TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ENDING 31/08/2023 ST BENEDICTS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL FUND CHARITY NUMBER 506088
TRUSTEES:
Laura Thomson
ADDRESS:
RED LONNING WHITEHAVEN CUMBRIA CA28 8UG
DAY TO DAY ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNT:
Mrs Laura Thomson (Finance Manager)
BANK DETAILS:
LLOYDS BANK PENRITH (sort code 30-16-28 A/c No. 0592368)
AUDITOR: ARMSTRONG WATSON
Purpose of the Fund
The St Benedict’s Catholic High School Fund exists to benefit both the wider public and the students at the school. It supports charitable initiatives while also enhancing the educational experience of students through a variety of enrichment opportunities. This includes funding for capital investments, educational trips, enrichment activities, and school-led charitable fundraising efforts.
CHARITABLE OBJECTIVE & ACTIVITIES
To advance the education of the students enrolled at St Benedict’s Catholic High school by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities & infrastructure for education and provide educational enrichment activities, not normally provided by the local education authority.
The main charitable activities are:
▪ Educational trips & visits
The fund enabled the school to offer a wide range of educational trips throughout the year, enriching students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom. These included local field trips, stadium tours, and international visits—such as two trips to Italy— providing valuable cultural, educational, and social opportunities for students.
▪ Enrichment activities
This year, the organisation of the Year 11 Prom and Year 13 Leavers’ Ball were highlights for the students involved, providing a meaningful way to celebrate the completion of these important academic years. These events foster a sense of community and achievement, creating lasting memories for students as they mark significant milestones. Students were also offered the opportunity to purchase a
leavers’ hoodie to remember their time at the school. Additionally, the fund supported music tuition, offering students the opportunity to develop their musical skills and creativity.
▪ School Charity fundraising
St Benedict’s Catholic High School is committed to fostering a spirit of generosity and social responsibility among its students. The school regularly organises a variety of activities and events to raise funds for a diverse range of charitable causes. Each year group selects a charity to support, encouraging student-led initiatives and engagement. This year, fundraising activities included non-uniform days, cake sales, quizzes, and other events, raising a total of £4,505.03. The charities supported included Mary’s Meals , Hospice at Home , Aid to the Church in Need , Groundworks, Breast & Prostate Cancer, and the CRCL Tanzanian Link .
▪ Miscellaneous support
The charity also provides practical support by offering parents and students the opportunity to purchase essential school items at accessible prices. These items are carefully selected to support students’ learning and are often provided at a reduced cost. Available resources include revision guides, calculators, maths sets, sketchbooks, and school ties—ensuring that no student is without the necessary equipment or uniform.
HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS
Year 7 students had the opportunity to visit Castlerigg Manor which allowed them to enjoy the outdoors and learn new team bonding and skills in there first year at school. Four students were awarded funding from The Mary Grave Trust allowing them to participate in the trip to Italy.
RESERVES POSTITON
During the year, the school received a total of £74,042.88 from the Department for Education (DfE) through Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) funding. This funding is ring-fenced and must be used specifically for capital projects, such as building improvements and upgrades to computer hardware and software. These investments directly support the school’s educational infrastructure, enhancing the learning environment and contributing to students’ academic development and overall educational experience.
FINANCE OVERVIEW
The school fund reserves are reviewed annually to ensure they are managed responsibly and aligned with the school's strategic priorities. The current reserve stands at approximately £51,000. Decisions regarding the allocation and use of these funds will be considered in future reviews, with a focus on supporting initiatives that benefit students and enhance the school environment.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
DECLARATION
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report outlined above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name(s) | LAURA THOMSON | |
| Position | Trustee/ Administrator | |
| Date | 23/09/2025 |