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2023-08-31-accounts

Registered number: 00634981 Charity number: 528959

West House School

Governors' Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 August 2023

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Governors and advisers 1
Governors' report 2 - 10
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 11 - 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 35

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Governors and Advisers For the year ended 31 August 2023

Governors J R Gittins Esq., Chair
J A Claughton Esq. (resigned 8 November 2023)
I P P Crawford Esq.
K D Phillips Esq. (resigned 21 March 2023)
S A Blackledge Esq.
Mrs A K Hayer
Mrs C R Ashley
Dr J Evans (appointed 29 March 2023)
Company registered
number
00634981
Charity registered
number
528959
Registered office
24 St James Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2NX
Company secretary
Ms J Robinson
Chief executive officer
A M J Lyttle Esq.
Independent auditors
Dains Audit Limited
15 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 2BH
Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc
1 Calthorpe Road
Birmingham
B15 1QL

Page 1

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report For the year ended 31 August 2023

The Governors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Governors' report and a directors' report under company law. The Governors 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.

Structure, governance and management

Constitution

West House School is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1st August 1959 (No. 00634981) and registered as a charity on 10th April 1963 (No. 528959). The company was incorporated under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Methods of appointment or election of Governors

The Governors are responsible for the management of the charity and are elected at Annual General Meetings to serve as life members or annual subscribing members, under the terms of the Articles of Association. There are 17 members whose liability is limited to a contribution of a maximum of £1 each. This guarantee will only apply when there is a deficiency of net assets upon liquidation. There are 6 members who are currently elected Governors.

At the next Annual General Meeting, one third of the ordinary members shall retire from office in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.

The charity’s elected Governors are appointed at the Annual General Meeting on the basis of selection of nominees meeting the criteria set by the Board which stipulate eligibility, personal competence and specialist skills. The Board seeks to engage a diverse range of professional experiences to ensure a balanced judgment. Nominees are considered upon the retirement of a Governor from office and the skills needed to replace the post. Recruitment is generally form the local business community and the board is particularly keen to appoint Headteachers from independent schools and those with a good understanding of the requirements, needs and challenges of maintaining a successful preparatory school.

Induction and training

The induction process for Governors involves spending time in school with the Headmaster and Bursar, along with briefings as necessary with copies of previous sub-committee and committee minutes relevant to individual specialisms. All Governors are particularly encouraged to attend the various annual school functions and to meet members of the school staff in order to gain a full knowledge and understanding of the nature of the school’s business. An appropriate level of instruction is provided to both new and existing Governors to update their knowledge and place them in a position where they could reasonable identify their powers and responsibilities. Periodic formal training is also undertaken allowing a governor to successfully discharge his/her duty.

Page 2

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Governors are legally responsible for the overall management and control of West House School. The charity is organised so that its Governors meet as a full Board at least three times per year to manage its affairs, and to formulate and review policy. The Governors actively review the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that they have established systems in place to mitigate significant risks. They also carry out a regular review of investments to ensure their suitability and also to ensure that proper diversification has been undertaken to mitigate risks. Members of the full Board sit on the following subcommittees which report back on a regular basis: Health and Safety; Education; Property and Finance. A nominated Governor liaises with the Designated Safeguarding Lead on matters of safeguarding three times during the year and produces a report for the full Board.

The Headmaster and the Bursar are responsible for the day to day running of the charity and report to the Governors on a regular basis. Management accounts and budgets are presented each term and the school’s fee structure is reviewed and approved at least annually enabling the Governors to ascertain the financial position of the charity, adopting suitable accounting practices and ensuring that SORP accounting procedures are followed. An established organizational structure, lines of reporting and authorization, and approval levels are in place.

Pay policy for key management personnel

In the opinion of the Governors, the key management personnel of West House School responsible for the direction, control, running and operation of the school on a day-to-day basis consists of the Board of Governors and the senior management team comprising the Headmaster, the Bursar and the Deputy Head assisted by other senior staff members.

