COMPANY NUMBER: 535836 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 311062
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED CONTENTS PAGE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
CONTENTS
| REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION | 1 |
|---|---|
| PUBLIC BENEFIT AIMS AND INTENDED IMPACT | 2 |
| GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| STRATEGIC REPORT | 4 |
| REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR | 6 |
| STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES | 10 |
| INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF | |
| ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED | 11 |
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT | 15 |
| BALANCE SHEET | 16 |
| STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW | 17 |
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS | 18 |
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited is a charitable company formed in 1954, charity registration number 311062, company registration number 535836. The registered office and principal address of the Company is at Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3JZ.
DIRECTORS
The Directors of the Company, who are also the charity trustees, and the Governors of the School and who served during the year were:
Jakub Kozlowski * Chair Alison Burrows * Vice Chair Rouane Mendel Dasha Nicholls Resigned 14.4.2024 Dr Christopher Toepfer *parents of a pupil
The Governors can be contacted through the Chairman who can be written to at the School address. Governors can also be contacted through the Chief Operating Officer, who is also Clerk to the Governors, by email at COO@stchris.co.uk
KEY EXECUTIVES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Head Chief Operating Officer Clerk to the Governors and Company Secretary
Rich Jones Simon Holmes
Auditors
Principal Bankers
HaysMac LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG Barclays Bank plc Station Place Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3RZ
Website
www.stchris.co.uk
Page 1
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The Board of Directors present their Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024 under the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, thus including the Directors’ Report and Strategic Report under the 2006 Act, together with the audited statements for the year.
CONSTITUTION AND OBJECTS
St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited is a charitable company formed in 1954, charity registration number 311062, company registration number 535836. The Company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, last amended on 9 December 1995.
OBJECTS, AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The Object of the Company, in accordance with its Memorandum of Association, is the education of girls, boys or adults of either sex as an interdenominational school with religious and ethical teaching based on the broadest principles of national and international fellowship and goodwill.
PUBLIC BENEFIT AIMS AND INTENDED IMPACT
The School's public benefit aim is to ensure that children leave having achieved their full potential at school and equipped with the skills and self-confidence for their future life and work. The School seeks to be a continuously developing community of children and adults working together to enable all to achieve their best academically and beyond the classroom in an open atmosphere, where all are valued as individuals and encouraged to develop in curiosity, competence, judgement, kindness and courage. It aims for pupils to become self-disciplined and self-motivated individuals, who are independent learners and creative thinkers able to make informed choices in a modern world with a commitment to service.
Thus, the School seeks to prepare pupils for happy and fulfilled lives in the service of others. St Christopher is committed to providing a first-class education in a caring environment, informality, healthy living and self-government. We aim to ensure that all achieve the success they deserve without relying on contrived competition. We also believe that what happens to them at school is an end in itself as well as being a preparation for later life: that the purpose of a child is to be a successful and fulfilled child as well as to grow into a successful and fulfilled adult.
Pupils at St Christopher School Letchworth are charged fees. The cost of these fees may restrict the number of people able to benefit from this part of the charity’s activities. In order to prevent this, the School makes available bursaries and fee remissions, through its financial planning and in association with an endowment dedicated to the financial support of children attending the School. Bursaries are means tested and are open to application by anyone eligible to join the School.
In 2023/2024, the School provided £346K (last year £409K) in means tested bursary funding, the equivalent of 3.1% of gross fees (last year 4.1%).
This provided up to 100% remission of the day fee to 30 pupils (last year 33). This represents 7.3% of the pupil body (last year 6.4%). The School has worked with a number of Local Authorities to make available its educational practice and ethos to a number of children who would particularly benefit from it but would not be able to afford the full fee.
As part of the School’s commitment to providing benefit in the public interest we support a number of broader educational activities. The School operates extramural courses for members of the local community which are open to all. In addition, its swimming pool is regularly open to other organisations, as are the School’s games fields, theatre, dance and music facilities. There are also strong links with regional arts associations. A thriving community service programme makes up an integral part of pupils’ activities. The school also supports local charities throughout the year with various fundraising activities supported by the Major officials (Student Council) and Parents Circle (PTA).
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The School is committed to an international approach. There are pupils from a wide range of social, cultural and national backgrounds. Trips have increased over this year taking our students on World Challenge to Malaysia, France, Dallas and New York.
In the furtherance of these aims the Governors, as charity trustees, have complied with the duty in s.17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s published general and relevant sub-sector guidance concerning the operation of the Public Benefit requirement in that Act.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
GOVERNING BODY
The Directors, who are also required under the Articles to serve as members of the Company, are elected at a full Directors’ Meeting on the basis of the Board's specifications concerning eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and local availability.
