Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Registered number: 00480293 Charity number: 528076
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Unaudited
Annual report
31 December 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details | 1 |
| Directors' report | 2 - 10 |
| Directors' responsibilities statement | 11 |
| Independent examiner's report | 12 |
| Statement of financial activities | 13 |
| Balance sheet | 14 - 15 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 16 - 31 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Reference and administrative details Year ended 31 December 2024
| Directors | Ex Officio |
|---|---|
| The Bishop of Newcastle-Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley | |
| Reverend Dr Gill Alexander, Chair | |
| The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Vice Chair | |
| Reverend D R Cleugh (resigned 31 December 2024) | |
| Reverend G R Curry (resigned 31 December 2024) | |
| Ms B Fryer (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Mr A Hardie (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Professor Gary Holmes | |
| Reverend J Lacey (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Reverend S Lockhead (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Ms K Massey (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Reverend J McGowan (resigned 31 December 2024) | |
| Reverend P H Pearson | |
| Mr R Restall | |
| Mrs D Robertson (resigned 31 December 2024) | |
| Ms R Simpson (appointed 1 January 2025) | |
| Professor Lesley Twomey (resigned 31 December 2024) | |
| Company registered number 00480293 Charity registered number 528076 Registered office Church House St John’s Terrace Percy Main North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 6HS Company secretary Mr D Akers (appointed 1 January 2025) Bankers Barclays Bank PLC Solicitors Muckle LLP |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report Year ended 31 December 2024
The directors present their annual report together with the unaudited financial statements of the Newcastle Diocesan Education Board ("NDEB / the charity") for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The annual report serves the purposes of both a directors' report and a directors' report under company law. The directors confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Legal objects
Policies and objectives
NDEB aims to promote, facilitate and assist the work and purposes of the Church of England in education across the Diocese of Newcastle and elsewhere. NDEB's principal objects, set out in the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure, are:
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The promotion of education in the Diocese, consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of England.
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The promotion of religious education and religious worship in (all) schools.
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The promotion of Church schools in the Diocese and provision of advice to their Governors.
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The promotion of co-operation between the Board and bodies concerned in any respect with education in the Diocese.
The NDEB Articles were updated by special resolution of the Members in December 2021 (effective from 4th March 2022 following Charity Commission consent) to reflect the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021 and additional objects to those above set out in the new Articles are:-
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To promote or assist in the promotion of children and youth work in the Diocese that is consistent with the faith and practice of the Church,
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To promote co-operation between itself and other persons concerned with children and youth work in the Diocese, and
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To carry out the functions assigned to the Charity by the Measure.
As far as schools are concerned NDEB is mainly concerned with matters to do with Church of England schools, but as part of the established Church, and its duty to promote education and co-operation between bodies involved in education it also seeks to contribute where it can to the development of all schools especially, but not only, in matters of religious education and collective worship.
The company was formed to provide support for the 49 Church of England schools across the Diocese. The strategic priorities of the company are established by NDEB in communication with Diocesan Synod, Deanery Synod, and the Bishop of Newcastle. To this end, significant time and effort is committed to communication between and with these bodies, as well as the National Church of England Education Office.
NDEB's strategy for achieving its objectives is to develop financial structures to enable it to provide enough staff and resources to support the Church of England schools in the Diocese. To assist with this NDEB offers a Partnering Agreement (PA) to Church of England schools in the Diocese.
The directors are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of NDEB. The directors believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Diocese of Newcastle, NDEB helps to promote the whole
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Legal objects (continued)
mission of the Church (pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical) more effectively, both in the Diocese as a whole and in its individual parishes and schools, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:
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Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and
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Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole; and
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Providing a service to the whole community, not just the Christian constituency. All children are welcome in the Church of England schools in the diocese, including children of all faiths and none; and
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Providing schools that are places of education, not proselytism, offering opportunities for young people to make the most of their inherent potential, and so make a contribution to the society of which they are a part. Comparisons with national Ofsted ratings show that in aggregate the C of E schools in Newcastle Diocese are performing well above national averages.
Activities and achievements in the year
National education landscape and implications
The UK education system saw significant changes in 2024, including a 5.5% pay award for teachers and support staff, updated attendance guidance, a new focus on school attendance, and the launch of a curriculum and assessment review. A new bill, the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aimed to improve safeguarding and raise educational standards.
Teacher Pay and Funding:
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A 5.5% above-inflation pay award was announced for September 2024, applying to all maintained schools and academies, funded by a new core schools budget grant (CSBG).
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The CSBG provided almost £1.1 billion to support schools with overall costs, particularly following the teacher pay award.
School Attendance and Safeguarding:
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Updated attendance guidance applied from August 2024, with increased fines for unauthorized absences.
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The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to improve safeguarding in schools and care institutions.
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• The bill also includes changes to the right to home educate, with local authorities able to intervene if they deem the home environment unsuitable.
