HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL)
ANNUAL REPORT
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Company Registration No. 983758
Charity Registration No. 311069
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
CONTENTS PAGE
| Organisation | 3 |
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| Governors' Report | 4 |
| Objects, Aims, Objectives and Activities | 5 |
| Public Benefit | 6 |
| Strategic Report | 9 |
| Financial Review | 14 |
| Future Plans | 15 |
| Statement of Accouting and Reporting Responsibilities | 16 |
| Audit Report | 17 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 20 |
| Balance Sheet | 21 |
| Statement of Cash Flow | 22 |
| Accounting Policies and Notes | 23 |
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Organisation
GOVERNORS, DIRECTORS AND CHARITY TRUSTEES
Heath Mount School (the “School”) is owned by Heath Mount School Trust Limited (the “Charitable Company” or the “Charity”), a registered charity. The Governors of the School serve as Directors of the Charitable Company and as Trustees of the Charity. All are non-executive. Details of the Governors who served during the year ended 31 August 2025 and up to the date of this report are set out below:
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(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Mrs Juliette Hodson (Chair) ● ● ● ● ●
Mr James Steel (Secretary) (resigned 31 August 2025) ● ● ● ●
Mr Edward Campbell-Gray ● ●
Mrs Helen Rayfield ● ● ●
Mrs Karen Sallybanks ● ● ●
Mrs Sarah Capewell (resigned 31 August 2025) ●
Mr Christopher Scrope ●
Mr Ian Hodges-Jackson ●
Mr Richard Fiddes ●
Mr Andrew Rickards ●
Mrs Annabel Friedlein ●
Mr Simon Heard ●
Mrs Lisa Pillay (appointed 21 May 2025) ●
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(1) Member of Education Committee
(2) Member of Finance Committee
(3) Member of Buildings Committee
(4) Member of Strategy Committee
(5) Member of Governance Committee
KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Headmaster Mr C Gillam BEd Bursar Miss S A E Owen BSc
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Address: Heath Mount School, Woodhall Park, Watton-at-Stone, Herts. SG14 3NG
Website: www.heathmount.org
ADVISERS
Auditors: HaysMac LLP, 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1AG
Solicitors: Hewitsons LLP, Shakespeare House, 42 Newmarket Rd, CB5 8EP
Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc.
Insurance Brokers: Hettle Andrews & Associates Limited, Eleven Brindley Place, 2 Brunswick Square, Birmingham. B1 2LP
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
GOVERNORS’ REPORT
The Governors of Heath Mount School present the annual report and financial statements incorporating the Strategic Report for the year ended 31 August 2025. The Governors confirm that the financial statements comply with the Charity’s governing documents, the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2019) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” and the Companies Act 2006.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
History and structure
Heath Mount School was founded in 1817 and moved to its current location in 1934. The house and grounds, comprising Woodhall Park, are leased from the Abel Smith Trust along with the girls’ boarding house and the headmaster’s house.
In 1970 the School incorporated as Heath Mount School Trust Limited, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 983758. It is also registered as a charity with registration number 311069.
Governing Document
The Charity is governed by the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the Charitable Company.
Governing Body
The Governing Body is self-appointing. The Governors aim to ensure access within the Governing Body both to educational experience and a range of other skills. New members of the Governing Body are selected based on their professional qualities, experience, personal competence and local availability. The Governors who served during the year are listed on page 3.
New Governors are inducted into the workings of the School through attendance at meetings with the Chair and executive officers. Governors also attend specialist external courses and have specific in-house training sessions throughout the year where appropriate.
Organisational Management
The Governors, as Trustees of the Charity (and also as directors of Heath Mount School Limited for the purposes of company law), are legally responsible for running and developing the School as a Pre-Prep and Preparatory School for boys and girls. A full meeting of the Governors takes place once a term and the three main committees meet at least once a term. Further ad hoc meetings are held as required.
The Governors have established five sub-committees:
The Education Committe e considers educational and pastoral policy including all safeguarding. The committee is chaired by Mrs Juliette Hodson.
The Finance Committee scrutinises the revenue, budget and capital expenditure. This Committee also supervises the preparation of the annual report and financial statements for approval by the Governing Body. The committee is chaired by Mr Andrew Rickards.
The Buildings & Infrastructure Committee supervises and monitors capital building projects and maintenance, and IT infrastructure. It also oversees all Health and Safety matters. The committee is chaired by Mr Richard Fiddes.
The Strategy Committee meets a minimum of once a year to consider proposals for the development of the School. The committee is chaired by Mrs Juliette Hodson.
The Governance Committee meets a minimum of once a year to scrutinise and review all aspects of the running of the school underpinned by legislation or statutory regulation. The committee is chaired by Mrs Karen Sallybanks.
The Governors delegate the day-to-day running of the School to the Headmaster assisted by his Senior Management Team (SMT). The headmaster and appropriate members of the Senior Management Team attend meetings of the Governors.
Remuneration for the Headmaster and Bursar is set by the Finance Committee and approved by the Full Board. Remuneration for the remainder of the SMT is set by the Headmaster and Bursar and approved by the Finance Committee. Remuneration is set at levels to reward staff fairly and responsibly and is reviewed periodically with reference to comparison with other independent schools.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
OBJECTS, AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Objects
The Objects of the Charity are set out in the Memorandum of Association of the Charitable Company and are to promote and provide for the advancement of education and in connection therewith to conduct, carry on, acquire and develop in the United Kingdom any boarding or day school or schools for the education of either sex or both sexes.
Within these Objects, the Governors aim to provide a first-class independent education for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 years in a community where all members are valued and to provide an excellent, well-resourced environment for teaching and learning in order to enable them to move on confidently to the senior school of their choice. Pupils from a wide ability range succeed in at least some area of the curriculum whether it is academic, art, music, design technology, sport, drama or outdoor pursuits.
Mission Statement
The School aims to provide the best possible education within a friendly and nurturing environment which promotes well-being. It seeks to uncover and develop potential whilst maintaining a balance with traditional childhood experiences. The School wishes its pupils to develop self-confidence, self-discipline, and a strong values system.
Primary objectives
In fulfilling its objectives, the School aims: Educational
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To provide the best possible education for every child ensuring that value is added across the entire curriculum.
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To ensure that strong pastoral care is at the heart of the School and its values and that every child can develop as a
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happy, confident individual ready to realise their full potential;
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To ensure that every child is prepared for entry to an appropriate senior School;
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Staffing
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To employ and develop high quality teaching and support staff to ensure the best possible education for every
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child;
Financial
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To ensure that the School creates a healthy surplus to reinvest in the fabric of the site and maintain high teaching
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standards;
· To ensure that the School meets its charitable status targets;
Governance
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To achieve the highest standard of governance ensuring that the School fulfils its duty of care towards pupils and
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staff, meeting all regulatory requirements;
Engagement
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To ensure effective levels of communication between Governors, School staff, pupils, parents and prospective
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parents;
Buildings and Infrastructure
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To invest in new and existing facilities to enhance the School’s educational offering and;
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To maintain and develop the School’s relationship with the Woodhall Estate.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Governors give careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary guidance on advancing education and on fee-charging.
The School remains committed to providing public benefit in accordance with its founding principles. Charity legislation includes a requirement to demonstrate that public benefit for any charitable purpose where it had hitherto been presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary. This calls in turn for commensurate disclosure of our public benefit aims.
The Governors are committed to broadening access to the School by offering to eligible parents or guardians means-tested financial support with the payment of school fees. Such bursaries may be awarded in the form of a discount to tuition fees payable, depending on the financial, compassionate or other pertinent circumstances of applicants. During the year ended 31 August 2025, the School awarded bursaries worth £146,942 to 18 pupils (2024 - £173,863 to 21 pupils).
In addition to bursaries, the School has engaged in other activities that provide benefit to the public. These include sharing our cultural and sporting facilities with local community groups, sharing ideas with local primary schools and staff involvement in supporting local community groups.
