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2021-08-31-accounts

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The Board of Governors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022. All Governors of the school are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Principal Activities

The Company's principal activity during the year continued to be that of a registered charity (number: 532262) operating as a school. The school was founded in 1940.

Objectives and activities

The object for which the Company is established (as set out in the Memorandum of Association) is the advancement of education for both boys and girls of all sections of the community, and in connection therewith to conduct and carry on a school in which they may receive a sound general education.

The Governors and Senior Management Team of Highfield Priory School (“Highfield”) developed the long term strategy, together with operating plans to achieve the aims, to provide strategic direction and to set out where it plans to carry out actions and allocate resources to achieve its vision and deliver its strategic goals, with due consideration to the general guidance on public benefit required by the Charity Commission.

Provision of bursaries

The Governors of Highfield Priory Independent Day School and Nursery are committed to broadening access to the School by offering to eligible parents/guardians meanstested financial support with the payment of schools fees to enable their child to benefit from the experience of the wonderful teaching, learning and life lessons here in our warm, friendly and family orientated school. Such support is known as a bursary.

Working in the wider community

By supporting and participating in activities in the wider community, the benefit to the public is that, if the school did not participate and support these events, they may not be viable which would be detrimental to the public.

Highfield Priory promotes opportunities for continuing professional development and provides supportive performance management and subsequently ensures that all members of staff benefit from an effective training and skills development programme. The school actively nurtures a sense of benevolence, social responsibility and

community spirit in the children, which will stay with them throughout the rest of their lives. By developing this sense, the children are enthusiastic about engaging in activities which will benefit the community for example supporting specialist charity days and visiting the local old people’s home to sing for the residents. Consequently, the beneficiaries are people who receive support from local charities and members of our local community.

The school actively promotes and welcomes the sharing of its facilities and resources to provide benefit to community sports groups, providers of holiday and after school care activities, local children, adults, and various other organisations.

The school provides direct employment to local people and indirect employment by utilising local suppliers and contractors.

It demonstrates a commitment to provide the widest possible access to the school and not be selective based on gender, geography, social, cultural, ethnic religious

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

background and intellectual ability. Through this commitment the school can benefit children and adults from all sectors of the community.

The school continues to improve and develop its facilities and systems thereby providing a safe and well-maintained environment for the benefit of the school community. By committing to this aim the school can benefit pupils, staff, parents, local contractors, and any one either using the school's facilities or visiting the school

Although the building does not have “listed” status the trustees ensure that all additions and alterations are made in the most environmentally friendly way and are sympathetic to the existing environment, to the benefits of everyone using the school and the neighbours of the school.

Aims and intended impact of charitable activities

The main purpose of the charity is to provide an environment in which each child can develop their talents and aspirations encouraging them to develop to their full potential. The School achieves this by providing an excellent standard of teaching, superb facilities, and a wide range of intellectual, cultural and physical opportunities. A central feature in the school’s ethos is that each child when they leave school should make a positive contribution to society and consequently the School has developed strong links with the local community.

More specifically the charity aims to:

Main objectives for the year

The main objectives for the year were:

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Strategies adopted to achieve objectives

Achievements and performance

The academic year 2020/21 started with the announcement that Highfield Priory School was ranked 7th Independent Preparatory School in the country by The Sunday Times and first in the North West. The school has now held a top thirty position for the last ten years. This level of consistency has only been achieved by three other schools in the country and the school was delighted to receive this recognition for our hard-working pupils, staff and parents.

Our Year Six has, once again, achieved excellent examination results. 12 children achieved a place at a Grammar School, 5 achieved a scholarship and all children who took entrance examinations were accepted by their chosen Independent School.

Highfield has presented four theatrical productions across the school this year: the Infant Nativity, Year 4’s production of the BFG , which also involved children from Reception to Year 6, the Year 3 and 5 production of Pandora’s Box and our end of Year 6 performance of Treasure Island. The children’s dramatic pursuits continue to instill in them a natural confidence and self-belief which has a positive effect on all their endeavours.