Curriculum and Assessment:
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The government launched a wide-ranging Curriculum and Assessment Review, chaired by Professor Becky Francis, to look at challenges to attainment for young people.
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The review will focus on improving the curriculum and assessment standards across all key stages.
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• A new Advanced British Standard qualification is being developed, bringing together the best aspects of A Levels and T Levels.
Other Notable Changes:
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The national professional qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs will be a requirement from September 2024, replacing the current NASENCo award.
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Mainstream schools are expected to deliver a 32.5-hour week from September 2024.
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The Education and Skills Funding Agency is being closed in March 2025, with its functions being brought into the Department for Education.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Activities and achievements in the year (continued)
Operations and staffing
With effect from 1 September 2023, the work of the Joint Education Team (JET) was moved into a new joint venture with Durham Diocesan Board of Finance (DDBF). NDEB continues to guide and fund the work of the JET in relation to Newcastle schools, in line with its charitable objectives. There has been a lot of change within the JET over the course of the last year. We successfully appointed a new Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) following a 2nd advertising and application process and they took up post on 1st January 2025. The current interim director will be retained as a special consultant on one day a week. A new assistant director was also appointed and started on 1st September 2024. Following the retirement of Eileen Bell, a full-time administration assistant was brought into to support the team. DBE services were also brought in to support the building work across our VA schools and, although in its infancy, has proved to be a very effective partnership that we hope to build on in future years. The financial team is working well within the JET but a new finance manager will be required as we move into the new year due to current workload.
We have still been able to retain a full-time RE Adviser and this post continues to be supported by the St Hild and St Bede Trust in order to further enhance RE provision in all of our 106 schools across both dioceses, as well as support the teaching of RE through the RE Network. We also continue to support RE across all schools in the region by supporting Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) across the 10 LAs.
100% of schools across both Newcastle and Durham Dioceses have bought into the Partnering Agreement and attendance to the diocesan CPD programme is strong.
Achievements and work with communities
Professional development courses are made available both online and in person, and cover a wide range of subjects and topics, including termly support for chairs of governors and ex-officio governors, and termly training for new foundation governors. In addition, the spring conference (Early Years Foundation Stage), the annual summer conference (Spirituality and Well-Being) and the autumn conference (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice - EDIJ) were extremely well attended with delegates from both church and community schools, as well as both internal and external speakers. This year, the team has further supported schools and governors with the SIAMS framework, including exploration of what spirituality means in each context and the role of governance within this. Thrive training, Poverty Proofing, Courageous Advocacy, Christian Distinctiveness and subject leadership courses have also been offered. Uptake is strong for all aspects of continuous professional development (CPD) with many courses being repeated due to demand. The team has also accessed CPD, including training on Mental Health and Well-Being, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and SIAMS and Ofsted updates. Surveys are completed at the end of each course with overwhelmingly positive comments regarding the support from the Joint Education Team, for example:
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“I find it useful because it helps me to fulfil my role within school. Both new information and revision of things I already know are helpful and they give me further motivation to make more changes in school.” (HT colleague)
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“Excellent examples to support subject knowledge and approach to teaching religions as diverse, living faiths.” (Teacher of RE)
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“It gave me a greater understanding of the role of courageous advocacy in schools and enlightened me in how this could be effectively implemented in school.” (Governor)
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The work of the Joint Education Team has also been acknowledged in many external reports, for example:
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“Positive partnerships with the local church, diocese and local community, enhance the flourishing of all within the school.” (SIAMS Feb 24)
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“School leaders and academy councillors have a clear ambition for all pupils to be ready for the next stage of their learning. They have made effective use of the support offered by the trust and the diocese.” (Ofsted Feb 24)
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Activities and achievements in the year (continued)
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“RE has an exceptionally high status in school. As a result, pupils are well equipped to understand others and thrive in our richly diverse world. Leadership of RE is highly effective. It is rooted in an understanding of pupils needs and of the profile of the community.. "Strong partnership work and impactful training with the diocese ensures staff expertise is developed.” (Ofsted Jan 24)
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“The school’s partnership with the diocese and local authority has improved staff’s subject expertise and curriculum development” (Ofsted June 24)
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“Active partnerships with the local diocese and clergy strengthen staff confidence in RE. Professional development opportunities and investment in new resources extend adults' knowledge and positively impact on the effectiveness of the curriculum.” (SIAMS Feb 24)
The DDE has also attended Bishop’s Staff, Diocesan Synod and Bishop’s Council, sharing the views of school leaders and pupils, as well as national DDE conferences focusing on SEND and Inclusion. Current challenges for schools revolve around closing the achievement gap, particularly in Early Years where the gap between disadvantaged pupils and non-disadvantaged has widened, poverty, EDIJ, recruitment and retention of staff, and improving attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. In addition, the Interim Director of Education has represented education on the Diocese of Durham’s Net Zero Working Group (NZWG) who have produced a strategic action plan to enable all voluntary aided schools to move towards being carbon neutral by 2030. Linked to this, there is ongoing work to support governors with Church School buildings issues and on the legal processes and land issues involved in academisation of schools. Finally, the Director of Education has represented the team at the NE Anti-Racist Coalition which was formed after the national riots in the summer of 2024.
