TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ENDING 31/08/2025 ST BENEDICTS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL FUND CHARITY NUMBER 506088
TRUSTEES:
Laura Thomson
Kayleigh Daniels
Mary Herbert
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, theatre visits, and international visits to Iceland, France and Italy across a range of year groups. These experiences provided valuable cultural, educational, and social opportunities for students.
Performing Arts students represented the school at the U Dance event held at the local theatre, giving them the opportunity to perform in a professional venue and develop their confidence and performance skills. They also visited Carlisle College to watch a musical performance.
Year 7 students also had the opportunity to visit Castlerigg Manor, where they developed teamwork, resilience and outdoor learning skills during their first year at school.
▪ Enrichment activities
The Year 11 Prom and the Year 13 Leavers' Ball were significant highlights of the year, providing students with an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of important stages of their education. These events helped foster a sense of achievement, community and belonging while creating lasting memories. Students were also offered the opportunity to purchase commemorative leavers' hoodies to mark their time at the school. In addition, the fund supported music tuition, enabling students to develop their musical abilities, creativity and confidence.
▪ School Charity fundraising
St Benedict’s Catholic High School is committed to fostering a spirit of generosity and social responsibility among its students. Throughout the year, pupils organised and participated in a variety of fundraising activities in support of a range of charitable causes. Each year group selected a charity to support, encouraging student leadership and engagement in charitable work. Activities included non-uniform days, cake sales, quizzes and other fundraising events, raising a total of £1,223.27. The charities supported during the year included Mary's Meals, Hospice at Home and the local Foodbank.
▪ Miscellaneous support
The charity continued to provide practical support to families by offering essential school resources at affordable prices. These items were carefully selected to support students' learning and, where possible, were provided at reduced cost. Resources available included revision guides, calculators, mathematics equipment, sketchbooks, whiteboards and school ties, helping to ensure that students had access to the equipment required for their education. The fund also enabled the school to provide food ingredients directly for practical lessons, reducing costs for parents and improving convenience. In addition , 27 students received financial assistance from The Mary Grave Trust , enabling them to participate in the educational visits to Paris, Rome and Iceland.
HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS
Students across all year groups participated in reward trips during both the Christmas and summer terms in recognition of their excellent attendance, behaviour and achievements. Destinations included the Theatre by the Lake, the Metrocentre and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, while Sixth Form students enjoyed a reward visit to Edinburgh. Year 7 students also took part in the Cumbria Award, a programme designed to enrich young people's experiences through visits to a variety of cultural and historical sites across the local area. During July 2025, a number of students successfully completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award , demonstrating commitment, resilience and personal development through volunteering, physical activity, skills development and expedition challenges.
RESERVES POSTITON
During the year, the school received £24,075.90 in Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) funding from the Department for Education (DfE). This funding is ring-fenced and can only be used for capital expenditure, including improvements to school buildings and investment in computer hardware and software.
These capital investments support the school's educational infrastructure, helping to provide a safe, modern and effective learning environment that enhances students' educational experience.
FINANCE OVERVIEW
The School Fund's reserves are reviewed annually to ensure they are managed responsibly and remain aligned with the school's strategic priorities and the charity's objectives.
As of 31 August 2025 , unrestricted reserves totalled £51,308.07 . The Trustees consider this level of reserves to be appropriate in enabling the charity to meet its ongoing commitments while providing flexibility to support future educational projects, capital improvements and enrichment opportunities for students. The use of these reserves will continue to be reviewed regularly to ensure they are applied effectively in furtherance of the charity's aims.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
At the Finance and Staffing Committee meeting held on 9 November 2023, it was agreed that the Trustees of the School Fund would be appointed as the Chair of the Committee, the Chair of Governors, and the Finance Manager. These Trustee roles will be held by the individuals occupying those positions at any given time.
The Trustees meet three times each academic year to review the financial position of the charity, monitor expenditure, consider funding requests and ensure that the School Fund continues to operate in accordance with its charitable objectives. Additional meetings are convened where necessary.