Under the Company’s Articles of Association, the number of Governors may not be less than three or greater than twelve, at least two of whom must be actively engaged in educational work. One-third of its members are required to retire by rotation at each AGM. The first appointed, or longest serving since last reappointment, is the first to retire. Members retiring by rotation can be re-elected. The Governors consist of individuals with a range of backgrounds; including former pupils and current parents, as well as local residents. Details of the Governors, together with the School’s officers and principal advisers are given on page 2.
TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
The Board is a self-appointing body. Board members are appointed for terms of four or five years and can be re-elected although the practice in the case of the parent governor is not to do so. New Directors are inducted into the workings of the School, and also of the Company as a registered charity, including Board Policy and Procedures, by the Chairman and Clerk to the Governors. Guidance information and courses are made available to all governors at the Company’s expense, through the Independent Schools Council and the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools.
ORGANISATIONAL MANAGEMENT
The Directors meet as a Board at least three times a year to determine the general policy of the Company and review its overall management and control, for which they are legally responsible. This includes the review of the budgets and annual accounts and reports. The Head and the Chief Operating Officer attend all meetings of the governors.
The day-to-day running of the School is delegated to the Head and the Chief Operating Officer, supported by other members of the Senior Leadership Team and together this group are the key management personnel. The Senior Leadership Team consists of the Head, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Head, Head of Junior School, Asst Head: Pastoral, Asst Head: Pupil Well Being, Asst Head: Co Curriculum, SENCO, Director of People, Asst Head: 6th Form, and the Director of Marketing and Admissions.
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Remuneration is set by the governors, with the objective of providing appropriate incentives to encourage enhanced performance and of rewarding fairly and responsibly individual contributions to the School’s success. Remuneration of all staff at the School is based on pay scales. The appropriateness and relevance of the scales is reviewed annually, including reference to comparisons with other independent schools to ensure that the School remains sensitive to the broader issues of pay and employment conditions elsewhere. We aim to recruit, subject to experience, at the lower to medium point within a band, providing scope for rewarding excellence. Delivery of the School’s charitable vision and purpose is primarily dependent on our key management personnel and staff costs are the largest single element of our charitable expenditure.
There is a long-established School Council, which is chaired by an elected senior pupil. Motions passed by the Council have to be ratified by a meeting of the whole Senior School. While policies and rules can be created through the School Council, the Head has an overall veto, although in practice it is rarely exercised. The School is committed to ensuring that self-government continues to be an important part of pupils’ experience at the School.
GROUP STRUCTURE AND RELATIONSHIPS
The Company has a wholly owned non-charitable subsidiary, St Christopher School Guilds Limited, with the School receiving any surpluses earned by the company as a covenanted donation. During the year ended 31 August 2024, the St Christopher School Guilds Limited was inactive.
St Christopher School is an active member of the Society of Heads and the Boarding Schools Association for the promotion and maintenance of school standards generally. The School also has a thriving network of Old Scholars who are an integral part of the St Chris community.
EMPLOYMENT POLICY
The School aspires to support excellence in education through rigorous and continuous evaluation of quality and performance, the application of best practice and a widespread desire to improve standards. The School is an equal opportunities employer. Full and fair consideration is given to job applications from disabled persons and due consideration is given to their training and employment needs. Communication with employees continues through normal management channels in a variety of forms.
STRATEGIC REPORT
MISSION STATEMENT
St Christopher School seeks to be a continuously developing community of children and adults working together to enable all to achieve their best. We seek excellence in academics and beyond the classroom, encouraging open atmosphere, where all are valued as individuals and encouraged to develop in curiosity, competence, judgement, kindness and courage. Our aim is that pupils should become self-disciplined and self-motivated people who are independent learners and creative thinkers, each one able to make informed choices with a commitment to service, informality, healthy living and self-government. Thus, the School seeks to prepare pupils for happy and fulfilled lives in the service of others.
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
OBJECTIVES FOR THE YEAR
St Christopher will remain a truly independent school and we are committed to celebrating our differences and the successes that these bring to the young people who are the life blood of this School. We continue to strive for ways to enable as many different children from as many different backgrounds to take advantage of this unique education.
This last year has been driven by 2 elements:
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The creation and development of a strategic plan for 2024-2030.
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Combatting the onset of VAT on the independent school sector
1. Development of 2024-2030
During this year, we have set out our strategic priorities providing a clear understanding of the direction of travel of the school. At the heart of this are our values and setting out to make St Chris the best educational experience possible.
The plan
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incorporates our work on further building and reshaping our curriculum
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a continued investment in our people and ensure that we have a modern workforce whilst continuing to be an employer of choice.
