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2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 311744

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr G Howell
Mr A Bishop
Mr I Henderson
Mr G Stevens
Miss P Tracey MBE
Mrs A Williams
Mrs W Hazlewood
Mr M White
Charity number 311744
Independent examiner Claire Bishop FCCA ACA
Unit 3 Ambrose House
Meteor Court
Barnett Way
Barnwood
Gloucester
GL4 3GG
Bankers Barclays Bank plc
18 Southgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2DH
Solicitors Davies & Partners
Rowan House
Barnett Way
Barnwood
Gloucester
GL4 3RT
Investment advisors Evelyn Partners
3rd Floor
9 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 2BJ

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 2
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 16

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are to promote education in four Gloucester Schools namely: The Crypt School; Denmark Road High School; Ribston Hall High School and Sir Thomas Rich's School in ways for which provision is not made out of public funds and/or in promoting the education (including social and physical training) of persons under the age of 25 years who are attending, or who have at any time attended, any of the above four schools and who are in need of financial assistance.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The Trustees have achieved the target income for the charity which has enabled a distribution to the beneficiary schools of grants amounting to £50,000 per school during the year and in accordance with the Charity Scheme.

Financial review

During the current financial year, the balance sheet funds increased to £3,057,065 represented by Permanent Endowment Funds of £2,789,805 and unrestricted funds of £267,260. Gross income for the year amounted to £236,455 and expenditure for the year totalled £279,349.

The charity instructed a third party to operate its car park site which generated income of £150,008.

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to twelve months expenditure/grant allocation. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

It is also the policy that every few years, if the amount of the unrestricted funds which are not distributed accumulates, then additional 'one off' grants will be made to the schools.

The long term objective is to achieve a total return with income growing ahead of inflation together with capital appreciation. The income target for the investment portfolio is £50,000 minimum (to include income from the Accumulated Income account). A medium level of risk is acceptable. The distribution of the portfolio will be approximately 40% in Fixed Interest and Commercial Property Funds and 60% in Equities. All Equities should be in the top 350 by market capitalisation (unless pooled). The Trustees have established a Finance Committee and appointed investment advisors to manage their Fund on a Discretionary basis in accordance with the above mentioned policy objectives. Investments are held for the long term and the Trustees monitor performance on a regular basis against agreed benchmarks.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Plans for future periods

Gloucester City Mission remains a good tenant and minor works carried out to 72 Eastgate Street during the financial year should mean that maintenance costs are likely to continue to be relatively minor for the foreseeable future. The Hampden Way car park is achieving a stable level of income, and continued competition with other City centre facilities should place it in a strong position. Last year’s required maintenance and payment machines upgrade have been undertaken, so future maintenance should continue at modest levels. The performance of the investment portfolio is subject to market volatilities, but is continuing to maintain the required level of return through the work and advice to the Trustees of Evelyn Partners, the Investment Managers. Trustees are also looking at maximising income from accumulated income funds during the current wave of higher interest rates, and surplus funds have recently been invested with Flagstone Group, which has both improved interest returns and reduced management fees.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is an unincorporated organisation whose appointment of trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the charity. The Board of Trustees comprises six nominated trustees and five co-opted trustees. Gloucester United Schools is regulated by a scheme approved and established by The Charity Commissioners for England and Wales No. 311744, sealed the 12th October 1994 and amended on 15th July 2002, 30th March 2011 and more recently on 15th October 2020.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr G Howell

Mr A Bishop Mr I Henderson Mr A Haigh (Resigned 7 July 2024) Mr G Stevens Miss P Tracey MBE Mrs A Williams Mrs L Brooker (Resigned 14 June 2024) Mrs W Hazlewood Mr M White

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr G Howell Trustee

24 October 2024

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Gloucester United Schools (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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

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

Claire Bishop FCCA ACA

Unit 3 Ambrose House Meteor Court Barnett Way Barnwood Gloucester GL4 3GG

Dated: 24 October 2024

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
2
185,360
-
Investments
3
51,095
-
Total income
236,455
-
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
279,349
-
Total expenditure
279,349
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
9
-
59,096
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
(42,894)
59,096
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
310,154
2,730,709
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
267,260
2,789,805
Total
Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
185,360
148,261
-
51,095
50,310
-
236,455
198,571
-
279,349
211,348
-
279,349
211,348
-
59,096
-
(67,355)
16,202
(12,777)
(67,355)
3,040,863
322,931
2,798,064
3,057,065
310,154
2,730,709
Total
2023
£
148,261
50,310
198,571
211,348
211,348
(67,355)
(80,132)
3,120,995
3,040,863

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Investment property
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
17
Unrestricted funds
2024
£
£
-
1,200,000
1,405,828
2,605,828
15,650
486,411
502,061
(50,824)
451,237
3,057,065
2,789,805
267,260
3,057,065
2023
£
£
1,345
1,200,000
1,775,970
2,977,315
15,173
72,772
87,945
(24,397)
63,548
3,040,863
2,730,709
310,154
3,040,863
2023
£
£
1,345
1,200,000
1,775,970
2,977,315
15,173
72,772
87,945
(24,397)
63,548
3,040,863
2,730,709
310,154
3,040,863
2,977,315
63,548
3,040,863
2,730,709
310,154
3,040,863

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 24 October 2024

Mr G Howell Trustee

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Gloucester United Schools is a charitable unincorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed asset investments.The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objectives. Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) once the recipient of the grant has provided the specific service or output.

