulting intensity ratio of tCO2e/number of pupils will best reflect changes in operation and energy consumption over time.

Efficiency

Quantification and Reporting Methodology

Organisational Boundary

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STRATEGIC REPORT

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Review of achievements and performance for the year

Fundraising

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registering at www.stortfordianfoundation.org, users can set their preferences, supporting GDPR compliance. There were no compliance issues last year.

Investment Policy

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Results for the Year

Reserves Level and Policy

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Financial Viability and Going Concern

RISK MANAGEMENT AND UNCERTAINTIES

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- safer recruitment and vetting procedures as required by law for the protection of children.

MID-TERM PLANS

The College will continue to excel academically with annual achievements throughout the College that consistently surpass those of local schools, both in overall performance and, most importantly, in the value added to each individual pupil.

The College will implement a well-defined and structured 3-18 curriculum, enriched by innovative, sector-leading pedagogy, that builds toward academic excellence and ultimately success in external examinations and university applications to the UK, USA, and beyond. Teaching and learning will remain enriching, utilising modern strategies and technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance pupil progress, empower learners, and support exceptional teaching professionals.

Our commitment to fostering a diverse array of offerings ensures that every student can pursue their individual passions and cultivate a lifelong love for learning, both inside and outside the classroom. The College will enhance its national reputation for excellence in Engineering, Medicine, the Arts, and the Sciences, delivering a comprehensive education that prepares students for the future.

Related strategic projects:

Pastoral

Project 1.1 The Shape of the Week Project Project 1.2 The Curriculum Project Project 1.4 The Pedagogy Project Project 3.3 The Sixth Form Project Project 5.2 The Professional Development Project

The College will continue to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for every child, ensuring that each pupil’s individuality is recognised and celebrated. The College will be a school that promotes, celebrates, and embeds its core values in every pupil. The vibrant College community will continue to be enriched by the diversity of our families and by the thriving boarding community. Pastoral care will be acknowledged as sector-leading, and the College is renowned for its holistic pastoral approach that culminates in the House system in the Senior School.

Our commitment to inclusivity and support extends beyond the classroom. We will continue to foster an environment where every pupil feels valued and respected while creating more opportunities to celebrate the unique contributions of each pupil, ensuring that their individuality is not only recognised but also nurtured. This approach will continue to build a strong sense of belonging and community among our pupils.

Through these efforts, Bishop’s Stortford College will continue to be a place where each pupil’s individuality is celebrated and their potential nurtured. Our inclusive and supportive environment will ensure that every pupil feels valued and empowered to achieve their best.

Related strategic projects

Project 1.3 Pupil Support Project Project 2.1 The Diversity Project Project 2.2 The Pastoral Care Project Project 5.2 The Professional Development Project

The College will continue to advance its sports programmes and will become a nationally renowned centre of excellence in several major disciplines. Promoting high standards across a diverse range of sports will cultivate top-tier teams capable of competing at the highest levels and touring internationally, while also inspiring a deep passion for athletic achievement.

In addition to expanding our sporting provision to nurture elite athletes and develop future international competitors, our vibrant and highly competitive programmes will attract international students and ensure that all pupils cultivate a lifelong love of sport and exercise.

Our commitment will continue through investments in state-of-the-art facilities, including a Sports Centre of Excellence, a third Astroturf pitch, and the expansion of the Doggart Pavilion. These projects will be funded through multiple sources, including College income, philanthropy, commercial partnerships, and sponsorships. Our aim for these facilities is to further provide our pupils with the best possible environment in which to train, compete, and excel, while generating commercial income and benefiting the local community.

Related strategic projects: Project 3.1 The Games Provision Project Project 4.1 The Communications Project Project 4.2 The Marketing Project Project 4.3 The Public Benefit Project

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Project 6.1 The Master Plan Project Project 7.1 The Diversification of Income Project

Performing and Creative Arts

The College will maintain a regional reputation for excellence in the Performing and Creative Arts. All pupils will be encouraged to participate and develop a lifelong love for the arts while fostering the most talented pupils to achieve great success. This will be evaluated through the quality of performances and exhibitions, the range of opportunities for all pupils, and the growth of elite performers.

Related strategic projects:

Staff

Project 3.2 Enhancing the Performing Arts Project Project 6.1 The Master Plan Project Project 7.1 The Diversification of Income Project

The College will continue to recognise, retain, and recruit professional, loyal, dedicated, and caring staff. The College will endeavour to ensure that every staff member is innovative, professionally curious, and ambitious. The College will be known for its positive working environment.

To achieve this, the College will implement several measures to ensure staff satisfaction and professional growth. These include staff voice, staff turnover, professional development programmes, and national and international awards for professional development. By focusing on these measures, the College aims to continue nurturing an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel in their roles. This commitment to staff well-being and professional development will help the College maintain its reputation.

Related strategic projects:

Project 5.1 The Wellbeing Project Project 5.2 The Professional Development Project Project 6.2 The Sustainability Project Project 8.1 The Governance Project

The College will remain financially secure, upholding our founding ethos of providing affordable education for all. This will be accomplished through an efficient operating model that supports ongoing investment in the College.

