## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION** 

**(Charity number 529834)** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**for the year ended 31 August 2024** 

**HPH Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham York YO30 7XZ** 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

|**CONTENTS**|**_Page_**|
|---|---|
|Annual Report of the Trustee|1 - 20|
|Public Benefit and Outreach Statement and Bursary Policy|21 - 22|
|Auditor's Report|23 - 26|
|Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities|27|
|Balance Sheets|28|
|Consolidated Cash Flow Statement|29|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|30 - 47|





**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Trustee presents its report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant version of 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). 

|**Governor**|**Note**|**Remarks**|**1**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**6**|**7**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Mr TA Stephenson MA FCA||Until September 2024|||||*|||
|Mr JVT Tilsed MB BS, MS,<br>FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Gen Surg),<br>FEBS(EmSurg)|8|Chair|*|||*|C|*||
|Mr JSL Burke BDS|10|Vice-Chair|||||*|C||
|Mrs K Groves LLB|11|Vice-Chair|C||||*||*|
|The Rev Dr JJ Belder||Until September 2023||||||*||
|Mr EM George||Until July 2024|*||*|||||
|Mr JL Burley BSc MRICS||Until December 2023||*||||||
|Mrs F Eldridge BSc (Hons), PGCE,<br>FIOD|||*|||||*||
|Mrs RH Cookson BA FRSA|||||||||*|
|Mr M Whitney||From March 2025||||||||
|Ms Z Ashraff B.Ch.D||From March 2025||||||||
|Mrs CL Grant BA PGCE J.P.||From March 2025||||||||
|Cllr R M Cronshaw BSc|11|Representing Pocklington Town Council||*||||*|*|
|Mr S Hare||||||*||||
|Mrs DP Flint MBA FCIPD|12||||||*||C|
|Mrs PC Hildyard BA||||||||*||
|Mr SWL Lunt LLB||Until December 2024||*||*||||
|Mrs CJ Peake BA|||||C|||||
|Mrs L Rickatson LLB (Hons)||||*||||||
|Mr DM Strachan MA|||*||*|||||
|Mr N Minns|13|||C|*|||||
|Mr NJ Robson BA (Hons) FCCA||||||C|||*|



## **COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND GOVERNORS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES** 

1.   Education 4.   Finance 7.   Pocklington Prep _Special Responsibility for:_ 2.   Estates and Project 5.   Nominations and 8.  AGBIS 10. Child Protection Oversight Governance Representative 11. Boarding 3.   External Relations 6.   Pastoral and 9.  Fundraising – 12. Academic and Support Staff Safeguarding Children Financial Oversight 13.  Health and Safety Oversight 

## **LIFE PATRONS (retired Governors, who are no longer Directors, and other Supporters)** 

Mrs J Atkinson Mrs JS Davies DL SSSJ The Rt Hon DM Davis MP Mr B Fenwick-Smith MA Mr RE Haynes MA The Rt Hon The Earl of Halifax JP DL Mrs N Jennings Mr JL Mackinlay DL FCA FCMA Mr CM Oughtred MA DL Dr AJ Warren MBE MA DPhil FRHS Mr JA Farmer FCA Mr JL Burley BSc MRICS Mr TA Stephenson MA FCA The Rev LJ Slow BSc MSc 

1 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **OFFICERS** 

The Head The Bursar Head of Pocklington Prep School 

Mr TDG Seth MA Mr RB Bloxwich MA FCA Ms S Ward LLB 

## **REGISTERED ADDRESS** 

West Green Pocklington York, YO42 2NJ 

## **AUDITOR** 

HPH Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham York, YO30 7XZ 

## **BANKERS** 

National Westminster Bank plc 31 Market Place Pocklington York, YO42 2AS 

## **INVESTMENT ADVISORS** 

Brewin Dolphin Ltd 34 Lisbon Street Leeds LS1 4LX 

2 



# **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## Governing Document 

Pocklington School was founded in 1514.  The Pocklington School Foundation comprises both Pocklington School, the Pocklington Prep School and the Pre-School at Pocklington Prep School. The Pocklington School Foundation is a registered charity, number 529834. The governing document is a Scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 1 September 2008.  A corporate trustee, Pocklington School Trustee Limited administers the charity – the directors and members are those listed on Page 1 and are known as Governors. 

## Governor Recruitment and Training 

Co-Opted Governors.  Governors are elected on the recommendations of the Nominations and Governance Committee.  Criteria for selection for each vacancy are established by the Committee following an audit of existing skills and competence.  Availability of suitable and willing candidates from the local community has not yet been an issue. 

Ex-Officio Governors. The appointment of this group of Governors is self-explanatory. 

Nominated Governors. The organisations entitled to nominate governors all have different methods of selecting representatives. The Nominations and Governance Committee negotiates with the head of each body to ensure that nominations assist the Governors in maintaining the breadth of experience and skills required. 

Training.  New Governors receive a full induction from the Chair, the Head and the Bursar. The Chair uses courses organised by the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS) and the Boarding Schools Association to develop trustee-specific skills relevant to the Foundation. 

## Organisational Management 

The Trustee is legally responsible for the overall management and control of the Schools, and the Governors meet at least three times a year.  The Board now has seven Governors' committees with formal responsibilities for oversight of defined aspects of school and charity life. The Nominations and Governance Committee meets when required, the other committees usually meet in the first half of each term and, additionally, the Finance Committee also meets to approve budgets and accounts.  The Project Oversight Committee meets monthly to monitor building development during periods of intensive building work. 

The day-to-day running of the Foundation is delegated to the Head of Pocklington School, in accordance with _The Directions for the Conduct of the Charity,_ supported by key management personnel who form the Foundation Planning Group.   Every meeting of the Board or its committees is attended by the Head or the Bursar, or by both.  The Head of the Prep School and the Pocklington School Senior Deputy Head also attend meetings of the full Board of Governors. 

## Other Relationships 

The Head is a member of the Head Masters’ and Mistresses’ Conference (HMC) and the Foundation also holds membership of AGBIS, the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association and the Boarding Schools’ Association.   All give the opportunity to share expertise, knowledge and experience across the independent school sector as well as appropriate representation to Government and regulators of the views of the sector. 

3 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **ETHOS AND VALUES** 

A Pocklington education is: 

- Academically challenging, supportive and individually personalised 

- Holistic, broad and full of opportunity 

- Family and community focussed 

- Grounded in our Values and Virtues 

- One that embeds personal and social responsibility 

- Designed to ensure pupils are adaptable and future-world ready 

- Inclusive and caring with a Christian ethos that welcomes all faiths and none 

## **AIMS** 

We aim to: 

- Uphold our Pocklington Values and Virtues in all that we do 

- Broaden our pupils’ horizons and raise their ambitions 

- Work closely with families in educating their children 

- Nurture innovation and adaptability and be proud of our tradition 

- Be a great place to live and work 

- Ensure our Foundation’s long-term future 

## **STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES** 

Our strategic objectives are to: 

- Foster and deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality 

- Retain and develop our first-class teaching and support staff 

- Further improve our outstanding: 

   - sport, music, drama and wider co-curricular programmes 

   - `o` boarding, pastoral care and provision for wellbeing 

- Optimise our pupil recruitment 

- Cultivate a culture of giving back and increase accessibility to the School 

- Be sustainable and efficient 

- Inspire, support and celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion 

- Extend and deepen our links with our local, national and international community 

- Continue to grow a technologically capable community 

The Foundation is an Equal Opportunities employer.  Full and fair consideration is given to job applications from disabled persons and due consideration is given to their training and employment needs. 

The Foundation is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

The Foundation consults widely with staff and parents when drawing up each iteration of the strategic plan and staff are made aware of the financial and economic performance of the Foundation. 

Communication with staff takes various forms including termly and weekly briefings and training, newsletters and e-mail correspondence to augment the usual cascade of information through normal management channels. 

4 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Trustee presents its report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024. These comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charitable Scheme and the ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS 102)’. 

## **OBJECTS, AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The object of the Pocklington School Foundation (Foundation or Charity) is to advance education in particular by the provision of a day and boarding school, for boys and girls in or near Pocklington and by ancillary or incidental educational activities and other associated charitable activities as the Trustee thinks fit which may include a pre-school, nursery provision or the provision of childcare, for the benefit of the public. The main beneficiaries are the pupils of the Foundation. Other beneficiaries include pupils at local state schools, who have access to facilities and our outreach programme, and young people who have regular access to our facilities through local and national clubs. 

Our new ethos, aims and objectives are evident through our ‘refreshed’ Strategic Education Vision: 

## Ethos and Values 

## A Pocklington education is: 

- Academically challenging, supportive and individually personalized 

- Holistic, broad and full of opportunity 

- Family and community focussed 

- Grounded in our Values and Virtues 

- One that embeds personal and social responsibility 

- Designed to ensure pupils are adaptable and future-world ready 

- Inclusive and caring with a Christian ethos that welcomes all faiths and none 

## Aims 

We aim to: 

- Uphold our Pocklington Values and Virtues in all that we do 

- Broaden our pupils’ horizons and raise their ambitions 

- Work closely with families in educating their children 

- Nurture innovation and adaptability and be proud of our tradition 

- Be a great place to live and work 

- Ensure our Foundation’s long-term future 

## Strategic Objectives 

Our strategic objectives are to: 

- Foster and deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality 

- Retain and develop our first-class teaching and support staff 

- Further improve our outstanding 

   - sport, music, drama and wider co-curricular programmes 

   - boarding, pastoral care and provision for wellbeing 

- Optimise our pupil recruitment 

- Cultivate a culture of giving back and increase accessibility to the School 

- Be sustainable and efficient 

- Inspire, support and celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion 

- Extend and deepen our links with our local, national and international community 

- • Continue to grow a technologically capable community 

In setting these objectives, the Governors have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary guidance on advancing education and on fee-charging. 

5 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Trustee exercises its stewardship of the permanent endowment of buildings and grounds (including the maintenance of art, artefacts and archive documents) as well as non-endowed trust funds for special purposes in connection with facilities and for scholarships, bursaries, prizes and other educational purposes. 

The Foundation comprises Pocklington School (School), for pupils aged 11-18, Pocklington Prep School (Prep School), for pupils aged 4-11, and the Pre-School at Pocklington Prep School, for pupils aged 2-4. We welcome pupils of all backgrounds. For the academic year, the Foundation had an average of 736 pupils (2023: 763) of whom 202 (2023: 197) attended Pocklington Prep School and 74 (2023: 73) were boarders. The Pre-School had an average of 21 pupils (2023: 15) and 72% (2023: 84%) of the sessions were taken. Local demand remains solid but demographic trends are monitored closely and the impact of the current economic climate remains uncertain. 

In setting the strategy for achieving the objectives, Governors are mindful of the need to: 

- place the academic syllabus, teaching practices and examination results in the broader educational context including value-added analysis, 

- ensure the range of co-curricular activities is stimulating and challenging, 

- invest in infrastructure, and 

- continue to refine policy and practice for awarding bursaries to encourage wider access to pupils from all backgrounds. 

Where we can, and where it is wanted, we co-operate with several local primary and secondary schools. We offer an additional programme of support via Chatta, a novel learning application that has been developed to help young learners read and articulate ideas, and which is being demonstrated in several local schools. 

We wish pupils to attain the highest academic achievements of which they are capable as well as to provide an extra-curricular programme which aims to develop life-long interests, helps to build self-confidence and instils a desire to contribute to the community. Every effort is made to further enhance standards, to improve facilities and to keep class sizes small. Since 2023, we have refreshed our Strategic Education Vision and have drawn up newly designed Strategic Education Plans (SEP) that have at their heart a number of key areas: developing our curriculum so that it meets the needs of a changing pupil population, refining our cocurricular offering so that it is in line with demand and pupil interest and ensuring our pastoral care remains the very best it can be. We are also working to mitigate the impact of the imposition of VAT by the Labour government by seeking additional boarding pupils from overseas territories and establishing new revenue streams through a revitalisation of our lettings programme and the construction and opening of a nursery. We have also increased our capacity in the External Relations department, by removing the requirement to teach from the Director of External Relation’s job description. 

We are planning for possible knock-on effects of VAT by scenario planning for future School sizes and have ensured communication with parents is kept regular and supportive in this area. 

We continue to engage with parents through formal and informal contacts, reports, and through social media, letters, e-mails, magazines, bulletins and the website which has recently been redesigned and relaunched. We have also increased our ‘in-school’ contact points with parents, with view to reminding them, post pandemic, of the excellence their children experience on a daily basis when in School. We remain proud of our outreach into the local community, whereby we also support deserving candidates with an increasingly popular and successful bursary programme. 

The Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and demands that all staff and volunteers share this commitment. 

6 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR** 

This year has seen the Foundation perform well, despite a number of significant external pressures. The imposition of VAT by the Labour government loomed large for the whole year and has, without doubt, unsettled the community to some extent. Despite this, the Foundation has performed well and continues to see developments in many areas. At the core of this was our strategic review of our Vision, to which Governors and staff contributed in the first half of the year. 

Our Foundation wide parent survey returned excellent results. On average, 85%+ of parents were positive about their child’s experience, and boarding families were overwhelmingly positive. 

