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2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 526090 (England and Wales)

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Patron Formerly Her Majesty the Queen
President Miss J Woosey (resigned March 2026)
Vice Presidents Col M Amlôt OBE (President from May 2026)
Dr D Withey (resigned December 2025)
Trustees Col M Amlôt OBE
Mrs S George
Mr B Lawlor
Miss M MacCoss
Mr A Perry
Mr G Sinden
Dr S Winchester
Dr J Hussey (Appointed 12 December 2024)
Charity number 526090
Principal address & Church Road North
School and Wavertree
Administration office Liverpool
Merseyside
L15 6TQ
Telephone: 0151 733 1012
Fax: 0151 733 1703
Email: karen.bibby@rsblind.co.uk
Website: http://www.rsblind.org
Auditor Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited
Suites C, D, E & F
14th Floor, The Plaza
100 Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9QJ
Bankers HSBC Bank PLC
99-101 Lord Street
Liverpool
L2 6PG
Solicitors P Bramhall and Associates
Head of Central Services Mrs K Bibby
Consulting Insurance Griffiths & Armour Financial
Brokers
Investment advisors Rathbones incorporating Investec Weath & Investment (UK)

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 9
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 10
Independent auditor's report 11 - 13
Statement of financial activities 14 - 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 33

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees (also known as the Committee of Management) present their report and accounts of the Royal School for the Blind Charity, Liverpool (a registered charity no: 526090) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

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 2019).

Objectives and activities

The Charity’s prime objective was set out in its governing document, under an act of Parliament in 1829, to establish and govern an institution in Liverpool ‘the school for the indigent blind at Liverpool’. Originally created in 1791 to support the instruction and employment of around one hundred blind persons in several trades and manufacture to relieve ‘the stress and misery caused by their affliction’. Over time the ‘school’ has evolved and adapted to the changing nature of visual impairment while retaining its focus on education and care.

The Charity’s main role continues to be to provide education and care of the highest quality for multiple disabled, visually impaired young people. To deliver these activities, the Charity operates a school and in more recent years support to young adults (called Rushton Futures) from its premises in Liverpool. It supports visually impaired children and young adults, often with additional complex needs, by:

To deliver these objectives, the Charity has had to respond to a changing landscape in which it operates. These include responding to government policy, changing legislation and the needs of its pupils and service users without compromising the professional skills of specialist staff.

In recent years, under the direction of its senior leadership team, the number of pupils in the school has increased as the school has worked in close partnership with Local Authorities, adapting to the changing needs of its pupils and service users, to provide a complete support environment. Alongside this, a need to support our school leavers was recognised and Rushton Futures was established in 2016 for those aged 19 plus who wished to attend a structured adult day service. By responding to these challenges in a proactive and flexible manner the Charity is able to develop a programme of life care from nursery to adulthood through a seamless support programme.

During this period of growth and change, the Charity’s financial resources have been applied to develop better ways of working and delivering improvements to its premises in Liverpool. The successful development of increased pupil numbers and a structured adult day service has been possible by using the core resource in innovative ways to support its pupil and young adults. However, continued growth means that the Trustees need to consider the relevance of its existing buildings to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

The Trustees believe that within the context of the Charity's two-hundred-year history, the original objective has had to evolve to allow for flexibility in the Charity’s service delivery. This is judged to be an appropriate response to meet the changing nature of the educational needs and care of its pupils and young adults, and the statutory environment, while keeping true to the Charity’s focus on supporting those with visual impairment.

In July 2019, the Charity formally passed a resolution to amend its name from The Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool to The Royal School for the Blind Charity, Liverpool. This was actioned via the Charity Commission in June 2020.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Charity's Strategy

The Charity provides education and care of the highest quality for multiple disabled, visually impaired young people (MDVI) whilst valuing them and the staff, as individuals.

In addition to their visual impairment, the pupils and young adults may have profound learning difficulties, physical and medical needs or challenging behaviour. Their needs are met by providing each child or young adult with individual education and care plans as appropriate, in order to develop them as individuals.

The Charity’s success is measured by the continued referral of pupils and young adults to the Charity by Local Authorities and Social Services, high grade Ofsted reports and positive feedback from families, pupils, young adults, Local Authorities, partner organisations, donors and fundraisers.

The Trustees have recognised that the existing premises provide limited capacity and functionality to meet the needs of the children and adults for whom it provides education and care. The success of both the school and Rushton Futures in attracting new pupils and service users means that the current premises are no longer fit for purpose and options have been considered to review the current provision. This has led to a determination to redevelop the current building extensively to meet the developing need of the whole Charity.

The future funding framework for the Charity’s key partners is uncertain as Local Authorities continue to review their funding sources and manage demand for education and social care provision. By maintaining close working relationships with key partners, it is hoped that the benefits delivered by the Charity to pupils and young adults alike will continue long into the future. During this period the Trustees have also reviewed its financial position and conducted a strategic financial review to consider ways to generate more income, deliver efficiencies and reduce expenditure to ensure our ability to continue to deliver outstanding education and care for those we serve in a difficult economic climate. As part of this financial review, two strategic actions were taken. Firstly the education fee structure has been significantly changed to reflect the broad individualised needs of our children. Secondly, the difficult decision was taken to close both our nursery and residential provisions as of 24th July 2025. As it was agreed that these were no longer financially viable.