All Governors give freely of their time and no remuneration was paid during the year and no expenses reimbursed.

The pay of West House school’s senior staff is reviewed annually to reflect the recruitment and retention of high quality staff. Pay is normally increased based upon the position of the school’s finances and the cost of living in general.

Other relationships

The Headmaster is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) which exists to share expertise, knowledge and experience across the independent preparatory school sector. The Bursar is a member of the Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA) which provides professional development, technical support and invaluable reference material.

Other key parties supporting the charity include the Independent Schools’ Council (ISC) and the Association of Governing Bodies if Independent Schools (AGBIS).

Related party transactions

Details of related third party transactions are disclosed in note 25 to the financial statements.

Governors' indemnities

The Governors and Trustees have Liability Insurance cover under a Professional Risk insurance policy. The cover is extended to include Principal, Governors, Trustees/Directors or Officers.

Page 3

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Objectives and activites

Objectives and activities

The object of the school is to advance high quality education delivered through day schooling for boys aged between four and eleven, and boys and girls aged from one to four years. Care for all age groups is available for 48 weeks of the year with extended care from 7.30am until 6.00pm.

The school’s objects also provide for the creation and administration of scholarships, exhibitions and awards for the encouragement of study and learning. West House is a school with a particularly happy and caring atmosphere, with 125 years’ experience of fostering academic, sporting, musical and artistic success. Our aim is to provide boys in Birmingham with an outstanding academic education, whilst giving them the freedom to have fun and the confidence to be themselves. The key features of the school are:

It is the wish of the charity that on leaving West House every individual will have happy memories of his or her time at the school and possess the skills, attributes and qualities necessary to thrive in the middle part of the 21st century.

Access to education

West House School is a charitable trust which seeks to benefit the public through the pursuit of its stated aims. Fees are set at a level that ensures financial viability and allows the provision of an excellent education, consistent with membership of IAPS.

Bursary awards are available to all who meet the general entry requirements and are made on the basis of parental means or to relieve short-term hardship where a pupil’s education and future prospects would otherwise be at risk, such as in the case of redundancy. In assessing means, a number of factors are taken into consideration, including family income, investments and savings and family circumstances, such as dependent relatives and number of siblings. All means tested awards are reviewed annually. The policy of awarding scholarships and means tested bursaries contributes to the widening of access to the education offered and the facilities available.

The school also offers Michael Pratt Scholarships and Michael Pratt Awards to pupils who display considerable gifts or talents. Such awards are designed to allow individual pupils to pursue such gifts or talents with the financial support of the school. The performance of pupils receiving Michael Pratt Scholarships and Awards is reviewed annually to ensure that their progress is in line with their abilities and that they are making an active contribution to the aims, ethos and expectations of the school. The Board of Governors reserves the right to remove such scholarships and awards.

Information about fee assistance is available from the Bursar and the availability of these awards is highlighted in local press and other publications. Discounts are also offered to families with more than one child at the school and to staff who choose to educate their children at the school.

Page 4

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Objectives and activites (continued)

Community engagement

The school again demonstrated its commitment to benefitting the wider community through a variety of means following the relaxation of government COVID restrictions:

Objectives for the year

In planning the objectives for the year, the Governors have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and fee charging.

It is an ongoing objective of the school that pupil numbers are maintained and that the successes of its pupils, both academic and non-academic, are continued and enhanced through the appointment of highly qualified staff. However, these objectives are set within the context of specific goals for the school and its pupils including those listed below. During the year the school sought to:

  1. Maintain academic and non-academic standards through the appointment of highly qualified practitioners, rigorous performance management and appropriate training of existing staff

  2. Extend engagement with the local community

  3. Carry out a full review of the school's strategic plan in light of the changing political & economic landscape.

  4. Provide a greater focus on pupil and staff wellbeing

  5. Make Michael Pratt Scholarships and Awards available

  6. Continue the process of restructuring the administrative support to include the introduction of a new Management Information System

  7. Carry out a review of pay scales to ensure that the school demonstrates its commitment to recruiting and retaining high quality staff

  8. Review the curriculum with an emphasis on the teaching of MFL, RSE and STEM, along with the post 11 Plus curriculum for boys in Year 6

  9. Carry out a full strategic review of the EYFS Department

Page 5

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Objectives and activites (continued)

Acheivements and performance

The achievements and performance for the year were considerable in light of the pressures facing the sector following the impact of the COVID pandemic and the uncertain economic environment.