Parents most valued the following aspects of provision: 

   - Academics: Small class sizes, positive relations between pupils and staff, feedback from teachers and individual support 

   - Co-curricular: Sport, range of clubs and activities, after school clubs and house competitions 

   - Pastoral care: Positive relations between pupils and staff, caring and nurturing culture 

   - Boarding: Positive relations between pupils and staff 

- Parents wanted to see the following aspects of provision develop further: 

   - Academics: Feedback from teachers (both to parents and pupils), face to face parents’ evenings, stretch and challenge and individual support 

   - Co-curricular: Sport, term time trips and visits, range of clubs and activities, after school clubs 

   - Pastoral care: Food, individual pastoral support, positive relationships between pupils and staff, Wellbeing service and caring and nurturing culture 

   - Boarding: Midweek activities (v limited sample size) 

## Parents most valued: 

- Promoting happy children and a positive sense of wellbeing 

- Positive academic outcomes (results, sense of progress, understanding of what to do, appreciation of importance of academic study) 

- Character education (confidence, humility, self-awareness, resilience, compassion, kindness) 

- Positive relations between staff and students (specifically referencing caring and nurturing culture) 

- Support & individual support in particular 

- Ensuring pupils reach their potential (recognising that potential varies) 

- An all-rounded education 

We have also made strides in deepening our understanding of the challenges we face in the field of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and through the Foundation wide adoption of CPOMS (pastoral management system) we have improved our provision in this already strong area. 

In the Senior School, our teaching and learning associates have furthered their impact, focussing on assessment and feedback as their core area. We have witnessed and supported the growth of AI as a tool to support both teachers and pupils and its use is beginning to spread throughout all areas of School life. We have adapted to a new inspection framework and are due an inspection in the first half of the 2024/25 academic year. We continue to develop our fundraising capacity and have plans to expand our bursary provision, through the removal of newly awarded scholarship and exhibition awards. 

In summer 2024 students sat a full suite of A-level, Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)/GCSE and Cambridge National examinations. 

7 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **GCSE results** 

|**Year**|**% 9-7grades**||**% 9-4grades**|**% 9-4grades**|**% ofpupils with 5 x 9-4grades**|**% ofpupils with 5 x 9-4grades**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2024**|**55.6%**||**95.0%**|||**96.5%**|
|**2023**|41.6%||91.6%|||95.2%|
|**2022**|59.0%||96.0%|||98.7%|
|**2021**|59.2%||97.9%|||100%|
|**2020**|50.6%||97.6%|||100%|
|**2019**|40.2%||92.4%|||97.3%|
|**A-level and BTEC results**|||||||
|**Year**|**% A*/A grades**||**% A*-Bgrades**|**% A*-Cgrades**||**% A*-Egrades**|
|**2024**|**39.7%**||**64.6%**|**90.0%**||**99.1%**|
|**2023**|35.4%||65.0%|85.2%||99.6%|
|**2022**|50.2%||73.7%|93.2%||100.0%|
|**2021**|54.5%||84.5%|96.4%||100.0%|
|**2020**|49.1%||75.0%|94.5%||100.0%|
|**2019**|32.2%||56.5%|79.2%||97.3%|



Of particular note are the BTEC outcomes, in which all students achieved pass grades or higher, with 50% (2023: 60%) of Sport, 86% (2023: 71%) of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and 60% (2023: 40%) of Enterprise BTEC grades at Distinction (D) or D*, 

Of those students in the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system, 82% (2023: 69%) were accepted into their first-choice university and 14% (2023: 15%) into their insurance choice. 52% (2023: 45%) of students in the UCAS system achieved places at Russell Group universities including 3 students who successfully achieved places to study Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. 

Students taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as an academic extension option at A-Level have always impressed with their ability to problem-solve independently and develop essential research skills to further their studies at School and beyond, culminating in original and thought-provoking projects. The 2023-24 cohort were no exception, with the qualification growing in popularity during the last 18 months. Project topics included the impact of bovine tuberculosis on the UK cattle industry, the development of commercial air travel in the last 50 years, the relevance of forensic dentistry in modern murder cases, the impact of Brexit on the tyre industry, legal controls in social media advertising, and challenges faced by families and carers looking after individuals with dementia. The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) provides GCSE level pupils with an opportunity to research in depth a topic of their choice, allowing them to develop important problem-solving, planning and presentation skills, alongside broadening their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. The 2023-24 cohort selected an inspiring array of topics to focus on including: how the synthesizer revolutionised music, whether dystopian literature is a warning or a prophecy, and how motivation affects people’s performance in sport. 

We do not, though, assess achievement by examination results alone. Pocklington School subscribes to independently set and assessed base line tests at age 11, 14 and 16 which produces predictions of GCSE and A-level results. Staff use these to assess value-added performance and to track and monitor pupil performance across each academic year. 

Students have participated in a range of external extra-curricular competitions and events this academic year, reflecting the School’s commitment to a holistic education. Geography students completed a range of fieldwork visits including to Malham and Bridlington while Biology students were able to conduct fieldwork at Cranedale and Filey as part of their A level studies. A range of live performances have been enjoyed in the past 12 months, including theatre trips to see Wicked, Metamorphosis, and The Woman in Black by 

8 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

Music and Drama students, participation in the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival, as well as a visit to Stratford Upon Avon by Year 8 English students. 

Modern Foreign Language (MFL) students enjoyed a trip to Spark Language School in Andalucia as well as competing successfully in a local schools’ MFL debating competition and participating in the national Poesia Competition. Classics students enjoyed a residential visit to Hadrian’s Wall, and a trip to Italy, as well as participating in the EMACT (East Midlands Association of Classical Teachers) Reading Competition. 

Sixth Form Art and Photography students participated in their annual trip to London, while Mathematics students continue to participate in United Kingdom Mathematics Trust’s (UKMT) range of challenges with students achieving gold, silver and bronze certificates in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior challenges, and sixth form mathematicians participating in the Ritangle Challenge. 

Sixth Form Chemistry students participated in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and Cambridge Chemistry Race, achieving several awards, and also completed the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad. Sixth Form pupils also worked towards the Institute of Civil Engineering’s Citizen Award while younger pupils participated in the Physics and Biology Olympics. Computing pupils participated in the Perse Coding competition and the Hour of Code movement, while those studying Business competed in both Doshi trading, and Young Enterprise competitions, in which they achieved the accolade of Best Presentation and became regional winners for North and South Humber. 

We have developed a new 2024 SEP in Pocklington Prep School (Prep School), that has specific aims that fit the whole Foundation objectives. We have developed the curriculum with a tailor-made programme entitled ‘The Curiosity Project’ which aims to foster investigation, independence, and excellence in academic provision and achievement. This has now been in operation for three years and is subject to ongoing evaluation and improvement. To support the curriculum we have invested in additional tracking programmes and assessment materials for all areas. 

Our provision continues to evolve and we are moving towards achieving excellence in all areas. Reading attainment continues to reach high levels. This year we have embedded the Maths Mastery approach and have now turned our attention to improving spelling and writing outcomes for children of all ages. 

The Profile data for the 2023/24 cohort shows that 69% of children achieved the GLD (Good Level of Development) measure at the end of Reception, aligning closely with the national average of 68%. Although the overall percentage in the Prep School was lower than previous years (85.7% in 2022), progress measures indicate that all pupils made excellent progress in relation to their starting points. Specifically, 100% of pupils made expected or better progress in reading, 93% in writing, and 85% in maths. 

All pupils, including those with additional needs, make good progress in relation to their starting points. The high-quality in-house Pre-School experience, which the majority of our Reception children now enjoy, has a significant part to play in the excellent progress our children make. Across the EYFS, personalised learning, a carefully planned curriculum and targeted interventions all contribute to the childrens’ outcomes. 

Broadly speaking, the academic ability of the majority of pupils within the Prep School is within the average range, with one child who receives funding through an Education Health and Care Plan (which pays for additional one-to-one Learning Support Assistant time). Evidence shows that the longer the children are with us, the more progress they make. By year Six, value-added data demonstrates that children who have been with us for a number of years have made greater progress in relation to raw ability than those who join us later. 

All pupils leaving the Prep School at year Six gained entrance to either our senior School or the senior school of their choice. Two children achieved a music scholarship, one child achieved an academic scholarship and one child achieved an exhibition. 

9 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

Our End of Year Celebration event, included a number of wonderful and moving performances as well as one from a former Prep student who achieved a music scholarship and had just completed his GCSEs. We saw the event as an opportunity to showcase developing talent across the Prep School and emphasise the value that a Prep education offers. 

The Foundation is very proud of the all-round opportunities provided for all pupils. A wide range of team and individual sport is encouraged. 

Prep School sport continues to have ‘engagement and enjoyment’ at the heart of all it does. From Year 3, all children have the opportunity to represent their School in sport. Fixtures continue to be supported by parents and staff and provide a great opportunity for children to learn to engage with sport in a safe and controlled environment. Our Swim Squad, Cross Country team and Athletics team have had some great successes and are deservedly proud of their achievements. We have a number of Prep School pupils who represent the School as part of the Foundation Equestrian Team. They have had some super successes as both individuals and part of the team at the recent National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) trials at Epworth. 

Across the Senior School sport continues to flourish, several students have progressed to representing the county or region at rugby, hockey, netball, cross-country and cricket and our equestrian team continues to excel with several students qualifying to represent East, South and West Yorkshire. 

Our U15 girls' cricket team continue their journey with a memorable victory against St Peters in the final week of the season being a highlight, tennis has seen record numbers on the courts, and we enjoyed sending our very best down to Eton for the Schools Championship in late June. 

In Athletics we had outings to Hull, York, and Middlesborough, where the Junior & Inter Girls made it through the Humberside Round to get through to the Regional Finals in Middlesborough. 

A few of the standout performers are shown below. 

## Rugby 

- Fielding three senior rugby teams for the first time in over four years with, on that weekend, three senior wins. 

- Senior boys representing the school, and going on to represent the 1st XV, that haven't played rugby in over 3=three years. 

- The first ever Lower School non-contact fixture afternoon vs Hill House, on the same afternoon that every single boy in first and second year represented the School in fixtures at either A or B team. 

- A highest ever 25[th] ranking on the Daily Mail schools ranking on the back of wins against Ampleforth, Scarborough and Bradford for the 1st XV. 

- 1st XV Rugby through to the 4[th] round of the RFU National Competition. 

- A new weekly rugby structure that includes player driven review and preview using the new VEO equipment. 

- The 2nd XV going unbeaten for the first seven weeks of the season. 

- Four players were retained in the Yorkshire Rugby Academy following a summer training window. 

- One player was invited into the Yorkshire Rugby Academy on trial for five weeks following his impressive start to term. 

- One player was selected as an England Academy Player (EAP) and has signed a contract with the academy that gives him extra support in his ambition to become a professional player. 

- Ten of our U17s players on trial to enter a Yorkshire U17s developing players programme. 

- One player selected in the Yorkshire U16s PDG group, training on Friday nights at Bishop Burton. 

- - Three players nominated for the independent school's representative team 'The Lambs' - with trials taking place in January. 

- Three players nominated for U15s Yorkshire PDG Groups. 

10 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## Hockey 

- 1st XI Girls winning Presidents Cup against Hymers 

- U14 Girls through to the 3rd Round of the National Tier 1 Cup 

- U14 Girls undefeated through eight games with a goal difference of +38 

- Every single girl in the Lower School has played at least 1 game for the School and they all played in a full block against Hill House school 

- U13 Girls have progressed through to the Area Round of the In2Hockey national competition 

- One player is representing Wakefield Hockey Club Ladies 1st XI each weekend in the Division 1 North of the England Hockey National Leagues 

- Three players are part of the England Hockey Talent Academy pathways 

## Netball 

- U14 team through to County Finals in November 

- One player and her team through to regional league for club 

- Five players are all through to county netball performance and development pathways. 

- - One player has been selected for the Loughborough Lightening U16 netball academy 

## Cross Country 

- In the East Riding Cross Country event our individual runners became Champion, 2[nd] Silver medalist, Bronze Medalist and took fourth place. 

- The above team are the East Riding Cross Country Team Champions. 

- We had 4 teams competing in the Regional Final Cross Country Cup across junior girls and boys and senior girls and boys. 

## Strength & Conditioning 

- New equipment included dumbbells, mats, rollers and bands to allow a more expansive Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programme to be delivered. 

- Sports scholars accessing individualised programming to support their overall development. 

- Each age group from U14s-U18s accessing at least 1 S&C session a week, with the half termly average at sessions over 20 students. 

- Sports staff aligned in delivery of S&C, aligning attendance at these sessions, to selection within A teams. 

All students were presented once again with the ‘POCK Challenge’, an incentive to encourage them to make the most of the broad range of activities on offer. 

The recent co-curricular survey indicated a slight improvement on last year in numbers committing to and engaging with, our co-curricular activities. However, there was a slight decline in numbers of pupils involved in Saturday sports fixtures (-8%) and those regularly attending sports practices (-5%). There was an increase of 13% of those pupils involved in a music production and this is likely due to the collaboration between the Music and Drama Departments to put on the first musical in many years, Return to the Forbidden Planet. 