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looks to enhance the estate and our assets
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continuing to invest in technology (especially with the advent of AI in education),
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• continue to invest in the planet and build on our sustainability and environmental mindset.
2. Ensuring our long-term financial future
Following the implementation of the Labour manifesto in the Autumn Budget (30.10.2024). The Governors and Senior Leadership of the school have met and considered a range of scenarios for our financial future. We have a robust medium-term plan, which will allow us to make financial savings, increase income and manage our cash effectively whilst at the same time, achieve the plans which we have set out in our strategy document and delivering enhanced educational provision.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The Company’s principal activity continues to be the provision of education for boys and girls from the ages of 3 to 18 at its Nursery, Junior School and Senior School.
The Junior School's children are aged from 3 to 11, nearly all of whom will proceed to the Senior School. Currently there are 134 pupils in the Junior School. The Head of the Junior School is responsible for the leadership and management of the Junior School on a day-to-day basis, under the overall direction of the Head of the School.
The Senior School has children from the age of 11 to 18. There are currently 365 children in the Senior School of whom 94 are in the Sixth Form.
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
GRANT-MAKING
The School offers bursaries to those parents whose income is such that they would not otherwise be able to pay the full fees. The School encourages applications on behalf of young people who would benefit from a St Christopher education, regardless of their background or ability to pay. The School offers fee-assistance of up to 100% of the fees on a means-tested basis. The awards are based on an assessment by the Head of how much a child will be able to benefit from the School and the degree of assistance required. The Bursary Committee meets once a year to consider bursary applications and on a termly basis to review the progress of each bursary holder. The availability of all awards for feeassistance, together with the terms and conditions of awards, are advertised on our website at www.stchris.co.uk.
The Robertson Bursary Trust funds a small number of pupils annually to attend the Sixth Form, to enable them to complete their A levels at St Christopher. The fund was set up by the Robertson family, who have played an important part in the St Christopher community as pupils, active Old Scholars and on the Board of Governors for many years. All awards are based on parental income and are conditional for their continuance on appropriate levels of performance and good behaviour. The School is also able to make some awards in conjunction with Robertson Bursary Trust, awards up to and including 100% of the fees.
FUNDRAISING
Governors have not employed any third party to fundraise on their behalf, nor has the School conducted any fundraising activity in the year. The School will not accept a donation given by someone who knowingly lacked capacity at the time of donating and if this information later materialised, would promptly return the donation. During the year, no complaints have been received about our fundraising.
REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE SCHOOL
We have developed and launched a new seven-year Strategic Development Plan for St Chris;
There continues to be developments in the leadership of the school including the promotion of two staff staff in the Junior School to be responsible for Curriculum and Pastoral support;
We are planning for the launch of our continuous professional development model through our Clear Review HR system which has included a review of all job descriptions and of the school management structure; the introduction of six-weekly check ins between managers and those they line manage; the introduction of professional and personal development objectives for each member of staff; the introduction of standardised management objectives;
Our wellbeing and mental health provision has developed and improved significantly, with added resources for space and staffing including counsellor hours and the introduction of The Wellbeing Hub online resource for staff, students and parents. The Mulberry Building, our pastoral and SEMH hub, has been set up at the heart of the Senior School. We have recruited a dedicated SEMH pastoral assistant in the Senior School and appointed a Pastoral Lead in the Junior School.
Student voice has been strengthened significantly, the Student Council system has been reviewed and its articles amended (led by students). There is a new open and fully democratic election system for all leadership roles for the student body, with dedicated SLT member of staff to support;
The SEND department has been restructured and has been physically moved in the Senior School to a more central location.
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
There are new structures and practices in boarding, including appointment to the new role of Boarding Lead and a new Governor with responsibility for boarding;
We have introduced a new academic reporting and tracking system across the whole school. We appointed a Data & Exams Lead for the whole school and a Junior School Curriculum Lead. We have reviewed and updated the curriculum for KS3 and reviewed and updated our 16+ offer with the introduction of a Level 3 Diploma (and in process, two new BTECHs). This is in preparation for the whole school Curriculum review during 2024-2025.
We have significantly strengthened our co-curricular opportunities across the school via a review and the appointment of an Assistant Head, Co-Curricular: Encouraging a greater breadth and range of cocurricular clubs at lunchtime and after school across all areas of the school; Reinvigorating the Senior School “Options” programme as “Opportunities” and including a greater element of service (to one’s personal development, community and the wider world); Reviewing our Late Summer Programme (LSP) trips offer and Introducing new LSP options for students including trips to New York, Cornwall, Brussels, Madagascar etc. With a focus on ensuring that there is “something for everyone” available and individual student requirements are better met; Development of the Robotics Team and its expansion resulting in an invitation to the World Championships in Texas. The recruitment of a Duke of Edinburgh Lead to increase the take up and completion of DofE in the Senior School. We have put a focus on ensuring that St Chris is a “listening” school with a rolling research programme for parents and students including annual parent surveys and focus groups.