The College will be versatile and will explore opportunities that may arise both within the UK and internationally to expand into a group of highly successful schools, provided these opportunities support the work of the College and reflect its ethos and values.

We will continue to nurture a strong financial foundation that not only supports the College's current operations but also paves the way for future growth and development. We will achieve this by implementing a strategic plan that focuses on diversifying income, forming partnerships, and exploring innovative revenue streams. This approach will ensure that we can continue to provide a high-quality education while keeping fees affordable for our families.

Related strategic projects: Project 6.1 The Master Plan Project Project 6.2 The Sustainability Project Project 7.1 The Diversification of Income Project Project 7.2 Exploring Domestic and International Opportunities Project Project 8.1 The Governance Project

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STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES

AUDITORS

This Annual Report, prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, was approved by the Governing Body of The Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association on 5[th] December 2025, including in their capacity as company directors approving the Strategic Report contained therein, and is signed on its behalf by:

G.E. Baker Chair of the Governing Council Date: 5th December 2025

R.C.V. Harrison Chair of the Finance Committee Date: 5th December 2025

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INCORPORATED BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE ASSOCIATION

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association (‘the charitable company’) and its subsidiaries (‘the group’) for the year ended 31 July 2025 which comprise the Group Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Company Balance Sheets, the Group Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group 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 trustee's 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 charitable company's or the group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

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

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and charitable company and their environment obtained in the course

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of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report included within the trustees’ 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:

Responsibilities of trustees

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

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set out below.

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.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charitable company and group operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation, together with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charitable company’s and the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company and the group for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context for the UK operations were The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management, and the Finance Committee about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, performing analytical reviews, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission, Independent Schools Inspectorate, Ofsted and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing

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standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Vincent Marke

Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of

Crowe U.K. LLP Statutory Auditor London Date: 27 January 2026

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Restricted
2025
2025
2024
2024
Notes Notes
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
Total
Total
£’000 £’000 £’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Income from:
Charitable activities
School fees receivable 2 2
26,829
-
26,829
26,829
27,279
27,279
Income from insurance claims 3 3
6
-
6
6
7
7
Profit on disposal of fixed assets 3 3
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other trading activities
Ancillary trading income 3 3
1,736
-
1,736
1,736
1,569
1,569
Investments
Investment income 4 4
70
148
148
218
218
162
162
Interest receivable and similar income 6 6
199
-
199
199
61
61
Voluntary sources
Grants and donations 5 5
36
158
158
194
19442 42
Total income 28,876 30629,182 29,18229,120 29,120
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Trading expenditure (1,025) - (1,025)(1005) (1005)
Interest payable and similar charges 6 - 7 6 - 7
171
- 171
(169)
(169)
Fundraising & Development (260) - (260)
(204)
(204)
Total deductible costs (1,114) - (1,114) (1,378)
Charitable activities
Education and grant making (27,021) (52) (27,073) (28,464)
Total expenditure 7 - 8 7 - 8
(28,135)
(52) (28,187) (29,842)
Net (outgoing)/incoming funds from operations
before transfers and investment gains
741 254 741 254 741 254995 995(722) (722)
Gains/(Losses) on investments - 177
177
177
170
170
Gains on investment properties - - -- -
Net movement in funds for the year 741 741 4311,172 1,172
(552)
(552)
Fund balances brought forward 37,999 37,999 3,12241,121 41,121
41,673
41,673
Fund balances carried forward 38,740 3,553 42,293 3,553 42,293
41,121
41,121

All activities relate to continuing operations. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

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GROUP CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

Company No. 81130 Charity No. 311057

Group College
2025 2024 2025 2025 2024
Notes £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 935,903 35,903 37,657 37,657 35,903 37,657 37,657
Fixed Asset Investments 102,925 2,925 2,748 2,748 2,925 2,748 2,748
Property investments 114,400 4,400 4,400 4,400 4,400 4,400 4,400
43,228 43,228 44,805 44,805 43,228 44,805 44,805
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors falling due less than one year 12 9,684 1,164 1,164 9,846 1,266 1,266
Debtors falling due greater than one year 12 875 - 875 -
Cash and Deposits 8,270 10,623 10,623 7,866 10,345 10,345
18,829 18,829 11,787 11,787 18,587 11,611 11,611
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors payable within one year 13 (16,068) (9,028) (16,004) (8,974)
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS 2,761 2,759 2,583 2,637 2,637
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 45,989 47,564 45,811 47,442
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Creditors payable after one year 14 (3,696) (6,443) (3,696) (6,443)
NET ASSETS 42,293 41,121 41,121 42,115 40,999 40,999
REPRESENTED BY:
SHARE CAPITAL 1 1 1 1 1 1
RESTRICTED FUNDS 16 3,553 3,122 3,122 3,553 3,122 3,122
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General Reserve 16 36,019 34,597 34,597 35,841 34,475 34,475
Revaluation Reserve 16 2,720 3,401 3,401 2,720 3,401 3,401
TOTAL FUNDS 42,293 41,121 41,121 42,115 40,999 40,999