Achievements and performance

The Royal School for the Blind Charity continues to invest substantially across the Charity site and resource base, especially with regards to IT systems and filtering and monitoring, upgrading both hardware and software as required to ensure we meet all security and teaching and learning requirements. The commissioning of IT support from ManSys has greatly improved the IT structure and policies at RSB. This ensures the continuity of safety and high-quality provision for the RSB community. There is a substantial maintenance rota which continues to be implemented by the Central Service and site team to ensure we are compliant with Health and Safety legislation, fire safety requirements and to be compliant with Disability Access regulations. There has been continued development of the outside areas over the past 12 months with the upgrade of the crossing system markings, walkway clearance and replanting and finishing the painting of the railings to allow for independent movement in the outdoor spaces. There also continues to be significant investment in safety around the site with CCTV added to the reception areas and the funding for a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for safeguarding across the site.

The Charity has invested in a new in-house catering team and are working with ‘Food for Thought’ a company which specialises in supporting healthy, local and seasonal menus for the wide range of diets here in school. The improvement in quality and provision has been seen across the Charity, with some pupils accessing food they might not have in the past.

School Activities

The educational team continues to develop the scope, scale and focus of education and care throughout RSB to further enhance the provision, opportunities and standards for all our pupils. The school capacity currently sits at 81 pupils from ages 2-19 years with a potential of 85 by the start of the new academic year. All of the children at RSB have a visual impairment ranging from some functional vision through to no vision at all and they all have additional needs including complex and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). We work with 11 local authorities and referrals for commissioned places come through throughout the year.

A focus on providing transition to and support for Post 19 provision through the enhancement and investment in a new Post 16/Careers programme with Mploy has created strong relationships with both parents/Carers and the wider community and enhanced the reputation of the school with Young People starting at aged 14 from other LA’s who do not offer provision of this nature within their own area.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

School Activities (continued)

A huge piece of work around fees was completed this year and the new fee structure has been sent out to the commissioners. The programme allows for increased transparency and breakdown of the placements and what each individual pupil receives as part of their commissioned package at RSB. It is a rolling programme, involving a 4-year plan. When pupils reach a Key Stage change, they will move across onto the new fee structure. This has allowed for the increase to be managed within LA budgets and was accepted by all to start September 2025. This piece of work continues to support the future planning for the school in ensuring it is a financially viable and sustainable provision for future generations

The Head of School continues to develop trusting partnerships with local authorities across the Northwest of England and further afield, working with the RSBC to start the ‘VI alliance’ in 2025. The success of this open and transparent approach has again been reflected in the external assessments made by visiting commissioners, virtual Heads, quality assurance processes and OFSTED. An Independent/Non-maintained School Heads Group, involving five schools, continues to meet half termly to support and discuss developments across the sector and share in good practice.

RSB has developed strong working partnerships with the nearby universities including Liverpool HOPE, LJMU and Edge Hill, with a wide range of student placements taking place at the school and the Head of School lecturing on a range of ITT and QTVI courses throughout the year. The Head of School is also part of the partnership committee at Liverpool HOPE which meets termly.

The School participated in a ‘What is Blindness’ project, applying for grants and supporting with organisation. This involved a group of pupils producing poems through a range of workshops and having these videoed and made into a film. This was shown to the community and professionals at FACT Gallery in Liverpool and has now been accepted to two film festivals in Europe.

Our partnerships continue to develop further and include our parents and carers, with whom we are committed to supporting and working closely, to achieve the best for their child. We have two parent governors on our governing body. The parent governors are able to share their experiences. They have supported with applications, questions and meetings and have attended a range of events such as our coffee mornings, Winter Festival and Summer BBQ. Our Deputy Head of School is also our Family Liaison Officer and supports families in applying for funding, support with social workers and any other areas parents/Cares feel they need help.

Initiatives which commenced in the last year are now seen as the key benefits the Charity brings to the wider community and these include:

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

School Activities (continued)

The development of the polytunnel area in school, has allowed for a ‘field to fork’ approach to learning and the environment. This area continues to be carefully developed by the site team to provide an accessible and wellplanned undercover space for children and young people to explore and grow their own food items no matter what the weather. Classes have loved having this opportunity and have been able to grow healthy foodstuff to use within their food technology sessions. It has also allowed for tastes of new and exciting fruit and vegetables for some. These sessions are timetabled as part of the weekly teaching and learning slots available and form part of the new 6th Form EQUALS curriculum pathway. The Head of School was successful in gaining a £10,000 grant for environmental developments for the site. Items have been purchased and will be installed over the next 12-months. We continue to enhance our environment through all the works the site team puts in, however also try wherever possible to include the pupils in these ideas and developments. This year we continue to celebrate the achievement of Eco-School Status, having been commended and received a Merit with our coveted ‘Green Flag’.