We have re-developed our communication tools including our school newsletter, website and a new communication guide for parents; We have restructured our Operations Team including the appointment of a new Operations Manager, an Operations Administrator and have clarified roles, responsibilities and structures within the team;
We have appointed a new Chef Manager and Deputy Chef Manager and are in the process of reviewing and rolling out a new healthy menu;
The School is committed to robust procedures for safeguarding children. A number of key staff have attended NCSL training on safer recruitment and Child Protection training conforms to statutory requirements for all staff. A governor, Dr Dasha Nicholls, has specific responsibility for safeguarding.
A Level Results
The school achieved above national headline figures for both A-A* (national figures: 27.6%, St Chris: 33.9%) and A-C grades (national figures: 76%, St Chris: 77.7%)
University acceptance rates
University acceptance rates were good. Of the 40 students in Year 13, 34 students applied to university and accepted places. 6 students have either deferred or are having a gap year before finalising next step plans. 32.3% of applicants were placed in Russell Group universities, with 29.4% being placed at highly recognised Arts Universities or Arts colleges.
GCSE’s
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The school achieved significantly above national headline figures for both 7+ (national figures: 21.7%, St Chris: 46.04%) and 4+ (national figures: 67.4%, St Chris: 92.77%)
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There was a significant increase in students receiving top grades (7+) when compared to 2023 and pre-2019: 46.04% compared to 32.8% in 2023
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St Chris outperformed the independent sector for the percentage of students receiving a good grade (4+) for the second year in a row (2024: St Chris: 92.77%; Independent Sector: 90.9%)
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
During the year the School made a deficit of £93.1K (2023: deficit £209.9K) before investment gains or losses. Fee income at the Junior School and the Senior School rose by 10% against 2023. The cash flows for the School remain good and the net asset position of £1.696 million (2023: £2.147 million) reflects this.
This year has been a period of change at St Chris and is reflective of the slight loss.
It should be noted that our depreciation figure is at £707,770 which provides us with a deficit inclusive of depreciation of £93,124. A position pre depreciation is a surplus of £614,646
Our aged debt has decreased by £80,112 as we continue to work with our partner debt collection agents to recoup old debt.
The results for the year are set out on page 14 of the accounts.
RESERVES
At the balance sheet date, the School held unrestricted funds totalling £9,871K (2023: £9,963K). The School’s buildings represent £8,363K and other fixed assets total £94.3K.
The School has limited free reserves as all surpluses not invested in tangible fixed assets are designated for future projects or risk mitigation. The Governors have examined the School’s cash flows and are satisfied that they are adequate for the purpose of continuing as a going concern for the foreseeable future.
For some years the Governors have had an established policy of keeping a cash reserve at a level equating to between one and three months’ expenditure (£750K to £2,250K). At the year end, the cash reserve was £1.696K, representing just over two month’s expenditure.
FUTURE PLANS
St Christopher will remain a truly independent school and we are committed to celebrating our differences and the successes that these bring to the young people who are the life blood of this School. We continue to strive for ways to enable as many different children from as many different backgrounds to take advantage of this unique education.
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED GOVERNORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board and the Staff Senior Leadership Team continue to keep the School's activities under review, particularly with regard to any major risks that may arise from time to time as well as the systems and procedures established to manage them. They monitor the effectiveness of the system of internal controls and other viable means, including insurance cover where appropriate, by which those risks already identified can best be managed. A formal review of the School’s risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis.
The key controls used by the School include:
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Formal agendas for all Board activity
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Comprehensive strategic planning, budgeting and management accounting
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Established organisational structure and lines of reporting
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Formal written policies
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Clear authorisation and approval levels; and
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Vetting procedures as required by law for the protection of the vulnerable
The Governors have reviewed the principal areas of the School’s operations and considered the major risks faced in each area. The principal risks against which the School has to guard are: a failure to protect our pupils, staff, facilities and systems; a failure to maintain the quality of our staff and the experience of the pupils; and a failure to manage the impact of adverse economic conditions. Through the risk management processes established for the School the Governors are satisfied that the major risks have been adequately managed.
APPRECIATION
Governors acknowledge the sustained commitment and hard work of the Head, staff, pupils and parents. We recognise that it is as a result of their work that the School thrives, develops and meets the needs of its pupils. Governors are most grateful for this and for the continued support of parents, former pupils and other friends of the School.