Teaching links
Specific projects with local schools include:
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Free provision of our facilities, resources and transport for local schools, including use of our swimming pool and
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Forest School by pupils of local primary schools;
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Free teaching provision including access for pupils from a local primary school to food technology lessons and
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our food technology workshop;
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Free provision of Inset training for local schools and collaboration on knowledge sharing;
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Reciprocal agreement for training of NQT’s with a local primary school; and
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· Provision of work experience for teachers undergoing their training.
Community engagement and charitable activities
The Heath Mount community went above and beyond this year to help causes close to our hearts, both near and far.
Throughout the year we were happy to be able to share our facilities, including Forest School, the swimming pool, minibuses and our food technology studio with several local schools.
During Michaelmas Term, the busiest term in the charity calendar, our senior pupils kicked things off by raising over £2,000 for our school charity partner Twende Education For All at the Fun Day.
In addition to supporting donation-drives around Harvest and Christmas, the School also fundraised for the Royal British Legion in the run-up to Remembrance and our annual Movember challenge raised £1,340.
Our whole School mufti day raised £995 for Jeans for Genes, supporting children and families with genetic conditions, and It’s Never You, the children’s cancer charity set-up by Heath Mount parents. In November 2024, another mufti day raised £480 for Children in Need.
The team at Haven First in Stevenage was thrilled with the bumper delivery of toiletries and festive food items from the Lower School Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.
Years 5-8 donated 81 new toys to be added to hampers sent out to vulnerable families in the local area via Jedidiah. Pre-Prep families also packaged up dozens of shoeboxes filled with treats for children in Ukraine at Christmas.
We hosted a successful Christmas Gift Fair in November 2024 in aid of Twende Education For All, raising over £2,000. The sports hall was filled with visiting small businesses and local artisans as well as our wonderful in-house craft stall with all items handmade by our talented pupils and staff.
The whole school turned out in red antlers for our first ever Rudolph Run in aid of Isabel Hospice. The event raised £1,884.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Community engagement and charitable activities continued
The start of a new year saw the launch of our House charity event programme in aid of our Zambian charity projects, with Sacombe House delivering a fun, ‘Break-Time Bingo’ session and Woodhall House followed this up with a brilliant quiz, featuring rounds including “guess the teacher’s childhood photo”! At the end of the month, Knebworth House hosted a lunchtime ‘dance-a-thon’. In March Hatfield House senior pupils did a brilliant job of running a green-themed St Patrick’s Day charity games afternoon in the sports hall. Throughout the term, our Year 7&8 charity craft club members were busy once more as they sewed Easter bunting and decorations to sell at our Easter Craft Stall in aid of Twende Education For All, raising £755.
We were delighted to welcome primary school pupils from Watton-at-Stone, Abel-Smith, Hunsdon, Christ Church, St. Catherine's, Hollybush and Bayford to a multi-sports festival as part of the Hertford and Ware School Sports Partnership. Visiting children took part in a mixture of sports activities delivered by our skilled sports staff, ably supported by some of our Year 6 pupils who will be part of our sports scholars’ programme next year. This event is part of our community outreach programme which also involves regularly lending facilities such as the pool, food tech studio and forest school to local primary schools.
76 Heath Mount pupils formed teams to cycle, run and swim at the Schools Triathlon at Oundle in aid of two great causes, raising a staggering £8,466 for Restless Development and our nominated charity, It’s Never You.
We were immensely proud of the staff who took on The Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours to raise £2,800 for Twende Education For All in Zambia.
The School does not currently subscribe to any specific fundraising standards or schemes for fundraising regulation but considers that it has set appropriate standards for the operation and management of its fundraising activities. In particular, the School considers that its processes and controls should ensure that vulnerable people and other members of the public are protected from any unreasonable intrusion on a person’s privacy and that no fundraising activities should be unreasonably persistent or place undue pressure on a person to give money or other property. The school has not received any complaints about its fundraising practices in the year.
The Du Maurier Society
Our parents’ association, the Du Maurier Society, masterminded another successful calendar of events this year, playing a huge role in connecting our wider School community.
Over 1,000 members of the Heath Mount community including current families, staff and alumni, joined us for our annual Fun Day at the start of the Michaelmas Term. The inflatable assault course proved a big hit with the children, as did the football dartboard, helter-skelter, 'balloon burst' and face-painting. Live music, the fancy dress parade for little ones and the toy tombola all added to the atmosphere. Twenty of the stalls were run by senior pupils who came up with a huge variety of creative ideas to raise money for our school charity partnerships in Zambia.
The annual Fireworks Night extravaganza was attended by over 1,300 guests enjoying a spectacular show as well as a delicious BBQ, sweet stall and bar. The pyro-musical event featured sparkling volleys of fireworks set to a soundtrack of favourite movie hits - including soundtracks from The Lion King, Top Gun, Skyfall and Pirates of The Caribbean.
The Du Maurier Chair kickstarted the festive season with her creative Christmas wreath-making morning in December. Everyone had a fun time decorating their wreaths with fresh foliage picked from the grounds as well as dried fruits and fairy lights.
The Lent Term Quiz Night was another popular and well-attended event involving some fiendishly tricky questions alongside some more creative challenges involving dried spaghetti.
Alongside the traditional programme of events, Du Maurier introduced some new additions to the calendar this year. A competitive Clay Shoot in March gave both the amateur guns and more professional shots a chance to hone their skills on a gloriously sunny day at Lea Valley Shooting Association. Afterwards, the party enjoyed a lively lunch and prize-giving.
In May, the opportunity to snap up new blooms at the Du Maurier plant sale while enjoying a coffee proved to be a winning formula and another great excuse to get together.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Du Maurier Society continued
The Du Maurier Society's social calendar concluded with the ‘Rock the Casbah’ Summer Party. Guests dined on a sumptuous Moroccan feast before dancing the night away to the live band. The auction included some super prizes kindly donated by our sponsors, including The Woodhall Estate. It was certainly a night to remember.
As parent volunteers, the Committee is so grateful to all parents, children, school staff and the wider community for all the vital support they give to make these events fun, while raising funds for school projects.
EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND SAFEGUARDING
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. Consultation with employees, or their representatives, has continued at all levels with the aim of taking the views of employees into account when decisions are made that are likely to affect their interests.
Employees are made aware of the financial and economic performance of the School. Communication with employees continued through normal management channels in a variety of forms.
The Governors are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the pupils and expect the staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All those who work or assist in the School undergo the necessary regulatory checks, and the panel that interviews them will contain at least one member who has successfully undertaken an appropriate course of Safer Recruitment.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
STRATEGIC REPORT
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
At 31st of August 2025, we had 507 (2024 - 520) pupils on roll.
Academic
Our Year 8 leavers headed off to 16 different schools across the country following their outstanding set of Common Entrance and Libellum exam results.
This year, an impressive 52% of our Year 8 pupils were awarded scholarships to their senior schools. 23 pupils (in a year group of 44) earned 29 scholarships from the following schools: Ampleforth, Bishop's Stortford College, Brighton College, Christ’s Hospital School, City of London School, Felsted, Framlingham College, Haileybury, The Leys, Millfield, Oundle, Rugby School and Uppingham.
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12 sports scholarships
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5 academic scholarships
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3 art scholarships
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6 music scholarships
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3 drama scholarships
Sport
Football : This year has been an outstanding season for school football, marked by impressive achievements across all age groups. The highlight of the year came courtesy of the U11 boys who made history by qualifying for the IAPS National Finals for the first time. After finishing as runners-up at the regional qualifiers, the team travelled to Millfield to compete on the national stage and gained so much from the experience. The U9 boys also enjoyed a phenomenal, unbeaten season. On several occasions, they came from behind to secure victories, displaying maturity and spirit well beyond their years.
Our second ever season of girls’ football has been nothing short of inspiring. With more fixtures than ever before, it has been a true celebration of progress - both in terms of development on the pitch and the growing enthusiasm for the game across the school. Our U13A girls stormed through their season to reach the ISFA regional semi-finals, while the U11A squad impressed in the IAPS Regional competition, reaching the quarter-finals.