Highfield Priory was one of the first cohort of schools in the country allowed to resume overnight trips away from school. A large group of children travelled to Manor Adventure in Shropshire and enjoyed a weekend of adventurous activity. The teamwork and leadership skills learnt were incredibly valuable and the trip was a real highlight of the year for the children.

The school has managed the global pandemic as a community with children, staff, governors, and parents working incredibly hard to provide as safe and secure an environment as possible. Even though there was disruption to the year groups at the start of the year, the staff was able to adapt to live online lessons quickly and continued to run a normal timetable including games, art, HPSED, music lessons and assemblies. During the second lockdown, once again the school was able to respond quickly and ran a full timetable live to students at home and at school. This was a challenge as many classes were running at over 50% capacity with the school accommodating a significant number of key worker children. The children demonstrated incredible resilience throughout each period at home, and throughout the lockdown, and continued to aim high in all endeavours. The children maintained their academic progress throughout the year which was monitored through tests and homework; they also made incredible progress in their handling of technology.

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

This has been a year that the school will never forget. Despite the obvious negatives,

Highfield has managed to pull a great deal of positives from this experience. This has mostly been seen in the attitude, teamwork, and resilience of the whole school community.

Developments

The Governors are committed to the ongoing improvement of school facilities. The main focus of investment continues to centre on the provision of first class learning and teaching facilities. We continued to improve the security of the buildings and grounds.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 11.

Income shows a decrease to £1,879,652 which is due to the impact from COVID 19. We have managed to maintain consistent pupil numbers and termly fees being held at a competitive level. Maintaining fees at a competitive level ensures that as many pupils as possible can access the school, whilst ensuring that the best teaching resources and learning environment are provided.

The overall results show a surplus of £72,527, despite the impact from COVID 19. The School Business Manager maintains a strong cash and working capital position with no bank overdraft or loans outstanding at the year end.

Reserves Policy

The Governors regularly review the finances, budgets and spend against budget together with cash flow analysis as part of the effective stewardship of the School.

In common with other independent schools, the Governors have invested substantial sums in the School buildings and have a continuing programme of refurbishment, development and investment to maintain excellent teaching facilities for our pupils. As shown in note 13 to the accounts, the school has free reserves of £156,272 supported by available cash which will be utilised for future enhancements to facilities and to support committed bursary places through those pupils time at Highfield. The high proportion of designated funds illustrates the extent of the investment in our School, in line with the capital investment plans. The Governors are comfortable with the reserves position given the stability of cash flows from fee income, the ongoing popularity of the School and the available banking facilities

The Governors recognise that the level of reserves fluctuates during periods of significant investment in the School and continually monitor the availability of free cash flows and available banking facilities to manage the School’s needs.

Investment Policy

The Board aims to safeguard its funds and ensure sufficient availability of liquid resources to meet the day to day needs of the School. The School does not hold any monetary investments.

Risk Management

The Governors have a risk management strategy which comprises:

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The Governors examine the major risks that the school faces each financial year when preparing and updating the annual budgets and strategic plan. The Charity has developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the school in the future.

The major risks faced by the charity are considered to be:- Financial sustainability

The school is at risk from economic factors which may impact on the affordability of fees. The Governors also seek to ensure that fees are retained at a level which maximises the accessibility of the education provided at Highfield Priory whilst also ensuring that reserves are available to maintain and develop facilities at the school. A prudent approach to budgeting is adopted each year and performance is monitored throughout the year.. The Trustees are conscious of the impact of Government restrictions in relation to Covid ~~1~~ 9 and will continue to monitor fees levels and debts through the year. The impact is likely to continue both in terms of increased staffing costs in relation to isolation and provision for pupils to catch up on any teaching missed.

Safeguarding and welfare

The safety of pupils is a significant risk in any school environment. A separate committee is in place which reviews all elements of safeguarding and ensures that training is in place for all staff and Governors.

ISI Inspection

The risk of non-compliance and failing to meet standards as a result of an ISI inspection are managed by the establishment and continuous review of robust policies and procedures.

Academic Results

The risk of a deterioration in the excellent results achieved by the school is managed by continuous review of provision and results by both staff and Governors. The academic progress of each pupil is monitored as part of their overall development.