The surplus as per the Statement of Financial Activities for the parent charity only is £908k (2024: £977k deficit) before receipt of profits from BSCE Ltd

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Governing Body on 5[th] December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

R.C.V. Harrison Chair of the Finance Committee

Date: 5[th] December 2025

G.E. Baker Chair of the Governing Council

Date: 5[th] December 2025

22

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW STATEMENT

2025 2025
2024
2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Net Cash (Outflow)/Inflow From Charitable Activities (see
below)
1,331 1,282
(Cost of)/returns on investments and servicing of finance
Investment income
218
218
Net interest expense 370
588 54
1,919 1,336
Capital Expenditure
Income from sale of investments/(payments to acquire
investments) - -
Payments to acquire tangible assets (864) (781)
Net Cash (outflow)/inflow after Capital Expenditure and
before movement on prepaid fees
1,055 555
Financing
Prepaid fees
New contracts, repayments and revaluations during the year
925
925
Utilised during the year (4,333)
(3,408) 7,003
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH IN THE YEAR (2,353) 7,558
Cash at the beginning of the period 10,623 3,065
Cash at the end of the period 8,270 10,623
RECONCILIATION OF NET (OUTGOING)/INCOMING RESOURCES TO
NET CASH (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2025 2025
2024
2024
£’000 £’000
£’000
£’000
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources 995
(722)
(722)
Investment income (218) (162)
Net interest expense (370) 108
Depreciation of tangible assets 1,577 1,577
1,535
1,535
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors excluding VAT receivable (8,354)
(41)
(41)
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors excluding prepaid fees 7,701 564
NET CASH (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 1,331 1,282

23

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The College is a Public Benefit Entity registered as a charity in England and Wales and a company limited by shares. It was incorporated on 2 June 1904 company number: 081130 and registered as a charity on 22 July 1964 charity number: 311057.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Companies Act 2006 and 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) - effective 1 January 2010.

The functional currency of the College is considered to be GBP because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the College operates.

The accounts present the consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA), the consolidated cash flow statement and the consolidated and charity balance sheets comprising the consolidation of the College and its wholly owned subsidiary Bishop’s Stortford College Enterprises Limited.

The College has taken advantage of the exemption available to a qualifying entity in FRS 102 from the requirement to present a charity only Cash Flow Statement with the consolidated financial statements.

The College has also taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements.

Having reviewed the funding facilities available to the College together with the expected ongoing demand for places and the College’s stress tested future projected cash flows, the Governors have a reasonable expectation that the College has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and consider that there were no material uncertainties over the College’s financial viability. Accordingly, they also continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as outlined in the Statement of Accounting and Reporting Responsibilities in the Directors’ Report.

1.2 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the accounting policies, Trustees are required to make judgements, 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 from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised 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 the future or estimation uncertainty affecting assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date are likely to result in a material adjustment to 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 College’s financial statements.

1.3 Fees and similar earned income

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

During the year the College accepted prepayment of fees from parents for any period up to five years from the commencement of the following academic year. Fees were accepted on the basis that future years will be calculated at a 4% inflation rate each year. The terms on which prepayment of fees are accepted are reviewed from time to time in the light of investment returns and the level of increase in school fees.

The present value of future costs arising from the difference between the fixed fee price offered and the projected fee price is provided for as a liability in the accounts.

1.4 Investment Income

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

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

Rental income (including incentives received or paid) for operating leases on investment property are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

1.5 Donations, legacies, grants and other voluntary incoming resources

Voluntary incoming resources are accounted for as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the College is considered probable.

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

1.6 Expenditure

Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer-term liabilities. Expenditure attributable to more than one cost category in the SoFA is apportioned to them on the basis of the estimated amount attributable to each activity in the year, either by reference to staff time or the use made of the underlying assets, as appropriate. The direct costs incurred in preserving the College’s ancient buildings and their contents are shown as a charitable activity distinct from that of education and grant making.

Grants awarded are expensed as soon as they become legal or operational commitments. Governance costs comprise the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Intra-group sales and charges between the College and its subsidiaries are excluded from trading income and expenditure

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Expenditure on the acquisition, construction or enhancement of land and buildings costing more than £10,000 together with vehicles, furniture, machinery, ICT infrastructure and other equipment costing more than £10,000 are capitalised and carried in the balance sheet at historical cost. ICT equipment costs are written off as incurred. In certain circumstances, where the original costs of assets are not ascertainable, a reasonable estimate of the cost, if material, has been used.

Other expenditure on equipment incurred in the normal day-to-day running of the College and its subsidiaries is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets in use at rates and bases calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land and buildings - over 50, 10 or 5 years
Astro Turf All Weather Surface - over 10 years
Furniture and equipment - over 10 years
Motor vehicles - over 4 years
Computers - over 3 years

The Governors have carried out an impairment review of the assets and are satisfied that they are not impaired. The Governors will undertake future reviews in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102.