In the Pre-Prep, the emphasis has been on developing football fundamentals through engaging, skill-based lessons. Across all age groups, the season has celebrated not only results but also effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With such a strong foundation laid this year, the future of football at the school looks incredibly bright.
Hockey : This year has been a season of firsts for girls’ hockey, marking their most successful season yet. The U11A girls set the standard with a series of remarkable triumphs, beginning with a statement win at the Olympic Park Tournament before being crowned Regional Champions and earning a place at the National Hockey Finals for the very first time in the school’s history. Domestically, they dominated the local scene, claiming the title of County U11 Girls Hockey Champions and taking home the trophy from the prestigious Hitchin 7’s Girls Hockey Tournament. Their success was underpinned by spirited performances, smart tactics and unwavering unity on the pitch.
The U12A team also made headlines on the national stage, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Cup competition at the IAPS National Finals. Their showed commendable composure under pressure and represented the school with pride and passion. Lower down the school, our U10 players achieved second place at the Haileybury Indoor 7’s.
This year also marked an exciting chapter in the development of boys' hockey as we continued to expand opportunities and exposure to the sport across the Prep School. We were immensely proud to see our U11 boys finish in the top ten in the East of England, having successfully qualified through a competitive regional tournament. Their teamwork, discipline, and determination were evident throughout the season.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Sport continued
Rugby : From Year 1 through to Year 8, pupils have embraced every opportunity to develop their skills and elevate their performances on the pitch. This season, in line with the RFU’s directive to prioritise festivals over competitive tournaments, our players have learned to value intrinsic success - focusing on teamwork, effort, and enjoyment rather than medals. That said, our teams have still achieved some remarkable triumphs while having great fun along the way. Highlights included seeing our U13s win four out of five matches at the prestigious Rosslyn Park 7’s tournament and remain unbeaten at the St John’s Festival. The U11s also impressed at Rosslyn Park, going undefeated in their pool which they followed up with five wins out of six at the Beechwood Park 7’s.
Lower down the school, our U9s enjoyed an outstanding season, remaining undefeated throughout, while the U10s and U8s had the unforgettable experience of playing at the Allianz Stadium ahead of a Saracens fixture. They were excited to meet Sam Spink and former England Captain Jamie George.
Cricket: We have continued to build a love of cricket this year, with players across all age groups motivated to improve their technique and gain match experience. The First XI led by example, displaying skill and resilience to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious Hertfordshire County Cup. This year has marked a real turning point for girls’ cricket across the school. With more players stepping up to hardball formats, it has been fantastic to witness the surge in technical development, fearlessness and team spirit. Highlights included watching the U12 girls being crowned the National SNS Cricket Cup Champions.
The U11 boys’ team also had a remarkable season, making it to the semi-finals of their County Cup competition. They further impressed at the IAPS competition, finishing as runners-up in the Plate event. Their consistency continued at the Haileybury 6’s, where they narrowly missed out on gold in both the indoor and outdoor tournaments, and at Bedford School 6’s where they triumphed in the Bowl competition.
Netball: From local triumphs to national glory, our girls displayed unrivalled spirit, work rate and unity to make this netball season one to remember. There was huge excitement as our U13A team were crowned IAPS National Champions for the second year running - an awe-inspiring feat that reflects their composure, skill, and togetherness. They also secured the IAPS Regional title, were crowned Millfield 7’s Champions, and added the Herts County Plate to their impressive haul. Finally, playing up an age group, the U14A team showed maturity beyond their years to take the Francis Holland title.
Our U11A team also enjoyed a dream season, capturing the Millfield 7’s title and becoming IAPS Regional Champions before finishing as National IAPS Runners-up - a landmark achievement – especially considering 211 schools participated. They also finished runners-up at Hoe Bridge, Warwick Prep, and Charterhouse competitions, while the U11B squad mirrored their Millfield success with a championship win.
Other memorable moments included our fearless U12A team being crowned Francis Holland Champions and runners-up at the Harrodian tournament. They also made it to the IAPS quarter-finals. The U10A team are showing plenty of early promise, winning at the Canford 7’s and achieving second place finishes at Charterhouse and Haileybury 7’s. Throughout the year, all our teams have approached their training sessions and matches with hard work and passion. With so much talent and enthusiasm coming through the ranks, the future of Heath Mount netball is brighter than ever.
Athletics: Our athletics programme continued to thrive and reap rewards, with pupils making the most of training sessions and competing in a range of prestigious events this summer. Squad members took part in the quadrangular meet at Jarman Park, the East Region National Qualifiers at Bedford International Stadium, the Eastern Championships in Cambridge and the National Prep Schools Athletics Finals at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. We were especially proud to be the only school at Jarman Park to select both male and female athletes for our squad, reflecting our strong commitment to inclusivity, and to take our largest ever team of individual athletes to the National Athletics Finals.
There were some standout individual achievements at both regional and national levels this year. At the East Region National Qualifiers, our squad won 12 medals and secured 20 top five finishes.
Cross Country: It was an excellent school cross country season, marked by strong team and individual performances. Pupils competed in major events including the Herts Schools Cross Country, Beechwood Park and Westbrook Hay meets, finishing with the House event in the grounds of the beautiful Woodhall Estate.
In addition to individual successes, there were also several team accolades. The U9 boys, U9 girls and U11 girls all triumphed at Westbrook Hay, while the U9 girls also secured victory at Beechwood Park as did the U13 girls. All of our runners faced some incredibly challenging course conditions with huge grit and determination. It was heartening to see the support they gave one another on every occasion.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Sport continued
Tennis: This year saw greater integration of tennis into our sports programme, with senior pupils offered tennis sessions in place of some cricket fixtures. For the first time, we entered the Herts Tennis League for both boys and girls, providing valuable match experience through a series of fixtures against local schools. A particular highlight was seeing some of our pupils represent the school at the IAPS Tennis Tournament at Clifton College, where they performed superbly against some of the top prep school players in the country.
Swimming: This year we entered the Herts Swim League for the first time in both Junior and Senior divisions, providing our swimmers with further competitive experience beyond the local school galas. Our Year 5 swimmers made a spectacular debut, emerging as champions in their age category. At the senior level, the competition was fierce, with most large senior schools fielding Year 8 and 9 swimmers against our Year 7 and 8 team. Despite the challenging circumstances, our team finished in a very respectable fifth place.
In addition to our success in the Herts Swim League, Heath Mount swimmers also shone at the IAPS swimming competition this year. Impressively, thirteen pupils qualified to swim at nationals in ten different events. A key factor in our success has been the dedicated swim squad training sessions, which have not only improved our swimmers' technical skills but also strengthened their bonds as a team, creating a supportive and motivating environment.
Alternative Sports: We continued to provide an exciting, alternative sports programme for those pupils who prefer not to participate in some competitive matches. The children have grown in confidence and honed their team-building skills, taking part in fun activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and raft-building.
Music
This past year has been a truly remarkable chapter in the life of the Music Department at Heath Mount. We have watched and listened with pride as our soloists and ensemble performers, choirs and composers contributed to the rich tapestry of musical life at Heath Mount. Whether mastering a new instrument or collaborating in harmony, our pupils embody the values of creativity, perseverance, and teamwork. It has been joyful to feel the energy and passion behind their rehearsals and performances and witness the camaraderie shared across our five choirs and eleven orchestras and ensembles.
We are proud to have celebrated a record number of music scholarships awarded to pupils in Years 6-8 as well as the completion of 170 ABRSM exams alongside Trinity exams in drums and guitar. In addition, five of our singers now proudly represent Heath Mount in the prestigious National Youth Choir alongside many of our alumni.
Heath Mount parents hosted and performed in a stunning charity concert at the end of the Michaelmas Term. The evening featured memorable performances from seasoned professionals as well as some of our talented young pupils who certainly held their own on the stage and demonstrated their love of music. The concert helped raise just under £2,000 for Cancer Research and It's Never You.
