Charity registration number 528288 (England and Wales)
THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Trustees R Armitage A Gavin Mr J A G Crossley J Reddin S Spillane A Mitchell Charity number (England and Wales) 528288 Principal address The Clerk 58 Beverley Road Leamington Spa CV32 6PJ Independent examiner Daniel Insley BA FCA c/o The Old Exchange 64 West Stockwell Street Colchester Essex CO1 1HE
THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 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 trust deed, 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) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
The charity's objectives are the provision of education to children attending Ratcliffe College, Leicester with preference given to children of former pupils of Ratcliffe College and children of poor Irish parents.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Grant making policy
The Trustees review new applications for grants towards the provision of education to children in accordance with the objectives of the charity. All grants have for many years been based on financial need as against scholastic ability and the Trustees have endeavoured wherever possible to fund pupils whose parents are unable to complete their studies as a result for instance of the loss of a job or redundancy.
The Trustees have had due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and consider that the activities of the charity meet the requirements of the guidance.
The Trustees policy also necessitates review of all grants where the grantee has reached year eight at Ratcliffe College and is proceeding to GCSE. Grantees who have completed GCSE courses and are continuing to A level courses are also reviewed.
Achievements and performance
During the current financial year the fund paid £62,181 in grants for attendance at Ratcliffe College.
Financial markets have seen some volatility as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The Fund is still in a healthy position with over £2.0m invested with our Fund Managers, James Hambro Partners, at 31st March 2025. This is a similar position to 31st March 2023 and 31[st] March 2024 despite taking additional cash away from the Fund Managers during the year to pay for the grants and paid out around £250,000 over the last three years.
The charity retains approximately one year’s grants in bank balances and the Trustees believe that in the event of any further reduction in the fund’s investments the charity will remain a going concern and be able to cover its liabilities. The Trustees will continue to closely monitor the situation, with quarterly and ad hoc reports from their professional financial advisor.
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Financial review
The results for the year are shown on pages 5 to 12 of the financial statements. The charity has incurred a deficit of £39,420 before investment gains of £77,426.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The total unrestricted reserves at the year-end stood at £197,697 (2024: £209,883) Endowment funds totalled £1,899,199 (2024: £1,849,007). The Trustees have agreed a policy whereby unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets or investments held by the charity should be maintained at approximately a year's outgoings on scholarship awards.
Additional surplus income has been invested to provide additional income.
This policy allows for a possible reduction in the more stable parts of income and so would allow the charity to continue its activities at the current level for some years.
The Trustees have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed and have established monitoring processes to understand and mitigate those risks. Strategic and shorter-term plans are reviewed regularly, and funding obtained from a number of sources. Internal risks are minimised by implementing procedures for authorising transactions, grants etc, and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity.
The Trustees review these procedures periodically.
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, governance and management
The charity was formed following the amalgamation of the Ratcliffian Association Centenary Fund, Ratcliffian Association Land Trust, Cunningham Centenary Fund, and the Ratcliffian Association University Scholarship Trust Fund.
The approval of this scheme was given by the Association Council on 27 November 1997, and the scheme was registered with the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales (registered number 528288) and is regulated by schemes sealed on 7 January 1998.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: R Armitage
A Gavin Mr J A G Crossley J Reddin S Spillane A Mitchell
Provincial of the Institute of Charity and the Headmaster are ex-officio Trustees. Other Trustees are appointed by the Council of the Ratcliffian Association for periods of 4 years in accordance with the scheme rules. All Trustees are long standing and experienced. Any new Trustees are advised concerning their duties and responsibilities by the Clerk to the Charity.
New co-optative trustees are appointed by the Ratcliffian Association Council based on their character, experience and suitability for trusteeship of the Charity and receive ad hoc training.
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
R Armitage Trustee Dated: 18 November 2025
Mr J A G Crossley
Trustee Dated:18 November 2025
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Ratcliffian Association and Cunningham Fund (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Daniel Insley BA FCA
c/o The Old Exchange 64 West Stockwell Street Colchester Essex CO1 1HE 18 November 2025
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 2 395 - Investments 3 31,392 - Total income 31,787 - Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 - 5,125 Charitable activities 5 66,082 - Total expenditure 66,082 5,125 Net gains/(losses) on investments 9 22,109 55,317 Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds (12,186) 50,192 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 209,883 1,849,007 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 197,697 1,899,199 |
Total Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 395 395 - 31,392 34,654 - 31,787 35,049 - 5,125 - 4,777 66,082 46,003 - 71,207 46,003 4,777 77,426 27,403 121,141 38,006 16,449 116,364 2,058,890 193,434 1,732,643 2,096,896 209,883 1,849,007 |
Total 2024 £ 395 34,654 |
|---|---|---|
| 35,049 | ||
| 4,777 46,003 |
||
| 50,780 | ||
| 148,544 | ||
| 132,813 1,926,077 |
||
| 2,058,890 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Investments 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Capital funds Endowment funds - general 14 Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ - 64,368 64,368 (45,250) |
£ 2,077,778 19,118 2,096,896 1,899,199 197,697 2,096,896 |
2024 £ 89 68,313 68,402 (54,380) |
£ 2,044,868 14,022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,058,890 | ||||
| 1,849,007 209,883 |
||||
| 2,058,890 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 18 November 2025
R Armitage Trustee
Mr J A G Crossley Trustee
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Ratcliffian Association and Cunningham Fund is a charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is regulated by the Trust Deed dated 7 January 1998.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, 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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified 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 financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
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.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
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. 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.