Hockey (Physical), Combined Cadet Force (CCF) (Outreach), Sugarcraft (Creative) and Debating (Knowledge) were noted as the most popular activities in each of the four POCK categories. 

The variety of more modern clubs and activities, such as Minecraft and E-Sports remain popular. The more traditional clubs such as Crochet, Debating, Photography and Chess continue to be well attended by a core of students from across the age groups. Senior Debating has been introduced back into the programme after several requests from sixth form students and we attended our first national competition for Debating in February 2024. 

The Trips Programme for 2024-26 was published to all parents within the Senior School. The quantity and quality of the trips listed reflect a passion from staff to continue to broaden the horizon of our pupils whilst giving them access to the most inspirational learning environments across a range of subjects. Easter was typically busy; we are proud of the opportunities presented to our students. However, the Battlefields trip 

11 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

which previously run on an annual basis to France and Belgium did not secure the numbers of pupils to make the trip viable to run 

Our Ski Trip to Italy which has now become an annual event was another excellent developmental opportunity for our Lower School pupils during the Easter break. Our 1[st] XI Cricket squad prepared for the season ahead with a tour of Malta and our Duke of Edinburgh Award students completed their Silver and Gold practices in the Yorkshire Dales. 

The ever-popular House Camp returned to Bamburgh in July with our First-Year pupils. The CCF Army and RAF camps took place in both York and Northern Ireland and the Senior Rugby and Hockey squads toured to Norfolk and Edinburgh respectively as part of their pre-season preparations. 

The co-curricular life of the Prep School continues to be varied and fulfilling. Certain aspects are woven through the curriculum whereas others are promoted through lunch and after school clubs. Our after school clubs provision continues to expand. There is now a choice of three ‘in-house’ and two ‘paid’ clubs each evening (with the exception of Fridays, when there are often fixtures) and we have introduced additional clubs for our youngest children in the Reception classes. The aim of these clubs is to expand opportunity and engagement in all year groups. Our carefully constructed timetable allows for a wide variety of cocurricular opportunities, including Mind, Body & Soil, Forest School, art, drama, sport and craft. The lunch and after school clubs adapt to suit the needs and interests of the current cohort of pupils. The clubs are very well attended by all age groups, with every child in the Prep School from Year 1 upwards attending at least one co-curricular opportunity per week. 

Children in the Prep School continue to have the opportunity to attend at least one educational school trip per term. This year, they have also attended a variety of places of religious worship as part of our ‘Faiths Week’. Children in Year 4 and 6 have attended residentials at Bewerley Park and next year there will be a French trip for Years 5 and 6. Given the impact of VAT and subsequent increase in fees faced by our parents we are working hard to minimize the cost of trips and events in school wherever possible. 

Our commitment to drama and music continues with multiple performances taking place across the year. The carol concert, taking place in our local church, is a particular highlight. Other performances such as our Nativity, Year 3 & 4 and Year 5 & 6 plays take place in the Tom Stoppard Theatre (TST) and serve to build the confidence of our children at every opportunity. Our more informal music concerts take place termly and often feature over 25 different solo performances. We have also introduced three more formal music concerts. For years 3 to 6, we now have the ‘Snowdrop Concert’ in the Lent Term and two additional concerts for Pre-Prep: the Spring Spectacular and the Summer Singalong. 

Music is central to life at the Foundation. All pupils are exposed to music through the curriculum, church services, assemblies and other whole Foundation events. There is ample opportunity to become involved in a variety of ensembles aimed at different styles, ages and abilities. The current set up of musical ensembles consists of: Choir, Swing Band, Orchestra, String Group, Flute ensemble, and various Rock Groups. The Swing Band have tackled some challenging repertoire successfully and were able to showcase their efforts at Prizegiving in July. Choir membership remains high, supported by staff. All ensembles will continue to be nurtured and developed in the forthcoming year. 

There were two soloists’ concerts during there year which were provided by Music Scholars and other pupils who wished to perform. Two concerts held in the TST were very successful in terms of musicianship and participation, but sadly due to staff illnesses, the Summer Concert had to be cancelled. Smaller concerts are also happening, with the twice termly ‘Rush Hour’ Concerts, aimed at giving pupils performance opportunities in a more intimate and less intimidating environment. These have also been successful with a growing audience and a genuine appreciation for our efforts in addition to providing further performance opportunities for our pupils. Furthermore, class concerts have been introduced in Key stage 3 for one lesson per term, giving students a chance to perform to their peers.  One of our Sixth Form pupils is currently auditioning for Music College/Conservatoire and, at the time of writing, has already received one firm offer. 

12 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been completely overhauled to provide the right level of challenge and enjoyment for all pupils. This builds a solid and enjoyable progression to GCSE. It also has the positive side effect that this area of the curriculum has become paper free. GCSE numbers could be bigger, but despite this, we remain above the national average of 4.8% of each year group. We anticipate the new Key Stage 3 will assist to stimulate growth to GCSE at Pocklington. We continue to host music examinations at the Foundation for our pupils and we are happy to provide an examination centre for a handful of external pupils who are local to Pocklington. 

In the Prep School, the Year 4 Scheme was a success with a good uptake of instrumental lessons at the scheme’s conclusion.  Furthermore, use of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Music medals is in progress in the Prep School. This encourages collaboration in music making between pupils and gives greater and more frequent recognition of pupils’ achievements. 

We have a Self-Evaluation Policy, and a comprehensive series of evidence-gathering procedures underpin the process.  The constant scrutiny of our policies and procedures by staff trained in regulatory compliance ensures that the Foundation continues to be compliant with the current legislative and regulatory environment within which we operate. 

The pastoral care of our pupils is a key focus of the Foundation.  Each Pocklington School pupil has a tutor and is attached to one of the houses where the housemaster or housemistress has overall care of the wellbeing and academic progress of the pupil. Boarders also have a boarding houseparent who looks after them with a dedicated team of residential and non-residential staff in each of the four boarding houses. In addition to pastoral staff (tutors and house staff), pupils are further supported by the Wellbeing Service where children can access sessions with trained counsellors and/or independent clinical psychologists. Each pupil therefore has a large team of adults who are looking after them, all supported by the Head of Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding, reflecting the importance of our pupils’ welfare at Pocklington School. Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) and Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) has been developed in line with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance.  External speakers also visit the School to talk about a range of issues including sex and relationships, substance abuse, screen time and online safeguarding. 

The Prep School’s pastoral provision continues to be excellent. Form tutors form the basis of our provision, with different routes to escalate through if need be. CPOMS is now fully embedded, as are our ‘Relentless Routines’. We have also enjoyed a ‘Friendship Week’ during the Michaelmas Term and continued with our highly successful and supportive ‘Buddy Scheme. 

Our Play Therapist continues to work within the School for a morning per week, taking private referrals in the afternoon. We have also trained one of our Teaching Assistants as an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Associate), meaning that we have even more one-to-one and small group pastoral support available for our pupils. These changes have been positively received by all stakeholders and we are very proud of the support we are able to offer our pupils. 

Pupils have a wide range of leadership opportunities within the Prep School. This includes Heads of House, Games Captains, School Council members, Playground Leaders, Buddies and Charity Reps. The pupils take a full role in appropriate decision making within the Prep School. The House System has been overhauled by the Pastoral Lead, Suzie Rogers, and there is now a highly structured set of competitions and opportunities to earn house points in place. 

The changes to the lunchtime play equipment continues to make a deeply positive impact on children’s behaviour and interactions. We now have very few pastoral issues and children are playing in an increasingly collaborative (rather than competitive) way. Staff have received additional training this year and have even more knowledge regarding the resolution of conflict and supporting positive play. 

We are still continuing to run our ‘Girls on Board’ programme, which is complemented by both ‘Boys on Board’ and ‘Think Equal’. We are also implementing a new PSHE scheme of work through ‘Kapow’ which has provided additional planning support to our staff. 

13 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

There is an annual review of our Safeguarding Suite of policies by the Board of Governors (the Board). The Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Head of Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding present an annual report to Governors outlining any patterns of wellbeing-related concerns and an overview of challenges and initiatives. Regular review of our policies is undertaken by the pastoral team who also co-ordinate training, at least once a year, for all staff about _Keeping Children Safe in Education_ as well as briefings and developments in best practice in schools and boarding. The School works closely and effectively with the East Riding Safeguarding Partnership (ERSCP). This has been particularly beneficial in the care of children and families, especially when needs are more acute and complex. 

Over recent years, there has been continued focus on issues concerning Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). We have appointed two designated EDI officers. The school has recently invested in specialist EDI training of senior and middle managers (teaching and non-teaching) with a view to develop inclusivity in every aspect of the Foundation. This is a strategic priority which we are excited to undertake. 

Boarding pupils have an induction programme and enjoy an ever-developing range of activities in the evenings and at weekends. The ‘enrichment programme’ has been established for those boarders who are not involved in sport on Saturdays, which includes a range of activities and opportunities for boarders of all ages. There is provision for boarders to be looked after at School during exeats and we expect to remain supportive of those unable to go home or to stay with guardians. 

The Chaplain prepares candidates for confirmation and boarders have weekly services, in addition to the School services, in the School Chapel and at All Saints’ in Pocklington. The Foundation enjoys an excellent and long-standing relationship with the local parish team. The Christian ethos of the Foundation and our links with the Church of England and the local and wider community are very important to us as a Foundation. 

Drama continues to be a cornerstone of life at our School, reflecting the creative energy we see daily— from classroom interactions to the media shaping today’s world. With the growing influence of platforms like TikTok, Netflix, and YouTube, the skills nurtured through drama, such as communication, collaboration, and creativity, are more vital than ever, especially as pupils navigate the post-lockdown world. 

This year, pupils have embraced a dynamic mix of practical and theoretical drama lessons with great enthusiasm. First-year students explored costume design, second years delved into sound and lighting, and third years took on the challenges of set design. The positive engagement with these technical lessons has been evident, and we are beginning to see the benefits of introducing these skills earlier in the School. GCSE pupils are demonstrating increased confidence in their subject knowledge, which is reflected in the impressive work they produce across lighting, sound, and costume for both devised and scripted performances. 

The continuation of ‘Scratch Night’ has also proven highly effective. Pupils are engaging more positively with their rehearsal time, benefiting from the opportunity to showcase their hard work to friends and family. The constructive feedback from these performances has not only helped refine their pieces but also boosted their enjoyment and sense of accomplishment. 

The Michaelmas term kicked off with the high-energy juke-box musical Return to the Forbidden Planet. This vibrant production marked the reunion of the drama and music departments, with pupils on stage and behind the scenes bringing the show to life in spectacular fashion. 

In the Lent term, our pupils took part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival, where third and fourth years offered a fresh take on King Lear. Their adaptation cleverly combined moments of comedy with the play’s darker themes, creating a performance that was both moving and memorable. After the success of Arts Week last academic year, it was a shame to put this on pause due to a shortened term but we’re looking forward to its return in the 2024-25 academic year. 

14 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Summer Term delivered a touch of magic with the Lower School’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. With captivating performances from our youngest pupils, the show transported audiences to a world of wonder and showcased the incredible talent within our Lower School. 

Beyond the stage, our Lower School drama club and technical theatre clubs have continued to grow in popularity, engaging pupils from across year groups. It is also exciting to see pupils engage so positively with our Trinity drama exams. 

This has been another remarkable year for drama, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and passion of our pupils. From imaginative performances to technical mastery, their enthusiasm ensures that drama remains a vibrant and essential part of our School community. 

Our CCF Contingent had another busy, successful year and we were proud to be a volunteer section with over 120 cadets at its peak for the 2023-24 academic year. The recruitment days in June 2023 were again invaluable in ensuring that our youngest recruits were given the insight they needed to engage with all that the CCF has to offer. We had three successful field days across the year, visiting Driffield Training area, Strensall Training Area and RAF Leeming amongst other locations. We played a leading role in the Pocklington Town Remembrance Parade in November where our Fifth and Sixth Form Cadets, alongside our Officers represented the School and CCF with great pride. We were delighted that 48 cadets joined the Adventurous Training expedition during the Easter holidays which saw us enjoying outdoor pursuits including mountain biking, ghyll scrambling and abseiling whilst experiencing military accommodation at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall. The year finished with Army Summer Camp at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall and RAF Summer Camp at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland. The CCF continues to challenge our cadets in new and exciting ways and we are delighted that so many are seizing the opportunities on offer. With more time to train, we would hope to be more successful with the annual Army and RAF competitions and within the competition elements of Summer Camp. 

A total of 55 Lower Sixth students completed community action placements on a Thursday afternoon in term time. That is an increase on previous years. The placements consisted of local primary schools, charity shops as well as serving hot food to the elderly at Scaife Garth. Our students continued to assist Pocklington Rugby Club with their ground's maintenance, volunteering at local charity shops Oxfam and Barnardo’s as well as local sustainability shops ‘I Love Zero’ and ‘Eden’. Our students attended William Wilberforce Care Home as a new placement which formed an exciting new partnership with our neighbours. Four of our Lower Sixth students assisted the Prep School staff with their Forest School provision, forming a link between the Prep and Senior School. 

