The Richmond School Trust Annual Report for the Richmond School Trust September 2023 – August 2024
Charity Number: 529619
Contact address: 55 Maison Dieu, Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 7AU
Trustees and Officers:
Annette Clark (Chair- co-opted – appointed November’23); William Gedye (Treasurer – co-opted); Jacqui Walker (co-opted – Trustee Co-ordinator); Elaine Walton (coopted – retired as chair Nov.23); Clive World (co-opted); Trevor Cook (co-opted); Arte Dawson (co-opted from Nov.’23); Nicola Wilson (co-opted parent representative - Deputy Treasurer); Stuart Parsons (NYC Councillor); Paul Harrison (Richmond Town Councillor); Lorraine Hodgson (Richmond Town Councillor); Philip Wicks (Richmond Town Councillor – resigned November’23); Fergus Brown – Richmond Town Councillor from June’24); Judy Hooton (Chair of Governors)
Structure, governance and management
The Trust is managed by the Board of Trustees, all of whom are volunteers, receiving no fees or emoluments for their services.
The guiding strategic document for the Charity is its Scheme dated 29[th] December 1972 as amended on 7[th] July 2010 as amended by the scheme dated 23 August 2021 as amended by resolution, dated 10[th] March 2021.
The Objective of the Trust, as set out in the Scheme is to enable ‘the Trustees to apply such of the yearly net income sum, as they think fit in providing such benefits, of any kind not normally provided by the Department for Education (or other relevant funding authority), for students of the school, as may from time to time be agreed upon.’
Funding is awarded at the discretion of the Trustees and may be awarded to Richmond School’s current students and ex-students under 25 who are to continue their education and training. Funding is also given to staff whose applications meet criteria to support a range of students. Priority is given to those who are facing financial or other difficulties such as health conditions or other vulnerabilities. Meetings are held 3 times a year with a Financial sub-committee to ensure best practice.
Achievements and performance
The year had seen further development of the cost-of-living crisis as families struggled to make ends meet. This impacted on a wider group than those covered by pupil premium and free school meals. A number of students also suffered from mental health issues, which needed addressing and are not always available via the NHS. Some of these issues are sadly still a result of the impact of Covid on some of the individual students. Cuts in funding for the school have also impinged on what can be offered to the students.
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The Richmond School Trust Annual Report for the Richmond School Trust September 2023 – August 2024
To meet our objectives, we worked to ensure that we had an understanding of the needs of the students primarily, supporting them, we had a clear understanding of the school’s core values. The Trust is independent of Richmond School, but we continued to work closely with the school to ensure that the funds are targeted, effective and have a positive impact on the students.
We were able to spend £139,018 on grants over this period, an increase of £25,023 from last year. This was achieved by careful management of the invested funds enabling us to support the wide range of activities as outlined below.
Trustees agreed to top up the Head Teacher’s fund to £3,000 when needed. Over this financial period a total of £8,393 was paid. There was a growth in demand for items of uniform and shoes, illustrating the cost-of-living crisis. Occasional demands for emergency bus fares and food were also requested. The Head Teacher thanked the Trustees as this fund meant that there could be an immediate response to any issues.
We endeavoured to support the students and found that the categorisation has supported us when considering bids from individuals. We raised the profile among staff and students, so that applications have continued to grow. We have worked hard to ensure that we meet our target audience.
During the school year, we continued to support current students for activities within school, amounting to £9,928. Requests for those on PP or FSM varied from music lessons and exams, trips to Cern and the Battlefields, help with Duke of Edinburgh Award costs, maths’ tuition and the provision of a laptop. It has made things possible which might otherwise have been impossible.
The maths’ tuition was to support a young refugee who wanted to build up skills to get into the top set for maths. This tuition plus his hard work resulted in a Grade 8 in GCSE maths.
Two students have had help with music exams and lessons. Their mother responded ‘Thanks you so much – we really do appreciate it. It really means a huge amount to us as a family’. Their exam results led to appearances at the music High Scorer’s concerts.
Other students may have issues around SEND or mental health. An example was the provision of a laptop for a student – The laptop was fully appreciated allowing the 6[th] form student to further his education ‘to progress to a career in education specialising in SEN. Thank you for all the support’.
We have also supported students for their out of school activities – our financial contributions amounting to £15,779. This funding could be for elite practitioners to support the costs involved as their skills develop. The students engage in a range of out of school activities such as rugby, dressage, cheerleading, track and field events, archery, dance, a maths’ summer camp; swimming, motorcycling and music. We
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The Richmond School Trust Annual Report for the Richmond School Trust September 2023 – August 2024
also aim to support those out of school activities that support individuals to develop skills and socialisation as well as financial need – to support the cost of swimming for a student with a medical need; support for aspiring rugby players to enable them to participate at club level and above; support for a SEND student and a SPP student for an out of school football tournament.
Football trip to Bruge representing the EAFA: ….had a fantastic time with another 90 amputee children from all over Europe…he was selected to train with the top group and received some super training and skills sessions over the 3 days. We are so grateful for the Trust’s support’ .