MINUTES
The Trustees met on the following occasions during the reporting period:
-
November 2024
-
February 2025
-
May 2025
At these meetings, the Trustees reviewed the financial position of the School Fund, considered requests for financial support, monitored expenditure, discussed governance matters and ensured that the charity's funds continued to be used in furtherance of its charitable purposes.
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 | 26/06/2026 |
| Signature(s) | |
| Full name(s) | KAYLEIGH DANIELS |
| Position | Trustee |
| Date | 26/06/2026 |
| Signature(s) | |
| Full name(s) | MARY HERBERT |
| Position | Trustee |
| Date | 26/06/2026 |
Balance sheet of accounts September 2024- August 2025
| Opening balance Receipts Bank interest Misc Formula Capital Food Receipts Prom receipts Fundraising Educational trips Books Uniform sales Music Tuition Rock Challenge School show Leavers prom Yr13 Hoodies Yearbook Tanzanian Calculators Costa Rica Flowers Sketch books Calulator loan Maths set Revision cards Payments Misc Formula Capital service fee Food Payments Prom payments Fundraising Educational trips Books Uniform Music Tuition Rock Challenge School show Leavers prom Yr13 Hoodies Tanzanian Calculators Costa Rica flowers Sketch books Calulator loan Maths set Revision cards Bank Interest Misc |
Total receipts Total Payments Closing balance 109.43 3127.08 |
Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25 Aug-25 88797.42 106771.29 138185.56 160777.44 142836.83 150171.25 149850.51 104087.04 114092.95 92679.94 115774.41 97075.65 0.76 0.86 1.21 1.14 1.20 1.29 1.12 0.99 0.97 0.82 0.88 0.88 12.12 27.34 498.00 545.73 400.00 1471.07 24075.90 24075.90 1783.50 4614.00 294.50 39.00 49.00 14.50 130.00 26.00 6950.50 2476.00 88.00 2564.00 1223.27 1223.27 32216.89 26815.82 36202.02 21760.16 6852.16 14934.95 28238.18 19207.00 21156.00 4140.50 2828.00 536.00 214887.68 201.50 903.30 539.35 22.50 50.76 21.22 105.00 27.00 313.77 9.00 3.00 2196.40 104.50 231.00 82.50 176.00 126.50 126.50 214.50 170.50 132.00 470.00 319.50 2153.50 25.00 525.00 219.80 280.00 220.00 90.00 500.00 200.00 95.00 360.00 260.00 2774.80 0.00 67.01 83.00 150.01 2268.34 380.00 25.00 2673.34 210.00 1932.00 84.00 2226.00 0.00 0.00 579.95 314.00 43.00 77.00 119.00 65.00 130.00 76.00 34.00 98.00 97.00 1632.95 0.00 0.00 93.80 33.50 20.10 46.90 6.70 201.00 -10.00 10.00 30.00 20.00 30.00 10.00 -40.00 50.00 5.00 2.50 5.00 2.50 -120.00 -105.00 0.00 0.00 35023.24 34012.49 37412.38 22395.90 7451.52 15514.66 31137.80 19811.49 25941.08 32372.72 3527.38 536.88 265137.54 37.50 488.00 661.34 966.89 130.00 2283.73 8.97 8.97 332.79 510.22 601.66 331.46 117.10 224.77 485.81 338.69 417.67 136.06 126.18 3622.41 5925.70 6780.00 12705.70 250.00 1716.00 630.00 2596.00 268.82 268.82 894.66 1600.00 13356.00 39854.00 14944.38 65411.00 8500.00 46744.50 3067.19 21099.96 215471.69 209.00 201.50 151.05 666.25 51.81 1279.61 1584.00 1320.00 2904.00 5119.90 1359.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 191.92 2175.00 250.00 2616.92 2184.00 2184.00 0.00 2427.00 1197.95 3624.95 0.00 0.00 247.90 247.90 0.00 47.00 47.00 0.00 17049.37 2598.22 14820.50 40336.51 117.10 15835.40 76901.27 9805.58 47354.09 9278.25 22236.14 8.97 249861.70 106771.29 138185.56 160777.44 142836.83 150171.25 149850.51 104087.04 114092.95 92679.94 115774.41 97065.65 97603.56 121.55 2444.42 |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee -5364.66 Formula Capital 0.00 Food Payments 5925.70 Prom payments 907.52 Fundraising 2893.67 Educational trips 15185.69 Books 3627.70 Uniform -31.00 Music Tuition 5119.90 Rock Challenge -241.96 School show -407.77 Leavers prom Yr13 3022.26 Hoodies -2302.04 Yearbook 836.70 Costa Rica 920.73 Tanzanian 2091.00 Calculators 2427.00 flowers -595.00 Sketch books 46.90 Calulator loan 140.00 Maths set 42.00 Revision cards 8.50 balance prior 2018 51308.07 Closing Balance at month end 88797.42 Bank rec c Signed Signed |