The year 2022-2023 once again saw the school maintain stability in terms of both numbers and reputation. High standards of education and care in a safe and stimulating environment and the school continued to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of each pupil with outstanding success. This was endorsed by the conclusions drawn by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following a Focused Compliance and Educational Inspection undertaken in March 2023. ISI found the school to be compliant in all regulatory areas and the quality and standards of the early years provision to be ‘good’. Within the context of the wider school, both the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements and the quality of pupils’ personal development were found to be ‘excellent’.

By the end of the year there were 362 pupils on the roll (2022: 356), with 110 children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (2022: 114), representing stability with the previous year.

Means tested and hardship bursaries were awarded in line with school policy and 10 pupils benefitted from such awards (2022: 12). Twenty-four existing pupils benefitted from Michael Pratt Awards (2022: 22).

External examination results reflected the commitment by the school to maintaining the highest standards of academia. 95% of leavers were offered at least one of their chosen selective secondary school places (2022: 98%). 47% of candidates were offered places at King Edward's School, Birmingham (2022: 74%). In all, West House boys were awarded 14 academic scholarships, 1 music scholarship, 1 sport scholarship, and 2 art scholarships to leading independent schools.

The school remained committed to the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum and pupils were afforded the opportunity to excel in a variety of areas, including art, drama, MFL and sport. The contribution of these curricular areas was significant with pupils, once again, performing at venues throughout the city, including St Faith and St Laurence Church and Birmingham Cathedral. The continued use of the Enrichment Learning Grid allowed all pupils the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the school day and the standard curriculum while affording those with particular gifts and talents to explore their individual interests. The teaching of RSE and Wellbeing lessons became embedded within the curriculum alongside PSHE for all year groups. An appropriate consultation exercise was undertaken with parents in respect of RSE. The Education Committee explored curriculum options for Year 6 pupils in the post examination period with specific proposals agreed for implementation in the 2023 – 2024 academic year.

A wellbeing committee was established and a number of initiatives proposed and implemented to address wellbeing issues among the staff. Staff pay scales were reviewed in light of the increase in the minimum wage and following a consultation with employees. The school invested in a new management information system (Engage) and associated staff training.

The Board continued to develop the school's strategic plan to take West House forward into the middle part of the century. Fusion Building Consultancy continued to progress the proposed building project intended to add specialist facilities for the performing arts and music. However, the Board elected to pause the project at the planning stage in light of the uncertain economic and political climate. The Board agreed to pursue a further feasibility study of the existing site with a view to considering scaled-down projects based on the needs of the school. During the year, strategic focus shifted to the scenario of the potential loss of charitable status and the impact of the implementation of full business rates and VAT on school fees.

Page 6

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Objectives and activites (continued)

The Board carried out a review of the EYFS Department and its structure. The views of the Board were endorsed by the judgments of ISI. The role of DSL and Head of EYFS were deemed to be incompatible in terms of workload and separated out. A new Nursery Manager was engaged by the end of the year and the role of DSL was considered in light of the school’s aim to focus on wellbeing and pastoral care of staff and pupils, resulting in the creation of the post of Assistant Head (Pastoral). The EYFS was split into the registered setting (Nursery to Pre-School) and Reception, with Reception returning to the Pre-Prep Department.

Financial review

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Governors 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.

Reserves policy

The Governors have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds held by the charity should be enough to cover one school term of expenditure. At this level the Governors feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity. Unrestricted free reserves at 31 August 2023 were £1,103,919 (2022 - £945,693). The charity has both designated and restricted funds which are represented by investments and fixed assets. The purposes of these funds is detailed in note 18 to the accounts.