Risks within the market or industry sector

The school faces the risk of losing the accolades and awards of academic excellence, it has always achieved in past years. There is always the concern that parents may move the younger child of an older sibling when he/she goes to senior school. Competition is strong, both in the industry sector and in the local geographic area. There is a risk of the demographic changing as mobility of populations is so volatile. The School has also considered the effects of proposed new housing developments. It is uncertain as to whether population growth will avail it of a wider admission base or if it will have an adverse effect.

Plans for future periods

The Governors have strategic and operating plans that are regularly reviewed. At the core of the plans is the key objective to continue to provide a good quality education to the pupils at Highfield Priory School by investing in the facilities and resources required to do so.

Structure, governance and management

Highfield Priory School Ltd is a charitable company limited by shares. The charity is governed by the company’s Memorandum and Article of Association and regulated by the Companies Act 2006 and the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The maximum number of governors is thirteen. All governors of the school are directors and trustees of the charity.

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The number of current governors is ten, consisting of two governors who are parents of children at the school and eight co-opted governors. Governors are appointed by the Board on recommendation from a nominations committee.

Governors are recruited and appointed based on specialist skills, personal competence, eligibility and availability to serve the school.

All of the Governors of the School are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

The directors who held office during the year and since the year end are detailed below:-

Name of director Office held in year Committees attended D Whitman Chair of Governors, Chair of AUD, STR, FGP Strategic Committee Vice Chair of Governors STR E M S Ahmed Chair of H&S Committee AUD, STR, HS M Booker (appointed 1 July 2018) STR, FGP W R Garment B R Hall STR, FGP M Illsley (appointed 1 July 2018) STR, FGP N Mason Chair of FGP Committee AUD, STR, FGP J A T Nairn Chair of Safeguarding & Child AUD, EDU, STR, Protection SCP D Patel-Smith (Appointed 27 April 2017) STR J R Wood Chair of Audit & Compliance AUD, STR, EDU Committee, Chair of Education Committee

Governors are inducted into the workings of the school and of its legal status of a limited company and as a registered charity. The induction includes familiarisation of all policy and procedures. The induction documentation contains the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the last two years’ final accounts, the latest management accounts, previous minutes, information on the role of a school governor and charity commission publications regarding the responsibilities of a trustee and Terms of Reference for sub-committees. The Chairman, fellow Governors, Headmaster and School Business Manager provide ongoing support.

The day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Headmaster, who attends the governors’ meetings.

The governors meet three times per year to determine the general policy and review its overall controls and management structure. There are sub-committees covering Audit and Compliance, Strategic Planning, Finance and General Purposes, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety and Education. Objectives for each Committee are set at the start of the year as part of a wider review of the strategy of the charity.

The committees to which the Governors are appointed are indicated above, as identified using the key shown below: AU Audit and Compliance D

STR Strategic Committee

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

SCP Safeguarding and Child Protection

FGP Finance and General Purposes Committee (Inc. Marketing) HS Health & Safety ED Education Committee U

Sub-committees are chaired by a governor and other members of the governing body, the Senior Management Team and other school employees.

Key management personnel

The Governors, together with the Headmaster, the School Business Manager and the Senior Management Team comprise the Key Management Personnel (see note 17 to the accounts). The Governors volunteer their time and do not receive any remuneration or benefit in consideration of the time given. The pay and remuneration of the Head and senior staff is determined by the Pay Review Committee under the terms of the Pay Policy, which aims to set out the framework for making decisions on the pay for all school staff, not just senior leaders. It has been developed to meet the aims the school taking into consideration that it is an independent school which is susceptible to political and economic external influences outside its control, the school aims to offer attractive salaries and pay progression, when compared with the education and educational support sector generally to support recruitment and retention and ensure accountability, transparency, objectivity and equality of opportunity.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Highfield Priory School Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

Auditor

After discussion with the board, Rushton’s have been appointed as the school’s auditors, previously Azets.

Disclosure of information to auditor

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

.............................. N Mason Trustee Dated: .........................