1.8 Investments

Investment properties are valued as individual investments at their market values as at the balance sheet date. Rental income is recognised in the period to which it relates. Purchases and sales of investment properties are recognised on exchange of contracts.

The investment properties at Clapton Hall are stated at market value as at 21 March 2022, as calculated by Strutt and Parker. The Governors believe this to be an accurate estimate of the current open market value.

Listed investments are valued at market value as at the balance sheet date. Unrealised gains and losses arising on the revaluation of investments are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities and are allocated to the appropriate Fund according to the “ownership” of the underlying assets. Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

1.9 Investment accounting

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

Investment returns are accounted for on a receivable basis of their income.

1.10 Fund accounting

The charitable trust funds of the College are accounted for as restricted income, in accordance with the terms of trust imposed by the donors or any appeal to which they may have responded.

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

Restricted income comprises gifts, legacies and grants where there is no capital retention obligation or power but only a trust law restriction to some specific purpose intended by the donor.

1.11 Vat Receivable

The Vat receivable of £1,041k relates to the expected recovery of VAT under the Capital Goods Scheme. The asset has been recognised on the basis that the capital expenditure has been previously incurred and due to recent changes in VAT legislation the entity is now able to recover the VAT in relation to this expenditure. The asset is expected to reverse over a period of 6 years.

1.11 Pension costs

The Charity contributes to the Teachers’ Pension Defined Benefits Scheme at rates set by the Scheme Actuary and advised to the Board by the Scheme Administrator. The scheme is a multi-employer pension scheme and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the College. In accordance with FRS 102, therefore the scheme is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme.

The company participates in a Group Personal Pension Plan for non-teaching staff to provide individual pension accounts for participating employees. Individual pension policies accrue to each individual participating, and are underwritten by the Royal London. In addition, the College as employer will pay premiums under a Group Life Policy, the annual contributions are expensed as incurred.

1.12 Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are similarly spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

1.13 Financial instruments

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost with the exception of investments which are held at fair value. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, together with trade and other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt. Cash at bank and in hand is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as working capital. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security and other taxes and provisions. Assets and liabilities held in foreign currency are translated to GBP at the balance sheet date at an appropriate year end exchange rate.

2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES – FEES RECEIVABLE

2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Fees receivable consist of:
School fees 29,475 29,978
Scholarships, bursaries and staff concessions (2,646) (2,783)
26,829 27,195
Add back: bursaries and other awards paid for by restricted funds 39 84
26,868 27,279

26

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

Scholarships, bursaries, staff concessions and other awards were paid to 442 pupils ( 2023: 341 ). Within this means-tested bursaries totalling £959,000 were paid to 51 pupils ( 2023: £976,000 to 51 pupils ).

3. CHARITABLE AND OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES – OTHER INCOME

2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Rental and other commercial income 854 654
School trips 823 855
Entrance and registration fees 59 60
Profit on disposal of fixed assets - -
Income from insurance claims 6 7
1,742 1,576

4.

INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Securities investment income:
Equities - 148 148 137
Property investment income
Rents receivable 70 - 70 25
70 148 218 162
GRANTS AND DONATIONS RECEIVABLE
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Development donations 36 158 194 42

5. GRANTS AND DONATIONS RECEIVABLE

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

6. NET INTEREST INCOME

(a)
Interest receivable and similar income
Interest receivable and similar income 2025 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000
Bank interest receivable 199 199
61
61
Total interest receivable and similar income Total interest receivable and similar income 199 199
61
61
(b)
Interest payable and similar charges
2025 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000
Fees in advance debt-financing charge 171 (169)
Total interest payable and similar charges 171 (169)
(C)
Net interest expense
2025 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000
Interest receivable and similar income 199 199
61
61
Interest payable and similar charges 171 171 (169)
Net interest expense 370 370 (108)
7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
(a) Total expenditure (a) Total expenditure
Staff Costs Other Depreciation TOTAL Total
(Note 8) 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £,000 £’000
Costs of generating funds
Trading expenditure - 1,025 - 1,025 1,005
Interest payable and similar charges -
(171)
(171) - (171) 169
Development costs 174 86 - 260 204
Total cost of generating funds 174 940 - 1,114 1,378
Charitable expenditure
Education and grant making
Teaching 13,718 1,940 21 15,679 15,344
Welfare 852 2,679 - 3,531 3,596
Premises repair and maintenance 997 1,216 1,556 3,769 5,513
Support costs and governance 2,184 1,858 - 4,042 3,794
Grants, awards and prizes (note 7 (b)) - 52 - 52 217
Total charitable expenditure 17,751 7,745 1,577 27,073 28,464
Total Expenditure 17,925 8,685 1,577 28,187 29,842