The therapeutic input has been audited by the Therapy Manager to ensure that this meets the growing pupil population and ensures a high quality and timely referral process to ensure we meet the needs of all pupils at both the school and residential. Following this review, a proposal was put to Governors and Trustees to increase the provision for OT and SLT specifically. Both these therapies are now being provided through an SLA with Shine. Meetings have taken place to ensure high quality provision for face-to-face therapeutic intervention and reporting.

The school must continue to look forward and develop in line with the needs and aspirations of all its stakeholders including local authorities. A major focus on wellbeing and work life balance for RSB staff has been in place for a while and continues to develop. As well as mental health first aiders and additional training for the team there is now a Mental Health Lead for the School.

The CPD cycle is carefully planned in line with the SDP and includes a significant variety of training opportunities for staff at all levels, ensuring all mandatory training is competed and complimented by a range of other courses to upskill all staff and support their personal and professional development. We are working with three ECT’s in school and are supporting them to complete this programme to be fully qualified teachers.

The continuation of the intervention teaching assistant this year to support the intervention teacher, has allowed for further time and sessions in supporting intervention teaching and learning and allowing pupils to develop new and additional skills. Reading sessions in the library are now part of the intervention for many on this timetable.

Our enhanced services, including: the increased days for therapists onsite; continued development of the site and its resources and the approaches promoted by the staff and partners, continue to place the school at the heart of the community it serves and has been the foundation for its continued success, not just in the provision of education and care, for real benefit of the community.

Rushton Futures Activities

After a period of consolidation under new leadership, Rushton Futures has now begun to shape the future direction of the service. This has meant development in three principal areas.

Staffing

The normal annual staff turnover has remained at around 10%, and we have tried to grow the number of staff in line with new service users joining Rushton Futures. At the end of August 2024 there were 36 staff whereas by the end of August 2025 there were 39 staff with more new starters recruited to begin in autumn 2025 when an expansion of the number of Groups was planned. In addition bank staff have been used to assist with overall staffing, although we continue to reduce our reliance on bank staff.

We also began a process of making more staff operational with young adults. In March we recruited an Activities’ Coordinator, and in May we began a management restructure which reduced the overall number of managers by one, and refocused some of the management roles. In addition, the job descriptions for all staff were updated.

Following the parent satisfaction survey in June 2024, the Charity undertook a staff survey in October 2024. Going forward, Rushton Futures will hold annual parent satisfaction surveys and staff surveys in addition to annual service user reviews.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Rushton Futures Activities (continued)

Buildings

A planning application for a new Rushton Centre was submitted in May 2024 and planning permission was almost complete at the end of the year. However, it is now some years since the building was envisaged and there have been many changes since in both Rushton and also the funding climate. This is a good moment to pause and reassess the business plan and operating model for the Rushton Centre, and further work will take place on this during the next year.

However, new transitions expected for September 2025 led to a review of space and the size of the service. The Trustees agreed that some little-used space in the School could be converted for use by Rushton. Following building work, Rushton has two more spacious rooms which connect to an existing room, forming a better downstairs area suitable for wheelchairs.

Activity

The appointment of an Activities’ Coordinator came as a result of feedback from staff and families, and has led to an improvement in the consistency and quality of activities for service users. There is now a more strategic approach to ensure that a broad range of activities is available to everyone in turn. We continue to share spaces with the School, but there is now better coordination of the timetable, which gives service users more opportunities to use the swimming pool, soft play, and sensory room. Service users continue to access the community on a regular basis, and some staff have undergone training to enable them to use the Charity’s minibuses and other vehicles, which brings a capacity beyond the official drivers.

Strategic Development for 2025/26

The strategic goals for this year were:

There has been significant progress on the first two goals: there is tight budget monitoring throughout the year and the agreed budget reflects realistic income/expenditure. All activities are now considered from a ‘whole charity’ perspective and there are fortnightly meetings of the Charity Leadership Group to bring the organization together. Catering is now done across the site, and service users at Rushton Futures receive their lunches from the kitchens in the school.

These are the priorities for 2026/27

Public Benefit

Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake. Positive indicators are found in individual pupil achievement and the financial support required to fund these activities. This benefit is not just to pupils who attend the school, or the young adults for whom the Charity provides social care, but to the families, friends, partners, Local Authorities and the higher education providers with which it co-operates.

Clearly, to increase the positive impact that the Charity can make to the lives of individuals has involved some economic risk. Activities have been managed through effective business planning and by carefully piloting these developments. This strategy is proving successful in attracting increased involvement of individuals and communities across the North West of England.

The Trustees, while pleased with the results arising from the growing use of the Charity's resources, are planning to ensure it not only continues to meet the requirements of its key objects but also adds further value to the community that it serves by the development of a purpose built facility which will enable additional services to be offered.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Financial review

The Charity's main financial objective is to ensure sufficient funds are available to implement its strategy successfully and support its operational activities as they continue to grow and develop. The Trustees are satisfied that this objective is being met.The financial statements provide a detailed analysis of its income and expenditure and balance sheet but the following notes provide a summary of the financial results for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The Charity continues to review and explore potential diversification opportunities to ensure it continues to support the lives of the young people as it has done for over two hundred and thirty years and to critically examine its operating base to meet the changing demand for its services.