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 01157590 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER:

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

FOR

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

Rushtons Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Shorrock House 1 Faraday Court Fulwood Preston Lancashire PR2 9NB

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 7
Report of the Independent Auditors 8 to 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Cash Flow Statement 14
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16 to 28
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 29

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The Board of Governors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021. All Governors of the school are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Principal Activities

The Company's principal activity during the year continued to be that of a registered charity (number: 532262) operating as a school. The school was founded in 1940.

Objectives and activities

The object for which the Company is established (as set out in the Memorandum of Association) is the advancement of education for both boys and girls of all sections of the community, and in connection therewith to conduct and carry on a school in which they may receive a sound general education.

The Governors and Senior Management Team of Highfield Priory School ("Highfield") developed the long term strategy, together with operating plans to achieve the aims, to provide strategic direction and to set out where it plans to carry out actions and allocate resources to achieve its vision and deliver its strategic goals, with due consideration to the general guidance on public benefit required by the Charity Commission.

Provision of bursaries

The Governors of Highfield Priory Independent Day School and Nursery are committed to broadening access to the School by offering to eligible parents/guardians means-tested financial support with the payment of schools fees to enable their child to benefit from the experience of the wonderful teaching, learning and life lessons here in our warm, friendly and family orientated school. Such support is known as a bursary.

Working in the wider community

By supporting and participating in activities in the wider community, the benefit to the public is that, if the school did not participate and support these events, they may not be viable which would be detrimental to the public.

Highfield Priory promotes opportunities for continuing professional development and provides supportive performance management and subsequently ensures that all members of staff benefit from an effective training and skills development programme.

The school actively nurtures a sense of benevolence, social responsibility and community spirit in the children, which will stay with them throughout the rest of their lives. By developing this sense, the children are enthusiastic about engaging in activities which will benefit the community for example supporting specialist charity days and visiting the local old people's home to sing for the residents. Consequently, the beneficiaries are people who receive support from local charities and members of our local community.

The school actively promotes and welcomes the sharing of its facilities and resources to provide benefit to community sports groups, providers of holiday and after school care activities, local children, adults, and various other organisations.

The school provides direct employment to local people and indirect employment by utilising local suppliers and contractors.

Page 1

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

It demonstrates a commitment to provide the widest possible access to the school and not be selective based on gender, geography, social, cultural, ethnic religious background and intellectual ability. Through this commitment the school can benefit children and adults from all sectors of the community.

The school continues to improve and develop its facilities and systems thereby providing a safe and well-maintained environment for the benefit of the school community. By committing to this aim the school can benefit pupils, staff, parents, local contractors, and any one either using the school's facilities or visiting the school

Although the building does not have "listed" status the trustees ensure that all additions and alterations are made in the most environmentally friendly way and are sympathetic to the existing environment, to the benefits of everyone using the school and the neighbours of the school.

Aims and intended impact of charitable activities

The main purpose of the charity is to provide an environment in which each child can develop their talents and aspirations encouraging them to develop to their full potential. The School achieves this by providing an excellent standard of teaching, superb facilities, and a wide range of intellectual, cultural and physical opportunities. A central feature in the school's ethos is that each child when they leave school should make a positive contribution to society and consequently the School has developed strong links with the local community.

More specifically the charity aims to:

Page 2

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Main objectives for the year

The main objectives for the year were:

Strategies adopted to achieve objectives

Achievements and performance

The academic year 2020/21 started with the announcement that Highfield Priory School was ranked 7th Independent Preparatory School in the country by The Sunday Times and first in the North West. The school has now held a top thirty position for the last ten years. This level of consistency has only been achieved by three other schools in the country and the school was delighted to receive this recognition for our hard-working pupils, staff and parents.

Our Year Six has, once again, achieved excellent examination results. 12 children achieved a place at a Grammar School, 5 achieved a scholarship and all children who took entrance examinations were accepted by their chosen Independent School.

Highfield has presented four theatrical productions across the school this year: the Infant Nativity, Year 4's production of the BFG , which also involved children from Reception to Year 6, the Year 3 and 5 production of Pandora's Box and our end of Year 6 performance of Treasure Island. The children's dramatic pursuits continue to instill in them a natural confidence and self-belief which has a positive effect on all their endeavours.