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

(b) Grants, awards and prizes 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
From Restricted Funds:
Bursaries and other grants and awards 38 84
Prizes and leaving awards 2 31
Digital organ repair 12 102
52 217
(c) Governance included in support costs: 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Remuneration paid to auditor for audit services 28 27
Other governance costs 3 2
31 29

In addition to the above audit remuneration the auditor received fees for advisory services totalling £12,000 (2024: £7,000). 8 STAFF COSTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

8
STAFF COSTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
2025 2024
The aggregate payroll costs for the year were as follows: £’000 £’000
Wages and salaries 13,598 13,059
Social security costs 1,513 1,328
Apprentice levy 52 49
Other pension costs 2,762 2,718
17,925 17,153
Key Personnel 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Aggregate employee-benefits of key management personnel 775 919
2025 2024
Number of higher paid employees in bands of:
£60,001 to £70,000 40 32
£70,001 to £80,000 17 8
£80,001 to £90,000 4 3
£90,001 to £100,000 5 1
£150,001 to £160,000 - 2
£160,001 to £170,000 1 -
£170,000 to £180,000 1 -
£180,0001 to £190,000 1 -
£220,000 to £230,000 - 1

40 of these employees are in a defined benefit pension scheme (2024: 44) and 26 employees are in a defined contribution pension scheme (2024: 3).

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

The table below sets out the College employee numbers shown by average monthly gross amount and full time equivalent. The table below sets out the College employee numbers shown by average monthly gross amount and full time equivalent. The table below sets out the College employee numbers shown by average monthly gross amount and full time equivalent. The table below sets out the College employee numbers shown by average monthly gross amount and full time equivalent. The table below sets out the College employee numbers shown by average monthly gross amount and full time equivalent.
Gross 2025 FTE 2025 Gross 2024 FTE 2024
Teaching 222 186 225 180
Welfare 44 32 44 22
Premises 17 16 19 18
Support 81 53 87 52
Development 4 3 3 3
368 290 378 275

During the year there were redundancy or termination payments awarded which amounted to £224,598 (2024: £203,833) there was £176,888 outstanding at the year end (2024: £158,915).

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS – GROUP AND COLLEGE

Freehold
Land and
Buildings
Buildings under
Construction
Furniture and
Equipment
Motor
Vehicles
Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
£’000
£’000
Cost (or frozen* valuation)
At 1 August 2024 54,994 168 2,124 64
57,350
57,350
Additions 229 141 478 16
864
864
Assets transferred 168 (168) - -
-
-
Fully depreciated assets written off - (111) - (111)
Transfer out of capitalised VAT- CGS (1,040) (1,040)
At 31 July 2025 54,351 141 2,491 80
57,063
57,063
Depreciation
At 1 August 2024 18,733 - 920 42
19,695
19,695
Charge for the year 1,313 - 244 20
1,577
1,577
Fully depreciated assets written off - - (111) -
(111)
(111)
At 31 July 2025 20,046 - 1,053 62
21,161
21,161
Net book value
At 31 July 2025 34,305 141 1,438 18
35,903
35,903
At 31 July 2024 36,261 168 1,205 23
37,657
37,657

All tangible fixed assets are held for use on charitable activities.

*The College has substantial long-held historic assets used in the course of the College’s educational activities. These comprise listed buildings on the College campus, together with their contents comprising works of art, ancient books and manuscripts and other treasured artefacts. Because of their age and, in many cases, unique nature, reliable historical cost information is not available for these assets and could not be obtained except at disproportionate expense. However, in the opinion of the Governors the depreciated historical cost of these assets would now be immaterial.

30

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

GROUP AND COLLEGE 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Listed investments – Equity unit trusts
At 1 August 2024 2,748 2,578
Revaluation to market value 177
170
170
Purchase of additional units/(transfer investment to cash) - -
At 31 July 2025 2,925 2,748
COLLEGE 2025 2024
£ £
Interest in subsidiary undertaking 100 100

Interest in subsidiary undertaking

At 31 July the College had the following subsidiary undertaking with the common registered office on page 2:

Company Class of share Proportion Nature of
number capital held held business
Bishop’s Stortford College Enterprises Limited 13057176 Ordinary £1 100% Service
BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE ENTERPRISES LIMITED BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE ENTERPRISES LIMITED
AS AT 31 JULY 2025
BALANCE SHEET 2025 2024
£ £
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 103,889 125,941
Cash at bank 403,995 277,875
507,884 403,816
CREDITORS:Amounts falling due within one year (329,673) (281,478)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 178,211 122,338
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 178,211 122,338
NET ASSETS 178,211 122,338
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share Capital 100 100
Profit and loss account 178,111 122,238
SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS 178,211 122,338
PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT 2025 2024
£ £
TOTAL INCOME 614,667 521,434
TOTAL EXPENDITURE (294,841) (266,306)
NET PROFIT 319,826 255,128

31

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS 2025 2024
£ £
RETAINED EARNINGS BROUGHT FORWARD 122,238 122,544
Profit for the year 319,826 255,128
Gift aid to The Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association (263,953) (255,434)
RETAINED EARNINGS CARRIED FORWARD 178,111 122,238
PROPERTY INVESTMENTS – GROUP AND COLLEGE
2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Valuation at 1 August 2024 4,400 4,400
Net movement - -
Valuation at 31 July 2025 4,400 4,400

11. PROPERTY INVESTMENTS – GROUP AND COLLEGE

Investment properties consist of a legacy from a College Alumnus consisting of farmland and buildings near to Great Dunmow.