Heath Mount's choirs are fortunate to sing at our annual carol service in Haileybury Chapel, a truly magnificent building with a glorious acoustic. The Bax Choir delivered stunning renditions of Deo Gracias and This Little Babe by Benjamin Britten, as well as Joy in the Morning and Sussex Carol, showcasing their musical precision and expressive power. The Training Choir delighted the audience with The First Tree in the Greenwood and Sing We Now of Fife and Drum! - bringing youthful energy and charm to the evening. Instrumental highlights included a moving performance of O Holy Night by the Woodwind Quartet, and a vibrant rendition of Carol of the Bells by the Concert Band.
In the Lent Term, our Bax Choir and Training Choir performed in A Celebration of Voice at historic Waltham Abbey Church, a venue renowned for its rich musical heritage. Several music scholars also performed solos and duets. A moving tribute to Thomas Tallis, former organist of Waltham Abbey, saw the Bax Choir surround the audience to perform Glory to Thee in the round - creating an immersive and atmospheric experience. The concert concluded with a powerful joint performance of Cantate Domino by Berg, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired. In May, we celebrated the progress and potential of some of our young musicians at our annual Junior Scholars’ Concert. Twenty-six pupils from Years 4 to 6 were selected to perform solo pieces after showing great development and promise as future music scholars. The concert featured a wide variety of instruments, including piano, clarinet, flute, recorder, violin, viola, cello, drums, and voice and the children’s hard work and passion for music shone through.
In the Summer Term, we hosted the Senior Scholars' Concert in the intimate surrounds of the Chapel, celebrating the achievements of pupils in the Year 7-8 music scholarship programme. We were also delighted to welcome Year 6 pupils who will be joining the programme for 2025-2027. The standard of performances was exceptional, with each pupil demonstrating impressive musical maturity and skill. The concert concluded with a powerful and uplifting arrangement of Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu, featuring all the musicians performing together.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Music continued
The last concert of the academic year brought together Heath Mount’s four Prep School choirs and ten instrumental ensembles for a vibrant celebration of music and community. The audience enjoyed spirited performances from our brilliant percussionists, dynamic rhythms from the Jazz and Wind Bands, and soaring classical works from Chamber Strings and Senior Strings. Our choirs, meanwhile, impressed with challenging choreography, body percussion and multi-part singing. The concert finale was a moment to remember! An epic 12-minute celebration of the power of friendship, it featured all 240 singers and musicians. Accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra and percussion ensembles.
In the final week of the Summer Term, Bax Choir proudly represented Heath Mount at the prestigious Llangollen Eisteddfod, competing in the Open Children’s Choir category. Held in the beautiful Welsh town of Llangollen, the Eisteddfod is a six-day celebration of global music, dance, and culture, attracting performers from around the world. Bax Choir was the only choir representing England, performing alongside groups from Hong Kong, Jersey, and Wales. Despite being one of the youngest choirs in the competition, Bax Choir delivered a polished and expressive programme featuring Take This Gift by Tracy Wong and Dancing Song by Zoltán Kodály. Their musicality, discipline, and vibrant stage presence earned them a well-deserved fourth place in a highly competitive field.
Art
The Art Department has been truly fantastic across the school this year, inspiring creativity at every level. From colourful apple prints by our youngest Nursery pupils to Reception children learning about the art of mehndi before crafting their own intricate clay handprints, every project has been a triumph. Pre-Prep pupils made delightful “Love Bugs” in pottery for Valentine’s Day and produced aged Egyptian art using a clever waxresist technique that made their pieces look 5,000 years old. Year 4 explored the work of Dutch post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh, with each group studying and recreating one of his iconic flower paintings - Irises, Sunflowers and Almond Blossoms. Middle School pupils experimented with Leonardo da Vinci’s sgraffito technique to create depth and tone in their riverbank plant drawings, printing their own stencils to enhance the effect. Meanwhile, following an inspiring trip to Henry Moore’s studios, Year 7 explored his work across different media and studied complementary colours before producing striking acrylic artworks of their own.
We were delighted to see one of our Year 4 pupils win first place in the Years 3-4 category at the annual CPRE Hertfordshire Children’s Art Competition awards. The CPRE charity, which champions our natural environment, challenged pupils to create an artwork on the theme of ‘Why I love the Hertfordshire Countryside’.
One of our Year 5 pupils was also a prizewinning finalist in Shrewsbury School's Art Competition. Their wonderful pastel drawing of a cat with highly reflective eyes caught the attention of the Shrewsbury art department.
Our Year 8 scholars group completed their outstanding portfolios this year, with three pupils offered art scholarships to Ampleforth, Framlingham and Christ’s Hospital. They worked hard in extra weekly tuition sessions run by our expert art team as part of our scholarship enrichment programme, working in a wide variety of media. One of our Year 8 art scholar's was also Highly Commended in an art Competition organised by local artist Amy Pettingill for her accomplished parrot portrait.
Drama
At the start of the Michaelmas Term, Year 8 pupils celebrated the art of storytelling through physical theatre and puppetry as they recounted four famous tales from the Brothers Grimm. With minimal staging - but dramatic use of lighting, sound, props and puppetry - the cast showed both dark and comedic sides to the stories of Rapunzel, The Three Little Men, Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. Our Head of Drama once again weaved their magic with an exciting and fresh production which the pupils helped to devise and stage-manage. Year 6 transported their audience into the quirky and spooky world of the Addams family, bringing to life some well-known characters with great humour and energy. Working seamlessly as an ensemble cast, they told the story of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet, young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark, will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner? The children were accompanied on stage by a fantastic live band while everyone marvelled at the incredible set. It was fun to spot various members of staff among the ghostly portraits on the wall.
At the end of April, Year 5 parents were given a unique glimpse into the exciting world of our drama lessons. Everyone was invited to join in as we explored the wonderful world of William Shakespeare as well as acting techniques, concentration exercises and ensemble building activities. The children also delighted their audience with their nutshell version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
One of our Year 7 pupil's made their professional theatre debut in new folk musical ‘King of Pangea’ at The King’s Head Theatre in Islington in June 2025. The talented thespian was picked for the role of Young Sam Crow alongside cast members including Olivier Award nominee Dan Burton and Mark Curry.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Drama continued
We ended the academic year with a production of ‘There’s A Leak!’ performed by our Year 8 drama scholars. Ben Hales’ politically charged comedy follows the tale of twelve-year-old Elsa and her sarcastic cat Igor who are having a perfectly normal walk into town when they discover a highly abnormal leak in the pavement. Luckily a range of perfectly normal characters are on hand so all will be fine… or will it? This thoughtprovoking play left the audience asking important questions about the state of our world. Our young thespians put the performance together in just one week of rehearsals during their ‘Expressive Arts Week’. However, it was also a culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and creativity. The pupils’ riveting performance was a celebration of their achievements during their drama scholars’ programme and a testament to the bonds they formed along the way.
Development
This year, the School has seen several exciting capital developments. The area behind Lower School has been transformed and now features bespoke climbing play equipment, designed to fit naturally within the wooded area and crafted by our own in-house team. We are also proud to introduce the animal homestead, which provides a new home for our growing collection of chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits. The children love helping to care for and visit these animals, enhancing their learning experience. Lastly, a new pathway now connects the new development behind Lower School and the swimming pool, improving accessibility and convenience for all. A new pathway along the Astroturf has also been created, offering a suitable viewing area for spectators. Additionally, the existing Astroturf has been completely resurfaced, ensuring a high-quality playing surface for our children ahead of the next hockey season. These developments reflect our commitment to providing a stimulating and supportive environment for our children. We have many more exciting projects in planning for next year, including the redevelopment of our swimming pool and pavilion complex.
Marketing
In September 2025 the School published its 7th annual magazine summarising the broad range of achievements and celebrations of the academic year. It was circulated to all prospective parents as well as current families and recent alumni.
The School’s internal newsletter, The Griffin, is published weekly and is vital for ensuring parent engagement with upcoming events and promoting positive internal PR through news, photography and video footage of the children’s day-to-day life. By showcasing what Heath Mount does best, we are creating advocates among the parent body who help fill our admissions pipeline through word-of-mouth recommendations (our parents continued to be our most powerful marketing channel). It also helps build community spirit, celebrating our Du Maurier Society events and encouraging parents to get involved behind the scenes and connect with one another.