DIRECTORS
The Directors during the year under review and the shares in the company in which they were interested at the beginning and end of the year were:
| Ordinary shares of £1 each | Ordinary shares of £1 each | |
|---|---|---|
| At 31 August 2024 | At 1 September 2023 | |
| Alison Burrows | 7 | 7 |
| Rouane Mendel | 7 | 0 |
| Rebecca Glover | 0 | 7 |
| Jakub Kozlowski | 12 | 7 |
| Peter McMeekin | 0 | 12 |
| Dasha Nicholls | 7 | 7 |
| Chris Toepfer | 7 | 0 |
| 40 | 40 |
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ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS RESPONSBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards) and applicable law.
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the surplus or deficit of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the
Directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for ensuring that adequate accounting records are maintained that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and ensuring their proper application in accordance with charity law, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
So far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Each Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that information.
AUDITOR
HaysMac LLP has indicated its willingness to be reappointed as statutory auditor.
This Annual Report, prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, was approved by the Governing Body of St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited, including in their capacity as company directors approving the Strategic Report contained therein, and is signed as authorised on its behalf by:
Alison Burrows Chair
Date: 23/05/2025
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
OPINION
We have audited the financial statements of St. Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise of the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at ended 31 August 2024 and of the charitable company’s net movement in funds, including the income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
BASIS FOR OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity 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 charitable 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.
OTHER INFORMATION
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Governor’s Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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 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 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:
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the information given in the Governor’s Report (which includes the strategic report and 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
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the strategic report and the directors’ report included within the Governor’s Report have 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 charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Governor’s Report (which incorporates the strategic report and 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:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept by the charitable company; or
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the charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement [set out on page 10], 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.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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 charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to independent school regulations, safeguarding regulations, health and safety requirements, GDPR, employment law and Charity Commission’s general guidance 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 the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011, and consider other factors such as payroll taxes and VAT.
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries and management bias in certain accounting estimates and judgements such as the valuation of investment properties. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
-
Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;
-
Inspecting the outcomes of any regulatory inspections;
-
Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of noncompliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
-
Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
-
Identifying and testing journals, in particular journal entries posted with unusual descriptions; and
-
• Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates and challenge of the underlying assumptions.
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 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.
Page 13
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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.
:
Adam Halsey (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of HaysMac LLP, Statutory Auditors
Date: 29/05/2025
10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
Page 14
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WHICH INCORPORATES THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes INCOME Income from Charitable Activities 3 Incoming Resources from Other Trading Activities Lettings Other income Total Income EXPENDITURE Charitable Activities Education and grant making Total Expenditure 4 Net outgoing/incoming resources before gain and losses Net Gain on investments Net movement in funds Balances brought forward at 1 September 2023 Balances carried forward at 31 August 2024 |
2024 £ 11,342,218 155,981 5,868 11,504,067 11,597,191 11,597,191 (93,124) - (93,124) 9,963,772 9,870,648 |
2023 £ 10,293,511 141,379 2,805 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,437,695 | ||
| 10,647,568 | ||
| 10,647,568 | ||
| (209,873) - |
||
| (209,873) 10,173,645 |
||
| 9,963,772 |
The results set out above all relate to continuing operations and relate entirely to unrestricted funds.
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these accounts.
Page 15
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS School buildings and equipment 5 INVESTMENTS 6 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash CREDITORS:amounts due within one year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS:amounts due after more than one year 9 Loan & Fees in Advance TOTAL NET ASSETS CAPITAL AND RESERVES Called up share capital 11 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS General Reserve Designated Reserves TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 12 |
2024 £ 8,457,771 1,575,007 1,115,359 1,696,392 2,811,751 (2,273,832) 537,919 10,570,697 (700,049) 9,870,648 40 9,870,608 - 9,870,608 9,870,648 |
2023 £ 9,009,221 1,575,007 432,101 2,147,796 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,579,897 (2,350,753) |
||
| 229,144 | ||
| 10,813,372 (849,600) |
||
| 9,963,772 | ||
| 40 9,963,732 - |
||
| 9,963,732 | ||
| 9,963,772 |
Approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on and signed on their behalf by
Alison Burrows Date: 23/05/2025
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these accounts.
Page 16
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Notes Cash flows from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from Investing Activities: Payments for tangible fixed assets Payments for investments Property rental income Net cash flows used in investing activities: Cash flows from Financing Activities: New Loan Repayments of Loan Cash flows used in financing activities: Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
2024 £ (270,512) (156,319) - (156,319) 56,400 (99,919) - (80,973) (80,973) (451,404) 2,147,796 1,696,392 |
2023 £ 351,695 (356,438) - |
|---|---|---|
| (356,438) 52,035 |
||
| (304,403) | ||
| - (208,335) |
||
| (208,335) | ||
| (161,043) 2,308,839 |
||
| 2,147,796 |
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these accounts.