-8996.04 24075.90 40.50 875.52 3848.12 14601.68 4544.49 -781.50 1415.00 -241.96 -257.76 3078.68 -2260.04 836.70 920.73 2091.00 435.00 -595.00 0.00 70.00 20.00 8.50 0.00 51308.07 106771.29 138185.56 160777.44 142836.83 150171.25 149850.51 104087.04 114092.95 92679.94 115774.41 97065.65 97603.56 ##### o 08/10/2024 15/11/2024 05/12/2024 10/01/2025 06/02/2025 05/03/2025 22/04/2025 07/05/2025 11/06/2025 14/07/2025 03/09/2025 03/09/2025 L Thomson 08/10/2024 L Thomson 15/11/202 L Thomson 05/12/202L Thomson 10/01/2025 L Thomson 06/02/20 L Thomson 05/03/ L Thomson 22/04/2025 L Thomson 07/05/2L Thomson 11/06/ L Thomson 14/07/2 L Thomson 03/09/2025 L Thomson 03/09/2025 E Jackson 09/10/2024 E Jackson 15/11/2024E Jackson 06/12/2024E Jackson 10/01/2025 E Jackson 07/02/202E Jackson 05/03/2 E Jackson 23/04/2025 E Jackson 07/05/20E Jackson 11/06/2E Jackson 14/07/20 E Jackson 04/09/2025 E Jackson 04/09/2025 |
|---|---|
Mrs Thomson St Benedict’s Catholic High School Red Lonning Whitehaven Cumbria CA28 8UG
Date: 01 April 2026 Please ask for: Richard Askew Our Ref: 2658/18/(32252)/RA Your Ref: T: 01900 310440
- e: richard.askew@armstrongwatson.co.uk
Dear Mrs Thomson
St Benedict’s School Fund
Armstrong Watson has examined the books and records of the St Benedict’s School Fund for the year to 31 August 2025. Income and Expenditure appears to be in line with the underlying records and expenditure incurred during the year appears to have been expended in accordance with the purpose of the fund and in line with Governor’s instructions.
There are no matters or recommendations to report on in respect of the maintenance of the accounting records or in the preparation of the Income and Expenditure Account.
Yours Sincerely
Richard Askew Partner
For and on behalf of Armstrong Watson LLP
Armstrong Watson LLP 2 Europe Way Marvejols Business Park Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 0RJ
T: 01900 310440 (AW) 01900 310430 (AWFP) F: 01900 310431
Armstrong Watson LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, number OC415608. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW where a list of members is kept. Armstrong Watson LLP is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. Unless otherwise indicated, either expressly or by the context, we use the word “partner” to describe a member of Armstrong Watson LLP or an employee of Armstrong Watson LLP in their capacity as such.
Armstrong Watson Audit Limited is registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales, number 8800970. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW.
Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 542122. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales, number 7208672. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW. Armstrong Watson Financial Planning & Wealth Management is a trading style of Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited.
Armstrong Watson Trustees Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, number 84495656. The registered office is 15 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EW.
www.armstrongwatson.co.uk
www.armstrongwatsonfp.co.uk