Review of the year

The Statement of Financial Activities shows incoming resources for the year of £3,847,879 (2022 - £3,664,124) and resources expended of £3,748,459 (2022 - £3,436,517). The net incoming resources for the year after investment losses is £99,284 (2022 - £227,264) and have been attributed to funds. Total funds carried forward are £4,463,399 (2022 - £4,364,115). Maintaining pupil numbers and good controls over operating costs have enabled the school to achieve a surplus.

Unrestricted funds held by the charity as stated in the financial statements as 31 August 2023 are £4,453,203 (2022 - £4,353,783) and restricted funds total £10,196 (2022 - £10,332). The reserves are primarily to cover the expected future running costs and capital expenditure for all aspects of the organisation. The present level of incoming resources is adequate to support the continuation of the school's existing activities.

The Governors consider the results of the year and position as at 31 August 2023 to be satisfactory. The Governors have reviewed the financial forecasts and consider the future financial prospects of the school to be satisfactory.

Material investments policy

There are no restrictions on the charity's power to invest. The investment strategy is set by the Governors and takes account of demands for funds and income requirements and capital is invested in low risk investments.

Page 7

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Financial risk management objectives and policies

The Governors have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The Governors undertake a full review of risk management procedures each year. The risks faced by the School include political, buildings, economic changes together with the recruitment and retention of quality staff. The Governors have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks that the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.

The Governors also look to mitigate risks were possible by:

The governors are aware of the pressure on the economy following the Covid pandemic. There is a high degree of economic uncertainty and future challenges to the independent Sector, of which the Governors are aware that the situation may deteriorate further but are confident that the school is in a strong position for the immediate future.

Page 8

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Plans for future periods

The Governors intend to continue their current strategies of maintaining the school's position in a highly competitive market by investing to provide high quality education for all pupils. Achieving a high standard of academic results is a constant objective, while at the same time providing a broad and balanced education. The Board has also made a commitment to ensure that in the event of future requirements for remote learning, the school is well equipped in terms of staff skills, mobile devices and infrastructure.

The school's future plans will be financed primarily from fee income and reserves. The Governors will maintain an equitable balance ensuring that current pupils benefit whilst, at the same time, ensuring that a sound infrastructure and financial base are preserved for the next generation of pupils.

The Governors view bursary awards as important in widening access to the education provided by the school. Bursary awards will continue to be reviewed annually by the Bursar in a bid to ensure that parents can accept offers of places for their children at the school through the availability of means-tested fee assistance.

The Governors recognise that the sector is facing significant challenges in the short and medium term. However, the school will continue to invest in the premises to ensure that pupils continue to receive the highest quality of educational experience.

The following represents the key objectives articulated within the School Development Plan to be achieved over the next five years:

  1. The development of the site to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of existing pupils and future generations of pupils

  2. To broaden the wider curriculum through the introduction of Forest School and Mandarin classes

  3. To fully reopen the school’s nature reserve

  4. To undertake focused contingency planning/modelling pending changes to charitable status and the potential introduction of VAT & business rates

  5. To consider the environmental sustainability of the school's activities and plans for development

  6. Respond fully to the recommendations of the ISI Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection Report (March 2023)

  7. Carry out a full review of suppliers, consultants and agencies used by the school to ensure the maintenance of quality services at competitive prices

  8. Carry out an appropriate consultation in respect of membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

  9. To evaluate the performance of the registered nursery setting and to plan for the extension/impact of childcare support from April 2024

  10. Review the Standard Terms and Conditions of the school

Page 9

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Governors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Statement of Governors' responsibilities

The Governors (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Governors' 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 Governors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Governors 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 Governors are required to:

The Governors 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.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Governors at the time when this Governors' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Dains Audit Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Governors will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Governors.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Governors and signed on their behalf by:

J R Gittins Esq. Chair

Date: 12 March 2024

Page 10

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of West House School

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of West House School (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 August 2023 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Page 11

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of West House School (continued)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Governors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Governors' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Governors' responsibilities statement, the Governors (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Governors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Governors are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Governors either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 12

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of West House School (continued)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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

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

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

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

Page 13

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of West House School (continued)

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Andrew Morris FCA (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of Dains Audit Limited

Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants

Birmingham

12 March 2024

Page 14

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 August 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Other trading activities
6
Investments
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income before investments
Net losses on investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
18
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
18		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
9,971
3,758,744
29,644
49,520
3,847,879
3,748,459
3,748,459
99,420
-
99,420
4,353,783
99,420
4,453,203		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(136)
(136)
10,332
(136)
10,196		 Total
funds
2023
£
9,971
3,758,744
29,644
49,520
3,847,879
3,748,459
3,748,459
99,420
(136)
99,284
4,364,115
99,284
4,463,399		 Total
funds
2022
£
12,370
3,605,914
37,697
8,143
3,664,124
3,436,517
3,436,517
227,607
(343)
227,264
4,136,851
227,264
4,364,115

The notes on pages 18 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 00634981

Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Stocks
14
Debtors
15
Investments
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
17
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds
18
Total funds		 23,342
97,402
1,988,831
1,854,614
3,964,189
(481,114)		 2023
£
973,348
6,976
980,324
3,483,075
4,463,399
10,196
4,453,203
4,463,399		 24,406
138,724
1,153,198
2,864,874
4,181,202
(754,150)		 2022
£
929,951
7,112
937,063
3,427,052
4,364,115
10,332
4,353,783
4,364,115

The Governors 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.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Governors and signed on their behalf by:

J R Gittins Esq.

Date: 12 March 2024

The notes on pages 18 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 16

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 August 2023

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
20
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
21
The notes on pages 18 to 35 form part of these financial statements		 2023
£
(59,331)
49,520
(164,816)
(115,296)
(174,627)
4,018,072
3,843,445		 2022
£
370,719
8,143
(299,855)
(291,712)
79,007
3,939,065
4,018,072

Page 17

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

1. General information

West House School is a charity incorporated and registered in England and Wales. The registered company and charity numbers and registered office address are given on page 1 of these financial statements. The principal objectives and activities of the charity are set out in the Governors' Report.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 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.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to both years presented. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Company status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are elected at Annual General Meetings to serve as life members or annual subscribing members, under the terms of the Articles of Association. A total of £163 has been collected from life and subscribing members to date.

There are currently 6 members serving as elected Governors, as listed on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

2.3 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the governors believe that no material uncertainties exist. The governors have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for the 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The expected level of income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Page 18

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 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.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the charity, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

School and nursery fees are recognised in the accounting period in which the related educational services are provided. Fees are stated after deducting allowances, scholarships, bursaries and other remissions granted by the school.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.6 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.

Page 19

West House School

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

(A company limited by guarantee)

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

2.8 Investments

Fixed asset 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 on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.

2.9 Stocks

Stocks of uniforms are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Stocks of food and fuel are not valued.

2.10 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any sibling discount offered. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2.11 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short term maturity from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 20

West House School

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

(A company limited by guarantee)

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.12 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.13 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.14 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straightline basis over the lease term.

2.15 Pensions

The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the funds in respect of the year.

The charity's academic staff belong to the Teachers' Pension Scheme England and Wales (TPS). The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) is a statutory, contributory, defined benefit scheme, governed by the Teachers' Pension Scheme Regulations 2014. Membership is automatic for full-time teachers in academies. All teachers have the option to opt-out of the TPS following enrolment.

The TPS is an unfunded scheme to which both the member and employer makes contributions, as a percentage of salary - these contributions are credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.

Under the definitions set out in FRS 102, the TPS is an unfunded multi-employer pension scheme. The charity has accounted for its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme.

Page 21

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.16 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Governors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Governors for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. 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 discussed below.