The principal sources of income are fee income generated from its charitable activities of £5,836k (2024: £5,288k) supplemented by donations from various benefactors of £124k (2024: £82k) and income generated by the investment portfolio of £339k (2024: £305k). Total income for the year was £6,314k (2024: £5,678k ).

Total expenditure for the year reflected the increased costs of teaching and support staff in both School and Rushton Futures to support the rising numbers of pupils and service users as well the works undertaken in maintaining the facilities. The cost of providing charitable activities rose to £6,869k (2024: £6,126k). With the cost of raising funds, total expenditure was £6,918k (2024: £6,177k).

The net expenditure for the year, before net gains and losses on investment values was £604k (2024: £499k) which meant that after the net increase/(decrease) on investments of £372k (2024: £1,106k), the total surplus/ (deficit) to funds for the year was £(233)k (2024: £607k). The accumulated funds stood at £17,498k as at 31 August 2025 (2024: £17,731k). Of these £6,000k (2024: £6,000k) were designated by the trustees to the specific project of a purpose-built Rushton Centre.

The Charity’s balance sheet provides analysis of the assets (items owned by the Charity) less liabilities (items owed by the Charity) to balance its total funds and can be summarised as follows:-

The Charity’s fixed assets, which mainly consist of its premises and investment portfolio decreased to £16,375k (2024: £16,956k). This reflected the fair value gains in the value of the investments and depreciation charge in the year of £166k re the tangible fixed assets and investment disposals in the year.

The Charity’s current assets consist of sums owed to it (debtors) and cash at bank; their total amounted to £1,491k (2024: £1,069k).

These current assets are reduced by creditors (amounts, mainly due to a VAT creditor, suppliers and funding

received in advance) of £367k (2024: £295k).

Reserves Policy

The Committee of Management have set a minimum level of reserves being one years' normal expenditure necessary to support approximately 85 pupils and 40 young adults. Reserves are also held for unexpected events and in addition to fund capital works such as site redevelopment for which is a growing requirement. The reserves policy is reviewed annually but currently reflects the medium-term level of uncertainty around its key income streams and the dependence on local authority spending decisions.

Trustees have designated funds of £6,000k (2024: £6,000k) as detailed in note 24. The amount allocated to designated funds continues to be the estimated cost of constructing and fitting out a purpose-built building for adult services as Rushton Futures has outgrown the existing facilities. This designated fund is reviewed annually by Trustees but currently reflects the latest estimate of total costs to bring this building into operation, as identified in the planning process.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Investment Policy

The Charity's investment policy is one of overall long-term growth with moderate risk and without distinction between income and capital in support of the main financial objective as detailed.

This is achieved by investing prudently in a broad range of equities and fixed interest securities quoted on recognised investment exchanges together with unit trusts and open-ended investment companies authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Discretionary management of the investment portfolio within defined guidelines has been given to Rathbones, an authorised person within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The investment manager provides quarterly performance reports to, and meets with the Committee Members, at least once per year at which meeting the investment policy is re-assessed.

In recent years the Charity has utilised the returns generated by the portfolio to support the development of the school and adult social care resources and so ensure the current needs of its pupils and service users are met while ensuring its funding security is maintained.

The Trustees, together with their advisors, Investec, reviewed its investment portfolio and risk appetite, particularly in light of the favourable investment conditions. Recognising the need for the Charity to continue to invest in the growth and development of its two operational areas, £1.1m was realised from the investment portfolio.

This has provided the Charity with sufficient liquid resources to meet its working capital requirements and to support further investment in the property and facilities required by its pupil and service user base as both elements continue to grow and develop.

In July 2025 The Trustees requested that £6 million of the investment portfolio be moved into shorter term UK Govt bonds to enable a more liquid approach to part of the portfolio with the new Rushton Centre build in mind and potential increase in expenditure during the planning/build process.

Risk assessment

During the year, the Trustees have reviewed an assessment of the risks to which the Charity is exposed, particularly business, operational and financial risks, and have introduced procedures and reporting regimes to manage and reduce the identified risks. A risk register is in place and reviewed regularly. Committee Members and Governors have agreed clear lines of delegation and staff are involved in recognition of risk in all their activities.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Structure, governance and management

The Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool is an incorporated registered charity managed by a committee of Trustees (currently known as a Committee of Management) who manage the Charity under powers contained in the Act of Parliament 10 George II Chap XV (1829).

The trustees who served during the year were:

Col M Amlôt OBE Ms H Casstles (Resigned 3 April 2025) Mrs S George Mr B Lawlor Prof B Longden (Resigned 12 December 2024) Miss M MacCoss Mr A Perry Mr G Sinden Dr S Winchester Dr D Withey (Resigned 7 July 2025) Miss J Woosey (Resigned 26 March 2026) Dr J Hussey (Appointed 12 December 2024) Dr C Penketh (Appointed 12 December 2024 and resigned 13 December 2025)

Committee Members serve for a term of three years and may be re-appointed to serve for further terms by election at the Annual General Meeting, which takes place each year. A public announcement is made in a local newspaper of the time and dates of the AGM (in accordance with the Act).