The team work closely with the National Society to support leadership and management across all phases of church school education.
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The board have considered the workload and well-being of the team.
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The Interim Director has represented the diocese with ESFA to look for funding for rural schools in the summer term.
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The board have engaged external building surveyors to audit all of the voluntary aided schools across the diocese and have brought in DBE Services to assist in this work
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We continue to work with schools and trustees of endowment funds linked to schools in relation to land and charity law issues
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We continue to work with schools who are now within our MATs, or wish to join MATs – including community schools.
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We work with school cluster groups to support networking and discussion between Church Head Teachers.
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Our team have worked in several community schools to support standards and achievements.
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We are regularly asked by schools to broker services for them which are fit for purpose and cost effective.
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We are working in several locations with regards to ‘shared leadership’ which involves bring communities closer together.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Activities and achievements in the year (continued)
Other related parties
Transactions within the main categories of related parties are identified in appropriate places throughout the financial statements. Where materiality of the transactions merits more detailed disclosure this is given in note 18 to the financial statements. Other related parties include:-
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The Joint Education Team LLP. The NDEB is a partner alongside the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance and jointly employs the JET staff team.
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The Newcastle Diocesan Board of Finance (NDBF) works closely with NDEB and the two charities are companies within the Newcastle Diocesan framework. They share the same registered office and some directors serve on both boards.
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The Durham Diocesan Board of Finance (DDBF) is a neighbour to the south of Newcastle. NDEB and the DDBF have continued to work closely together and they now jointly employ 9 members of staff with JET LLP. A common pool of SIAMS inspectors has been established and joint training for them continues as does in-service training (Inset) on religious education and school worship for staff and training for clergy on ways to work with schools.
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The Church of England Pensions Board, to which NDEB pays retirement benefit contributions for employees.
Future plans
The new DDE will begin work around a renewed vision and focus for the JET, gathering stakeholder views and establishing areas of priority for the team.
Work of the Jet LLP will continue to focus on the move to a two-tier system in the Berwick partnership area in Northumberland. The consultation is now over and the focus will be on the architectural challenges to ensure that all of the First Schools are ready to welcome in an additional class in September 2025 and another the following year as they become primary schools. There will also be a need to support the schools with the development of the Y5 and Y6 curriculum.
Work will continue to be done to support schools and in particular Head Teachers’ wellbeing in the current challenging period for the sector as they face increased parental complaints, significant financial challenges as a result of falling pupil numbers and increased costs for staff pay rises, a rise in SEN and behavioural issues and limited alternative and special provision.
Further work will continue to support schools on the 2024-25 and the 2025-26 SIAMS “likely to be inspected” list. One significant challenge is falling rolls, particularly across Northumberland and the impact this could have on our Tiny and Rural schools in particular.
Finally, the challenges in recruitment, including governance, remains. The board will need to consider how best to support schools where there are vacancies in parishes and where schools have Foundation Governor vacancies. Within this, there will also be a need to support trusts through CPD, both CE and Mixed MATs, as they grow in order to protect the distinctiveness of our church schools within the wider landscape and to ensure that they keep their church identity.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Financial review
Financial performance
Overall income has decreased by £244,265 to £78,956 compared to 2023.
Unrestricted income decreased by £215,039 mainly due to the transfer of operations to JET LLP.
The current level of unrestricted funds, amounts to £382,474 (2023: £82,352) and represent investments of £200,000 (2023: £200,000) plus cash and current assets of £182,474 (2023: -£117,648) as detailed in note 17 to the financial statements. Trustees are aware a further transfer of funds from reserves will be necessary in order to meet all of its financial obligations during the coming year which includes supporting the work of the Joint Education Team LLP.
There was a unrestricted deficit for the year of £239,977 against a budgeted deficit of £xxx. The budget covers only the Unrestricted Fund, the Section Fund and the comparison to budget is made without the inclusion of yearend gains on investments. Overall NDEB has met all of its financial obligations to continue resourcing educational needs across the Diocesan schools.
Investment performance
Investments are held in general, section and special purposes funds. The total value of investments, excluding short-term cash deposits, at 31st December 2024 was £1,895,849 (2023: £2,243,381). Investments decreased by £347,532 overall which includes net disposals of £385,679 and revaluations of £38,147
Balance sheet position
Funds per the balance sheet show an overall reduction of £276,679. This is the combined impact of a gain on investments less overall net expenditure in the year.