Critical areas of judgement:

Depreciation

The Governors have reviewed the useful lives of fixed assets and associated residual values and concluded that they are appropriate to the activities of the charity.

Bad and doubtful debts

The Governors are required to exercise significant judgement in estimating the bad and doubtful debt provision, based on their assessment of the likelihood of recovery.

Page 22

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

4. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
West House School Parents' Association
-
Donations
9,971
Government grants
-
9,971		 Total
funds
2023
£
-
9,971
-
9,971		 Total
funds
2022
£
130
9,870
2,370
12,370

The total of the 2022 income above was wholly attributable to unrestricted funds.

5. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Gross fees
3,986,732
Bursaries
(258,781)
Recovery of costs for extras and disbursements
30,793
3,758,744		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,986,732
(258,781)
30,793
3,758,744		 Total
funds
2022
£
3,790,846
(246,695)
61,763
3,605,914

The total of the 2022 income above was wholly attributable to unrestricted funds.

Page 23

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

6. Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Hire of premises
10,610
Other fundraising activities
5,660
Sundry income
13,374
29,644		 Total
funds
2023
£
10,610
5,660
13,374
29,644		 Total
funds
2022
£
13,120
5,137
19,440
37,697

The total of the 2022 income above was wholly attributable to unrestricted funds.

7. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2022
£ £ £
Interest receivable on short-term deposits 49,520 49,520 8,143

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

School and Nursery
School and Nursery		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
2,938,859
Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
2,632,113		 Support
costs
2023
£
809,600
Support
costs
2022
£
804,404		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,748,459
Total
funds
2022
£
3,436,517

Page 24

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Staff agency fees
Rent, rates and insurance
Heat, light and water
Books, printing, stationery and materials
Leased equipment
Subscriptions
Bad debts
Depreciation of leasehold improvements
Depreciation of other assets
Analysis of support costs		 Total
funds
2023
£
2,165,907
72,110
110,074
160,290
217,943
6,102
90,945
-
29,092
86,396
2,938,859		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,931,339
119,745
109,890
124,105
189,502
330
39,488
798
38,490
78,426
2,632,113
Staff costs
Advertising and staff recruitment
Services and advice
Food, household expenses and laundry
Upkeep of gardens and grounds
Postage and telephone
Legal and professional
Repairs and renewals
ICT maintenance and support
Sundry expenses
Governance costs
Depreciation of other assets		 Total
funds
2023
£
248,150
37,799
89,582
144,908
43,964
24,010
33,423
78,149
38,577
52,027
13,080
5,931
809,600		 Total
funds
2022
£
224,099
59,505
147,772
126,153
22,602
21,841
1,357
95,835
24,487
66,150
10,118
4,485
804,404

Page 25

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

9. Net movement in funds

The net movement in funds is stated after charging:

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the charity's auditor for the audit of the charity's annual
accounts 8,195 7,450
Other costs:
Operating lease rentals - land and buildings 62,000 65,529
Operating lease rentals - office equipment 15,886 1,097
Depreciation 121,419 121,401

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contributions to pension schemes
Agency staff		 2023
£
1,992,467
175,650
245,940
72,110
2,486,167		 2022
£
1,767,972
161,812
225,654
119,745
2,275,183

The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Teaching and Nursery
Support
Administration		 2023
No.
52
17
9
78		 2022
No.
51
15
10
76

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2023 2022
No. No.
In the band £60,001 - £70,000 1 -
In the band £90,001 - £100,000 - 1
In the band £100,001 - £110,000 1 -

Page 26

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

11. Governors' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Governors received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 August 2023, no Governor expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL).