An updated valuation of the properties was undertaken in March 2022 by Edward Rout, MRICS FAAV of Strutt and Parker. The valuation of £4,400,000 has been reflected in these accounts. As at 31[st] July 2025 the value of the property has not materially changed.

12. DEBTORS

Group College
2025 2024 2025 2025 2024
Current Debtors £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade debtors 8,762 516 8,658 8,658 461
Staff loans - - - - -
Amounts due from subsidiary - - 266 266
228
228
Other debtors 83 92 83 83 92
Vat receivable less than one year 166 - 166 166 -
Other prepayments and accrued income 673 556 673 673 485
9,684 1,164 9,846 9,846 1,266
Non Current
Vat receivable greater than one year 875 - 875 875 -
Total Debtors 10,559 - 10,721 10,721 -

The increase in Trade Debtors on prior year is in relation to changes in legislation and recognising the tax point of an invoice as when it is billed. As invoices for the Autumn term (inclusive of VAT) are billed within the prior financial year this income should be deferred on the balance sheet. The corresponding value is seen in Accruals and Deferred Income.

The Vat receivable of £1,041k relates to the expected recovery of VAT under the Capital Goods Scheme. The asset has been recognised on the basis that the capital expenditure has been previously incurred and due to recent changes in VAT legislation the entity is now able to recover the VAT in relation to this expenditure. The asset is expected to reverse over a period of 6 years.

32

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

13. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year

Group College
2025 2024 2025 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Deposits from parents 992 653 653 992 992
653
653
Fees received in advance of term 1,182 1,146 1,182 1,182
1,146
1,146
Trade creditors 1,093 734 1,051 1,051 698
Taxation and social security 1,620 337 337 1,620 1,620
334
334
Contributions due to pension schemes 313 305 305 313 313
305
305
Other creditors 83 121 121 83 83
121
121
Fees in advance scheme 3,324 4,087 4,087 3,324 3,324
4,087
4,087
Fees In advance adjustment to fair value 24 230 230 24 24
230
230
Defined benefit pension deficit provision 40 40 40 40 40
40
40
Accruals and deferred income 7,397 1,375 1,375 7,375 7,375
1,360
1,360
16,068 9,028 9,028 16,004 16,004
8,974
8,974

As seen in Trade Debtors the increase in Accruals and Deferred income on prior year is in relation to changes in legislation and recognising the tax point of an invoice as when it is billed.

14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due after more than one year

Group College
2025 2024 2025 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Defined benefit pension deficit provision - - - - -
Fees in advance scheme 3,686 6,331 6,331 3,686 3,686
6,331
6,331
Fees In advance adjustment to fair Value 10 112 112 10 10
112
112
3,696 6,443 6,443 3,696 3,696
6,443
6,443

The Governors have reviewed the contract terms under which Pupil fee deposits are held by the College. Although under normal circumstances these will be repaid over future years when the pupils complete their education at the College, pupils can leave at earlier dates. The College does not therefore have an unconditional right to retain the individual deposits for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date and, in line with the requirements in FRS 102, the balance of the deposits held at 31 July 2025 have been included within current liabilities. The prior year Pupil fee deposits balance has been similarly represented.

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

15. FEES IN ADVANCE SCHEME – GROUP AND COLLEGE

Some parents have entered into a contract to pay the College in advance for contributions towards the tuition fees for up to five years in return for a fixed price on their fees. The money may be returned subject to specific conditions on the receipt of notice. Assuming pupils will remain in the College, fees in advance will be applied as follows:

16.

2025
2024
2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
Within two to five years 1,931 3,311
Within one to two years 1,755 3,020
3,686 6,331
Within one year 3,324 4,087
7,010 10,418
£’000 £’000
Summary of movements in liability Summary of movements in liability
Balance at 1 August 2024 10,418 10,418
New contracts 1,010 1,010
Repayments (85)
Amounts used to pay fees (4,333)
Balance at 31 July 2025 7,010 7,010
SUMMARY OF MOVEMENTS ON MAJOR FUNDS
GROUP
1 August
2024
Income Expenditure Transfer between
funds & revaluation
31 July
2025
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Share capital 1 - - - - - 1
Unrestricted Funds
General Reserve 34,597 28,876 (28,135) - 35,338
Revaluation Reserve 3,401 - - - - - 3,401
37,998 28,876 (28,135) - 38,739
Restricted Funds
Bursary/Scholarship Funds 1,833 188 (2) 97 2,116
Alumni Funds 1,143 46 (36) 75 1,228
Prize Funds 105 6 (2) 5 114
Building Funds 12 10 (12) 10 (12) - 10
Sporting Expenditure Funds 11 51 - - 62
Library Archiving Fund 18 5 - - 23
3,122 306 (52) 177 3,553