Reserves policy
Free reserves
The Board needs to keep a certain level of reserves as protection against unexpected fluctuations in income, to assist at certain times of the year with cash flow, and to allow the Board to operate to fulfil its charitable objects. NDEB also aims to hold sufficient funds to cover six months operating costs. It is therefore the Board's policy to hold a total of at least £100,000 in reserves to satisfy this requirement. At December 2024 the unrestricted reserves were higher than the minimum level required by this policy (£382k).
Restricted reserves
As set out in note 16 NDEB holds and administers a large number of restricted funds. As at 31st December 2024 restricted funds totalled £1,848,316 (2023: £2,425,117). These funds are not available for the general purposes of the NDEB although income can be expended on provision of advice and guidance, SIAMS inspections and staff costs. A transfer of £540,099 was made in 2024 to cover these costs within JET LLP.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Investment policy
The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the charity permit wide powers of investment. The investment policy of NDEB is based on the overall investment objective of achieving a balanced return with moderate risk, preserving the capital and income of NDEB in real terms over the medium term. A review of NDEB’s investments was completed in 2018 and a decision was taken to move investment funds to CCLA in line with Church of England ethical investment principles in 2019.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The directors confirm that the major risks to which NDEB is exposed, as identified have been reviewed and systems and procedures have been established to manage those risks. In summary major risks include:-
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the need to respond to changing government policy on education and ensure there is appropriate staff capacity and resource within the team to do this effectively.
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the risk of reputational damage arising from working across a geographical area including many small rural schools, partnership wide structural changes and possible school closures.
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ensuring appropriate communications and PR support when urgent issues arise.
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financial risks arising from financial constraints to fund the team’s work and school funding.
The directors’ delegate to the Finance and Property Committee the task of ensuring that risks are reviewed and managed as part of the risk management strategy, and that procedures and controls are designed to minimise any potential impact on NDEB should any of the risks materialise. A risk register has been compiled and contains further detail on possible levels of risk and systems in place for managing the risk.
The Finance and Property Committee reviews the risk register periodically and reports to directors whether it is satisfied with its findings and makes recommendations for further work in subsequent years. The directors review the risk register at least annually as part of the corporate risk management strategy. This may move to a more regular event due to the impact of COVID 19, although the reserves position provides a buffer from immediate concern.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Structure, governance and management
Summary information about the structure of the Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
NDEB has to comply with Measures passed by the General Synod of the Church of England and is required to give heed to recommendations and/or advice from the Archbishops' Council Board of Education and the National Society. NDEB must also help Church of England schools in the Diocese to comply with education law and guidance from the DfE. NDEB seeks to influence and support, but has no direct control, over the 49 Church of England schools in the Diocese. Schools are led and managed by their governing bodies, head teachers and senior staff. The accounts of Church of England schools do not form part of these financial statements. Within the Board, several directors are Head Teachers or former Head Teachers and several are governors (or academy trust directors) in Church of England schools in the Diocese. Head teachers and governors are encouraged to make their views known to NDEB and its staff in a variety of ways including evaluation of conferences and courses, during staff and directors’ school visits, telephone and email contact.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Organisational structure
The company was incorporated on 30 March 1950 and re-constituted in its present structure on 20th October 2003 as a charitable company limited by membership guarantees (No. 00480293), registered in England and its governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association. NDEB is registered with the Charity Commission (No. 528076). Whilst this falls outside of the reporting year, the NDEB Articles were updated by special resolution of the Members in December 2021 (effective from 4th March 2022 following Charity Commission consent) to reflect the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021 and the board was reconstituted under the new Measure on 1st January 2022.
The Board is a statutory body under the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021 and is the sole trustee of the Uniform Statutory Trusts (also known as Section Funds), which are now governed by section 554 of the Education Act 1996. The funds held in trust are derived from ancient educational endowments and the proceeds of property sales authorised by the Department for Education (DfE) under section 86 of the Education Act 1944 and section 2 of the Education Act 1973.
Decision making structure
The Diocesan Director of Education is the Company Secretary of the NDEB. NDEB, under the new Articles, has a quorum of a third of directors (subject to a minimum of four) and meets at least three times each year, with an additional meeting held if required. The previous quorum which applied during the reporting year was eight. The Board may establish committees to assist in the discharging of its functions, with membership of any such committee extended to include persons who are not members of the Board. There is currently a Finance and Property Committee in place which has written terms of reference:
Finance and Property Committee, deals with matters of finance and legal compliance, policies and property related matters.
Director recruitment, selection and induction
Each director is inducted into the structure and work of NDEB, the Boards of Education Measure, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committees and their terms of reference, and members' legal obligations under charity and company law. Directors are encouraged to undertake personal development that will facilitate the execution of their role.
Remuneration of key management personnel
Emoluments of higher paid employees within the JET team are determined by the JET LLP (made up of members of both the NDEB and Durham Diocesan Board of Education) with reference to appraisals, remuneration and salary benchmarking.