Committee Members are invited to nominate people to serve. Prior to inviting nominations, the Members review their skills to try to attract Members with the relevant experience and skills to the Committee. To this end, in recent years advertisements have been placed in local professional journals and by use of the services of Reach (a registered charity with the objective of identifying individuals willing to do voluntary work). The Chair and Officers are appointed by the Members from among their number. The Committee convenes six times each year and, in the past, has held additional strategic planning days.

Prospective Members are invited to an induction tour of the School and Rushton Futures. An enhanced DBS check is undertaken as well as a Section 128 check. Members are given a copy of the Instrument and Articles of Government and are made familiar with policies and procedures. On appointment and according to their skills and aptitude they take responsibility for at least one activity area and appointment to relevant working parties are set up as needed. Training needs are assessed and met through relevant training courses offered by the Local Authority, the Charity Commission and local firms in the finance sector.

The governance of the Charity is conducted by the Members in accordance with an Instrument and Articles of Government; made by the Committee of Management and approved by the Charity Commissioners in 2001. In keeping with many Charities, the governance framework is kept under review to ensure compliance with the objects of the Charity and to ensure they reflect the changing needs of the beneficiaries it is directed to support.

The School is managed by the Head of School and the Governing Body under delegated powers set out in the Articles of Government. The Instrument requires eight foundation governors to be appointed by the Committee at least five of whom are normally members of the Committee of Management.

Rushton Futures is managed by the Head of Service and the Rushton Board under delegated powers granted by the Committee of Management requiring at least five Members to be appointed, who are normally members of the Committee of Management.

The Governing Body and the Rushton Board report their activities to the Committee of Management, via the Chair of the respective provision, on the performance against Development Plans (approved by the Committee Members).

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Structure, governance and management (continued)

The Head of Central Services is responsible for reporting the financial and performance position, including actual expenditure against budget, the Committee of Management, Governing Body and Board of Management and is also responsible for the management of capital investment, treasury management and financial planning.

Risk is monitored and managed by the Committee of Management by regular assessment of the risks to which the Charity is exposed, particularly business, operational and financial risks and when new risks are identified. It has procedures and reporting regimes to manage and reduce identified risks through the maintenance of a risk register. Committee Members, Governors and Board members have agreed clear lines of delegation and staff involved in recognition of risk in all their activities.

As part of this process Safeguarding policies and procedures are in place within the School and Rushton Futures to ensure these vulnerable groups are protected and operate in a safe environment. The Committee of Management is aware of the potential risks arising from having children and adults sharing a common building and has ensured effective segregation of these vulnerable groups. Members of the Committee of Management, staff, visitors and parents are made aware of the need to ensure vulnerable groups are protected. This is particularly important in respect of the residential facilities offered by the school and clear operating practices are in place to prevent any form of abuse.

Management and Staffing

The Committee of Management is responsible for the appointment of senior leaders including the Head of School, Head of Rushton Futures, Head of Care and the Head of Central Services.

The Head of Central Services is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the charity and its two main operations and for ensuring that both School and Rushton Futures adhere to the scheme of delegation and their financial budgets.

The Head of School and Governing Body have responsibility for planning and developing the services and strategies for the School within clear policies and protocols set by the Trustees. The Head of School ensures that staff are recruited and supported to provide the skills and expertise needed to run a successful school and that its values are upheld. During the year, the school has recruited a number of staff to support the growing numbers of pupils but also to assist staff in their development of skills to work with visually impaired children with complex learning needs.

The Rushton Futures Head of Service and the Rushton Board have responsibility for planning and developing the services and strategies for Rushton Futures within clear policies set by the Committee of Management. The Rushton Futures Manager ensures that staff are recruited and supported to provide the skills and expertise needed.

Auditor

In accordance with the charity's articles, a resolution proposing that Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited be reappointed as auditor of the charity will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

On behalf of the trustees

..............................

Col M Amlôt OBE Trustee and President 29/06/2026 Dated: .........................

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

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.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Royal School for the Blind Charity, Liverpool (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and 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.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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.

The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://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 charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited

......................... Accountants Statutory Auditor Suites C, D, E & F 14th Floor, The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ

Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Current financial year
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
revaluation
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
124,238
-
Charitable activities
4
5,734,818
-
Investments
5
338,833
-
Other income
6
14,314
-
Continuing operations
6,212,203
-
Discontinued operation - residental
4
101,660
-
Total income
6,313,863
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
49,480
-
Charitable activities - continuing operations
8
6,532,073
44,322
Charitable activities - discontinued operations
8
292,158
-
Total expenditure
6,873,711
44,322
Net (losses)/gains on investments
15
371,547
-
Net movement in funds
(188,301)
(44,322)
Fund balances at 1 September 2024
15,745,360
1,985,192
Fund balances at 31 August 2025
15,557,059
1,940,870		 Total
2025
£
124,238
5,734,818
338,833
14,314
6,212,203
101,660
6,313,863
49,480
6,576,395
292,158
6,918,033
371,547
(232,623)
17,730,552
17,497,929		 Total
2024
£
81,631
5,206,196
304,700
3,579
5,596,106
81,583
5,677,689
50,073
5,890,647
235,807
6,176,527
1,105,799
606,961
17,123,591
17,730,552