The school’s Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts continued to grow in popularity and engagement with current families and non-followers, resulting in greater visibility and engagement. The emphasis is on organic, real-life content that shows the school in an authentic light.
We continued to feature in the most prestigious UK schools guides with glowing reviews in The Good Schools Guide, and Tatler (in print and online) as well as Muddy Stilettos (online) which help to cement our outstanding reputation as a leading Prep School.
During the academic year we also submitted multiple submissions for national school awards in a bid to raise our profile further. This resulted in Heath Mount being awarded the Muddy Stiletto’s national award for the Prep school ‘Most Passionate About Sport’. We were also shortlisted for the Independent School Of The Year award for Sporting Achievement (and would be named a finalist in the Michaelmas Term of 2026, the only prep school to do so).
After our usual Saturday open morning in October 2024 we made the decision to trial a move to termly, weekday open mornings – our first being in February 2025 and the second in April 2025. This has successfully raised attendance and registration conversion is also higher.
We hired professional photographer Amanda Davies for a shoot to refresh our images for the website and marketing purposes e.g. promoting open days, celebrating the new animal enclosure and highlighting Heath Mount as a happy place to learn and grow.
On the school site, we promote a positive sense of community through populating the Trilby TV screens in Pre-Prep, Lower School and Main School with up-to-date photos and videos celebrating school life. The marketing department also assists with the graphic design of parent presentations and Du Maurier event advertisement.
The Marketing Dept also helps promote external holiday camp provider Let’s Leap via our newsletter and social media (which in turn helps advertise our provision in the community).
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total income for the year totalled £10,056,343 (2024 £9,526,853) and total expenditure amounted to £9,487,763 (2024 £9,093,577), resulting in a surplus of £568,580 (2024 £433,276).
The School endeavours to achieve best value for money through effective procurement and better use of school resources. Year on year we have seen a growth in income through increased pupil numbers, fees and hire of facilities.
As at 31 August 2025, the School had cash at bank and short term deposits of £4,639,215 (2024 £5,372,692).
The Governors continued to reinvest any surplus in facilities across the School.
RESERVES POLICY AND FINANCIAL VIABILITY
The Governors carefully monitor the School’s cash flow to ensure that it maintains sufficient working capital for its future operations. Their policy is normally to maintain minimum liquidity (defined as liquid assets plus undrawn credit facilities) equivalent to eight weeks’ expenditure.
As at 31 August 2025 the Charitable Company had total reserves of £7,931,975 (2024 £7,363,395).
The Governors’ policy is that General funds should ideally represent between four- and twelve-weeks’ expenditure (£0.6m – £1.8m) but may vary outside this range depending on the status of new building development plans. As at 31 August 2025 the Charitable Company had General funds of £1,328,039 (2024 £836,716) which the Governors believe is sufficient to cover the purposes for which they are intended. The designated fund of £6,603,936 (2024 £6,526,679) represents the reserves for Buildings and Capital expenditure.
At 31 August 2025 the School’s free reserves, being total unrestricted undesignated funds less those held in fixed assets, were £1,328,039 (2024 £836,716).
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Governors consider economic and political uncertainties and the affordability of fees by parents, which affect pupil numbers across the independent sector, to be the principal risks faced by the School. The Governors believe the School remains in a strong position to withstand any short-term issues. The School focuses closely on delivering value for money to ensure that any fee rises can be kept to a minimum while continuing to deliver high educational standards. Increasing financial pressures include those from the Teachers Pension Scheme contribution rises, rising costs / inflation and the extension of Value Added Tax to school fees and create challenging times for the Independent sector. The School recognises the need to reduce costs where possible.
Risk Management
The Governors are satisfied that the major risks have been identified and mitigated through the established risk management processes. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that the major risks have been adequately managed.
The Board of Governors has overall responsibility for the identification and management of risks. The School maintains a detailed risk register of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Charity and this is regularly reviewed by the Governors. The key controls used by the Charity include:
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The Strategy committee’s responsibility for reviewing the School’s overall strategic direction and plan, and
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delegating to the Senior Management team for delivery;
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The Governance committee’s oversight of the School’s policies;
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Allocation of risks to individual sub committees for review;
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Use of agendas and minutes for all meetings of the Governing bodies and its sub-committees;
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Comprehensive strategic planning to inform the budget and development processes;
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Formal written policies; and
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A safer recruitment process which includes a Disclosure and Barring service check and references for all those
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who come into regular contact with our pupils.
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements of the School have been prepared on the basis that the School is a going concern and will continue operations for the foreseeable future.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FUTURE PLANS
The School continues to invest in its staff and infrastructure as well as working closely with the Woodhall Estate on our Landscape Masterplan which forms the basis of our long term Strategic Development Plan.
The primary focus for next year involves the redevelopment of the Swimming Pool complex, coinciding with the redevelopment of the Pavilion. We are also planning to build four new netball/tennis courts. We are continuing our rolling maintenance/upgrading program on the Main House, including the repair and reinstatement of the sash windows, and continued upgrades to the roads and pathways. This is in addition to other smaller projects to support the overall development of the School site.
The focus remains firmly on maintaining our academic expectations across the board to ensure that every pupil reaches his/her full potential. We will also be investing in upgrades to existing infrastructure and placing even more emphasis on targeting pastoral well-being.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING RESPONSIBLILTIES
The Governors (who are also the directors of Heath Mount School Trust Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards). The Governing Body members 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 incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the Charitable Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Governing Body members are required to:
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select the most appropriate accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 members of the Governing Body are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitable Company’s transactions, 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 and the provisions of the Charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Relevant audit information
Insofar as each of the Governors, as directors of the Charitable Company, at the date of approval of this report is aware there is no relevant audit information (information needed by the Charitable Company’s auditor in connection with preparing the audit report) of which the Charitable Company’s auditor is unaware. Each member of the Governing Body has taken all the steps that he or she should have taken as a member of the Governing Body in order to make himself or herself aware of the relevant audit information and to establish that the Charitable Company auditor is aware of that information.
This report, which incorporates the Strategic Report, was approved by the Governors on 19/12/2025 and signed on its behalf by
Mrs Juliette Hodson Chair of Governors
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Audit Report
Audit Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Heath Mount School Trust Limited for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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 31 August 2025 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 Charitable Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Governors' 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 Governors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The Governors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report of the Governors.
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.
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 Annual Report of the Governors (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 Annual Report of the Governors has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 Annual Report of the Governors (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 Governors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Governors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 13, the Governors (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 Governors 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 Governors 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 Governors 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.
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 charity and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, safeguarding regulations, health and safety requirements, GDPR, employment law and charity law and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 and consider other factors such as payroll taxes.
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 improper recognition of income and management bias in accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
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Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;
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Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
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Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
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Identifying and testing journals, in particular journal entries posted at the year end; and
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Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their accounting estimates.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of noncompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNORS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements continued
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the 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.