Grants payable without performance conditions are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.

Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.

Income and expenses are included in the financial statements as they become receivable or due.

The charity is partially exempt for VAT. Expenses are recorded excluding VAT and the element of VAT which is irrecoverable is shown as a separate charge within expenses.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment

25% straight line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Investment properties

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2 Charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
Income Income
2024 2023
£ £
Car park income 150,008 119,396
Charitable rental income 34,827 28,365
Other income 525 500
185,360 148,261

3 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Income from listed investments 50,612 50,036
Interest receivable 483 274
51,095 50,310

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Depreciation and impairment
Activity costs
Accountancy fees
Stockbrokers' portfolio management fees
Legal fees
Rates
Repairs
Insurance
Car park security and operating costs
Heat & light
Irrecoverable VAT
Bad debts
Grant funding of activities (see note 5)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
5
Grants payable
Grants to institutions:
Ribston Hall High School
Denmark Road High School
The Crypt School
Sir Thomas Rich's
6
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
2024
£
1,345
767
1,650
9,924
7,500
8,918
21,026
5,637
19,926
552
2,104
-
79,349
200,000
279,349
279,349
2024
£
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
200,000
2024
£
1,345
2023
£
1,345
757
1,725
10,754
15,732
7,344
28,184
5,495
15,072
-
23,090
1,850
111,348
100,000
211,348
211,348
2023
£
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
100,000
2023
£
1,345

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

9 Gains and losses on investments

Endowment Endowment
funds funds
2024 2023
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments 45,087 (70,124)
Sale of investments 14,009 2,769
59,096 (67,355)

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
12
Investment property
Fair value
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
Plant and
equipment
£
5,380
5,380
4,035
1,345
5,380
-
1,345
2024
£
1,200,000

Freehold property comprises 72 Eastgate Street and Hampden Way car park in Gloucester. The fair value of the investment property has been arrived at on the basis of a valuation carried out at 8th July 2022 by Ash & Co Chartered Surveyors, who are not connected with the charity. The valuation was made on an open market value basis by reference to square footage / parking spaces and annual rent. The trustees are of the opinion that this continues to be a fair reflection of open market value as at 31st March 2024.

The Charity also owns some freehold land pertaining to some of the Grammar Schools. This land is protected under covenant and due to its specialist nature, cannot be valued reliably.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023
1,730,953
Additions
158,600
Valuation changes
59,096
Disposals
(555,030)
At 31 March 2024
1,393,619
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
1,393,619
At 31 March 2023
1,730,953
14
Financial instruments
Carrying amount of financial assets
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Cash in
portfolio
£
45,017
-
-
(32,808)
12,209
12,209
45,017
2024
£
1,393,619
2024
£
4,752
10,898
15,650
2024
£
5,975
11,583
33,266
50,824
Total
£
1,775,970
158,600
59,096
(587,838)
1,405,828
1,405,828
1,775,970
2023
£
1,730,953
2023
£
5,000
10,173
15,173
2023
£
4,180
1,730
18,487
24,397

Deferred income refers to rent received in advance of £4,392. Accruals include fees payable for Portfolio Management and the Independent Examiner and outstanding grants payable to two of the Grammar schools.

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Endowment funds

Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.

Permanent endowments
Previous year:
Permanent endowments
At 1 April
2023
Gains and
losses
At 31 March
2024
£
£
£
2,730,709
59,096
2,789,805
At 1 April
2022
Gains and
losses
At 31 March
2023
£
£
£
2,798,064
(67,355)
2,730,709

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

General funds
Previous year:
General funds
At 1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2024
£
£
£
£
310,154
236,455
(279,349)
267,260
At 1 April
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 March
2023
£
£
£
£
322,931
198,571
(211,348)
310,154

GLOUCESTER UNITED SCHOOLS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 March 2024:
Investment properties
-
1,200,000
Investments
185,149
1,220,679
Current assets/(liabilities)
82,111
369,126
267,260
2,789,805
Unrestricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 March 2023:
Tangible assets
1,345
-
Investment properties
-
1,200,000
Investments
245,261
1,530,709
Current assets/(liabilities)
63,548
-
310,154
2,730,709
Total
2024
£
1,200,000
1,405,828
451,237
3,057,065
Total
2023
£
1,345
1,200,000
1,775,970
63,548
3,040,863

20 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).