Delegation of day to day delivery
Since the advent of Joint Working between the Education Boards of the Dioceses of Newcastle (NDEB) and Durham (DDBF) in September 2010, the Diocesan Director of Education is appointed jointly by the two Dioceses to manage the day to day operations of their Education Boards. The Director and staff are employed jointly by JET LLP, NDEB and DDBF.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Directors' report (continued) Year ended 31 December 2024
Funds held as custodian
The Board acts as custodian trustee responsible for trust funds held for specific purposes and monies held on behalf of others. The funds held by NDEB as custodian trustees comprise investments amounting to £236,632 as at 31st December 2024 (2023: £231,099) and these are held on behalf of a number of small organisations whose objects are to promote religious educational activity among Sunday schools and other similar establishments, all of which falls within the objects of the Board. The funds are held in separate bank deposit accounts and identifiable investment funds. In accordance with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice these funds are not shown in the charity's balance sheet.
Funds held on behalf of schools
NDEB receives contributions from governors of church schools within the Diocese in connection with major repairs and capital projects to church schools and also government grants in connection with the same. School funds held by NDEB total £869,753 as at 31st December 2024 (2023: £674,265)
NDEB administers these monies as managing agents and makes appropriate payments to contractors for work carried out. Monies do not belong to the Board of Education and as such the receipts and payments are not treated as income and expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of directors on 25 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
The Bishop of Newcastle - Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley
Reverend Dr Gill Alexander
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of directors' responsibilities Year ended 31 December 2024
The directors (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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 Companies Act 2006. 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.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Independent examiner's report Year ended 31 December 2024
Independent examiner's report to the directors of Newcastle Diocesan Education Board ('the charity')
I report to the charity directors on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the directors of the charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the charity's directors, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's directors those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's directors as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 25 June 2025 Anne Hallowell
UNW LLP, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 December 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net expenditure before net gains on investments Net gains on investments Net expenditure Transfers between funds 17 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 8,527 - 35,704 44,231 284,208 284,208 (239,977) - (239,977) 540,099 300,122 82,352 300,122 382,474 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 16,200 18,525 34,725 123,895 123,895 (89,170) 52,468 (36,702) (540,099) (576,801) 2,425,117 (576,801) 1,848,316 |
Total funds 2024 £ 8,527 16,200 54,229 78,956 408,103 408,103 (329,147) 52,468 (276,679) - (276,679) 2,507,469 (276,679) 2,230,790 |
Total funds 2023 £ 78,410 177,057 67,754 323,221 523,288 523,288 (200,067) 174,723 (25,344) - (25,344) 2,532,813 (25,344) 2,507,469 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
Page 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Balance sheet At 31 December 2024
| Note Fixed assets Investments 13 Investment property 12 Current assets Debtors 14 Investments 15 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 17 Unrestricted funds 17 Total funds |
180,021 77,467 104,066 361,554 (26,613) |
2024 £ 1,695,849 200,000 1,895,849 334,941 2,230,790 2,230,790 1,848,316 382,474 2,230,790 |
75,000 67,870 246,774 389,644 (125,556) |
2023 £ 2,043,381 200,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,243,381 264,088 |
||||
| 2,507,469 | ||||
| 2,507,469 | ||||
| 2,425,117 82,352 |
||||
| 2,507,469 |
The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Balance sheet (continued) At 31 December 2024
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the directors on 25 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley Reverend Dr Gill Alexander The Bishop of Newcastle Chair
The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
Company registered number: 00480293
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board ("NDEB / the charity") meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Going concern
Taking into account the levels of unrestricted reserves as at 31st December the directors are satisfied that NDEB has adequate resources to continue to meet all liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future and consequently these accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. The charity also has access to section fund monies totalling £1,476,447 in 2024 which can be used to cover any deficit it makes.
1.3 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income received in advance of services being provided is deferred and held within creditors.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Charitable expenditure relates to expenditure on education and Church of England schools in the Diocese.
Support costs consist of central management, administration and governance costs. The amount spent on raising funds and other activities is considered to be immaterial and all support costs are allocated to the purpose of charitable activities. Costs are allocated wherever possible directly to the activity to which they relate, but where such direct allocation is not possible, the remainder is allocated on an approximate staff time basis.
Pension contributions. NDEB contributes to the Pension Builder Scheme of its employees and this scheme is part of the Church Workers Pension Fund. It is treated as a defined contribution scheme and the annual contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities.
Employee benefits
Short-term benefits, including holiday pay and other similar non-monetary benefits are recognised as an expense in the period in which the employee’s entitlement to the benefit accrues.
Page 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 Expenditure (continued)
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Fixtures and fittings
- 15 - 30% straight line
Asset residual values and useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, and adjusted if appropriate. The effect of any change is accounted for prospectively.