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Prior financial year

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
revaluation
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
81,631
-
Charitable activities
4
5,206,196
-
Investments
5
304,700
-
Other income
6
3,579
-
Continuing operations
5,596,106
-
Discontinued operation - residental
4
81,583
-
Total income
5,677,689
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
50,073
-
Charitable activities - continuing operations
8
5,846,325
44,322
Charitable activities - discontinued operations
8
235,807
-
Total expenditure
6,132,205
44,322
Net gains/(losses) on investments
15
1,105,799
-
Net movement in funds
651,283
(44,322)
Fund balances at 1 September 2023
15,094,077
2,029,514
Fund balances at 31 August 2024
15,745,360
1,985,192		 Total
2024
£
81,631
5,206,196
304,700
3,579
5,596,106
81,583
5,677,689
50,073
5,890,647
235,807
6,176,527
1,105,799
606,961
17,123,591
17,730,552

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
16
Investments
17
Current assets
Debtors
19
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
20
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Funds of the charity
Revaluation reserve
22
Unrestricted funds-general
Designated funds
24
General unrestricted funds		 2025
£
£
6,335,965
10,038,541
16,374,506
574,574
916,122
1,490,696
(367,273)
1,123,423
17,497,929
1,940,870
6,000,000
9,557,059
15,557,059
17,497,929		 2024
£
£
6,416,877
10,539,090
16,955,967
419,995
649,438
1,069,433
(294,848)
774,585
17,730,552
1,985,192
6,000,000
9,745,360
15,745,360
17,730,552		 2024
£
£
6,416,877
10,539,090
16,955,967
419,995
649,438
1,069,433
(294,848)
774,585
17,730,552
1,985,192
6,000,000
9,745,360
15,745,360
17,730,552
16,955,967
774,585
17,730,552
1,985,192
15,745,360
17,730,552

29/06/2026

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. Col M Amlôt OBE Trustee and President

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2025
Notes
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
28
(858,141)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(86,104)
Purchase of investments
(6,372,857)
Proceeds on disposal of investments
7,180,346
Investment income and interest received
338,833
Net cash generated from investing
activities
1,060,218
Net cash used in financing activities
-
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
202,077
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
819,870
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
916,122
Relating to:
Cash at bank and in hand
916,122
Short term deposits included in fixed asset
investments
105,825
1,021,947		 2024
£
£
(722,762)
(59,186)
(973,551)
1,376,362
304,700
648,325
-
(74,437)
894,307
819,870
649,438
170,432
819,870

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool is a registered charity managed by a Committee who are its charity Management Committee under powers contained in the Act of Parliament 10 George II Chap XV. The charity is registered in England and Wales (registered no: 526090).

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts 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 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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 accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, 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 accounts.

1.3 Charitable funds

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

Monies received that are earmarked for specific purposes are credited to restricted funds. Any expenditure incurred in achieving the specific purpose is met out of the relevant restricted fund.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

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.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Investment income, including dividend income, is recognised in the year in which it is receivable.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is included on the basis of the amounts payable for work done and services provided, etc. in the year, net of any recoverable VAT.

The costs are allocated between headings as follows:

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 calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Freehold property (at valuation) 2% per annum on a straight line basis Improvement works capitalised Over 3 or 10 years on a straight line basis Kitchen & other equipment 10 or 20% per annum on a straight line basis Furniture & furnishings 10% per annum on a straight line basis Motor vehicles 20% per annum on a straight line basis

Freehold land is not depreciated and is included at valuation.

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.

Properties whose fair value can be measured reliably are held under the revaluation model and are carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The fair value of the land and buildings is usually considered to be their market value.

Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in other recognised gains and losses and accumulated in equity, except to the extent that a revaluation gain reverses a revaluation loss previously recognised in net income/ (expenditure) or a revaluation loss exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains recognised in equity; such gains and loss are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

The Committee of Management are to undertake a programme of sufficient regular valuations of the land and property to ensure the book value does not differ materially from the fair value at the year end.

1.7 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.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 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).

1.9 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.

1.10 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.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.12 Retirement benefits

The Charity contributes to a Group Personal Pension Plan defined contribution scheme. These costs are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities and represent contributions payable in the year.

The Charity participates in the Teacher's Pension Scheme (England and Wales) defined benefit scheme and operates the defined benefit schemes, the 1983 Scheme and The Pension and Life Assurance plan. These costs, as calculated periodically by professional qualified actuaries, are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities so as to spread the cost over the service lives of the employees in the scheme.

1.13 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Liabilities are recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation that commits the School to pay out resources.

1.14 Taxation

The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Recovery is made of tax deducted from income and from receipts under Gift Aid.

From 1 January 2025, the charity registered for Value Added Tax, as a result of changes of legislation for Schools in the United Kingdom. As the charity has a variety of vatable and non-vatable income streams, the charity is partially exempt for VAT and as a result, expenditure in the statement of financial activities is records net of recoverable input VAT.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

Properties held under revaluation model

The charity records properties held within fixed assets under the revaluation model. Periodically the charity obtains a third party valuation from a suitably qualified specialist. This report values all property and land held by the charity at market value but where this is not possible, using the depreciated replacement cost method.