The programme will resume in the 2024/25 academic year, with the additional partnership between the School and Pocklington Rugby in the Community and Fairtrade Pocklington, both of whom we are delighted to have established the relationship with. The programme continues to enhance our student’s personal development as well as benefit and strengthen our relationships with the local community. 

Our teaching and support staff are the heartbeat of all that we offer and they continue to provide a superb service, with many going the extra mile to support pupils. A number of initiatives have been undertaken to further support colleagues. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) spend is increasing year on year, we are continuing with our updated appraisal arrangements for all staff (Prep, Senior and support staff). In addition, we are continuing to work with our Staff Forum which is designed as a vehicle to allow staff to raise queries, make suggestions and work collectively in support of the Foundation. This has already made a number of recommendations. 

## **FUTURE PLANS** 

Our current plans revolve around a refresh of our current strategy, an increased focus on delivering lasting change in our teaching and learning provision, grasping the opportunities afforded by the advent of Artificial Intelligence, linked to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme, continuing to support pupils to the 

15 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

very best of our ability with their mental and physical health and reviewing our sports programme at a strategic level and implementing any changes therein. 

We continue to seek ways to realise opportunities that have come about as a result of our changed week, but are now in a stage where we are fully embedding these changes rather than ‘finding our way’ with the new routine. 

With challenges on the horizon from potential political changes, we have a strong focus on seeking additional revenue streams aside from income from fees, and are equally eager to maximise fundraising and development opportunities as they arise. 

## **DETAILS OF BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS** 

## Bursaries 

This year the value of means-tested bursaries totalled £381,382 (2023: £328,207) representing 2.65% (2023: 2.43%) of gross tuition fees, including hardship support to families during the pandemic. This provided assistance to 26 (2023: 26) of our pupils including 11 pupils (2023: 10) who benefited from full remission of fees. In common with the experience in similar schools, the number of applicants continues to fall, and we are looking at how we prevent the initial steps necessary for joining the School from appearing too daunting. Experience shows that once a pupil joins the School none leave before their school career is complete. The School can also help pupils in receipt of 100% bursaries to meet some of the costs of educational trips, examination entrance fees and similar expenses. 12 children of servicemen and diplomats (2023: 16) received a discount on their fees. The funds of the John Dolman Trust remain sufficient to fund one 100% bursary; the aim is to achieve a significant increase in bursary funding, depending on fundraising, legacies and investment performance. 

## Scholarships 

In addition, the School maintained scholarships and exhibitions to 63 pupils (2023: 72) including 7 (2023: 12) music scholarships, based on merit and potential, totalling £5,953 (2023: £53,094) and representing 0.04% (2023: 0.39%) of our gross fees, continuing the decline in non means-tested awards from 1.65% in 2011; this year-on-year reduction in the value of scholarships is helping to provide the funds for bursaries. The performance of pupils receiving scholarships is reviewed at least annually to ensure their progress is in line with their abilities. No scholarships were withdrawn in the year. 

## Review 

The Governors review the bursary and scholarship policies regularly to ensure that able children can accept offers of places through the availability of means-tested fee assistance. The annual review informs the continued refinement of our policy and helps to achieve our ambition of even wider access. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW AND RESULTS FOR THE YEAR** 

The Foundation’s net income as shown in the Statement of Financial Activities was strong. The surplus has been achieved through rigorous planning, by maintaining income and through tight cost control. As a charity, the parents of our pupils have the assurance that all of our income is applied for educational purposes. In 2023-24 we enjoyed tax exemption on our educational activities (there was no VAT on fees) and on our investment income and gains, and we were also entitled to an 80% reduction in our business rates on the property we occupy. The financial benefits we receive from these tax exemptions are all applied for educational purposes.  In 2023-24 we were, though, unable to reclaim VAT input tax on our costs as we are exempt for VAT purposes. In addition to the very substantial benefits we bring to our pupils, to the local community and to society through the education we offer, our bursary programme and our community programme create a social asset without cost to local, regional or central government. 

16 



## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

The Foundation has yet to restart its investment in major infrastructure and development projects following the pandemic, however a significant refurbishment of the AstroTurf pitches was undertaken during the summer of 2024. The Foundation’s surplus will help the Foundation to manage the ongoing geopolitical issues currently affecting the world. The consolidated financial statements include the Foundation, Pocklington School Enterprises Limited, Pocklington School International Limited (dormant) and various funds the use of which is restricted by trusts (see note 16). Consolidated net income for the year, as set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 26, amounted to £233,032 (2023: £840,033), stated before gains on investments of £78,686 (2023: loss of £5,689) and after donations of £409,646 (2023: £557,629). 

Gross fee income for the year increased to £14,371,770 (2023: £13,522,239). Pocklington School Enterprises Limited, the trading subsidiary, continues to hire out the Foundation’s facilities and has contributed £38,632 (2023: £51,931) to the operating surplus. Group total funds increased by £311,718 (2023: £834,344) for the year. Cash generation from operating activities increased by £3,617,806 (2023: decreased by £205,040) including donations. Capital expenditure amounted to £951,045 (2023: £552,830). 

## Free Reserves 

At 31 August 2024, the total reserves amounted to £15,487,929 (2023: £15,176,211).  Consolidated Unrestricted Funds at the year-end stood at £14,103,988 (2023: £14,222,832). These funds included the Designated Fixed Assets Fund of £14,248,036 (2023: £13,962,901) and a deficit of £144,048 (2023: £259,931 surplus) on the Charitable Free Reserves. This deficit has arisen due to capital expenditure on improvements to the School buildings and will be eliminated gradually in the foreseeable future by operating surpluses and, where any disposal of assets is in excess of operational requirements such proceeds would be added to our reserves. This year has seen an increase in the deficit of £403,979 (2023:  £447,877). The Foundation continues to be dependent on annual cash generation to fund operating activities. 

Governors believe that funding in place is sufficient for current purposes and to support the priorities of the SEP.  The aim is to provide an excellent environment for pupils by improving facilities as funds allow, and this has not changed. The maintenance of existing buildings is funded from income and significant capital projects will continue to be funded through a mixture of fundraising, bank loans and income. The Governors’ policy remains that of maintaining sufficient annual cash surpluses to meet operating and investment needs, in order for the Charity to meet its stated objectives. Governors continue to review the financial position of the Foundation in the light of the present economic uncertainties, and the budget process for the next 2-3 years will continue to be the central measure to control costs and to produce a viable surplus. 

## Reserves and Financial Health 

The Governors regularly review the finances, budgets and performance against budget, together with cash flow analysis, as part of effective stewardship of the Foundation. The Governors have invested substantial sums in buildings and have a continuing programme of refurbishment, development and investment to improve further the teaching facilities for our pupils. In the current circumstances, the Governors consider that, on the strength of the Foundation’s trading result last year and the three-year view they are now taking, the reserves are appropriate to the needs of the Foundation. 

## Remuneration Policy 

Pay scales, allowances and terms and conditions of service are reviewed periodically and set by the Board. Responsibilities, pay and working hours have been compared to benchmarks in recent years alongside staff surveys which have also been considered.  Terms and conditions have been reviewed and all employment policies updated.   All staff are paid more than the National Living Wage and have a comprehensive range of benefits including access to a counselling service. 

The Foundation aims to recruit, subject to experience, at the lower to medium point within any band to allow subsequent reward for the additional contribution which often depends on greater experience. Management and pastoral leadership roles are recognised. Except for the Head and Bursar, setting an individual’s pay is delegated to the Head. The pay of staff is reviewed annually. The rewards of senior managers are benchmarked annually and set by the Board. 

17 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

Trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in year. Details of trustee expenses and related party transactions are at Note 24. 

## Grant Making Policy 

Awards, scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, grants and prizes made to pupils from restricted and unrestricted funds amounted to £935,012 (2023: £886,720).  The Governors’ policy and report is shown in the separate panel. 

## Fundraising 

The Development Office has enhanced the ability of the Foundation to attract donations to the John Dolman Trust without having to resort to specialist external consultants and we do not use professional fundraisers to solicit gifts. We publicly launched an appeal for the bursary fund in March 2021 and have two vehicles to assist – the John Dolman Society for all donors and the 1514 Club for testators.  We usually hold a range of events to help those previously connected with the Foundation and recent donors remain as closely engaged as possible with the Foundation’s charitable priorities, supplemented by bulletins and updates. Most gifts are solicited and agreed through one-to-one meetings or exchanges with members of staff, or through telephone calls made by staff or supporters. The Foundation is voluntarily subject to the Fundraising Regulator and subscribes to the Code of Fundraising Practice; it is not aware of any occasion in the reporting period upon which it has failed to comply with the Code. The Foundation has never received any complaints about its fundraising activities. Great care is taken in dealing with individuals evidencing any sort of vulnerability. No subsequent attempt to persuade is ever made following a negative response to a specific fundraising overture, and the person approached is always assured that he or she remain a valued member of our community irrespective of the response. Some electronic communications include information on how donations may be made but most are not marketing or 'solicitation' communications as they serve to inform the wider community about developments at the Foundation. The Foundation records and assiduously adheres to both opt-in preferences concerning how people wish or do not wish to be contacted about fundraising, and communication preferences concerning e-mails, mail and telephone calls. 

## Investment Policy and Objectives 

The Governors are required to invest free monies in accordance with the standard investment criteria of the Trustee Act 2000. They are obliged to take especial regard of the suitability to the Foundation of any proposed investment whilst still providing a prudent spread of risk through diversity. 

All free monies are invested for a reasonable overall rate of return in income and on capital. Governors have a moderate risk investment strategy and wish to generate income whilst preserving the real capital value of investments in line with a target return of 5% per annum on an anticipated long-term view of more than 10 years; this measurement will take account of growth and income.  Having weighed advice from the Foundation’s investment advisors, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Governors use RBC Brewin Dolphin’s discretionary service with set parameters ‘Risk Profile 6 – Income and capital growth’ to achieve these aims. When not offset against any borrowed funds, short-term monies, including fees in advance, are placed on Treasury Reserve at the beginning of each term. 

Restricted funds not eligible for the investment strategy, noted above, and the cash reserves of the smaller subsidiary funds are deposited with the Foundation’s unrestricted funds. All receive an agreed internal rate of interest on capital, usually base rate plus 1% (reviewed 2022). 

The bursary funds of the John Dolman Trust (Trust) are invested on the same basis as those of the Foundation.   Funds held by the Trust for specific building projects are, by their very nature, relatively short term, and therefore invested to generate income and to preserve the capital. The trust deed allows the funds of the Trust to be applied to the benefit of the Foundation; so any short-term cash holdings may be used to offset any borrowing of the Foundation in return for an agreed rate of interest, usually base rate plus 1% (reviewed 2022) but without the capital leaving the Trust. 

18 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

Investment decisions are reviewed regularly by the Finance Committee. At the end of the financial year, the Foundation’s long-term investments had increased to £621,228 (2023: £546,450); £19,385 (2023: £19,319) was drawn to fund bursary support. Yield was 3.20% (2023: 3.32%).  A further £7,944 (2023: £7,708) is held in cash within the portfolio, pending investment. 

## Group Structure and Relationships 

The Charity has two wholly-owned non-charitable subsidiaries: Pocklington School Enterprises Limited, which performs trading functions such as lettings, oversight of the School shop and capital building works and Pocklington School International Limited, which was created in 2018, but has yet to trade. Pocklington School Enterprises Limited has paid a covenant of £38,632 (2023: £51,931) to the Charity in the year. 

The Foundation actively supports the promotion of the highest standards in the Independent Schools sector. The Foundation participates in the spread of best practice through membership of the professional bodies engaged with the sector. We also co-operate with other local and national charities and organisations to widen access to the schooling we provide, to optimise the use of our sporting and cultural facilities and to ensure our pupils are aware of the social context of the all-round education they receive. 

## Risk Management 

The Governors are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Foundation. The risks facing the Foundation are identified, categorised, assigned and systematically assessed, and recorded in the Risk Register.  Mitigation is put in place throughout the year.  Detailed considerations of risk have been delegated to the appropriate committee, assisted by the Foundation Planning Group.  After a coherence check by the Nominations and Governance Committee, risk is reviewed by the whole Board each Michaelmas Term. The key controls used include: 

- Formal agendas and minutes for all Committee and Board activity 

- Detailed terms of reference for all Committees 

- Comprehensive planning, budgeting and management accounting 

- Established organisational structure and lines of reporting 

- Formal written policies 

- Clear authorisation and approval levels 

- Vetting procedures as required by law for the safeguarding of children 

Through the risk management processes established by the Foundation, the Governors are satisfied that the major risks identified have been adequately mitigated where necessary and where possible. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed. The Internal Financial Controls used by the Charity have been reviewed. The Trustee is permitted by its Articles of Association to maintain Governor and officer liability insurance. The major risks relate to the linked issues of future pupil numbers, charitable status and taxation decisions. 

## Finances. 

The future of the Foundation is reliant on pupil numbers and income so the Schools can function. Affordability and economic uncertainty affect recruitment.  Mitigation is provided through active marketing, our reputation, demonstrating value for money, cash flow management, budget setting and in-year adjustment, contingencies, reserves, fundraising, prudent investment and borrowing decisions and access to short-term banking facilities. 