Page 17
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. COMPANY INFORMATION
The School is a Public Benefit Entity registered as a charity in England and Wales and a company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated on 16 July 1954 (company number 535836) and registered as a charity on 19 February 1963 (charity number 311062).
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102 second edition, effective 1 January 2019), 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 (FRS102).
The functional currency of the School is considered to be GBP because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the School operates.
The School owns the whole of the share capital of St Christopher School Guilds Limited, which is dormant. In the opinion of the Governors the activities of the company are not material in the context of the overall accounts and therefore consolidated accounts are not prepared. The company results and net assets position at the balance sheet date are set out in note 15.
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.
The trustees consider the value of investment properties by reference to informal information provided by the School’s letting agent. If there is a change in the tenancy or significant market volatility, then the trustees will consider the need for a formal professional revaluation.
b) Going Concern
After reviewing the School’s forecasts and projections, the Governors have a reasonable expectation that it has adequate resources to continue in operational existence of the foreseeable future and there is no material uncertainty with regards to going concern. The School there continues to adopt the going concern basis for preparing its financial statements.
c) Tangible Fixed Assets
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets in use, other than freehold land, at rates and bases calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
| Long leasehold property, acquired prior to 1979 | - over the term of the lease |
|---|---|
| Long leasehold property | - between 25 and 50 years |
| Motor vehicles | - over 5 years |
| Fixtures, fittings and equipment | - between 5 and 10 years |
| Leasehold improvements | - over 20 years |
| Plant | - over 20 years |
| Computer equipment | - over 3 years |
Page 18
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Long leasehold property is considered by the directors to have a sufficient economic life to allow it to be amortised over its lease term, as at 31 August 2014. The directors will review this position annually. The School capitalises all items over £1,000.
d) Investment Properties
Investment properties are stated at their market value at the balance sheet date. No depreciation is provided for in respect of investment properties in accordance with FRS102. Such properties are held for their investment potential and not for consumption within the business.
e) Fees and other educational income
Fees receivable are stated after deducting scholarships, bursaries and other allowances granted by the school and amounts in respect of co-curricular activities for the education of pupils, such as school trips, and is shown in the statement of financial activities net. This presentation has been adopted to allow a fuller understanding of the total amounts involved within the school’s operations and is in line with generally accepted practice within the sector.
f) Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Overhead and other costs not directly attributable to particular functional activity categories are apportioned over the relevant categories on the basis of management estimates of the amounts attributable to that activity in the year, either by reference to staff time or space occupied, as appropriate. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates. Support staff costs include staff, depreciation, other costs and governance costs which compromise the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements. Support costs are allocated across expenditure categories within the Statement of Financial Activities on the basis of departmental activity.
g) 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.
h) Pensions
The School previously participated in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (“the TPS”) for its teaching staff. 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 School. In accordance with FRS102 the Scheme is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme. This closed to new entrants on 1 September 2021. The School also contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme for its non-teaching staff.
i) Funds
Unrestricted School funds are available for use at the discretion of the Governors in furtherance of the general objectives of the School and which have not been designated for other purposes.
j) Financial Instruments
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised.
Page 19
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand together with trade and other debtors, together with all debtors (gross of any bad debt provision) excluding prepayments. 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 include all creditors excluding deferred income, taxation and social security, provisions and estimated accruals.
Assets and liabilities held in foreign currency are translated to GBP at the balance sheet date at an appropriate year end exchange rate.
k) Government grants
Grants received under the furlough scheme have been accounted for an accruals basis and are included in other income.
3. FEES RECEIVABLE
Fees receivable consists of:
| Fees receivable consists of: School Fees Less: Bursaries Allowances Other fees receivable Fees Receivable Coaching charges Swimming Pool Income Total Income from Charitable Activities |
2024 £ 11,100,353 (346,477) (571,293) 10,182,583 1,001,016 11,183,599 520 158,099 11,342,218 |
2023 £ 10,097,075 (409,564) (407,389) |
|---|---|---|
| 9,280,122 | ||
| 876,618 | ||
| 10,156,740 | ||
| 5,958 130,813 |
||
| 10,293,511 |
Page 20
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
4. ANALYSIS OF TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
| 2024 Charitable Activities: Education Welfare Premises Swimming Pool Costs Support Costs 2023 Charitable Activities: Education Welfare Premises Swimming Pool Costs Support Costs |
Staff costs £ 5,301,457 973,803 419,706 251,032 941,737 7,887,735 Staff costs £ 4,874,389 795,708 743,733 225,496 508,756 7,148,082 |
Other £ 860,422 741,119 740,005 39,687 620,453 3,001,686 Other £ 760,419 341,219 786,067 31,138 912,819 2,831,662 |
Depreciation £ - - 707,770 - - 707,770 Depreciation £ - - 667,824 - - 667,824 |
Total £ 6,161,879 1,714,922 1,867,481 290,719 1,562,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11,597,191 | ||||
| Total £ 5,634,808 1,136,927 2,197,624 256,634 1,421,575 |
||||
| 10,647,568 |
Included within Other Costs above were Governance costs of £0 (2023: £0) relating to expenses reimbursed to governors.