Jane Askew (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of HaysMac LLP, Statutory Auditor
10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1AG
Date: 19/12/2025
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
(Incorporating Income & Expenditure Account)
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME | |||||
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| School fees | 2 | 9,684,933 | - | 9,684,933 | 9,188,785 |
| Ancillary trading income | 3 | 94,792 | - | 94,792 | 166,355 |
| Other Trading Activities | |||||
| Other income | 4 | 125,877 | - | 125,877 | 44,572 |
| Investment Income | |||||
| Bank and other interest | 5 | 150,640 | - | 150,640 | 99,303 |
| Income from Donations and Grants | |||||
| Government Grants and Donations | 6 | 101 | - | 101 | 27,838 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| TOTAL INCOME | 10,056,343 | - | 10,056,343 | 9,526,853 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||||
| Raising Funds | |||||
| Financing Costs | 7 | 10,930 | - | 10,930 | 33,084 |
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| Education and grant making | 8 | 9,476,833 | - | 9,476,833 | 9,060,493 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 9,487,763 | - | 9,487,763 | 9,093,577 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| NET INCOME BEFORE | 568,580 | - | 568,580 | 433,276 | |
| TRANSFERS | |||||
| Transfer between funds | - | - | - | - | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 568,580 | - | 568,580 | 433,276 | |
| AFTER TRANSFERS | |||||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Funds as at 1 September 2024 | 7,363,395 | - | 7,363,395 | 6,930,119 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT | |||||
| Funds as at 1 September 2025 | 16 | 7,931,975 | - | 7,931,975 | 7,363,395 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | ||
| == | == | == | == |
The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED BALANCE SHEET
YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 11 | 6,603,936 | 6,526,679 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||
| Stock | - | - | |||||
| Debtors | 12 | 3,423,945 | 373,257 | ||||
| Cash at bank and short-term deposits | 4,639,215 | 5,372,692 | |||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| 8,063,160 | 5,745,949 | ||||||
| CREDITORS: | |||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 13 | 5,428,449 | 2,882,150 | ||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 2,634,712 | 2,863,799 | |||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | |||||||
| LIABILITIES | 9,238,648 | 9,390,478 | |||||
| CREDITORS: | |||||||
| Amounts falling due after more than one year |
14 | 1,306,673 | 2,027,084 | ||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| NET ASSETS | 7,931,974 | 7,363,395 | |||||
| =========== | =========== | ||||||
| == | == | ||||||
| FUNDS | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||||
| General fund | 16 | 1,328,039 | 836,716 | ||||
| Designated funds | 16 | 6,603,936 | 6,526,679 | ||||
| Restricted funds | 16 | - | - | ||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 7,931,974 | 7,363,395 | |||||
| =========== | =========== | ||||||
| == | == |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Governors on 19/12/2025 and were signed below on its behalf by:
Juliette Hodson Andrew Rickards Chair of Governors Chair of Finance Committee
The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
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HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| CASH FLOWS | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Net cash inflow from operations | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating | 18 | 175,385 | 3,450,801 | |||
| activities | ---------------- | ---------------- | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||
| Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets | -535,882 | -381,237 | ||||
| Investment income | 150,640 | 99,303 | ||||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | -385,242 | -281,934 | ||||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||||
| Cash inflow before financing | -209,857 | 3,168,867 | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||
| Repayments and bank borrowing | -512,683 | -541,004 | ||||
| Finance costs paid | -10,941 | -33,084 | ||||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||||
| Net cash outflow from financing | -523,624 | -574,088 | ||||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the | -733,481 | 2,594,778 | ||||
| reporting period | =========== | =========== | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the | 5,372,696 | 2,777,918 | ||||
| reporting period | =========== | =========== | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the | 4,639,215 | 5,372,696 | ||||
| reporting period | =========== | =========== | ||||
| RECONCILIATION OF NET DEBT | 01-Sep-24 | Cash-flows | Other Non- Cash changes |
31-Aug-25 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Cash | 5,372,696 | -220,798 | - | 5,151,898 | ||
| Loans falling due within one year | -134,310 | - | - | -134,310 | ||
| Loans falling due after more than one year | -378,373 | - | - | -378,373 | ||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |||
| Total | 4,860,013 | -220,798 | - | 4,639,215 | ||
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
22
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 Basis of accounting
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 for Charities (SORP) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
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 is a Public Benefit Entity registered as a charity in England and Wales and a company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated on 3 July 1970 (company number: 983758) and is also registered as a charity number 311069.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the accounting policies, Governors 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.
The Governors consider the following items to be areas subject to estimation and judgement:
Depreciation :
The useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets are based on management’s judgement and experience. When management identifies that actual, useful economic lives differ materially from the estimates used to calculate depreciation, that charge is adjusted prospectively. Although tangible fixed assets are significant, variances between actual and estimated useful economic lives will not have a material impact on the operating results. Historically, no changes have been required.
Bad debt provision :
The recoverability of debtors is assessed and a provision against doubtful debts is included based on management’s judgement and experience.
In the view of the Governors, 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.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements the Governors have assessed the Charity’s forecasts and plans for the coming twelve months. They have concluded that the Charitable Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Governors continued to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements and have concluded that there are no material uncertainties at this time.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
1.3 Income
All income is recognised when the criteria of entitlement, measurement and probability of receipt have been satisfied.
Interest is included on an accruals basis.
23
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Donations and legacies and other voluntary income
Voluntary income is accounted for as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the School is considered probable.
Donations received for the general purposes of the School are credited to Unrestricted Funds. Donations subject to the specific wishes of the donors are credited to the relevant Restricted Funds.
Legacies are recognised when the School has entitlement to the funds, the amount can be reliably quantified and the economic benefit to the School is considered probable. Entitlement is the earlier of the School being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.
Government revenue grants are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the School recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate.
Fees and similar earned income
Fees receivable and charges for services and use of the premises are accounted for in the year in which the services are provided. Fees receivable are stated after deducting bursaries, scholarships and other remissions allowed by the School.
Registration fees are non-refundable and are credited to income when received.
Deposits are included as a liability until refunded or, on ceasing to be refundable, are credited to income. Advance fees are credited to income as and when the fees fall due.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis where there is a legal and constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is allocated to the appropriate headings relevant to the charitable activities on a direct basis. Support costs mainly represent office administration. Irrecoverable VAT is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred. Governance costs comprise the costs of running the School, including strategic planning for its future development, external audit, legal advice and all the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements. Charitable expenditure represents the costs of running the School including salaries, catering, premises and welfare costs. Costs of raising funds include non-ancillary trading, financing, investment management and fundraising and development costs.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Expenditure on the acquisition, construction or enhancement of land and buildings costing more than £5,000 together with expenditure on vehicles, furniture, machinery, ICT infrastructure and other equipment costing more than £500 is capitalised and carried in the balance sheet at historic cost.
1.6 Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on fixed assets to write off the cost or valuation over their estimated useful economic lives at the following rates :
Buildings - 4-50 years Leasehold improvements - 4-50 years Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 2-10 years
1.7 Operating lease agreements
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 amortised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
24
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1.8 Fund accounting
The School has different types of funds;
-
Restricted – where the purpose for which the funds may be used has been restricted by donors; and
-
Unrestricted – where the fund is not restricted as to use other than in furthering the objects of the School. These include Designated
-
Funds, where the funds are unrestricted but the Governors have designated them for a specific purpose.
1.9 Financial instruments
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and cash equivalents, together with trade and other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt. Cash at bank and cash equivalents 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.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts, when applicable, are shown within current liabilities.
Debtors and creditors
Debtors and creditors are measured at the transaction price less any provision for impairment. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised as expenditure.
Bank borrowing
Liabilities for borrowings which are subject to a market rate of interest are measured at the value of the amount advanced, less capital repayments.
1.10 Advanced fee funds
The Charity has an advance fees scheme whereby parents and others make advance payments, which together with the discount accruing thereon, provide for a set contribution each term towards the pupils’ fees. The capital portion outstanding is recognised as a liability and the amount of discount crystallised in the year is included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.11 Provisions for liabilities
Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the School a legal or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefits, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
1.12 Staff benefits including pension costs
The School contributes to the following schemes:
i. The Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and Aviva (APTIS) Scheme. These funds are multi-employer pension scheme and it is not possible to identify the School’s share of the underlying assets and liabilities on a consistent and reasonable basis. As required by FRS 102, the School therefore accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The School’s contributions, which are in accordance with the recommendations of the Government Actuary, are charged in the period in which the salaries to which they relate are payable.
ii. A contributory Group Personal Pension Plan. This is a defined contribution scheme, contributions to the plan are made in accordance with the rules of the plan and are charged to expenditure when they are payable. Pension costs are charged as a percentage of salaries and paid over to the Pensions Trust on a monthly basis.
Short term benefits
Short term benefits, including holiday pay, are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.
25
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Employee termination benefits
Termination benefits are accounted for on an accruals basis and in accordance with FRS 102.