Highfield Priory was one of the first cohort of schools in the country allowed to resume overnight trips away from school. A large group of children travelled to Manor Adventure in Shropshire and enjoyed a weekend of adventurous activity. The teamwork and leadership skills learnt were incredibly valuable and the trip was a real highlight of the year for the children.

The school has managed the global pandemic as a community with children, staff, governors, and parents working incredibly hard to provide as safe and secure an environment as possible. Even though there was disruption to the year groups at the start of the year, the staff was able to adapt to live online lessons quickly and continued to run a normal timetable including games, art, HPSED, music lessons and assemblies. During the second lockdown, once again the school was able to respond quickly and ran a full timetable live to students at home and at school. This was a challenge as many classes were running at over 50% capacity with the school accommodating a significant number of key worker children. The children demonstrated incredible resilience throughout each period at home, and throughout the lockdown, and continued to aim high in all endeavours. The children maintained their academic progress throughout the year which was monitored through tests and homework; they also made incredible progress in their handling of technology.

This has been a year that the school will never forget. Despite the obvious negatives, Highfield has managed to pull a great deal of positives from this experience. This has mostly been seen in the attitude, teamwork, and resilience of the whole school community.

Page 3

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Developments

The Governors are committed to the ongoing improvement of school facilities. The main focus of investment continues to centre on the provision of first class learning and teaching facilities. We continued to improve the security of the buildings and grounds.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 12.

Income shows a decrease to £1,832,015 which is due to the impact from COVID 19. We have managed to maintain consistent pupil numbers and termly fees being held at a competitive level. Maintaining fees at a competitive level ensures that as many pupils as possible can access the school, whilst ensuring that the best teaching resources and learning environment are provided. The overall results show a surplus of £72,519, despite the impact from COVID 19. The School Business Manager maintains a strong cash and working capital position with no bank overdraft or loans outstanding at the year end.

Reserves Policy

The Governors regularly review the finances, budgets and spend against budget together with cash flow analysis as part of the effective stewardship of the School.

In common with other independent schools, the Governors have invested substantial sums in the School buildings and have a continuing programme of refurbishment, development and investment to maintain excellent teaching facilities for our pupils. As shown in note 17 to the accounts, the school has free reserves of £140,606 supported by available cash which will be utilised for future enhancements to facilities and to support committed bursary places through those pupils time at Highfield. The high proportion of designated funds illustrates the extent of the investment in our School, in line with the capital investment plans. The reserves policy is to aim for approximately £161,000 reserves based on 20 pupils. The Governors will continue to review the reserves position but given the stability of cash flows from fee income, the ongoing popularity of the School and the available banking facilities there are no concerns.

The Governors recognise that the level of reserves fluctuates during periods of significant investment in the School and continually monitor the availability of free cash flows and available banking facilities to manage the School's needs.

Investment Policy

The Board aims to safeguard its funds and ensure sufficient availability of liquid resources to meet the day to day needs of the School. The School does not hold any monetary investments.

Risk Management

The Governors have a risk management strategy which comprises:

The Governors examine the major risks that the school faces each financial year when preparing and updating the annual budgets and strategic plan. The Charity has developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the school in the future.

Page 4

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The major risks faced by the charity are considered to be:-

Financial sustainability

The school is at risk from economic factors which may impact on the affordability of fees. The Governors also seek to ensure that fees are retained at a level which maximises the accessibility of the education provided at Highfield Priory whilst also ensuring that reserves are available to maintain and develop facilities at the school. A prudent approach to budgeting is adopted each year and performance is monitored throughout the year. The Trustees are conscious of the impact of Government restrictions in relation to Covid19 and will continue to monitor fees levels and debts through the year. The impact is likely to continue both in terms of increased staffing costs in relation to isolation and provision for pupils to catch up on any teaching missed.

Safeguarding and welfare

The safety of pupils is a significant risk in any school environment. A separate committee is in place which reviews all elements of safeguarding and ensures that training is in place for all staff and Governors.