Archery: A year 9 student won the u15 Junior National Championship in the compound bow section at Lilleshall and is also Yorkshire Junior Champion this year! After a very successful national talent development course at Lilleshall over winter, he's having a great season so far and is hopeful of moving up the national performance pathway this year.
Cheerleading – a number of students were supported from the Lazer Cheer cheerleading group who competed in the world championship in the USA. A parent wrote thanking us and alerting us to the fact that their daughter has also been chosen to represent Team England in the world championships the week before she competes with Lazers so it is going to be a very exciting couple of weeks.
Rugby – thanks were received as it was a great help for things going forward. He was selected for England Community Lions u17 squad becoming captain against France.
We have also been updated on the progress of previous award winners: a first win in a Superteens British Superbikes at Donnington Park - This would not have been possible without support from organisations such as yours, your help on the Motorcross stage was really appreciated and we are really excited to see how his career will develop.
A recent sixth former has been selected to represent Great Britain u21 at the European Youth Cup (archery) Thanks to the trustees; their support is, and has been, great assistance
We continue to support those students eligible for the Brackenbury Award, totalling £15,833 this year. – an increased grant of up to £1,500 for those continuing with education and training at university, college of FE or an apprenticeship. Examples include support for a student doing a second-year equine study course requiring support with accommodation; head shots for an acting portfolio; Architecture degree for an ESOL student; Speech and Language therapy; primary education with QT for a young carer; attendance at an Australian academic symposium to support PhD studies.
PhD student attending the Swifposium in Melbourne: I am so grateful for the support. For my first conference, it was definitely nerve-wracking(!). My conference talk was
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The Richmond School Trust Annual Report for the Richmond School Trust September 2023 – August 2024
a success, and it was an amazing chance to engage in deeper discourse surrounding the impact of Taylor Swift. I met some amazing researchers and academics and look forward to continuing to work with them further as I develop my academic career!
Equine studies student’s parents: Thank you so so much for this award, this is just a game changer for us next year. ….she has also just been awarded distinctions in all her exams so it is absolutely money well spent!!
We continued to ensure that the Trust addresses needs across the school with particular attention to those students who are vulnerable in some way. Data on how many students would be from vulnerable groups is therefore requested. This includes those with financial issues, SEND, students with health issues, Service children, young carers, those with additional pastoral needs and those who are the first in the family to attend university. We also understand that there have been cuts to funding schools, so we have taken into consideration that some materials will not be available to school departments. We do not fund those things that are curriculum based, but those things that can add value to the student experience.
We had a range of staff bids which amounted to £88,886 being awarded. Examples included Cheer outfits for the newly formed Richmond School’s cheerleading group; coaches for the Cern/French trip, Jodrell Bank and Science Talks; WW1/WW2 handling sessions; Bokken, Boxwell, FTT equipment; Running club vests; Auschwitz survivor talk; Just B Funding, an AV1 Robot for an SEN student support for music tour and continued support for the careers budget.
Music tour support - Our students excelled themselves in new surroundings and their performances surpassed my expectations. It was absolutely the best concert tour I have ever been part of.
We also forged a wonderful new relationship with Bammental Gymnasium School Orchestra, just outside Heidelberg. We held a full house, joint concert, where our students received a rapturous standing ovation! All of this was made possible with your generous support of the department’s tour. Head of Music
Holocaust Survivor Talk - A huge thank you to all the trustees for allowing me to have the funding to invite the wonderful Arek Hersh (Holocaust survivor) into school a couple of weeks ago. I'm really pleased that we could provide this once in a lifetime opportunity to both students and staff which wouldn't have been possible without you. It was an incredibly moving experience. History Teacher
The Just Be Counselling had a significant award of £25,000 for the year. This has proved to be very effective to address the needs of the growing cohort of students with more complex needs and was expanded to cover KS3/KS4 and Sixth Form Students over 3 days a week. A key element is educating children and their families
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The Richmond School Trust Annual Report for the Richmond School Trust September 2023 – August 2024
about the importance of taking a positive, proactive stance to their own mental health. This takes learning and practice. Time is needed for any sort of balance to be reestablished in the lives of the students. The effects of the pandemic and social media are huge. (Head Teacher)
The BMX workshop and the stage fighting workshop were both applications that were directed to those vulnerable students. They were offered to students of year groups Year 7-8 but prioritising those who have no engagement with school. A clear list of those who haven't participated in anything within school can be identified via a tracking systems on Evolve. The Trustees are aware of the data collection system gaining an understanding of issues that affect student participation after school such as travel. There is also an understanding that some student’s confidence is low and there can be a need to also have a friend to participate too. There will be regular updates to ensure that priority is given to those staff applications that cater for vulnerable groups.
Financial Review
The Trust continued to invest with the Charities Ethical Investment Fund at the Churches, Charities & Local Authorities investment company (CCLA), based on our wish to invest in a company with high ethical standards and investments. The fund fluctuates on a daily basis but remains in a healthy position. A total of grants paid was £139,018. The total assets at the end of the financial year were £895,185.