Depreciation

The annual depreciation charge for tangible fixed assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are assessed on initial acquisition and reassessed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. The useful economic lives for each class of asset are set out in the accounting policy 1.6.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 41,036 19,601
Legacies 83,202 62,030
124,238 81,631

The charity is fortunate to receive numerous donations and legacies from members of the public, some of which will come with restrictions for their use. The trustees consider that these funds, where the funds are not of a large capital nature, be spent in the school year in which they are received and that the wishes of the benefactors are met. Accordingly the trustees have included this category of income within the amounts shown above as unrestricted funds.

Where the charity receives funds for a specific large capital project of greater than £2,000, the trustees include this income within the restricted funds held by the charity. No such income was received in the year.

All income from donations and legacies relate to continuing operations.

4 Charitable activities

Charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2025 2024
£ £
Fees and other educational funding 4,393,177 3,829,202
Nursery income 94,258 60,242
Respite, transport and similar income 83,777 134,321
Social care 1,239,647 1,203,917
Room hire and other income 25,619 60,097
5,836,478 5,287,779
Analysis by operation
Continuing operations 5,734,818 5,206,196
Discontinued operations 101,660 81,583
5,836,478 5,287,779

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from listed investments 311,384 275,807
Interest receivable 27,449 28,893
338,833 304,700

All income from investments relate to continuing operations.

6 Other income

Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2025 2024
£ £
LAC, student and other sources 14,314 3,579

All income from other income relate to continuing operations.

7 Raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2025 2024
£ £
Investment management 49,480 50,073
49,480 50,073

All expenses from raising funds relate to continuing operations.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

8 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Rates, utilities and insurance
Maintenance costs
Cleaning contract
Class and other consumables
Therapy costs
Catering costs
Training costs
Office and similar costs
Motor and travel costs
Debts written off
Share of support costs (see note 9)
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - revaluation
Analysis by operation
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
For the year ended 31 August 2024
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - revaluation		 2025
£
5,272,202
167,016
294,804
22,675
158,344
81,079
391,146
40,914
52,149
305,032
44,637
3,195
6,833,193
3,196
32,164
6,868,553
6,824,231
44,322
6,868,553
6,576,395
292,158
6,868,553		 2024
£
4,695,508
160,701
298,808
135,198
183,044
72,480
167,686
119,082
47,204
169,152
40,885
-
6,089,748
9,803
26,903
6,126,454
5,890,647
235,807
6,126,454
6,082,132
44,322
6,126,454

The above expenditure on charitable activities included £44,322 (2024: £44,322) in respect of the unrestricted revaluation reserve referred to in note 22.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Professional fees
Bank charges
Governance
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
Accountancy
Legal and professional		 Total
2025
£
2,887
309
32,165
35,361
2025
£
10,386
14,786
6,993
32,165		 Total
2024
£
9,551
252
26,903
36,706
2024
£
10,222
16,681
-
26,903

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year (2024: none); none of the trustees was reimbursed travelling or other expenses during the year (2024: none).

11 Auditor's remuneration

The analysis of auditor's remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the charity's auditor:
Audit of the charity's annual accounts
Non-audit services
All other non-audit services
In respect of associated pension schemes
Audit		 2025
£
8,878
14,786
1,508		 2024
£
8,190
16,681
2,032

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Senior management
Teachers
Education support staff
Administration & other
Care (including residential and nursing)
Adult social care
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Other staff costs		 2025
Number
7
18
70
20
12
41
168
2025
£
4,330,818
416,179
502,729
22,476
5,272,202		 2024
Number
6
16
64
17
12
36
151
2024
£
3,974,992
300,293
412,823
7,400
4,695,508

Included within wages and salaries are payments for supply staff of £137,456 (2024: £128,256).

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were:

2025 2024
Number Number
£70,001 to £80,000 - 1
£80,001 to £90,000 1 -

Of the employees whose emoluments exceeded £60,000, 1 (2024: 1) had retirement benefits accruing under defined benefit pension schemes.

13 Taxation

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

14 Retirement benefit schemes

Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 502,729 412,823

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

14 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

The school participates in a multi employer pension scheme, The Government's Teachers' Pension Defined Benefits Scheme, for its teaching staff. The pension liability is the responsibility of the Teachers' Pensions Scheme. As a result it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the school.

The contributions for the year to 31 March 2025 were in tiers for teachers and this was between 7.4% and 12% (2024: 7.4% to 11.7%). For the employer the rate was 28.68% (2024: 28.7% from April 2024).

The school's contributions payable to the fund were £225,538 (2024: £214,854).

The employers’ pension contributions for the period in respect of the Group Personal Pension Plan (a defined contribution scheme) amounted to £277,191 (2024: £197,969).

As at 31 August 2025, contributions of £11,957 (2024: £31,762) were outstanding.