ISI Inspection

The risk of non-compliance and failing to meet standards as a result of an ISI inspection are managed by the establishment and continuous review of robust policies and procedures.

Academic Results

The risk of a deterioration in the excellent results achieved by the school is managed by continuous review of provision and results by both staff and Governors. The academic progress of each pupil is monitored as part of their overall development.

Risks within the market or industry sector

The school faces the risk of losing the accolades and awards of academic excellence, it has always achieved in past years. There is always the concern that parents may move the younger child of an older sibling when he/she goes to senior school. Competition is strong, both in the industry sector and in the local geographic area. There is a risk of the demographic changing as mobility of populations is so volatile. The School has also considered the effects of proposed new housing developments. It is uncertain as to whether population growth will avail it of a wider admission base or if it will have an adverse effect.

Plans for future periods

The Governors have strategic and operating plans that are regularly reviewed. At the core of the plans is the key objective to continue to provide a good quality education to the pupils at Highfield Priory School by investing in the facilities and resources required to do so.

Structure, governance and management

Highfield Priory School Ltd is a charitable company limited by shares. The charity is governed by the company's Memorandum and Article of Association and regulated by the Companies Act 2006 and the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The maximum number of governors is thirteen. All governors of the school are directors and trustees of the charity.

The number of current governors is ten, consisting of two governors who are parents of children at the school and eight co-opted governors. Governors are appointed by the Board on recommendation from a nominations committee.

Governors are recruited and appointed based on specialist skills, personal competence, eligibility and availability to serve the school.

All of the Governors of the School are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

Page 5

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The directors who held office during the year and since the year end are detailed below:-

Committees
Name of director Office held in year attended
Chair of Governors, Chair of
D Whitman Strategic Committee AUD, STR, FGP
Vice Chair of Governors STR
E M S Ahmed Chair of H&S Committee AUD, STR, HS
M Booker STR, FGP
W R Garment
B R Hall STR, FGP
M Illsley STR, FGP
N Mason Chair of FGP Committee AUD, STR, FGP
Chair of Safeguarding & Child AUD, EDU, STR,
J A T Nairn Protection SCP
D Patel-Smith STR
Chair of Audit & Compliance
Committee, Chair of Education
J R Wood Committee AUD, STR, EDU

Governors are inducted into the workings of the school and of its legal status of a limited company and as a registered charity. The induction includes familiarisation of all policy and procedures. The induction documentation contains the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the last two years' final accounts, the latest management accounts, previous minutes, information on the role of a school governor and charity commission publications regarding the responsibilities of a trustee and Terms of Reference for sub-committees. The Chairman, fellow Governors, Headmaster and School Business Manager provide ongoing support.

The day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Headmaster, who attends the governors' meetings.

The governors meet three times per year to determine the general policy and review its overall controls and management structure. There are sub-committees covering Audit and Compliance, Strategic Planning, Finance and General Purposes, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety and Education. Objectives for each Committee are set at the start of the year as part of a wider review of the strategy of the charity.

The committees to which the Governors are appointed are indicated above, as identified using the key shown below:

AUD Audit and Compliance
STR Strategic Committee
SCP Safeguarding and Child Protection
FGP Finance and General Purposes Committee (Inc. Marketing)
HS Health & Safety
EDU Education Committee

Sub-committees are chaired by a governor and other members of the governing body, the Senior Management Team and other school employees.

Page 6

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Key management personnel

The Governors, together with the Headmaster, the School Business Manager and the Senior Management Team comprise the Key Management Personnel (see note 18 to the accounts). The Governors volunteer their time and do not receive any remuneration or benefit in consideration of the time given. The pay and remuneration of the Head and senior staff is determined by the Pay Review Committee under the terms of the Pay Policy, which aims to set out the framework for making decisions on the pay for all school staff, not just senior leaders. It has been developed to meet the aims the school taking into consideration that it is an independent school which is susceptible to political and economic external influences outside its control, the school aims to offer attractive salaries and pay progression, when compared with the education and educational support sector generally to support recruitment and retention and ensure accountability, transparency, objectivity and equality of opportunity.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Highfield Priory School Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

Auditor

After discussion with the board, Rushtons Chartered Accountants have been appointed as the school's auditors, previously Azets.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees on ……………………………………

.......................................................... N Mason - Trustee

Page 7

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Highfield Priory School Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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 trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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

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

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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.