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure on grants is recorded once the Trust has made an unconditional commitment to pay the grant and this is communicated to the beneficiary or the grant has been paid, whichever is the earlier.
Other expenditure is included in the accounts on the accruals basis. Irrecoverable VAT is charged to the SOFA as incurred.
The cost of managing investments is split 25:75 between administration fees charged to raising funds and endowment investment fees charged to unrealised gains on investments.
1.6 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.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
1.8 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 instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets comprise cash at bank together with other debtors. Cash at bank is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as working capital. Investments are held at fair value at the balance sheet date, with gains and losses being recognised within income and expenditure. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 395 | 395 |
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Income from listed investments | 26,871 | 32,443 |
| Interest receivable | 4,521 | 2,211 |
| 31,392 | 34,654 |
4 Raising funds
| Endowment | Endowment | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Investment management | 5,125 | 4,777 |
| 5,125 | 4,777 |
The portfolio is managed by James Hambro. Investment managers fees for the year totalled £20,500 (2024: £19,198) and have been split 25:75 between raising funds (£5,125) and unrealised gains on investments (£15,375) and both expensed within the endowment funds.
5 Charitable activities
| Charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Independent examiners fees Sundry expenses Grant funding of activities (see note 6) |
2025 £ 3,439 462 3,901 62,181 66,082 |
2024 £ 3,180 377 |
| 3,557 42,446 |
||
| 46,003 |
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6 Grants payable
| Grants to institutions Grants to individuals |
2025 £ 40,000 22,181 62,181 |
2024 £ - 42,446 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,446 |
During the year the trustees made a grant of £40,000 to the College to administer emergency bursaries to assist families following the imposition of VAT on school fees from 1 January 2025.
7 Trustees
During the year, no Trustees received remuneration for their services (2024: £Nil). During the year, three trustees were reimbursed a total of £427 for travel expenses (2024: £342).
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9 Gains and losses on investments
| Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2025 Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £ Revaluation of investments 1,244 (27,515) Sale of investments 20,865 82,832 22,109 55,317 |
Total Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ (26,271) 21,533 149,012 103,697 5,870 (27,871) 77,426 27,403 121,141 |
Total 2024 £ 170,545 (22,001 |
|---|---|---|
| 148,544 |
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 11 Fixed asset investments Listed investments £ Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 2,027,147 Additions 617,324 Valuation changes (26,271) Gain on sale of investments 119,072 Disposals (693,029) At 31 March 2025 2,044,243 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 2,044,243 At 31 March 2024 2,027,147 12 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bursaries pledged for future terms Accruals and deferred income |
Cash in portfolio £ 17,721 - - 15,814 - 33,535 33,535 17,721 2025 £ - 2025 £ 36,750 8,500 45,250 |
Total £ 2,044,868 617,324 (26,271) 134,886 (693,029) 2,077,778 2,077,778 2,044,868 2024 £ 89 2024 £ 46,200 8,180 54,380 |
|---|---|---|
14 Endowment funds
The income earned by the endowment investments is utilised to provide grants in accordance with the charity's governing document.
| At | 1 | April 2024 | Resources | Gains and | At 31 March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| expended | losses | 2025 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Permanent endowments | ||||||
| 1,849,007 | (5,125) | 55,317 | 1,899,199 |
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THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AND CUNNINGHAM FUND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 14 | Endowment funds | (Continued) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year: | At 1 April 2023 | Resources | Gains and | At 31 March | |
| expended | losses | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Permanent endowments | |||||
| 1,732,643 | (4,777) | 121,141 | 1,849,007 |
Endowment funds are funds which have been given to the charity subject to the restriction that they are held as capital.
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ At 31 March 2025: Investments 178,579 1,899,199 Current assets/(liabilities) 19,118 - 197,697 1,899,199 Unrestricted Endowment funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ At 31 March 2024: Investments 195,861 1,849,007 Current assets/(liabilities) 14,022 - 209,883 1,849,007 |
Total 2025 £ 2,077,778 19,118 |
|---|---|
| 2,096,896 | |
| Total 2024 £ 2,044,868 14,022 |
|
| 2,058,890 |
16 Related party transactions
There were no further disclosable related party transactions during the year other than those included in note 7 of the financial statements (2024- none).
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