2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES – SCHOOL FEES
| 2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES – SCHOOL FEES | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Fees | 10,137,556 | 9,705,363 |
| Boarding fees | 79,973 | 101,739 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Gross fees | 10,217,529 | 9,807,102 |
| Bursaries | 146,941 | 173,863 |
| Scholarships | - | - |
| Other fee discounts | 385,655 | 444,454 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 9,684,933 | 9,188,785 | |
| =========== | =========== | |
| Bursaries totalling £146,942 were paid to 18 pupils (2024 £173,863 to 21 pupils). | ||
| 3. ANCILLARY TRADING INCOME | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Registration Fees | 5,300 | 5,600 |
| Wraparound Care | 47,897 | 67,938 |
| Holiday Camps | 41,595 | 92,817 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 94,792 | 166,355 | |
| =========== | =========== | |
| 4. OTHER INCOME | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Lettings | 106,119 | 38,832 |
| Transport & Marketing Recoveries | 7,026 | 5,740 |
| Café Income | 11,407 | - |
| Catering Recoveries | 1,325 | - |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 125,877 | 44,572 | |
| =========== | =========== | |
| 5. BANK AND OTHER INTEREST | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank interest receivable | 150,640 | 99,303 |
| =========== | =========== | |
| 6. GRANTS AND DONATIONS | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations | 101 | 27,838 |
| =========== | =========== | |
| 7. FINANCE AND OTHER COSTS | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank charges and interest | 10,930 | 33,084 |
| =========== | =========== |
26
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| Charitable expenditure: | Staff costs | Other | Depreciation | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| School activities: | |||||
| Teaching | 4,997,842 | 236,394 | 20,419 | 5,254,655 | 5,203,702 |
| Welfare | 383,682 | 684,108 | - | 1,067,791 | 930,701 |
| Premises | 295,823 | 941,615 | 384,764 | 1,622,202 | 1,519,185 |
| Support and governance | 790,244 | 687,640 | 54,302 | 1,532,185 | 1,406,905 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total | 6,467,591 | 2,549,757 | 459,485 | 9,476,833 | 9,060,493 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
Support costs include governance costs related to the one activity of running the School. Governance costs total £18,320 (2024 £22,096) and include the audit fee. Other support costs comprise:
| the audit fee. Other support costs comprise: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Legal and professional fees | 165,659 | 145,152 |
| Telephones, postage, stationery and other costs | 374,463 | 265,719 |
| Advertising, marketing & PR expenditure | 32,610 | 55,502 |
| Transport, trips including related costs | 105,530 | 93,333 |
| Other costs | 9,377 | 3,687 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total | 687,640 | 563,393 |
| =========== | =========== |
COMPARATIVE FIGURES: ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| Charitable expenditure: | Staff costs | Other | Depreciation | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Activities | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Teaching | 4,914,082 | 265,683 | 23,937 | 5,203,702 |
| Welfare | 321,647 | 609,054 | - | 930,701 |
| Premises | 224,471 | 941,260 | 353,454 | 1,519,185 |
| Support and governance | 790,627 | 563,393 | 52,885 | 1,406,905 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total | 6,250,827 | 2,379,390 | 430,276 | 9,060,493 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
9. STAFF COSTS
| 9. STAFF COSTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total staff costs comprised: | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 5,029,434 | 4,916,550 |
| Social security costs | 546,421 | 499,331 |
| Pension contributions | 891,736 | 834,946 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total | 6,467,591 | 6,250,827 |
| =========== | =========== |
Total staff costs include £Nil of redundancy and termination payments (2024 £16,184).
Total reimbursements of £Nil were made to Governors during the year (2024 £44).
27
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average number of employees in the year: | No. | No. | |||||
| Teaching staff | 108 | 112 | |||||
| Support staff | 41 | 40 | |||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| Number of staff | 149 | 152 | |||||
| =========== | =========== | ||||||
| Number of employees with emoluments in the | following bands: | ||||||
| £60,000 - £69,999 | 7 | 4 | |||||
| £70,000 - £79,999 | - | 2 | |||||
| £90,000 to £99,999 | 1 | - | |||||
| £120,000 - £129,999 | - | 1 | |||||
| £150,000 to £159,999 | 1 | - | |||||
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ||||||
| 9 | 7 | ||||||
| =========== | =========== | ||||||
| Employer pension contributions for the higher | earners total £161,626 (2024: £127,825). | ||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| Aggregate employee benefits of Key Management Personnel | 758,794 | 700,972 | |||||
| =========== | =========== | ||||||
| 10. NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| This is stated after charging: | |||||||
| Staff pension contributions | 891,737 | 834,946 | |||||
| Depreciation | 458,625 | 430,277 | |||||
| Auditors’ remuneration: | |||||||
| - audit of financial statements (exclusive of VAT) | 17,000 | 18,400 | |||||
| - accrual of prior year services | - | 2,696 | |||||
| -for other services (exclusive of VAT) | 1,320 | 1,000 | |||||
| 11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |||||||
| Buildings | Short L/hold **Improvements ** |
Motor | **Vehicles ** | Furniture and Equipment |
IT | Total | |
| Cost | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| At 1 September 2024 | 8,129,539 | 1,302,134 | 72,946 | 216,628 | 296,142 | 10,017,389 | |
| Additions | 130,291 | 281,825 | 34,146 | 24,845 | 64,775 | 535,882 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| At 31 August 2025 | 8,259,830 | 1,583,959 | 107,092 | 241,473 | 360,917 | 10,553,271 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| Depreciation | |||||||
| At 1 September 2024 | 2,658,324 | 483,781 | 42,109 | 172,234 | 134,262 | 3,490,710 | |
| Charge for the year | 229,511 | 139,928 | 14,465 | 20,419 | 54,302 | 458,625 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| At 31 August 2025 | 2,887,835 | 623,709 | 56,574 | 192,653 | 188,564 | 3,949,335 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| Net Book Value | |||||||
| At 31 August 2024 | 5,471,215 | 818,353 | 30,837 | 44,394 | 161,880 | 6,526,679 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | ||
| At 31 August 2025 | 5,371,995 | 960,250 | 50,518 | 48,820 | 172,353 | 6,603,936 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
28
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 12. DEBTORS | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| School fee Debtors | 3,147,751 | 139,584 |
| Prepayments | 232,705 | 219,382 |
| Other debtors | 43,490 | 14,291 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 3,423,945 | 373,257 | |
| =========== | =========== |
The school became VAT registered with effect from 1 December 2024. As a result, a VAT tax point was created for Michaelmas term invoices that had been issued prior to the year end. These invoices, which were previously not recognised as debtors, are now recognised due to the establishment of a VAT point. This change has led to a notable increase in both fee debtors and fees received in advance as at the reporting date. For comparison, the 2024 figure would have been £3,211,377 if reported in line with 2025 accounts.
13. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
| 13. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank loans | - | 134,310 |
| Trade creditors | 246,340 | 138,831 |
| Michaelmas fees received in advance | 3,573,462 | 1,222,577 |
| Advance fee payment schemes | 283,068 | 898,823 |
| Pupil deposits | 414,266 | 400,041 |
| Other creditors | 152,599 | 50,598 |
| VAT Liability | 419,840 | - |
| Accruals | 338,874 | 36,970 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 5,428,449 | 2,882,150 | |
| =========== | =========== |
The school became VAT registered with effect from 1 December 2024. As a result, a VAT tax point was created for Michaelmas term invoices that had been issued prior to the year end. These invoices, which were previously not recognised as creditors, are now recognised due to the establishment of a VAT point. This change has led to a notable increase in creditors at the reporting date. For comparison, the 2024 figure would have been £4,294,370 if reported in line with 2025 accounts.
14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due after more than one year
| 14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due after more than one year | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank loans | - | 378,374 |
| Advance fee payment schemes | 1,306,673 | 1,648,710 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 1,306,673 | 2,027,084 | |
| =========== | =========== |
Advanced fee payments:
Parents may enter into a contract to pay to the School up to the equivalent of five years’ tuition fees in advance and the amount received forms part of the School’s working capital. It is treated as deferred income, until the pupil’s fees become due where upon the fees for each school term are charged against the remaining balance and taken to income.