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 September 2022
Additions
At 31 August 2023
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022		 Design
Technology
Block
£
529,714
-
529,714
412,457
4,629
417,086
112,628
117,257		 Other leasehold
improvements
£
842,026
35,851
877,877
426,997
25,891
452,888
424,989
415,029		 Furniture,
fittings,
tools and
euipment
£
1,812,470
128,965
1,941,435
1,414,805
90,899
1,505,704
435,731
397,665		 Total
£
3,184,210
164,816
3,349,026
2,254,259
121,419
2,375,678
973,348
929,951

Page 27

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

13. Fixed asset investments

Market valuation
At 1 September 2022
Revaluations
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
14.
Stocks
Stock of uniform etc.
15.
Debtors
Fees receivable
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16.
Current asset investments
Short-term deposits		 2023
£
23,342
2023
£
28,250
6,391
62,761
97,402
2023
£
1,988,831		 Unlisted
investments
£
7,112
(136)
6,976
6,976
7,112
2022
£
24,406
2022
£
86,064
7,222
45,438
138,724
2022
£
1,153,198

Page 28

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

17. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Payments received in advance
Trade creditors
Deposits held
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 September 2022
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods		 2023
£
235,548
38,219
71,300
49,195
74,391
12,461
481,114
2023
£
48,877
-
(48,877)
-		 2022
£
303,312
238,205
69,000
43,779
43,776
56,078
754,150
2022
£
-
48,877
-
48,877

Page 29

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

18. Statement of funds

Statement of funds Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Balance at 1
September
2022
£
Income
£
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Michael Pratt
Memorial
83,742
-
Building and Site
Development
2,300,000
-
Excursion
Support Fund
8,410
-
Short-term
Financial
Hardship Fund
85,987
-
Fixed assets
929,951
-
3,408,090
-
General funds
General Funds
945,693
3,847,879
Total
Unrestricted
funds
4,353,783
3,847,879
Restricted
funds
S Lloyd Music
9,420
-
S Lloyd Awards
750
-
Member
subscriptions
162
-
10,332
-
Total of funds
4,364,115
3,847,879		 Expenditure
£
-
-
(2,624)
(23,652)
-
(26,276)
(3,722,183)
(3,748,459)
-
-
-
-
(3,748,459)		 Transfers
in/(out)
£
(76,000)
-
-
-
43,397
(32,603)
32,603
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(136)
-
-
(136)
(136)		 Balance at
31 August
2023
£
7,742
2,300,000
5,786
62,335
973,348
3,349,211
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Michael Pratt
Memorial
Building and Site
Development
Excursion
Support Fund
Short-term
Financial
Hardship Fund
Fixed assets
General funds
General Funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
S Lloyd Music
S Lloyd Awards
Member
subscriptions
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
September
2022
£
83,742
2,300,000
8,410
85,987
929,951
3,408,090
945,693
4,353,783
9,420
750
162
10,332
4,364,115
1,103,992
4,453,203
9,284
750
162
10,196
4,463,399

Page 30

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
Balance at 1
September
2021
£
Income
£
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Michael Pratt
Memorial
149,036
-
Building and Site
Development
1,999,532
-
Excursion
Support Fund
9,435
-
Short-term
Financial
Hardship Fund
96,638
-
Fixed assets
751,497
-
3,006,138
-
General funds
General Funds
1,120,200
3,664,124
Total
Unrestricted
funds
4,126,338
3,664,124
Restricted
funds
S Lloyd Music
9,763
-
S Lloyd Awards
750
-
Member
subscriptions
-
-
10,513
-
Total of funds
4,136,851
3,664,124		 Expenditure
£
-
-
(1,025)
(10,651)
-
(11,676)
(3,424,841)
(3,436,517)
-
-
-
-
(3,436,517)		 Transfers
in/(out)
£
(65,294)
300,468
-
-
178,454
413,628
(413,790)
(162)
-
-
162
162
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(343)
-
-
(343)
(343)		 Balance at
31 August
2022
£
83,742
2,300,000
8,410
85,987
929,951
3,408,090
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Michael Pratt
Memorial
Building and Site
Development
Excursion
Support Fund
Short-term
Financial
Hardship Fund
Fixed assets
General funds
General Funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
S Lloyd Music
S Lloyd Awards
Member
subscriptions
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
September
2021
£
149,036
1,999,532
9,435
96,638
751,497
3,006,138
1,120,200
4,126,338
9,763
750
-
10,513
4,136,851
945,693
4,353,783
9,420
750
162
10,332
4,364,115

Page 31

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

Purpose of funds

Designated funds

Michael Pratt Memorial - represents funding to be used at the discretion of the governors on scholarships, bursaries and any other similar causes.