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

GROUP

GROUP
1 August
2023
Income Expenditure Transfer between
funds & revaluation
31 July
2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Share capital 1 - - - - - 1
Unrestricted funds
General reserve 35,274 28,948 (29,625) - - 34,597
Revaluation reserve 3,401 - - - - - 3,401
38,675 28,948 (29,625) - - 37,998
Restricted funds
Bursary/scholarship funds 1,734 103 (85) 81 1,833
Alumni funds 1,045 43 (29) 84 1,143
Prize funds 95 6 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 105
Building funds 104 10 (102) 104 10 (102) 104 10 (102) - 12
Sporting expenditure funds 1 10 1 10 - - 11
Library archiving fund 18 - - - 18
2,997 172 (217) 170 3,122
COLLEGE
1 August
2024
Income Expenditure Transfer between
funds & revaluation
31 July
2025
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Share capital 1 - - - - - 1
Unrestricted funds
General reserve 34,475 28,261 (27,576) - 35,160
Revaluation reserve 3,401 - - - - - - 3,401
37,876 28,261 (27,576) - 38,561
Restricted funds
Bursary/scholarship funds 1,833 188 (2) 97 2,116
Alumni funds 1,143 46 (36) 75 1,228
Prize funds 105 6 (2) 5 (2) 5 (2) 5 114
Building funds 12 10 (12) - 10
Sporting expenditure funds 11 51 - - 62
Library archiving fund 18 5 - - 23
3,122 306 (52) 177 3,553

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Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

PRIOR YEAR COLLEGE

PRIOR YEAR
COLLEGE
1 August
2023
Income Expenditure Transfer between
funds & revaluation
31 July
2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Share capital 1 - - - - - 1
Unrestricted funds
General reserve 35,151 28,427 (29,103) - 34,475
Revaluation reserve 3,401 - - - - - 3,401
38,552 28,427 (29,103) - 37,876
Restricted funds
Bursary/scholarship funds 1,734 103 (85) 81 1,833
Alumni funds 1,045 43 (29) 84 1,143
Prize funds 95 6 (1) 5 (1) 5 105
Building funds 104 10 (102) 10 (102) - 12
Sporting expenditure funds 1 10 - - 11
Library archiving fund 18 - - - 18
2,997 172 (217) 170 (217) 170 3,122

The bursary/scholarship funds were established to provide support for bursaries, scholarships, prizes books and financial assistance to employees.

The alumni funds are made up of three donations and bequests from alumni of the College and provide support for pupils continuing their studies at university as well as funding for books for the Senior School library.

17. ANALYSIS OF GROUP NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Restricted Unrestricted Total 2025 Total 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Tangible fixed assets - 35,903 35,903 37,657
Property investments - 4,400 4,400 4,400
Securities investments 2,925 - 2,925 2,748
Net current assets/(liabilities) 628 2,132 2,760 2,635
Long term liabilities - (3,696) (3,696) (6,331)
3,553 38,739 42,293 41,109
Restricted Unrestricted Total 2024 Total 2023
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Tangible fixed assets - 37,657 37,657 38,410
Property investments - 4,400 4,400 4,400
Securities investments 2,748 - 2,748 2,578
Net current assets/(liabilities) 374 2,261 2,635 (1,599)
Long term liabilities - (6,331) (6,331) (2,116)
3,122 37,987 41,109 41,673

36

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

18. PENSION SCHEMES – GROUP AND COLLEGE

Retirement benefits to employees of the College are provided through a defined benefit scheme and a defined contribution scheme, which are funded by the College’s and employees’ contributions.

Defined benefit schemes

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

The School participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (“the TPS”) for its teaching staff. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the TPS of £2,203,046 ( 2024: £1,962,278) and at the year-end £233,000 ( 2024 - £242,000 ) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.

The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits pension scheme governed by The Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010 (as amended) and The Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014 (as amended). Members contribute on a “pay as you go” basis with contributions from members and the employer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.

The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the Government Actuary’s Department. The most recent actuarial valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2020 and the Valuation Report was published in October 2023. The Valuation Report shows notional assets of £222.2bn and liabilities of £262bn, resulting in a scheme deficit of £39.8bn.

The current employer contribution rate for the TPS is 28.6%, and employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 28.68%.

During the year ended 31[st] July 2025 after extensive consultation and agreement with teaching staff the School decided to enter a phased withdrawal from participating in TPS. From 1[st] October 2024 any new staff member at the School would not be eligible to join TPS but instead would join the Royal London Scheme Pension scheme. It was also agreed that from 1[st] September 2025 the overall pension contribution by the School to an teachers pension scheme will be capped at 23.68%.

For those current staff members wishing to remain In TPS it was agreed that the difference between the agreed employer contribution of 23.68% and the current and future required level of contribution required by the school would be funded through a gross salary reduction of the equivalent % less any benefit to the School from a reduction in on costs.