A discount rate is agreed at the contract’s inception and this is treated as a deduction from the school fee income in the relevant period. The money may be returned subject to specific conditions on the receipt of one term’s notice.
Assuming pupils will remain in the School, advance fees will be applied as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| After 5 years | 331,122 | - |
| Within 2 to 5 years | 405,880 | 785,876 |
| Within 1 to 2 years | 569,671 | 862,834 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 1,306,673 | 1,648,710 | |
| Within one year | 283,068 | 898,823 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 1,589,741 | 2,547,533 | |
| =========== | =========== |
29
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)
The balance represents the accrued liability under the contracts, and the movements during the year were:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Balance at 31 August 2024 | 2,547,533 | 36,093 |
| New contracts | 102,473 | 2,662,787 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 2,650,006 | 2,698,880 | |
| Amounts utilised in payment of fees | -1,060,265 | -151,347 |
| Amounts released in respect of prior years | - | - |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Balance at 31 August 2025 | 1,589,741 | 2,547,533 |
| =========== | =========== |
Bank loans:
The bank loan creditor falling due within one year and after more than one year is secured by the company and is disclosed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| After 5 years | - | 190,374 |
| Within 2 to 5 years | - | 141,000 |
| Within 1 to 2 years | - | 47,000 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| - | 378,374 | |
| Within one year | - | 134,310 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| - | 512,683 | |
| =========== | =========== |
As at 31 August 2025 the balance outstanding on the CBIL loan was £Nil (2024 £92,592.64) and the balance outstanding on the bank loans were £Nil (2024 £420,090). The loan was repaid early.
15. COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
At 31 August 2025, the Charitable Company had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below.
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating leases which expire: | £ | £ |
| Within 1 year | 208,560 | 193,157 |
| Within 2 to 5 year | 834,240 | 651,643 |
| In more than 5 years | 1,948,813 | 1,806,720 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 2,991,613 | 2,651,520 | |
| =========== | =========== |
30
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
16. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
| 16. STATEMENT OF FUNDS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | Balance at 01-Sep-24 |
Transfers between funds |
Income | Expenditure | Balance at 30-Aug-25 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 836,716 | -77,257 | 10,056,343 | -9,487,763 | 1,328,038 |
| Designated funds | |||||
| Building and Capital improvement fund | 6,526,679 | 77,257 | - | - | 6,603,936 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total Unrestricted funds | 7,363,395 | - | 10,056,343 | -9,487,763 | 7,931,975 |
| Total Restricted funds | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total Unrestricted funds | 7,363,395 | - | 10,056,343 | -9,487,763 | 7,931,975 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds | Balance at 01-Sep-23 |
Transfers between funds |
Income | Expenditure | Balance at 30-Aug-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 354,396 | 49,044 | 9,526,853 | -9,093,577 | 836,716 |
| Designated funds | |||||
| Building and Capital improvement fund | 6,575,723 | -49,044 | - | - | 6,526,679 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total Unrestricted funds | 6,930,119 | - | 9,526,853 | -9,093,577 | 7,363,395 |
| Total Restricted funds | - | - | - | - | - |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Total Unrestricted funds | 6,930,119 | - | 9,526,853 | -9,093,577 | 7,363,395 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
The Buildings and Capital improvement fund reflects the Charitable Company’s investment in existing buildings.
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
For the year ending 31 August 2025, 1 Governor had children who were pupils at the School during the year (2024: 1). School fees paid and discounts received were at the same rate and on the same terms as for all other parents of pupils at the school and amounted to £44,274 (2024 £43,343) and a balance of £69,273 was held in creditors in relation to school fees in advance. The Governor is not involved in decision making processes relating to their own children. No Governors’ children received a scholarship this year £Nil (2024 Nil). Governors are not remunerated for their duties; however, they may be reimbursed travelling costs to attend meetings from time to time. Travel costs reimbursed in the year £Nil (2024 £44). There were no Governor costs paid to third parties.
18. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME
TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| 18. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME |
||
|---|---|---|
| TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Net income before transfers | 568,580 | 433,276 |
| Elimination of non-operating cash flows: | ||
| Add: Interest payable | 7,202 | 33,084 |
| Less: Interest receivable | -147,766 | -99,303 |
| Early Loan repayment | 512,683 | - |
| Depreciation | 459,485 | 430,277 |
| Decrease /(Increase)in debtors | -3,050,688 | -14,366 |
| Increase / (Decrease) in creditors | 1,825,888 | 2,667,298 |
| (Increase)/Decrease in stock | - | -535 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| Net cash inflow from operating activities | 175,385 | 3,450,801 |
| =========== | =========== |
31
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
19. PENSION COMMITMENTS
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 £541,886 (2024 £749,526) and at the year-end £Nil (2024 £Nil) 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 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%.
The School contributes to defined contribution pension schemes, the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS). The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the School on behalf of the ultimate beneficiaries in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge for the period represents contributions payable by the School to the funds and amounts to £220,804 (2024: £Nil). At the year-end £25,890 (2024 £Nil) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.
Support Staff Pension Fund
The School operates the following schemes for non-teaching staff: The Pensions Trust Pension Scheme which is a defined contribution scheme. The School contributes up to 10% of salary and the employees contribute no less than 2% of salary. Total employer contributions for the year were £89,645 (2024 £85,420). Total contributions outstanding at 31 August 2025 amounted to £16,258 (2024 £Nil).
20. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSET MOVEMENTS BETWEEN FUNDS
| General | Designated | Restricted | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | 1 | 6,603,935 | - | 6,603,936 |
| Current Assets | 8,063,160 | - | - | 8,063,160 |
| Creditors: Less than 1 year | -5,428,449 | - | - | -5,428,449 |
| Creditors: Over 1 year | -1,306,673 | - | - | -1,306,673 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 1,328,040 | 6,603,935 | - | 7,931,974 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | |
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | - | 6,526,679 | - | 6,526,679 |
| Current Assets | 5,745,949 | - | - | 5,745,949 |
| Creditors: Less than 1 year | -2,882,150 | - | - | -2,882,150 |
| Creditors: Over 1 year | -2,027,084 | - | - | -2,027,084 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
| 836,716 | 6,526,679 | - | 7,363,395 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
21. Contingent Liability
Under Section 75 of the Pensions Act 1995, the Company may become liable for an employer debt (“Section 75 Debt”) to the trustees of a defined benefit pension scheme. This debt was triggered because we have been made aware that we ceased to employ an active member. The debt is calculated on a buy-out basis, representing the cost of securing members’ benefits.
Due to the uncertainty regarding timing and amount, management considers the likelihood of an outflow of economic benefits to be possible and have included a provision of £30,000 in these financial statements.
32
HEATH MOUNT SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
22. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (2024)
| Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
| INCOME FROM | Notes | £ | £ | £ |
| Charitable Activities | ||||
| School fees | 2 | 9,188,785 | - | 9,188,785 |
| Ancillary trading income | 3 | 166,355 | - | 166,355 |
| Other Trading Activities | ||||
| Other income | 4 | 44,572 | - | 44,572 |
| Investment Income | ||||
| Bank and other interest | 5 | 99,303 | - | 99,303 |
| Donations and Legacies Income | ||||
| Grants and donations | 6 | 27,838 | - | 27,838 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| TOTAL INCOME | 9,526,853 | - | 9,526,853 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
| Raising Funds | ||||
| Financing Costs | 7 | 33,084 | - | 33,084 |
| Charitable Activities | ||||
| Education and grant making | 8 | 9,060,493 | - | 9,060,493 |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 9,093,577 | - | 9,093,577 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| NET INCOME | 433,276 | - | 433,276 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||
| Funds as at 1 September 2023 | 6,930,119 | - | 6,930,119 | |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ||
| FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT | 31 August 2024 | 7,363,395 | - | 7,363,395 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== |
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