## Safeguarding and Reputation. 

Our success is secured by our reputation for an all-round education and excellent pastoral care.  This is protected by our suite of safeguarding policies, investment in pastoral staff, safe recruitment procedures, academic rigour and enhancement, and active Health and Safety management and scrutiny (where much risk is attached, within sport and educational visits). 

19 



**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE OF THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## Academic Performance. 

The reaction we make to the changes in the A-Level environment and how we develop our curriculum to attract the parents of younger children will be key to our continued success. 

## Political Context. 

The current uncertain political and economic climate, as well as the imposition of VAT on fees, the removal of mandatory business rates relief and the potential taxation of annual surpluses are all threats that the Board is considering. 

## Serious Incidents. 

There were no serious incidents during the reporting period that should have been reported to the Charity Commission by the Trustee but were not. 

## **ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The Charities Act 2011 requires the Trustee to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of its financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. 

In preparing the accounts the Trustee follows best practice to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, 

- follow applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP disclosing and explaining any departures in the accounts, and 

- prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Foundation will continue in operation. 

The Trustee is responsible for keeping accounting records which are such as to disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the Foundation at any time and to ensure that the accounts comply with charity law. The Trustee is also responsible for safeguarding the Foundation’s assets and ensuring their proper application in accordance with charity law and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of error, fraud and other irregularities. 

Insofar as each of the Governors is aware at the time of the Board meeting when approval is given, there is no relevant information needed by the Foundation’s auditor of which the auditor is unaware.  Each Governor has taken all steps that he or she should have taken as a member of the Board of Governors to become acquainted with any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware. 

Approved by the Trustee on 28 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by: 

J Tilsed - Chair 

N Robson - Governor 

20 



## . 

## **PUBLIC BENEFIT AND OUTREACH 2023/2024** 

## **State school partnerships and support** 

We support the development of pupils from local state primary and secondary schools in a variety of contexts. Academic links 

- Our Schools Outreach Programme aims to work with schools to help provide new opportunities and experiences for their pupils, to share best practice, to offer access to equipment/facilities and to help ‘plug the gaps’ in expertise.  We have run activities including: 

   - a CSI science primary schools outreach day in June 2024 for 11 schools and 33 students. 

- We host and are the development partner of Chatta, an award-winning app which is making a significant impact on the communication skills of early years learners. The three-year project supports 12 schools in Hull and the East Riding. 

- We attended careers events at four local secondary schools. 

- We accepted two secondary school pupils for one week each for an under 16 school placements. 

- Teaching staff have given a presentation at a science event at a local state school. 

- We hosted an U9 football festival. 

- Library staff attended a local primary school for World Book Day to read and lead books-related activities across all year groups. 

- One of our teachers has received the role of Honorary Follow in School of Education by Durham University who also lectured at Scripture Union Scotland and held a Q&A session with a large group of teenagers on the topic of God and Science. 

- Several members of staff are governors of local state schools or support their local school via their own PTA as trustees. 

- One member of staff has carried out extended exam marking for Cambridge International Education, AQA and overseas math exams. 

- We have links with a York primary school and support them with ICT. 

## Pastoral links: 

- We shared teaching and pastoral resources with 15 local schools. 

## Co-curricular links: 

- Local nurseries including 60 children have attended the Prep School Nativity production. 

- We held the ESAA Cross Country Cup, welcoming over 230 students from 10 other schools to our grounds. 

- The Tom Stoppard Theatre hosted one local primary school for their summer production. 

## **Fee Assistance** 

- We have been working with the Springboard Bursary Foundation to provide fully supported boarding places for 4 students. 

- • We actively promote our Sixth Form fee assistance scheme, which pays up to 100% of the fees of students who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend.  This scheme brings students into School from a range of backgrounds, widening access to our school. 

- A total of 26 students benefitted from our Bursary scheme. 

## **Community Service** 

We are actively engaged in charitable work in the local and wider community in a variety of ways: 

- Our sixth form students are involved in our Community Action programme which includes partnerships with Pocklington Rugby Club, Pocklington Fairtrade, Dementia Forward Charity, Scaife Garth Sheltered Housing, a number of charity shops and I Love Zero, as well as William Wilberforce Care Home 

- The school is an active fundraiser for local and international charities, which include church collections, cake sales for Macmillan Cancer Support and our annual Samaritans Christmas Present Appeal. These run alongside the main charities the prep and senior school choose each year and are chosen from a local, international and environmental charity. Students raised a total of £5,426.00 through our Charity Week. 

- Our 6[th] formers have been supporting Market Weighton School’s fundraising efforts and raised money through our Christmas Jumper Appeal for the Shining Light Charity. 

- Two members of our staff are local Parish Councilors. One Parish Councilor supported a local secondary school in accessing further funding. 

- We have several staff who are trustees for local charities. 

- Our Director of Music is the organist for the Pocklington Singers. 

- Members of staff coach local teams including junior football, junior cricket and they also referee rugby matches. We also have a strong link with Pocklington Rugby Club. 

- Members of the school staff are involved in Young People Count (YPC) in Pocklington as well as other local Youth Clubs. 

- We have several members of staff who sing for choirs who perform concerts in the local area to raise money for charity. 

- A member of staff is supporting the local running club with coaching of interval sessions. 

- Bird box kits were created and built with Beaver Scouts. The completed bird boxes were put up at a primary school. 

- Donated and delivered 4 flower arrangements to care homes. 

21 



## **Wider Community Initiatives** 

Pocklington School provides support to a wide range of groups in our local community: 

- We operate a CCF in partnership with the MOD. The Pocklington School CCF buildings and equipment are shared with Pocklington Town ACF. Additionally, we help the Pocklington town ACF by offering equipment, resources, expertise and the use of our grounds. We participate in the town’s remembrance parade and offer support to 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association by participating in their remembrance ceremonies. 

- Our Pre-Prep hold a Pips at Pock and a Parents and Toddler Group which is open to the local community, occurs on a weekly basis and is free of charge. We continue our popular Forest School, which comprises six free sessions for local children held in the school grounds. These sessions covering a range of areas of learning including art, music, sport and STEM. 

- We host courses, clubs and events that are open to the wider community including lifeguarding courses and Tai Chi. 

- • We offer our facilities for wider community use to a variety of groups including local schools, local and national clubs (music, drama, historical, sports, wellness and youth groups), charities and church groups and make our water facilities available to the Town Council for events on West Green. We offer our facilities as a Council Emergency Evacuation Centre and to provide helicopter access during emergencies. The Annand Centre was used as a Vaccination Centre as catch-up clinics during the school holidays. The Mayor of Pocklington held charity events in aid of Dementia Forward at our facilities. We supported the event by offering the facilities and equipment for the event free of charge. Some of our staff helped/volunteered at these events. 

Pocklington School educated 202 (2023: 197) primary children and 534 (2023: 566) senior children which, based on the Minimum Per Pupil funding in 2023-24 of £4,405 (2023: £4,265) per primary pupil and £5,715 (2023: £5,112) per secondary pupil, saved the UK Government a total of £3,941,620 (2023: £3,733,597) in the 2023-24 academic year. 

_Over the reporting period, approximately 270 students from Pocklington School have actively participated in various initiatives. Our efforts have extended to over 40 state schools, positively impacting 850 pupils. Furthermore, public events supported by both pupils and staff have seen an attendance of over 670 individuals. These events have successfully raised a total of £8,000.00.  In total, pupils and staff have volunteered more than 2,500 hours of their own time to support state schools, provided community service or engaged in wider community initiatives._ 

22 



**HPH** 

## **Chartered Accountants** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF** 

## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of The Pocklington School Foundation (‘the charity’) and its subsidiaries (‘the group’) for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Parent Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including 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: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent charity’s affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of the group’s/its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

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

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's or the group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

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

23 



**HPH** 

## **Chartered Accountants** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF** 

## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

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

- the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees’ report; or 

- • sufficient and proper accounting records have not been kept by the parent charity; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 18 the trustees 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 trustee determines 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 trustee is responsible for assessing the group and the parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

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

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations are set out below. 

24 



**HPH** 

## **Chartered Accountants** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF** 

## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION** 

## **Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

- We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charity and group operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Charities Act 2011 together with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 2019. We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items. 

- In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charity’s and the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charity and the group for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context for the UK operations were The Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations 2014, Food Hygiene regulations, Health and Safety legislation, Employment legislation, Charity Commission regulations and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

- Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. 

- We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company for fraud. 

- We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the recognition of income and the override of controls by management. 

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations and risk of fraud, we designed procedures which included but were not limited to: reconciliation of income by proof in total, sample testing on the posting of journals, investigating the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions, reviewing regulatory correspondence and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. 

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 auditor’s report. 

25 



**HPH** 

## **Chartered Accountants** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF** 

## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION** 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

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

HPH Statutory Auditor 

54 Bootham York YO30 7XZ 

## 31 March 2025 

HPH is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

26 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

|**Note**<br>**Income and endowments from:**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>School fees receivable<br>2<br>Ancillary trading income<br>3<br>**Other trading activities**<br>Non-ancillary trading income<br>22<br>**Investments**<br>Investment income<br>7<br>**Voluntary sources**<br>Donations and legacies<br>4<br>**Total**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>**Raising funds**<br>Non-ancillary trading<br>5<br>Other income-generating activities<br>Financing costs<br>**Total deductible costs**<br>**Charitable Activities**<br>Education and grant making<br>**Total**<br>5<br>**Net (expenditure)/income and**<br>**net movement in funds before**<br>**(losses)/gains on investments**<br>Net (losses)/gains on investments<br>7<br>**Net (expenditure)/income**<br>Transfers between funds<br>16, 18<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>25<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**_£_**<br>13,476,431<br>63,556<br>132,670<br>131,526<br>3,574<br>13,807,757<br>69,473<br>75,895<br>10,252<br>155,620<br>13,770,481<br>13,926,101<br>(118,344)<br>(500)<br>(118,844)<br>-<br>(118,844)<br>14,222,832<br>14,103,988|**Restricted**<br>**& Endowed**<br>**Funds**<br>**_£_**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>31,093<br>406,072<br>437,165<br>-<br>-<br>4,166<br>4,166<br>81,623<br>85,789<br>351,376<br>79,186<br>430,562<br>-<br>430,562<br>953,379<br>1,383,941|**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**_£_**<br>**13,476,431**<br>**63,556**<br>**132,670**<br>**162,619**<br>**409,646**<br>**14,244,922**<br>**69,473**<br>**75,895**<br>**14,418**<br>**159,786**<br>**13,852,104**<br>**14,011,890**<br>**233,032**<br>**78,686**<br>**311,718**<br>**-**<br>**311,718**<br>**15,176,211**<br>**15,487,929**|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>12,677,232<br>53,762<br>102,927<br>52,832<br>557,629|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||13,444,382|
|||||43,305<br>55,147<br>16,778|
|||||115,230<br>12,489,119|
|||||12,604,349|
|||||840,033<br>(5,689)|
|||||834,344<br>-|
|||||834,344<br>14,341,867|
|||||15,176,211|



_The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these financial statements_ 

_All income and expenditure in the year derives from continuing operations_ 

_A comparative statement of financial activities is shown at note 25 to these financial statements_ 

27 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION BALANCE SHEETS** 

## **AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024** 

|**Note**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>6<br>Investments<br>7<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Stocks<br>8<br>Debtors<br>9<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**CREDITORS: amounts falling due**<br>**within one year**<br>10<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**CREDITORS: amounts falling**<br>**due after more than one year**<br>11<br>**Provisions for liabilities**<br>13<br>**TOTAL NET ASSETS**<br>**REPRESENTED BY**<br>Unrestricted funds<br>18<br>Restricted funds<br>16<br>Endowed funds<br>17|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**14,248,036**<br>13,962,901<br>**620,728**<br>546,450<br>**14,868,764**<br>14,509,351<br>**54,701**<br>23,236<br>**1,059,593**<br>998,003<br>**6,903,805**<br>3,168,092<br>**8,018,099**<br>4,189,331<br>**(5,002,939)**<br>(3,157,969)<br>**(5,002,939)**<br>(3,157,969)<br>**3,015,160**<br>1,031,362<br>**17,883,924**<br>15,540,713<br>**(2,395,995)**<br>(364,502)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**15,487,929**<br>15,176,211<br>**14,103,988**<br>14,222,832<br>**1,374,990**<br>945,091<br>**8,951**<br>8,288<br>**15,487,929**<br>15,176,211<br>**Consolidated**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**14,248,036**<br>13,962,901<br>**-**<br>500<br>**14,248,036**<br>13,963,401<br>**54,701**<br>23,236<br>**1,255,550**<br>1,148,388<br>**6,060,566**<br>2,713,757<br>**7,370,817**<br>3,885,381<br>**(5,007,368)**<br>(3,169,024)<br>**(5,007,368)**<br>(3,169,024)<br>**2,363,449**<br>716,357<br>**16,611,485**<br>14,679,758<br>**(2,395,995)**<br>(364,502)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**14,215,490**<br>14,315,256<br>**14,067,275**<br>14,186,119<br>**139,264**<br>120,849<br>**8,951**<br>8,288<br>**14,215,490**<br>14,315,256<br>**Foundation only**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**14,248,036**<br>13,962,901<br>**-**<br>500<br>**14,248,036**<br>13,963,401<br>**54,701**<br>23,236<br>**1,255,550**<br>1,148,388<br>**6,060,566**<br>2,713,757<br>**7,370,817**<br>3,885,381<br>**(5,007,368)**<br>(3,169,024)<br>**(5,007,368)**<br>(3,169,024)<br>**2,363,449**<br>716,357<br>**16,611,485**<br>14,679,758<br>**(2,395,995)**<br>(364,502)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**14,215,490**<br>14,315,256<br>**14,067,275**<br>14,186,119<br>**139,264**<br>120,849<br>**8,951**<br>8,288<br>**14,215,490**<br>14,315,256<br>**Foundation only**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||13,963,401|
||||23,236<br>1,148,388<br>2,713,757|
||||3,885,381<br>(3,169,024)|
||||(3,169,024)<br>716,357|
||||14,679,758<br>(364,502)<br>-|
||||14,315,256|
||||14,186,119<br>120,849<br>8,288|
||||14,315,256|



_The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these financial statements_ 

_Approved by the Governors on 28 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:_ 

........................................ J Tilsed Chairman 

…..................................... 