Building and Site Development - represents funds earmarked by the charity in anticipation of the potential development of buildings on the site occupied by the school.

Excursion Support Fund - represents accumulated surpluses on school excursions to be utilised to subsidise future trips.

Short-term Financial Hardship Fund - represents funds set aside by the governors for future hardship awards.

Fixed assets - represents unrestricted funds tied up in the fixed assets of the charity.

Unrestricted general funds

Unrestricted general funds represent the free funds of the charity that are not designated for particular purposes.

Restricted funds

S Lloyd Music & Awards - represents investment funds held for the promotion of music education.

Member subscriptions - amounts collected from members as described in note 2.2.

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
973,348
Fixed asset investments
-
Current assets
3,960,969
Creditors due within one year
(481,114)
Total
4,453,203		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
6,976
3,220
-
10,196		 Total
funds
2023
£
973,348
6,976
3,964,189
(481,114)
4,463,399

Page 32

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Tangible fixed assets
929,951
Fixed asset investments
-
Current assets
4,177,982
Creditors due within one year
(754,150)
Total
4,353,783		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
7,112
3,220
-
10,332		 Total
funds
2022
£
929,951
7,112
4,181,202
(754,150)
4,364,115
20.
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2023
£
Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
99,284
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
121,419
Loss on investments
136
Interest from investments
(49,520)
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
1,064
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
41,322
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(273,036)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
(59,331)
21.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2023
£
Cash at bank
1,854,614
Short-term deposits
1,988,831
Total cash and cash equivalents
3,843,445		 2022
£
227,264
121,401
343
(8,143)
(3,898)
(20,983)
54,735
370,719
2022
£
2,864,874
1,153,198
4,018,072

Page 33

West House School

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

22. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits		 At 1
September
2022
£
2,864,874
1,153,198
4,018,072		 Cash flows
At 31
August 2023
£
£
(1,010,260)
1,854,614
835,633
1,988,831
(174,627)
3,843,445

23. Pension commitments

The charity contributes to the Government's Teachers' Pension Scheme and to the individual pension plans of certain employees. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.

The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to these funds and amounted to £245,940 (2022 - £225,654). Outstanding contributions of £7,874 (2022 - £1,585) were payable to these funds at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

The pension charge relates to the sole charitable activity and the liability at the balance sheet date is wholly representative of unrestricted funds.

24. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2023 the charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years		 2023
£
77,886
261,662
23,713,148
24,052,696		 2022
£
62,000
248,000
23,775,148
24,085,148

Page 34

West House School (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 August 2023

25. Related party transactions

West House Old Boys' Association

Two of the school's governors and the school's Headmaster served on the committee of West House Old Boys' Association during the year ended 31 August 2023.

At the balance sheet date, West House School owed £32,000 (2022 - £32,000) to West House Old Boys' Association by way of an interest-free loan.

At the balance sheet date, West House School owed £4,815 (2022 - £3,948) to West House Old Boys' Association in respect of subscriptions collected on their behalf.

West House School Parents' Association

The Headmaster of the school served on the committee of West House School Parents' Association during the year ended 31 August 2023.

Key management remuneration

During the year, remuneration paid to key management personnel totalled £415,131 (2022 - £403,685).

26. Agency arrangements

The charity passes on childcare grant funding to nursery pupils' parents as an agent. During the year, the charity received £142,138 (2022 - £128,444) of grant funding from Birmingham City Council and paid this over to parents. No amounts were owing to parents at the balance sheet date.

27. Controlling party

The charity is controlled by the Board of Governors.

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