| Other expenditure includes: Auditor’s remuneration: for audit (inc VAT) Operating lease rentals – other Depreciation Staff Costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension contributions |
2024 £ 24,000 31,803 707,770 6,407,189 642,444 871,207 7,920,840 |
2023 £ 17,756 31,060 667,824 5,808,596 570,370 769,116 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,148,082 |
The staff costs include agency staff costs of £107,035 (2023: £53,321) and redundancy costs of £57,589 (2023: £179,000).
The average number of employees in the year was:
| Teachers Academic Support Welfare Premises Administration Total |
2024 Average Actual No. 79 40 25 33 18 195 |
Average FTE No. 73 27 17 25 15 157 |
2023 Average Actual No. 72 43 32 28 15 190 |
Average FTE No. 65 28 23 25 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155 |
Page 21
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Neither the Directors nor persons connected with them received any remuneration or other benefits from the School or any connected organisation.
| from the School or any connected organisation. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Related Party Transactions | ||
| Reimbursement of trustee expenses | - | - |
| Number of trustees reimbursed | - | - |
No Trustees received remuneration or expenses. There were no transactions with related parties. The number of employees whose emoluments exceeded £60,000 were:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| £60,001 - £70,000 | 4 | 2 |
| £70,001 - £80,000 | 3 | - |
| £80,001 - £90,000 | - | 2 |
| £100,001 - £110,000 | 1 | - |
| £110,001 - £120,000 | 1 | 1 |
| £130,001 - £140,000 | 1 | - |
| £330,001-£340,000 | - | 1 |
The total aggregate remuneration for key management charged to the Statement of Financial Activities during the year was £1,261,801 (2023: £1,040,213).
Page 22
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost/valuation 1 September 2023 Additions at cost Disposal at cost 31 AUGUST 2024 Depreciation 1 September 2023 Charge for year Disposal 31 AUGUST 2024 Net book values 31 AUGUST 2024 31 August 2023 |
Long leasehold property £ 11,194,884 - - 11,194,884 5,984,737 224,739 - 6,209,476 4,985,408 5,210,328 |
Motor vehicles £ 84,663 - - 84,663 84,433 230 - 84,663 - 230 |
Fixtures fittings and equipment £ 3,853,343 22,902 - 3,876,245 3,298,302 119,577 - 3,417,879 458,366 554,667 |
Leasehold improvements £ 5,299,033 21,916 - 5,320,949 2,502,550 265,700 - 2,768,250 2,552,699 2,797,179 |
Plant £ 978,441 - - 978,441 562,565 48,922 - 611,487 366,954 415,835 |
Computer equipment £ 1,015,253 111,501 - 1,126,754 983,808 48,602 - 1,032,410 94,344 30,982 |
Total £ 22,425,617 156,319 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,581,936 | |||||||
| 13,416,395 707,770 - |
|||||||
| 14,124,165 | |||||||
| 8,457,771 | |||||||
| 9,009,221 |
Page 23
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
6. INVESTMENTS
| Investment properties b/fwd Transfer from fixed assets Improvements and additional costs Gains/(Loss) on revaluation Investment properties c/fwd Investment in subsidiary undertaking (note 15) |
2024 £ 1,575,000 - - - 1,575,000 7 1,575,007 |
2023 £ 1,575,000 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,575,000 7 |
||
| 1,575,007 |
In 2013, two properties were transferred from tangible fixed assets to investment properties following a change of use and in January 2019 a further property was transferred. The market value of all 4 properties as at 23rd June 2022 was estimated by local real estate agents using their knowledge of the local market for such assets. The Trustees valued these properties at £1,575,000 based on this informal advice.
7. DEBTORS
| Fees Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 8. CREDITORS: DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Bank Loan (note 10) Fees in advance Parental deposits Trade creditors Other taxes and social security Accruals and deferred income Other creditors |
2024 £ 572,153 82,493 460,713 1,115,359 2024 £ 88,249 1,002,748 654,563 312,974 161,480 50,351 3,467 2,273,832 |
2023 £ 211,390 44,658 176,053 |
|---|---|---|
| 432,101 | ||
| 2023 £ 86,645 861,621 651,762 281,326 138,885 175,583 154,931 |
||
| 2,350,753 |
Parental deposits
Parents pay a deposit on accepting a place for their child and the money is returned subject to offset of outstanding costs after their child leaves the school.