1.7 Investments
Investment properties
Board properties which are held for investment purposes and rented out have been included at their fair value, as determined by an annual review carried out by the directors.
Fixed asset investments
Listed investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the statement of financial activities.
1.8 Current asset investments
Short-term investments comprise cash deposits with maturities of more than 3 months but less than 12 months at the balance sheet date.
These are classified as current assets and are stated at the amount of principal deposited, plus any accrued interest at the reporting date.
1.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Page 17
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, cash and bank balances and loans to or from related parties.
Debt instruments are measured initially at the transaction price, and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
At the end of each reporting period, financial assets are assessed for impairment, and their carrying value reduced if necessary. Any impairment charge is recognised in the profit and loss account.
1.11 Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.
1.12 Fund accounting
Fund Balances are split between unrestricted (general and designated), restricted funds.
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are NDEB’s corporate funds and are freely available for any purpose within the charitable objects, at the discretion of NDEB. There are two types of unrestricted funds:
General funds which NDEB intends to use for the general purposes of the NDEB and
Designated funds set aside out of unrestricted funds by NDEB for a purpose specified by the Trustees. No designated funds are held at this time.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds are income funds subject to conditions imposed by the donor as specific terms of trust, or else by legal measure.
Section funds
Section Order Funds that have arisen from past Section Order Schemes are subject to Uniform Trusts governed by Section 86 (1944 Education Act). Section 2 (1973 Education Act) and more recently Section 554 (1996 Education Act). These funds have been extracted from the General Reserve and are accounted for under Restricted Funds.
The Uniform Trusts provide that the Board may after payment of any expenses in connection with the administration of the particular trust to apply the capital and income:
(a) In or towards the purchase of a site for or the erection, improvement or enlargement of the premises of any relevant school in the area;
(b) For the maintenance of any relevant school in the area;
(c) In or towards the purchase of a site for or the erection or improvement or enlargement of the premises of a teacher's house for use in connection with any relevant school in the area; and
(d) For the maintenance of a teacher's house for use in connection with any relevant school in the area
Page 18
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.12 Fund accounting (continued)
The Board may apply the income as follows:
(a) In or towards the provision of advice guidance and resources including materials in connection with any matter related to the management of or education provided at any relevant school in the area;
(b) The provision of services for carrying out any inspection of any relevant school in the area by Part 1 of the Schools Inspection Act 1996; and
- (c) To defray the cost of employing or engaging staff in connection with:-
(i) The application of income by the relevant trust assets for either of the purposes referred in sub paragraph (a) and (b) above or
(ii) The application of capital or income of the relevant trust assets for any of the purposes referred to in paragraph 1 above."
The accounts include future section order funds under permanent endowment funds. Once an order has been approved the funds are then transferred in accordance with the Order. The accounts also include a Special Purposes Fund which includes various funds derived from educational endowments which can be used to fund special projects under the terms of the relevant Trusts as applicable.
2. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the directors are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts 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, including expectations of future events, that are considered to be relevant and believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Valuation of investment property
As stated in note 1.7, investment properties are carried at fair value. The directors have estimated the fair value of the investment property based on their knowledge of the local property market, advice from informal sources where available, and by reference to comparable market data.
These valuations are inherently subjective due to the nature of the property market and the lack of formal third-party professional valuations. The directors review the valuation annually and adjust it where there is evidence of a material change in fair value.
As no external valuation was undertaken, this represents a significant area of estimation and judgment in the preparation of the financial statements.