N Robson Governor 

28 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

|**Note**<br>**Cash flows from operating activities:**<br>**Net cash provided by operating activities**<br>15<br>**Cash flows from investing activities:**<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments<br>Purchase of property, plant and equipment<br>Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment<br>Proceeds from sales of investments<br>Purchase of investments<br>**Net cash used in investing activities**<br>**Cash flows from financing activities:**<br>Finance costs paid<br>Repayments of borrowing<br>**Net cash used in financing activities**<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the**<br>**reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of**<br>**the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of**<br>**the reporting period**|**2024**<br>**_£_**<br>**4,571,196**<br>**162,619**<br>**(988,092)**<br>**-**<br>**119,664**<br>**(115,256)**<br>**(821,065)**<br>**(14,418)**<br>**-**<br>**(14,418)**<br>**3,735,713**<br>**3,168,092**<br>**6,903,805**|**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>953,390<br>52,832<br>(515,783)<br>850<br>113,541<br>(114,723)|
|---|---|---|
|||(463,283)<br>(24,386)<br>(877,129)|
|||(901,515)<br>(411,408)<br>3,579,500|
|||3,168,092|



Charity law requires separate administration of the cashflows of endowed and other restricted funds of the charity. This constraint has not adversely affected group cashflows as stated above. 

_The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these financial statements_ 

29 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## a) Legal entity 

The Pocklington School Foundation is regulated by the Charities Commission, Charity Number 529834. The registered address and principal place of business is Pocklington School, West Green, Pocklington, York, YO42 2NJ. 

The School constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the financial statements. 

## b) Basis of preparation 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the relevant version of 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 (SORP FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and 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 relevant version of the SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the FRS 102 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. 

## The accounts are presented in UK Sterling pounds (£). 

## c) Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated accounts include the results of The Pocklington School Foundation, Pocklington School Enterprises Limited, Pocklington School International Limited and the John Dolman Trust (formerly the Pocklington School Development Trust) managed by the Trustee, which are consolidated on a line by line basis. In accordance with the Charities SORP(FRS102), no separate Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) has been presented for the Pocklington School Foundation alone. 

## d) Going concern 

The Governors have prepared financial projections, taking into consideration the current economic climate and its potential impact on the sources of income and planned expenditure. They have a reasonable expectation that adequate financial resources are available to enable the School to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and have adequate contingency plans in the event that income streams are reduced. Consequently the financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the School is a going concern. 

## e) Fees and other income 

Fees receivable, charges for services and use of premises are accounted for in the period in which the service is provided. Fees receivable are stated after deducting allowances, bursaries, scholarships and other remissions granted by the School, but include contributions received from restricted funds for scholarships, bursaries and other grants. Fees received in advance of education to be provided in future years under an advance fee payment scheme are held as interest-bearing liabilities until either taken to income in the term when used or else refunded. 

30 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)** 

## f) Donations 

Donations receivable for the general purpose of the School are credited to unrestricted funds. Donations for purposes restricted by the wishes of the donor are taken to restricted funds where these wishes are legally binding on the Trustee, except that any amounts required to be retained as capital in accordance with the donor's wishes are accounted for instead as endowments - permanent or expendable according to the nature of the restriction. Income from legacies is accounted for on an accruals basis where amounts and timing of the receipt can be accurately ascertained. 

## g) Grant income 

Grant income, including government grant income, is recognised when the conditions for receipt have been met and there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received. It is then recognised in income on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate, except where the grant is compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs in which case it is recognised as income in the period in which it becomes receivable. 

## h) Expenditure 

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Overheads and other costs not directly attributable to particular functional activity categories are apportioned over the relevant categories on the basis of management estimates of the amount attributable to that activity in the year, either by reference to staff time or space occupied, as appropriate. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates. 

Governance costs comprise the costs of running the School, including strategic planning for its future development, also external audit, any legal advice for the Trustee, and all the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements, such as the costs of board meetings, preparing statutory accounts and satisfying public accountability. 

## i) Tangible fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their expected useful lives at the following annual rates: 

Buildings, infrastructure investments and re-locatable buildings 1% to 20% per annum straight line Furniture, fixtures and fittings 20% per annum straight line Motor vehicles 25% per annum reducing balance Computer equipment 20% per annum straight line 

Freehold land and assets under construction are held at cost and not depreciated. 

## j) Fixed asset investments 

Quoted investments are included at market value (bid price) on the balance sheet date. Unquoted investments are stated at cost less any permanent diminution in the value. Any gain or loss on revaluation is taken to the SOFA. 

## k) Stocks 

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

## l) Debtors 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 

31 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)** 

## m) Cash at bank and in hand 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and any short term deposit accounts with a maturity of three months or less from the date of opening. 

## n) Creditors and provisions 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the School has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 

Where the School has received tuition fees in advance the amount is treated as deferred income until the pupil joins the School whereupon the fees for each school term are charged against the remaining balance and taken into income. Any shortfall is treated as a deduction from school fee income and any excess accrued is treated as additional school income. 

In the prior financial year, the School released a provision in respect of the ISPS pension scheme deficit funding arrangement, after The Pensions Trust advised the School that the buy-out debt had crystallised. The buy-out debt has been provided for in the accounts but is being contested by the School. 

## o) Financial instruments 

The School 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. 

## p) Funds Structure 

Funds comprise unrestricted funds which have not been designated for other purposes, and are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee in furtherance of the general objectives of the School; designated funds being funds designated as representing the written down value of fixed assets of the School net of associated borrowing; and restricted funds the use of which by the Trustee is restricted in some way, usually by wishes of the donor. Restricted funds include endowed funds, which comprise donations required to be retained as capital. 

## q) Pensions 

The School contributes to the Teachers' Pension Defined Benefit Scheme at rates set by the Scheme Actuary and advised to the Board by the Scheme Administrator. The scheme is a multi-employer pension scheme and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the School. In accordance with FRS102 therefore, the scheme is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme. 

All support staff and teachers may join a defined contribution scheme to which the School contributes. 

## r) Leases 

Assets purchased under finance leases are capitalised as fixed assets. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors. 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA evenly over the period of the lease. 

32 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

|**2024**<br>**2**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - FEES RECEIVABLE**<br>**_£_**<br>**The fee income comprised:**<br>Gross fees<br>**14,371,770**<br>Casual boarding fees<br>**39,673**<br>Less: Total bursaries, grants and allowances<br>**(935,012)**<br>**13,476,431**<br>The above educational awards were made to 187 individuals (2023: 182).<br>**3**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - OTHER INCOME**<br>**Other educational charitable activities**<br>Registration fees<br>**18,122**<br>Sub-letting<br>**45,434**<br>**63,556**<br>**4**<br>**DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**<br>Donations<br>**404,739**<br>Gift aid<br>**4,907**<br>**409,646**<br>**5**<br>**ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE**<br>**Total expenditure includes:**<br>Auditor's remuneration:<br>for audit services<br>**10,876**<br>for other services<br>**7,176**<br>**18,052**<br>**STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS**<br>Wages and salaries<br>**7,972,724**<br>Social security costs<br>**741,422**<br>Pension costs<br>**1,312,536**<br>**10,026,682**|**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>13,522,239<br>41,713<br>(886,720)|
|---|---|
||12,677,232|
||19,449<br>34,313|
||53,762|
||552,648<br>4,981|
||557,629|
||11,980<br>5,820|
||17,800|
||7,433,525<br>675,518<br>1,298,100|
||9,407,143|



The key management personnel of the School comprise the Trustee (a corporate trustee of which the School governors are directors) and the Foundation Planning Group. The total employee benefits of the individuals who comprise the key management personnel were £733,891 (2023: £706,536). 

During the year the School made termination payments under settlement agreements totalling £nil (2023: £nil) in respect of no (2023: no) former employees. 

33 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

|**5**|**ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE (continued)**|**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|
||**Employees earning over £60,000 per annum**|||
||£120,000 - £130,000|**1**|1|
||£110,000 - £120,000|-|-|
||£100,000 - £110,000|-|-|
||£90,000 - £100,000|**1**|-|
||£80,000 - £90,000|-|1|
||£70,000 - £80,000|**4**|2|
||£60,000 - £70,000|**5**|3|



None of the above employees has retirement benefits accruing under a defined benefit scheme. 

The average monthly head count was 282 staff (2023: 270) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows: 

|Teaching<br>Academic support<br>Admin and clerical<br>Premises<br>Welfare<br>**Cost of raising funds:**<br>Financing costs<br>Fund-raising for voluntary income<br>Trading costs of the subsidiary<br>**Total cost of raising funds**<br>**Charitable expenditure**<br>**_Education and grant making_**<br>Teaching<br>Welfare<br>Premises<br>Support costs of schooling<br>Governance costs<br>**Total charitable expenditure**<br>**Total expended - Group**<br>**Total expended - School**|**Staff costs**<br>**_£_**<br>-<br>75,895<br>75,895<br>-<br>75,895<br>6,934,332<br>1,054,928<br>1,017,085<br>944,442<br>-<br>9,950,787<br>10,026,682<br>10,026,682|**Other**<br>**_£_**<br>14,418<br>-<br>14,418<br>69,473<br>83,891<br>373,267<br>438,261<br>1,324,416<br>1,073,181<br>26,282<br>3,235,407<br>3,319,298<br>3,249,825|**Depreciation**<br>**_£_**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>125,211<br>-<br>540,699<br>-<br>-<br>665,910<br>665,910<br>752,910|**90**<br>**18**<br>**24**<br>**33**<br>**33**<br>**198**<br>**Total 2024**<br>**_£_**<br>**14,418**<br>**75,895**<br>**90,313**<br>**69,473**<br>**159,786**<br>**7,432,810**<br>**1,493,189**<br>**2,882,200**<br>**2,017,623**<br>**26,282**<br>**13,852,104**<br>**14,011,890**<br>**13,942,417**|87<br>15<br>22<br>33<br>32|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||189|
||||||**Total 2023**<br>**_£_**<br>16,778<br>55,147|
||||||71,925<br>43,305|
||||||115,230|
||||||7,028,000<br>1,404,113<br>2,370,195<br>1,662,539<br>24,272|
||||||12,489,119|
||||||12,604,349|
||||||12,561,044|



Prior year expenditure includes staff costs of £9,407,143, other costs of £2,640,482 and depreciation of £556,724. 

34 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **6 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Consolidated and Foundation**<br>Cost:<br>At 1 September 2023<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>At 31 August 2024<br>Depreciation:<br>At 1 September 2023<br>Disposals<br>Charge for the year<br>At 31 August 2024<br>Net book values:<br>**31 August 2024**<br>31 August 2023|_Freehold Land_<br>_and Buildings_<br>_£_<br>19,544,221<br>826,663<br>(114,726)<br>20,256,158<br>6,031,316<br>(10,415)<br>425,365<br>6,446,266<br>**13,809,892**<br>13,512,905|_Furniture, Fixtures_<br>_& Vehicles_<br>_£_<br>925,246<br>124,382<br>-<br>1,049,628<br>475,250<br>-<br>136,234<br>611,484<br>**438,144**<br>449,996|_Total_<br>_£_<br>20,469,467<br>951,045<br>(114,726)|
||||21,305,786|
||||6,506,566<br>(10,415)<br>561,599|
||||7,057,750|
||||**14,248,036**|
||||13,962,901|



The net carrying amount of Furniture, Fixtures & Vehicles includes £nil (2023: £nil) in respect of assets held under hire purchase contracts. 

Freehold land and buildings are carried at cost. The fair value as at 31 August 2024 was estimated at £77,401,859 which is based upon the replacement cost for insurance purposes of the properties concerned. All fixed assets are held for own use on direct charitable activities. 