The Governors have concluded that the School does not have an unconditional right to retain the individual deposits for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date so present refundable deposits are within current liabilities.
Page 24
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
9. CREDITORS: DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR:
| From one to two years: Fees in advance Loan (note 10) From two to five years: Loan (note 10) Total 10. BANK LOANS Amounts falling due: Within one year Within one to two years Within two to five years Total |
2024 £ 10,097 96,272 593,680 700,049 2024 £ 88,249 96,272 593,680 778,201 |
2023 £ 77,071 88,249 684,280 |
|---|---|---|
| 849,600 | ||
| 2023 £ 86,645 88,249 684,280 |
||
| 859,174 |
Bank Loans consists of a new consolidated loan with Barclays Bank plc dated 16 June 2022. The outstanding amount on the mortgage previously held with Barclays Bank plc and raised in 2017 to fund the purchase of Elmscott (investment property) was consolidated into a new bank loan in June 2022. The new loan is repayable over 5 years on a monthly basis and the interest rate is 3% over base.
11. SHARE CAPITAL
| Allotted and fully paid: Ordinary shares of £1 each |
2024 No. 40 |
2024 £ 40 |
2023 No. 40 |
2023 £. 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The ordinary shareholders have no rights to receive any dividend or bonus out of profits and no rights to surplus assets on a winding up.
12. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
| 2024 General funds Total general funds 2023 General funds Total general funds |
1 September 2023 £ 9,963,732 9,963,732 1 September 2022 £ 10,173,605 10,173,605 |
Deficit £ (93,124) (93,124) Deficit £ (209,873) (209,873) |
Transfers £ - - Transfers £ - - |
31 August 2024 9,870,608 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,870,608 | ||||
| 31 August 2023 9,963,732 |
||||
| 9,963,732 |
Page 25
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
13. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Total value of minimum lease payments over remaining life: | ||
| Within one year | 29,784 | 30,350 |
| Within two to five years | 52,140 | 55,897 |
| More than five years | 10,217 | - |
14. TEACHERS’ PENSION SCHEMES
The School previously participated in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (“the TPS”) for its teaching staff. On 1 September 2021, all teaching staff were transferred to Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS). The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the APTIS of £597,199 (2023: payable £476,544).
The School also runs a defined contribution pension scheme for non-teaching staff. The cost for the year represents the School’s contribution to the scheme of £274,088 (2023: £234,801).
15. ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL GUILDS LIMITED
The school holds a 100% interest in a trading company, St Christopher School Guilds Limited (company number 3225976), with the School receiving any surpluses earned by the company as a covenanted distribution. From 1 September 2011, all letting transactions are dealt through St Christopher School and St Christopher School Guilds Limited is currently dormant.
The financial statements of the company at 31 August, which are not consolidated with the School financial statements, showed the following position:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net Assets | 7 | 7 |
16. CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS
Capital expenditure of £nil has been contracted for as at 31 August 2024 (2023: £nil).
17. CASH FLOW
(a) Reconciliation of Net Incoming Resources to Net Cash Inflow from Operations
| Net incoming resources Elimination of non-operating cash flows: Capital repayment of loan Rental Income from investment Depreciation charges (Increase)/decrease in Debtors (Decrease)/increase in Creditors Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operations |
2024 £ (93,124) 80,973 (56,400) 707,770 (683,258) (226,473) (177,388) (270,512) |
2023 £ (209,873) 208,335 (52,035) 667,824 3,152 (265,708) |
|---|---|---|
| 561,568 | ||
| 351,695 |
Page 26
ST CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL (LETCHWORTH) LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
(b) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Cash held and at bank (c) Analysis of changes in net funds Balance at 1 September 2023 £ Cash at bank & in hand 2,147,796 Loan (note 10) (859,174) 1,288,622 Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to movement in net debt Increase/(decrease) in cash in the year Cash outflow from decrease in debt Movement in net (debt)/funds in the year Opening net funds Closing net funds |
2024 £ 1,696,392 Cashflows £ (451,404) 80,973 (370,431) 2024 £ (451,404) 80,973 (370,431) 1,288,622 918,191 |
2023 £ 2,147,796 Balance at 31 August 2024 1,696,392 (778,201) 918,191 2023 £ (161,043) 208,335 47,292 1,241,330 1,288,622 |
|---|---|---|
Page 27