Page 19
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
2. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment (continued)
Other estimates included within these financial statements include asset impairments (for example provisions against debtors). None of the other estimates made in the preparation of these financial statements are considered to carry significant estimation uncertainty, nor to bear significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 5,850 Service agreement receipts 2,677 8,527 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Donations 8,161 Service agreement receipts 41,097 Other grants received - 49,258 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - - Restricted funds 2023 £ - - 29,152 29,152 |
Total funds 2024 £ 5,850 2,677 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,527 | ||
| Total funds 2023 £ 8,161 41,097 29,152 |
||
| 78,410 |
4. Other trading activities
| Rental income from investment properties Conference fees income DMAT income School improvement income |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 16,200 - - - 16,200 |
Total funds 2024 £ 16,200 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 16,200 |
Page 20
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
4. Other trading activities (continued)
| Rental income from investment properties Conference fees income DMAT income School improvement income |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ - 17,249 142,918 10,300 170,467 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 6,590 - - - 6,590 |
Total funds 2023 £ 6,590 17,249 142,918 10,300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177,057 |
5. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Income from UK listed investments 35,704 Bank interest receivable - 35,704 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Income from UK listed investments 58,070 Bank interest receivable - 58,070 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 18,525 18,525 Restricted funds 2023 £ - 9,684 9,684 |
Total funds 2024 £ 35,704 18,525 |
|---|---|---|
| 54,229 | ||
| Total funds 2023 £ 58,070 9,684 |
||
| 67,754 |
Page 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Support for church schools & academies 270,122 Governance: Accountancy fees 7,200 Legal and professional fees 6,886 284,208 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Support for church schools & academies 469,497 Governance: Accountancy fees 8,496 Legal and professional fees 12,451 490,444 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 123,895 - - 123,895 Restricted funds 2023 £ 32,844 - - 32,844 |
Total 2024 £ 394,017 7,200 6,886 |
|---|---|---|
| 408,103 | ||
| Total 2023 £ 502,341 8,496 12,451 |
||
| 523,288 |
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Support for church schools Governance: Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 376,929 - 6,886 383,815 |
Support costs 2024 £ 17,088 7,200 - 24,288 |
Total funds 2024 £ 394,017 7,200 6,886 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 408,103 |
Page 22
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
| Support for church schools Governance: Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees |
Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 444,148 - 12,451 456,599 |
Support costs 2023 £ 58,193 8,496 - 66,689 |
Total funds 2023 £ 502,341 8,496 12,451 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 523,288 |
Analysis of support costs
| Rent Office costs Accountancy fees |
Total funds 2024 £ - 17,088 7,200 24,288 |
Total funds 2023 £ 5,651 52,542 8,496 |
|---|---|---|
| 66,689 |
8. Independent examiner's remuneration
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £4,200. In addition, £3,000 relating to the prior year audit fee has been invoiced and included in the current year charge. (2023: audit fee of £8,496).
Page 23
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
9. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ - - - - |
2023 £ 229,502 27,518 31,460 |
|---|---|---|
| 288,480 |
The total number of staff employed during 2024 was nil (2023: 13).
Staff costs were transferred to the Joint Education Team LLP from 1st September 2023.
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Average FTE staff members | - | 5 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| In the band £60,001 | - £70,000 | - | 1 |
| In the band £80,001 | - £90,000 | - | 1 |
Key management personnel in 2024 comprised of the Director of Education and three assistants, all paid via the Joint Education Team LLP. (Their total remuneration to 31 August 2023 amounted to £250,918).
10. Directors remuneration and expenses
No remuneration has been paid to any director in their capacity as a director during 2024 or 2023.
Page 24
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
| 11. Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 12. Investment property Valuation At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 2,868 2,868 - |
|---|---|
| - | |
| Freehold investment property £ 200,000 |
The investment property was revalued internally during the year, with no change to the estimated fair value.
Page 25
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
13. Fixed asset investments
| Valuation At 1 January 2024 Disposals Revaluations At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Listed investments £ 2,043,381 (385,679) 38,147 |
|---|---|
| 1,695,849 | |
| 1,695,849 | |
| 2,043,381 |
NDEB is a member in a Joint Venture Limited Liability partnership (JET LLP) which delivers education services on behalf of both Newcastle and Durham Diocese.
14. Debtors
| Due after more than one year Spittal nursery Due within one year Trade debtors Amounts owed by participating interests Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Current asset investments Short term deposits |
2024 £ 37,500 37,500 4,952 93,024 37,500 7,045 180,021 2024 £ 77,467 |
2023 £ 75,000 75,000 - - - - 75,000 2023 £ 67,870 |
|---|---|---|
15. Current asset investments
Page 26
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Amounts owed to other participating interests Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds General Funds 82,352 44,231 Restricted funds Section Monies Fund 2,053,248 34,725 Special Purposes Fund 332,997 - Educational Grants 38,872 - 2,425,117 34,725 Total of funds 2,507,469 78,956 |
Trade creditors Amounts owed to other participating interests Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds General Funds 82,352 44,231 Restricted funds Section Monies Fund 2,053,248 34,725 Special Purposes Fund 332,997 - Educational Grants 38,872 - 2,425,117 34,725 Total of funds 2,507,469 78,956 |
Expenditure £ (284,208) (123,895) - - (123,895) (408,103) |
Transfers in/out £ 540,099 (540,099) - - (540,099) - |
2024 £ 14,446 - 2,647 9,520 26,613 Gains/ (Losses) £ - 52,468 - - 52,468 52,468 |
2023 £ - 62,316 34,936 28,304 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125,556 | |||||
| Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 382,474 |
|||||
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Section Monies Fund Special Purposes Fund Educational Grants Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2024 £ 82,352 2,053,248 332,997 38,872 2,425,117 2,507,469 |
||||
| 1,476,447 332,997 38,872 |
|||||
| 1,848,316 | |||||
| 2,230,790 |
17. Statement of funds
Page 27
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Section Monies Fund Special Purposes Fund Educational Grants Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 295,001 1,898,063 326,407 13,342 2,237,812 2,532,813 |
Income £ 277,795 9,684 6,590 29,152 45,426 323,221 |
Expenditure £ (490,444) (29,222) - (3,622) (32,844) (523,288) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 174,723 - - 174,723 174,723 |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 82,352 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,053,248 332,997 38,872 |
|||||
| 2,425,117 | |||||
| 2,507,469 |
General Fund
The General fund represents those assets held by NDEB for carrying out its general activities.