We were therefore still in a position in supporting the school with funds between £100,000 and £150,000. Shares were sold on an occasional basis with a gain on investments of £28,160. The financial position is checked on a regular basis to ensure that we allocate funding within our means to ensure the longevity of the funding available.
The accounts were examined by an Independent Examiner for the 12-month period, ending 3st August 2024, expressing there were no concerns.
Annette Clark Richmond School Trust - Chair
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YEAR END MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
September 2023-August 2024
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
INVESTMENT INCOME Banking Reconciliation Investment Income From Shares 27,752 Current a/c b/f 7,261 Interest Deposit Account 407 Unity Deposit a/c b/f 1,177 Total Investment Income 28,160 CCLA Deposit a/c b/f 8 Opening Balances 8446 EXPENDITURE Income 28,160 Grants Paid 139,018 Expenditure (140,404) Administration & Bank Charges 1,386 Sale of Shares 120,191 Total Expenditure 140,404 Movement in year 7946 Current a/c c/f 6,555 Unity Deposit a/c c/f 9,733 CCLA Deposit a/c c/f 104 (Bid ) Closing Balances 16392 £16,392 Investments b/f 958,698 Gain/(Loss) on Investments 85,312 Value of Shares Sold (120,191) Investments c/f 923,819 923,819 0 Grants Carried forward to next year (45,026) Cash at Banks 16,392 Total Assets £895,185
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATION BASED ON RESOLUTION 18 November 2020
| Baseline | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Baseline Investment | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 |
| Unallocated Total return | 377,799 | 569,333 | 382,701 | 283,511 | 265,185 |
| Total Fund | 1,007,799 | 1,199,333 | 1,012,701 | 913,511 | 895,185 |
The Richmond School Trust
Accounts For The Financial Year Ending - 31 August 2024
The Finance Team October 2024
` The Richmond School Trust
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ending 31 August 2024
The Finance Team present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name The Richmond School Trust Charity registration number 529619 Principal office 55 Maison Dieu Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 7AU
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` The Richmond School Trust
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ending 31 August 2024
| Income and Endowments Investment Income Deposit Account Interest Total Income Expenditure Expenditure on Charitable Activities Administration & Bank Charges Forward Commitments Total Expenditure Net gain on investments Net income and net movement of funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Grants brought Forward Total funds carried forward |
2023-2024 Unrestricted Funds 27,752 407 28,160 139,018 1,386 45,026 185,430 85,312 (71,959) 913,511 53,634 895,185 |
2022-2023 Unrestricted Funds 30,542 220 |
|---|---|---|
| 30,762 | ||
| 113,770 225 53,634 |
||
| 167,629 | ||
| (28,621) | ||
| (165,487) | ||
| 1,012,701 66,297 |
||
| 913,511 |
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 Richmond School Trust
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ending 31 August 2023
| Note Investments Brought Forward Gain/(Loss) Purchase/(Sales) Investments Carried Forward Cash At Bank Current Account Deposit Account Unity Trust Bank Deposit Account CCLA Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets Total Assets less current liabilities |
2023-2024 £ 958,698 85,312 (120,191) 923,819 6,555 9,733 104 45,026 (28,634) 895,185 |
2022-2023 £ 1,070,319 (28,621) (83,000) 958,698 7,261 1,177 8 53,634 |
|---|---|---|
| (57,618) | ||
| 901,081 |
Investments are all held in the Charities Ethical Investment Fund of the CCLA.
| At the Trustees meeting on 18 November 2020 a resolution | At the Trustees meeting on 18 November 2020 a resolution | was agreed to | recognise the 'Total | recognise the 'Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return Investment' Approach to Income from investments. | |||||
| Investment Fund | |||||
| Fixed Baseline Investment | 630,000 | ||||
| Unallocated Total return | 377,799 | ||||
| Total Fund at 18 November 2020 | 1,007,799 | ||||
| Baseline | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | **2022-2023 ** | 2023-2024 | |
| Fixed Baseline Investment | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 | 630,000 |
| Unallocated Total return | 377,799 | 569,333 | 271,081 | 265,185 | 265,185 |
| Total Fund | 1,007,799 | 1,199,333 | 901,081 | 895,185 | 895,185 |
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 27 November 2024 and are signed on behalf of the board by:
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William Gedye Date Treasurer
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Annette Clark Date Chair of The Trustees
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` The Richmond School Trust
Examiners Report
Year Ending 31 August 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Richmond School Trust ('the charity') for the 12 months ended 31 August 2024
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 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
…...................... …...............................................
Anne Young Independent examiner Date
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Notes to The Financial Statements
Period Ending 31 August 2024
1 General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated.
2 Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
3 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Investments
expenditure.
Total Return Investment
At the Trustees meeting on 18 November 2020 a resolution was agreed to recognise the 'Total Return Investment' Approach to investments.
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~ The Richmond School Trust
Examiners Report
Year Ending 31 August 2024 RS a a A a a AR a i a ge a aR a a Sa A RE A RR a li a a I
| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Richmond School Trust (‘the charity’) for the 12 months ended 31 August 2024 7
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 (‘the Act’).
| report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
<
Independent examiner's statement
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
q
| 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.
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Anne Young Independent examiner
Date
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