15 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2025 2024
£ £
Revaluation (loss)/gain on investments 219,706 971,159
(Loss)/gain on sale of investments 151,841 134,640
371,547 1,105,799
Total £ 7,165,862 86,104 7,251,966 748,985 167,016 916,001 6,335,965 6,416,877
Motor vehicles £ 17,850 - 17,850 17,850 - 17,850 - -
Furniture & furnishings £ 335,813 79,332 415,145 220,270 20,221 240,491 174,654 115,544
Kitchen & other equipment £ 475,692 6,772 482,464 345,072 37,125 382,197 100,267 130,620
Improvement works capitalised £ 136,507 - 136,507 65,793 9,670 75,463 61,044 70,713
Freehold property (at valuation) £ 6,200,000 - 6,200,000 100,000 100,000 200,000 6,000,000 6,100,000
Tangible fixed assets Cost or valuation At 1 September 2024 Additions At 31 August 2025 Depreciation and impairment At 1 September 2024 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 August 2025 Carrying amount At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024
16

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

16 Tangible fixed assets

(Continued)

At 31 August 2025, had the revalued assets been carried at historic cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, their carrying amount would have been approximately £1,751,877 (2024: £1,918,450).

The Committee of Management revalued the property from which the charity operates as at 31 August 2023. The professional valuation of the freehold land and property was undertaken by P Winckles MRICS of Fisher German LLP and their report dated 23 January 2024 concluded that the fair value of the freehold land and property was £6.2 million.

The Committee of Management are to undertake a programme of sufficient regular valuations of the land and property to ensure the book value does not differ materially from the fair value at the year end.

17 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2024
10,368,658
Additions
6,372,857
Valuation changes
219,706
Change in cash
-
Disposals
(7,028,505)
At 31 August 2025
9,932,716
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025
9,932,716
At 31 August 2024
10,368,658
18
Financial instruments
Carrying amount of financial assets
Debt instruments measured at amortised cost
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
Measured at amortised cost		 Cash in
portfolio
£
170,432
-
-
(64,607)
-
105,825
105,825
170,432
2025
£
1,444,296
9,932,716
190,093		 Total
£
10,539,090
6,372,857
219,706
(64,607)
(7,028,505)
10,038,541
10,038,541
10,539,090
2024
£
1,110,223
10,368,658
182,897

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

19 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
9,409
422,349
142,816
574,574		 2024
£
2,821
290,353
126,821
419,995

20 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
21
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Other deferred income		 2025
£
92,297
84,883
44,702
95,751
49,640
367,273
2025
£
84,883		 2024
£
-
111,951
34,061
104,147
44,689
294,848
2024
£
111,951
2024
£
111,951
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Current liabilities
Total deferred income at 1 September 2024
Amounts received in year
Amounts credited to Statement of Financial Activities
Total deferred income at 31 August 2025		 2025
£
84,883
2025
£
111,951
84,883
(111,951)
84,883
2024
£
75,846
111,951
(75,846)
111,951

21 Deferred income

Deferred income held at the year end comprises funds received in advance of the 2025/26 school year from the Education & Skills Funding Agency and other sources.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

22 Unrestricted funds - revaluation

These are unrestricted funds which are made up as follows:

Revaluation reserve
Previous year:
Revaluation reserve		 At 1
September
2024
Expenditure At 31 August
2025
£
£
£
1,985,192
(44,322)
1,940,870
At 1
September
2023
Expenditure At 31 August
2024
£
£
£
2,029,514
(44,322)
1,985,192

The expenditure of £44,322 (2024: £44,322) was the additional depreciation charges required following the professional revaluation of the charity's freehold property in January 2024.

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
general
funds
Revaluation
reserve
2025
2025
£
£
Fund balances at
31 August 2025
are represented
by:
Tangible assets
4,395,095
1,940,870
Investments
10,038,541
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,123,423
-
15,557,059
1,940,870		 Total
Unrestricted
general funds
Revaluation
reserve
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
6,335,965
4,431,685
1,985,192
10,038,541
10,539,090
-
1,123,423
774,585
-
17,497,929
15,745,360
1,985,192		 Total
2024
£
6,416,877
10,539,090
774,585
17,730,552

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

24 Designated 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.

Movement
in funds
Movement
in funds
Balance at
1 September
2023
Income
Balance at
1 September
2024
Income
£
£
£
£
Rushton Centre
6,000,000
-
6,000,000
-
6,000,000
-
6,000,000
-		 Balance at
31 August
2025
£
6,000,000
6,000,000

The amount allocated to designated funds was the estimate of the cost of constructing and fitting out a purpose-built building for adult services as the charity has outgrown the existing facilities.

25 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2025
£
10,157
352
10,509		 2024
£
29,505
8,207
37,712

26 Capital commitments

At 31 August 2025, the charity had capital commitments totalling £24,864 including VAT. These commitments are in respect of work ongoing to install a new fire alarm system.

THE ROYAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CHARITY, LIVERPOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

27 Related party transactions

Remuneration of key management personnel

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
2025 2024
£ £
Aggregate compensation 301,951 232,688
There were no other related party transactions during the year (2024: none).
28 Cash generated from operations 2025 2024
£ £
(Deficit)/surpus for the year (232,623) 606,961
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (338,833) (304,700)
Gain on disposal of investments (151,841) (134,640)
Fair value loss/(gain) on investments (219,706) (971,159)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 167,016 160,701
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors (154,579) (36,927)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 99,493 (71,886)
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income (27,068) 28,888
Cash absorbed by operations (858,141) (722,762)