Special Purposes Fund
This fund can be used to fund special projects.
Section Monies Fund
This fund holds monies under the Education Acts mainly in the form of shares and property. Investment income is transferred as needed to support any deficit on the General fund.
Educational Grants Fund
Grants paid to NDEB to be used to support Religious Education in schools.
Page 28
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
18. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fixed asset investments - Investment property 200,000 Debtors due after more than one year - Current assets 209,087 Creditors due within one year (26,613) Total 382,474 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,695,849 - 37,500 114,967 - 1,848,316 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,695,849 200,000 37,500 324,054 (26,613) 2,230,790 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Fixed asset investments Investment property Debtors due after more than one year Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ - 200,000 - 7,908 (125,556) 82,352 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 2,043,381 - 75,000 306,736 - 2,425,117 |
Total funds 2023 £ 2,043,381 200,000 75,000 314,644 (125,556) 2,507,469 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19. Custodian funds School balances Opening balance for year Receipts Payments Total 2024 |
Durham Schools 2024 £ 204,941 513,847 (469,561) 249,227 |
Newcastle Schools 2024 £ 469,324 1,015,823 (864,621) 620,526 |
Total funds 2024 £ 674,265 1,529,670 (1,334,182) 869,753 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 29
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
| School balances Opening balance for year Receipts Payments Closing balance for year |
Durham Schools 2023 £ 389,117 270,578 (454,754) 204,941 |
Newcastle Schools 2023 £ 806,701 846,110 (1,183,487) 469,324 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,195,818 1,116,688 (1,638,241) 674,265 |
|---|---|---|---|
DfE grants and contributions from schools received in this year totalled £1,529,670 (2023: £1,116,688). Expenditure during the same period totalled £1,334,182 (2023: £1,638,240) leaving an overall balance of £869,753 (2023: £674,265) held on behalf of Voluntary Aided schools.
| Balances held for others Opening balance for the year Investment revaluation Closing balance for year Balances held for others Opening balance for the year Investment revaluation Closing balance for year |
Healey 2024 £ 22,083 1,127 23,210 Healey 2023 £ 19,618 2,465 22,083 |
Whittingham 2024 £ 191,605 4,386 195,991 Whittingham 2023 £ 174,939 16,666 191,605 |
Schroders 2024 £ 17,411 20 17,431 Schroders 2023 £ 14,937 2,474 17,411 |
Total funds 2024 £ 231,099 5,533 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236,632 | ||||
| Total funds 2023 £ 209,494 21,605 |
||||
| 231,099 |
20. Pension commitments
For eligible salaried employees NDEB now participates in the Church of England Pension Builder Scheme (PBS), within the Church Workers Pension Fund. This is treated as a defined contributions scheme. The scheme is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board. Pension Builder Classic provides a pension for members for payment from retirement, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Bonuses may also be declared, depending upon the investment returns and other factors.
Page 30
Docusign Envelope ID: 9C8A0137-6785-4868-B871-2EB2CE6AB907
Newcastle Diocesan Education Board
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 December 2024
20. Pension commitments (continued)
The assets of the PBS are held separately from those of the employer. A valuation of the scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent scheme valuation was carried out as at 31st December 2022. This revealed revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review effective 1 January 2025, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 6.7% to both pensions not yet in payment and pensions in payment in respect of service prior to April 1997; and a bonus on pensions in payment in respect of post April 2006 service so that the pension increase was 2.7% (where usually it would be calculated based on inflation up to 2.5%). This followed improvements in the funding position over 2024. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.
The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2025.
NDEB is only liable for contributions relating to its own staff, and not for any other members of the scheme. All members of staff were jointly employed by NDEB and DDBF until September 2023, when they transferred to JET LLP.
During the year to 31st December 2024, NDEB made no contributions. (2023: £62,920 of which £31,460 was recoverable from DDBF). The net total of these two figures has been taken as the pension cost shown in these accounts for the prior year. No contributions were outstanding at the year end.
21. Related party transactions
The charity is a member of Joint Education Team LLP ("JET"), a joint venture established to undertake the business of the Joint Education Team, providing education services to schools and other educational providers in the North East of England and elsewhere.
During the year the charity made contributions totalling £240,000 (2023: £82,563) to JET as donations to support its activities. At the year end a balance of £93,024 was owing from JET which is included within debtors (2023: £45,223 owing to, included within creditors).
No trustees or key management personnel had a personal interest in the joint venture. The transactions were undertaken at arm’s length and in line with the charity’s objectives.
Page 31