35 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **7 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS** 

|**Quoted investments**<br>Market value at beginning of the year<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Net gains/(losses)<br>Market value at end of year<br>Historical cost at end of year|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**546,450**<br>550,957<br>**115,256**<br>114,723<br>**(119,664)**<br>(113,541)<br>**78,686**<br>(5,689)<br>**620,728**<br>546,450<br>**513,062**<br>515,965<br>**Consolidated**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**500**<br>500<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**(500)**<br>-<br>**-**<br>500<br>**1,000**<br>1,000<br>**Foundation**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**500**<br>500<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**(500)**<br>-<br>**-**<br>500<br>**1,000**<br>1,000<br>**Foundation**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||500|
||||1,000|



The Foundation owns 100 ordinary £1 shares in Pocklington School Enterprises Limited and 1 ordinary share of £1 in Pocklington School International Limited, companies incorporated in the United Kingdom. 

|**Investment income analysed as follows:**<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Cash at bank|**19,227**<br>**143,392**<br>**162,619**|20,324<br>32,508<br>52,832|**-**<br>**140,830**<br>**140,830**|-<br>31,266|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||31,266|



Investment income of £131,526 (2023: £27,936) relates to unrestricted funds and £31,093 (2023: £24,896) to restricted and endowed funds. 

## **8 STOCKS** 

|Raw materials and consumables|**54,701**|23,236|**54,701**|23,236|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**EBTORS**|||||
|Fees receivable|**202,308**|196,255|**202,308**|196,255|
|Trade debtors|**19,051**|22,126|**-**|-|
|Amounts due from subsidiaries|**-**|-|**72,879**|92,252|
|Loan to John Dolman Trust|**-**|-|**142,129**|80,259|
|Other debtors|**4,075**|31,545|**4,075**|31,545|
|Prepayments and accrued income|**834,159**|748,077|**834,159**|748,077|
||**1,059,593**|998,003|**1,255,550**|1,148,388|



## **9 DEBTORS** 

36 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **10 CREDITORS amounts falling due within one year** 

||**Consolidated**|**Consolidated**|**Foundation**|**Foundation**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2024**|**2023**|**2024**|**2023**|
||**_£_**|**_£_**|**_£_**|**_£_**|
|Trade creditors|**286,654**|140,788|**286,654**|140,788|
|Fees received in advance|**2,263,979**|1,782,564|**2,263,979**|1,782,564|
|Taxation and social security|**178,205**|163,667|**164,231**|155,444|
|Pension creditor|**155,986**|134,699|**155,986**|134,699|
|Other creditors|**409,580**|278,909|**431,816**|302,563|
|Returnable deposits|**242,066**|224,500|**242,066**|224,500|
|Accruals|**356,456**|149,634|**352,623**|145,258|
||**3,892,926**|2,874,761|**3,897,355**|2,885,816|
|Advance fees (see note 12)|**1,110,013**|283,208|**1,110,013**|283,208|
||**5,002,939**|3,157,969|**5,007,368**|3,169,024|



## **11 CREDITORS amounts falling due after more than one year** 

|Bank loan<br>Advance fees (see note 12)|**-**<br>**2,395,995**<br>**2,395,995**|-<br>364,502<br>364,502|**-**<br>**2,395,995**<br>**2,395,995**|-<br>364,502|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||364,502|



## **12 ADVANCE FEE PAYMENTS** 

A limited number of parents may enter into a contract to pay to the Foundation up to the equivalent of fourteen years tuition fees in advance. The money may be returned subject to specific conditions on the receipt of one terms notice. Assuming pupils will remain in the school, advance fees will be applied as follows: 

|Within 2 to 5 years<br>Within 1 to 2 years<br>Within 1 year|**2024**<br>**_£_**<br>**1,328,967**<br>**1,067,028**<br>**2,395,995**<br>**1,110,013**<br>**3,506,008**|**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>231,825<br>132,677|
|---|---|---|
|||364,502<br>283,208|
|||647,710|



The balance represents the accrued liability under the contracts, any impact of discounting on fees in advance is immaterial. 

37 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **13 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES** 

|**ROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Pension provision<br>Remeasurements<br>Deficit contribution paid<br>Release of provision<br>Unwinding of the discount factor (interest<br>expense)|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**-**<br>40,311<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>(40,311)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**Consolidated**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**-**<br>40,311<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>(40,311)<br>**-**<br>-<br>**Foundation**||
||||-|



This pension provision was released in the prior financial year due to The Pensions Trust advising the School that the buy-out-debt had crystalised. The buy-out-debt was provided for as a creditor in the prior year accounts and remains a creditor this year while the School is in negotiations with The Pensions Trust. Further details are contained in Note 14. 

## **14 PENSION SCHEMES** 

## **Teachers** 

The School participates in the Teachers' Pension Scheme (England and Wales) ("the TPS") for its teaching staff. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the TPS of £564,910 (2023: £526,463) and at the year-end £68,136 (2023: £59,790) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme. 

The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits pension scheme governed by The Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010 (as amended) and The Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014 (as amended). Members contribute on a “pay as you go” basis with contributions from members and the employer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament. 

The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the Government Actuary’s Department. The most recent actuarial valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2020 and the Valuation Report, which was published in October 2023. 

38 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **14 PENSION SCHEMES (continued)** 

## **Teachers** 

Following the McCloud judgement, the remedy proposed that when benefits become payable, eligible members can elect to receive them from either the reformed or legacy schemes from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. The actuaries have assumed that members are likely to choose the option that provides them with the greater benefits, and in preparing the 2020 valuation, have valued the 'greater value' benefits for groups of relevant members. 

The Department for Education has announced that, with effect from 1 April 2024, the TPS employer contribution rate will increase from 23.6% to 28.6%. Employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 28.68% 

## **Support Staff and Teaching Staff** 

## APTIS 

The Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS) is the defined contribution scheme offered to all new support staff and teachers joining the School. It is also accessible to all existing staff, should they with to transfer from the Teachers Pension Scheme or Growth Plan Series 4 scheme. This has no capital guarantee and the employer has no liability beyond its contributions to the fund. The School paid contributions of £701,580 (2023: £655,948) in the year. Contributions of £83,430 were outstanding at the year-end (2023: £69,087). 

## **Support Staff** 

The Pocklington School Foundation also participates in both The Pensions Trust’s Growth Plan (the PT Plan). 

## Series 3 

Initially the Foundation’s support staff were offered the Growth Plan Series 3 which included a capital guarantee. This capital guarantee produced a defined benefit element in a scheme which was funded and a potential deficit arose which was not the intention of the scheme when it was designed as a defined contribution vehicle. The estimated cost of withdrawal from this multi-employer pension plan is calculated at £nil (2023: £17,773) and this will crystallise when there are no longer any Pocklington staff who are active members of the Growth Plan Series 3 or Series 4. The Series 3 Plan is no longer offered to support staff, instead they are offered the Series 4 Plan, and there are therefore no active members of the Series 3 Plan at the Foundation. 

## Series 4 

Support staff in employment prior to 1 April 2023 were offered the Growth Plan Series 4 defined contribution scheme. This has no capital guarantee and the employer has no liability beyond its contributions to the fund. The Foundation paid contributions of £35,681 this year (2023: £138,046). Contributions of £4,130 were outstanding at the year-end (2023: £9,990). 

The Pension Trust’s Growth Plans Series 1 - 4 are classified as 'last-man standing arrangements'. Therefore, the Foundation is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the Plan’s deficit following withdrawal from the Plan. 

39 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **14 PENSION SCHEMES (continued)** 

## **The Pensions Trust Retirement Solutions - Independent Schools' Pension Scheme (ISPS)** 

The Pocklington School Foundation also participates in The Pension Trust's Independent Schools' Pension Scheme, a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 66 non-associated employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. 

It is not possible for the Foundation to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme. 

The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK. 

The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore the Foundation is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. 

The Foundation's estimated buy-out debt on withdrawal from the scheme at the latest valuation date (being 30 September 2022) is £148,881 (2023: £148,881). The buy-out debt on withdrawal is the withdrawing employer's share of the difference between the scheme's assets and the scheme actuary's estimate of the amount that an insurance company would charge to take on responsibility for paying all of the benefits due from ISPS. The School was advised after the year end that the buy-out-debt had crystallised. Whilst the School is contesting this decision, the buy-out-debt of £148,881 has been provided for in these accounts. 

## **15 RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES** 

|**Net income for the reporting period**<br>**Adjustments for:**<br>Depreciation charges<br>Release of pension deficit<br>Net (gains)/losses on investments<br>Dividends and interest<br>Financing costs<br>Loss/(profit) on sale of assets<br>Increase in stock<br>Increase in debtors<br>Increase in creditors<br>Net cash provided by operating activities<br>**ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total cash and cash equivalents**|**2024**<br>**_£_**<br>**311,718**<br>**561,599**<br>**-**<br>**(78,686)**<br>**(162,619)**<br>**14,418**<br>**104,311**<br>**(31,465)**<br>**(61,590)**<br>**3,913,510**<br>**4,571,196**<br>**6,903,805**<br>**6,903,805**|**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>834,344<br>556,724<br>(40,311)<br>5,689<br>(52,832)<br>16,778<br>(182)<br>(4,803)<br>(551,452)<br>189,435|
|---|---|---|
|||953,390|
|||3,168,092|
|||3,168,092|



40 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **15 RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (continued)** 

## **ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT** 

|Cash<br>Loans falling due within one year<br>Loans falling due after more than one year<br>**16 RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>John Dolman Trust - Bursary Account<br>John Dolman Trust - Development Account<br>CSU Prize Fund<br>Croft Prize Fund<br>William Arthurs Classics Fund<br>Joan Allen Science Fund<br>Pocklington Silvestri Fund<br>Dr Harold Williams Scholarship<br>D W Bagot Scholarship<br>Improvement Fund<br>Archive Fund<br>The Darrell Buttery Bursary Fund<br>Keith Applebee Scholarship<br>The Archbishop Zouche Prize<br>The Elliott Prize<br>Pre-Prep Play Area Fund<br>FOPPS<br>MOD - CCF Hut<br>East Riding of Yorkshire Council<br>John Dolman Trust - Bursary Account<br>John Dolman Trust - Development Account<br>CSU Prize Fund<br>Croft Prize Fund<br>William Arthurs Classics Fund<br>Joan Allen Science Fund<br>Pocklington Silvestri Fund<br>Dr Harold Williams Scholarship<br>D W Bagot Scholarship<br>Improvement Fund<br>Archive Fund<br>The Darrell Buttery Bursary Fund<br>Keith Applebee Scholarship<br>The Archbishop Zouche Prize<br>The Elliott Prize<br>Pre-Prep Play Area Fund<br>FOPPS|**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 23**<br>**_£_**<br>653,153<br>186,089<br>2,660<br>2,724<br>2,569<br>3,153<br>2,575<br>18,488<br>25,674<br>2,917<br>17,352<br>23,284<br>2,153<br>151<br>151<br>1,900<br>98<br>-<br>-<br>945,091<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 22**<br>**_£_**<br>604,315<br>190,150<br>2,601<br>2,713<br>2,475<br>3,181<br>2,518<br>18,228<br>25,109<br>2,853<br>28,566<br>22,769<br>2,106<br>172<br>172<br>1,900<br>-<br>909,828|**Income**<br>**_£_**<br>472,254<br>5,194<br>180<br>184<br>334<br>213<br>174<br>1,246<br>1,733<br>197<br>2,529<br>1,578<br>144<br>10<br>10<br>-<br>400<br>10,000<br>19,043<br>515,423<br>**Income**<br>**_£_**<br>62,991<br>9,594<br>59<br>61<br>119<br>72<br>57<br>410<br>565<br>64<br>1,095<br>515<br>47<br>4<br>4<br>-<br>500<br>76,157|**At**<br>**1 Sept 23**<br>**_£_**<br>3,168,092<br>-<br>-<br>3,168,092<br>**Expended**<br>**_£_**<br>(65,956)<br>(8)<br>(100)<br>(50)<br>(50)<br>-<br>-<br>(150)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(25)<br>(25)<br>-<br>(117)<br>-<br>(19,043)<br>(85,524)<br>**Expended**<br>**_£_**<br>(27,800)<br>(8)<br>-<br>(50)<br>(25)<br>(100)<br>-<br>(150)<br>-<br>-<br>(12,309)<br>-<br>-<br>(25)<br>(25)<br>-<br>(402)<br>(40,894)|**Cash-flows**<br>**_£_**<br>3,735,713<br>3,735,713<br>-<br>-<br>3,735,713<br>**Transfers**<br>**_£_**<br>(34,343)<br>34,343<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Transfers**<br>**_£_**<br>13,647<br>(13,647)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**At**<br>**31 Aug 24**<br>**_£_**<br>**6,903,805**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**6,903,805**<br>**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 24**<br>**_£_**<br>**1,025,108**<br>**225,618**<br>**2,740**<br>**2,858**<br>**2,853**<br>**3,366**<br>**2,749**<br>**19,584**<br>**27,407**<br>**3,114**<br>**19,881**<br>**24,862**<br>**2,297**<br>**136**<br>**136**<br>**1,900**<br>**381**<br>**10,000**<br>**-**<br>**1,374,990** <br>**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 23**<br>**_£_**<br>653,153<br>186,089<br>2,660<br>2,724<br>2,569<br>3,153<br>2,575<br>18,488<br>25,674<br>2,917<br>17,352<br>23,284<br>2,153<br>151<br>151<br>1,900<br>98<br>945,091~~er~~ro|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



41 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **16 RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)** 

## John Dolman Trust 

The Trust comprises a Bursary Account and a Development Account. The Bursary Account received a donation of funds from the Yorkshire Society in 2010; this £114,000 is invested with the rest of the funds and an annual income of base rate plus 1.5% is targeted at bursary support for applicants for the School's bursary scheme that were born in Yorkshire. 