Pensions Trust Independent School’s Scheme

During the year 31 July 2024, the College decided to withdraw from the Pensions Trust Independent School Scheme as there were no longer any active members. This decision led to the crystallisation of the College’s section 75 debt in relation to the schemes deficit.

In the financial year 2022 a review of the benefit changes was carried out by the Trustee of the Independent Schools Pension Scheme. Following this review the Trustee received legal advice that there is uncertainty about how members benefits are calculated and that it needed clarification from the Courts. The Trustee will present the case in court that the rules should continue to be applied in the way they are now. Should the court decide that the historic benefit changes need to be applied then benefits for members would need to be increased which would increase the value placed on scheme liabilities.

The court case was expected to be concluded until Q1 2025. As such in the year ended 31[st] July 2024 on withdrawal from the scheme the College had to enter into an agreement with the Trustee to acknowledge that as the section 75 Debt cannot be certified, a prepayment amount will be made based on the Trustee’s reasonable pre-estimate of the debt. The prepayment amount was treated as an ‘on account’ payment until the scheme Actuary is able to formally certify the debt after the court ruling. To allow for the fact that the actual amount due could be higher or lower than the ‘on account’ payment the pre payment amount was 90% of the debt due. Until the section 75 debt has been certified and paid in full a withdrawing employer is not discharged from its liabilities to the scheme.

As at 31[st] July 2024 provision for any residual liabilities related to the scheme was £34k.

The court case was heard in Q1 2025 but as yet no official ruling or judgement has been released. As such we have retained the residual liability of £34k.

37

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

Royal London Pension Scheme

From November 22 the College has participated in a single pension scheme provided by Royal London offering salary exchange. The regular cost is charged to income and expenditure and for the financial year ended 31[st] July 2025 was 10% of salary. Contributions paid in the current year were £516,000 (2024: £445,000) and £75,000 was payable at the year end (2024: £59,000). In addition to the pension contributions, the College pays 1% for each of the participating employees for life assurance cover.

Previously this scheme was just for college support staff however due the phased withdrawal of TPS this scheme is now available to any staff member. The College pays employer contributions into a further defined contribution scheme for one employee under a salary sacrifice scheme. During the year the College paid contributions of £43,000 into the scheme (2024: £36,000) and £3,640 was payable at the year end (2024: £3,330).

19. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ESTIMATED – GROUP AND COLLEGE

Capital expenditure in the sum of £654k for repairs to Rowe House Roof has been committed based on information from an external surveyor and work that is underway as at 31[st] July 2025.

20. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS – GROUP AND COLLEGE

As at 31 July 2024 the Group and College had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following lease periods:

2025 2024
£000 £000
Not later than one year 217 302
Later than one year and not later than five years 211 286

21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year donations of £240 (2024: £300) were received from Governors.

Travel and subsistence expenses of £39 were paid to Governors during the year (2024: £187).

Mr Conti and Mrs Gammage are parents of pupils in the College. These families are paying school fees in accordance with the College’s standard terms and conditions.

Bishop’s Stortford College Enterprises Limited is a 100% subsidiary of the College. The subsidiary makes a donation under gift aid to the College of its taxable profits each year.

At the year end the College owed the subsidiary £63,621 (2023: £37,435) and the subsidiary owed the College £228,000 (2023: £177,000).

38

Company No. 81130

Charity No. 311057

22. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES – COMPARATIVE FIGURES BY FUND TYPE

Unrestricted
Restricted
Restricted
2024
2024
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Income from:
Charitable activities
School fees receivable 27,279
-
-
27,279
27,279
Income from insurance claims 7
-
-
7
7
Grant income -
-
-
-
-
Profit on disposal of fixed assets -
-
-
-
-
Other trading activities
Ancillary trading income 1,569
-
-
1,569
1,569
Investments
Investment income 25
137
137
162
162
Interest receivable and similar income 61
-
-
61
61
Voluntary sources
Grants and donations 7
35
35
42
42
Total incoming resources 28,948
172
172
29,120
29,120
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Trading expenditure (1,005)
-
-
(1,005)
(1,005)
Interest payable and similar charges (169)
-
-
(169)
(169)
Fundraising & Development (204)
-
- (204)
Total deductible costs (1,378) - (1,378) - (1,378)
Charitable activities
Education and grant making (28,247) (217) (28,464)
Total expenditure (29,625) (217) (29,842)
Net incoming funds from operations before transfers and
investment gains
(677)
(45)
(45)
(722)
(722)
Gains/(losses) on investments - 170
170
170
Gains on investment properties - -
-
-
Total income and capital inflow (677) 125
(552)
(552)
Transfer between funds for the year - -
-
-
Net movement in funds for the year (677) 125
(552)
(552)
Fund balances brought forward at 1 August 2024 38,676
2,997
2,997
41,673
41,673
Fund balances carried forward at 31 July 2025 37,999
3,122
3,122
41,121
41,121

39