## The Community Service Unit (CSU) Prize Fund 

Mrs Winifred Bond bequeathed the sum of £1,000 in 1980 to the Community Service Unit in recognition of the kind attention shown by pupils to her husband and herself over a period of years. The income from the bequest is administered by the Master in charge of the CSU who awards grants to present or former Sixth Form pupils for specific Community Service assignments. No awards were made during the year. 

## The Croft Prize Fund 

Mr Peter Croft, a late Governor of the School, made a donation of £1,000 in 1993, for the funding of prizes. No specific school subject conditions were attached to the gift, which, at the time was to be anonymous. Notional interest is added each year. This now supports a singing prize. 

## William Arthurs Classics Fund 

Donated in 2001 to fund a prize to student or students leaving to read for a degree in classics. 

## Joan Allen Science Fund 

Joan Allen donated £2,000 to the School to set up a prize fund to benefit students studying science. 

## Pocklington Silvestri Fund 

The Pocklington Silvestri Fund provides for miscellaneous expenses to Romanian Students who become boarders at the School. Currently there are none. 

## Dr Harold Williams Scholarship 

The School received £11,799 from the estate of the late Dr Harold Williams, an Old Pocklingtonian. The income from this bequest can provide a scholarship to assist a Pocklington pupil studying at a university in the United Kingdom. 

## D W Bagot Scholarship 

Mr B Fenwick-Smith donated £25,000 as a travel scholarship in memory of his friend D W Bagot. The annual travel scholarship accumulates interest over time. 

## Improvement Fund 

The School accepts small donations for the repairs, improvements and installation of items and artefacts of a historic nature. 

## Archive Fund 

Funds were raised for the creation of the School Archive rooms. The balance is to be used for curating materials in the Archive including digitalisation. 

## The Darrell Buttery Bursary Fund 

Mr Darrell Buttery, Governor and former teacher at Pocklington, made donations to establish a hardship fund to support outstanding pupils at Pocklington School who would otherwise have to leave on financial grounds. Mr Buttery intended that both capital and income can be used for this purpose. No awards were made during this year. 

## Keith Applebee Scholarship 

A legacy was received from the estate of Keith Applebee (old Pocklingtonian and Governor of the school) to provide an annual prize to the pupil who is deemed by the Head to have made the greatest contribution to the community life of the school. 

## The Archbishop Zouche Prize 

Donated anonymously and will be awarded to a pupil who overcomes personal adversity. 

## The Elliott Prize 

Donation by Mr Stephen Elliott, a former teacher and Governor, for the best contribution to wildlife study and nature conservation. 

Pre-Prep Play Area 

Donation to develop a play area outside the classroom. 

## FOPPS 

Donation for play area equioment at the Prep School. 

MOD - CCF Hut 

Donation for new CCF Hut. 

## East Riding of Yorkshire Council 

Funding received from the local authority for children that have an educational healthcare plan in place so additional needs can be met. 

42 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **17 ENDOWED FUNDS** 

Nine small charities were amalgamated into one Scheme in 1987. They now comprise a Prize Fund, a Scholarship Fund, The Desmond Boult Swimming Prize and the Isherwood and Allen Bursary Fund. These are a mixture of restricted and endowed funds. 

|Scholarship Funds<br>Prize Funds<br>Desmond Boult Prize<br>Scholarship Funds<br>Prize Funds<br>Desmond Boult Prize<br>**NRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>Free reserves<br>Designated funds<br>- Fixed assets<br>**Total for the group**<br>Free reserves<br>Designated funds<br>- Fixed assets<br>**Total for the group**|**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 23**<br>**_£_**<br>5,132<br>2,753<br>403<br>8,288<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 22**<br>**_£_**<br>5,106<br>4,406<br>393<br>9,905<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 23**<br>**_£_**<br>259,931<br>13,962,901<br>14,222,832<br>**Balance at**<br>**1 Sept 22**<br>**_£_**<br>321,338<br>13,100,796<br>13,422,134|**Increases**<br>**_£_**<br>380<br>521<br>27<br>928<br>**Increases**<br>**_£_**<br>126<br>172<br>10<br>308<br>**Surplus/**<br>**(deficit)**<br>**_£_**<br>547,066<br>(665,910)<br>(118,844)<br>**Surplus/**<br>**(deficit)**<br>**_£_**<br>1,358,090<br>(557,392)<br>800,698|**Decreases**<br>**_£_**<br>(150)<br>(100)<br>(15)<br>(265)<br>**Decreases**<br>**_£_**<br>(100)<br>(1,825)<br>-<br>(1,925)<br>**Transfer**<br>**between**<br>**funds**<br>**_£_**<br>(951,045)<br>951,045<br>-<br>**Transfer**<br>**between**<br>**funds**<br>**_£_**<br>(1,419,497)<br>1,419,497<br>-|**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 24**<br>**_£_**<br>**5,362**<br>**3,174**<br>**415**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**8,951**|
|||||**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 23**<br>**_£_**<br>5,132<br>2,753<br>403|
|||||8,288|
|||||**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 24**<br>**_£_**<br>**(144,048)**<br>**14,248,036**|
|||||**14,103,988**|
|||||**Balance at**<br>**31 Aug 23**<br>**_£_**<br>259,931<br>13,962,901|
|||||14,222,832|



## **18 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS** 

The transfer of £951,045 represents the value of fixed asset additions purchased with free reserves being transferred to the designated reserves. 

43 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **19 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** 

|**2024**<br>Restricted Funds<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Endowed funds<br>Designated funds<br>Total for the group<br>**2023**<br>Restricted Funds<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Endowed funds<br>Designated funds<br>Total for the group|**Tangible**<br>**fixed**<br>**assets**<br>**_£_**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>14,248,036<br>14,248,036<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>13,962,901<br>13,962,901|**Investments**<br>**_£_**<br>620,728<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>620,728<br>546,450<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>546,450|**Net**<br>**current**<br>**assets**<br>**_£_**<br>754,262<br>2,251,947<br>8,951<br>-<br>3,015,160<br>398,641<br>624,433<br>8,288<br>-<br>1,031,362|**Long**<br>**term**<br>**liabilities/**<br>**provisions**<br>**_£_**<br>-<br>(2,395,995)<br>-<br>-<br>(2,395,995)<br>-<br>(364,502)<br>-<br>-<br>(364,502)|**Total**<br>**_£_**<br>**1,374,990**<br>**(144,048)**<br>**8,951**<br>**14,248,036**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**15,487,929**|
||||||945,091<br>259,931<br>8,288<br>13,962,901|
||||||15,176,211|



## **20 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS** 

Capital commitments at 31 August 2024 in relation to building works were £nil (2023: £nil). 

## **21 OPERATING LEASES** 

As at 31 August 2024 the School had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating as follows: 

|**Equipment**<br>Within one year<br>Within one to two years<br>Within two to five years|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**52,608**<br>21,885<br>**49,178**<br>21,885<br>**74,246**<br>18,455<br>**176,032**<br>62,225<br>**Consolidated**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**52,608**<br>21,885<br>**49,178**<br>21,885<br>**74,246**<br>18,455<br>**176,032**<br>62,225<br>**Foundation**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**_£_**<br>**_£_**<br>**52,608**<br>21,885<br>**49,178**<br>21,885<br>**74,246**<br>18,455<br>**176,032**<br>62,225<br>**Foundation**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||62,225|



44 



**THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **22 INCOME FROM SUBSIDIARY'S TRADING ACTIVITIES** 

## **Pocklington School Enterprises Limited** 

The School owns Pocklington School Enterprises Limited (PSEL), which provides academic, sport and leisure courses, and the administration of a shop trading in uniforms, sports clothing and equipment. Its trading results extracted from its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024 were: 

|Turnover<br>Cost of sales<br>**Gross profit**<br>Administrative expenses<br>Management fees<br>**Operating profit**<br>**Net Assets**<br>Gift aid distribution to School<br>**Retained within/(withdrawn from) subsidiary**<br>**Profit before tax**<br>Other interest receivable and similar income|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**132,670**<br>**(62,608)**<br>**70,062**<br>**(24,820)**<br>**(6,616)**<br>**38,626**<br>**6**<br>**38,632**<br>**(38,632)**<br>**-**<br>14,820|**2023**<br>**£**<br>102,927<br>(38,741)|
|---|---|---|
|||64,186<br>(4,564)<br>(7,694)|
|||51,928|
|||3|
|||51,931<br>(51,931)|
|||-|
|||14,820|



## **Pocklington School International Limited** 

The School owns Pocklington School International Limited (PSIL), which is currently dormant. At 31 August 2024, the company's net liabilities were £16,759 (2023: £16,759). 

45 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **24 RELATED PARTIES** 

## Governors remuneration and benefits 

The Governors (who are members of the School's corporate trustee) did not receive any remuneration or benefits for their services. 

## Governors expenses 

Trustee expenses (training & subcriptions) totalling £1,110 were paid to seven Governors during the year (2023: £665 to seven Governors). 

## Governors other related parties 

Two Governors (2023: three) have three children (2023: three) enrolled at the school. Of these, one Governor (2023: one) receives an academic exhibition award. All fees are charged at the normal arm's length rate. No Governor or person connected with a Governor received any benefit from means-tested bursaries. 

Due to the nature of the School's operations and the composition of the Board of Governors (many being drawn from local public and private sector organisations) it is inevitable that transactions will take place with organisations in which a member of the Board of Governors may have an interest. All such transactions involving organisations in which a member of the Board of Governors may have an interest are conducted at arm's length and in accordance with the School's financial regulations and normal procurement procedures. No transactions were identified which should be disclosed under FRS 102. 

## Subsidiaries 

The School wholly owns Pocklington School Enterprises Limited. Further details regarding this subsidiary can be found in note 22. At the year end Pocklington School Enterprises Limited owed the School £73,128 (2023: £75,493) . This loan is interest-free and without specific terms for repayment. 

The School wholly owns Pocklington School International Limited. This subsidiary was dormant during the year. At the year end Pocklington School International Limited owed the School £16,759 (2023: £16,759). This loan is interest-free and without specific terms for repayment. 

## John Dolman Trust 

The John Dolman Trust (formerly the Pocklington School Development Trust) was established by Deed on 29 January 1969 as a Trust Fund and subsidiary charity of Pocklington School. The John Dolman Trust comprises a Bursary Account and a Development Account. The Trustee determines the policy for the allocation of funds on the advice of the Head. 

At the year end the Trust's Bursary Account owed the School £142,129 (2023: £80,259). 

There are no other related parties or related party transactions. 

46 



## **THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024** 

## **25 COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

|**_Income and endowments from:_**<br>**_Charitable activities_**<br>_School fees receivable_<br>_Ancillary trading income_<br>**_Other trading activities_**<br>_Non-ancillary trading income_<br>**_Investments_**<br>_Investment income_<br>**_Voluntary sources_**<br>_Donations and legacies_<br>**_Total_**<br>**_Expenditure on:_**<br>**_Raising funds_**<br>_Non-ancillary trading_<br>_Other income-generating activities_<br>_Financing costs_<br>**_Total deductible costs_**<br>**_Charitable Activities_**<br>_Education and grant making_<br>**_Total_**<br>**_Net income and_**<br>**_net movement in funds before_**<br>**_losses on investments_**<br>_Net losses on investments_<br>**_Net income_**<br>_Transfers between funds_<br>**_Net movement in funds_**<br>**_Reconciliation of funds:_**<br>_Total funds brought forward_<br>**_Total funds carried forward_**|**_Unrestricted_**<br>**_Funds_**<br>**_£_**<br>_12,677,232_<br>_53,762_<br>_102,927_<br>_27,936_<br>_506,060_<br>_13,367,917_<br>_43,305_<br>_55,147_<br>_12,659_<br>_111,111_<br>_12,456,108_<br>_12,567,219_<br>_800,698_<br>_-_<br>_800,698_<br>_-_<br>_800,698_<br>_13,422,134_<br>_14,222,832_|**_Restricted_**<br>**_& Endowed_**<br>**_Funds_**<br>**_£_**<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_24,896_<br>_51,569_<br>_76,465_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_4,119_<br>_4,119_<br>_33,011_<br>_37,130_<br>_39,335_<br>_(5,689)_<br>_33,646_<br>_-_<br>_33,646_<br>_919,733_<br>_953,379_|**_Total_**<br>**_2023_**<br>**_£_**<br>_12,677,232_<br>_53,762_<br>_102,927_<br>_52,832_<br>_557,629_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_13,444,382_|
||||_43,305_<br>_55,147_<br>_16,778_|
||||_115,230_<br>_12,489,119_|
||||_12,604,349_|
||||_840,033_<br>_(5,689)_|
||||_834,344_<br>_-_|
||||_834,344_<br>_14,341,867_|
||||_15,176,211_|



47