Page 8

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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

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

Responsibilities of trustees

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

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

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

Page 9

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

In identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

Audit response to risks identified

As a result of performing the above procedures, we did not identify any key audit matters.

In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all of the engagement team, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

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 Report of the Independent Auditors.

Page 10

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

Use of our report

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

Adam Calvert ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Rushtons

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Shorrock House 1 Faraday Court Fulwood Preston Lancashire PR2 9NB

Date: .............................................

Page 11

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

2021
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
3
-
-
-
Charitable activities
6
1,792,056
2,163
1,794,219
Other trading activities
4
15,946
-
15,946
Investment income
5
31
-
31
Other income
21,820
-
21,820
Total
1,829,852
2,163
1,832,015
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
7
1,756,200
3,296
1,759,496
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
73,652
(1,133)
72,519
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
1,437,852
13,708
1,451,560
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
1,511,504
12,575
1,524,079
2020
Total
funds
£
500
1,753,209
11,243
424
100,487
1,865,863
1,941,186
(75,323)
1,526,883
1,451,560

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 12

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2021

2021
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
12 1,341,666
-
1,341,666
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
47,235
-
47,235
Cash at bank and in hand
395,581
12,575
408,169
442,816
12,588
455,404
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
(272,978)
-
(272,978)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
169,838
12,575
182,426
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
1,511,504
12,575
1,524,092
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one
year
15
-
-
-
NET ASSETS
1,511,504
12,575
1,524,092
FUNDS
Share capital
19
13
Unrestricted funds
17
1,511,504
Restricted funds
17
12,575
TOTAL FUNDS
1,524,092
2020
Total
funds
£
1,323,783
56,183
397,885
454,068
(276,278)
177,790
1,501,573
(50,000)
1,451,573
13
1,437,852
13,708
1,451,573

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. D Whitman - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 13

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
New loans in year
Loan repayments in year
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing
activities
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the reporting
period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the reporting period
2021
£
159,009
159,009
(102,905)
4,149
31
(98,725)
-
(50,000)
(50,000)
10,284
397,885
408,169
2020
£
35,192
35,192
(53,447)
-
424
(53,023)
50,000
-
50,000
32,169
365,716
397,885

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2021 2020
£ £
Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per
the Statement of Financial Activities) 72,519 (75,323)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 80,873 82,388
Interest received (31) (424)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 8,948 (5,112)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (3,300) 33,663
Net cash provided by operations 159,009 35,192
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
At 1.9.20 Cash flow At 31.8.21
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 397,885 10,284 408,169
397,885 10,284 408,169
Debt
Debts falling due after 1 year (50,000) 50,000 -
(50,000) 50,000 -
Total 347,885 60,284 408,169

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. CHARITY INFORMATION

Highfield Priory School Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 58 Fulwood Row, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5RW.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Income

Income from charitable activities comprises school fees, net of bursaries, and related receipts, accounted for in the period in which the service is provided. Fees for education to be provided in the next academic year, are carried forward as deferred income in the balance sheet.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

Voluntary income including, gifts and donations received for the general purposes of the charity are included in unrestricted funds when received. Where these comprise of donated fixed assets, they are included at market value.

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.

Expenditure

Expenditure is accounts for on an accruals basis, including VAT which cannot be recovered.

Governance costs comprise the costs of running the charity, including strategic planning for its future development, external audit and all the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements, such as the costs of Board and Committee meetings and of preparing statutory accounts and satisfying public accountability.

Support costs and governance costs have been allocated to the charitable activities as there is only one main activity undertaken by the charity.

Page 16

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Only items over £150 are capitalised.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land Nil Freehold properties 1-10% Straight line Furniture and equipment 15% Reducing balance IT equipment 25% Straight line Motor vehicles 25% Reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

Taxation

The school is a registered charity and as such is entitled to tax exemptions on all its income and gains, properly applied for its charitable purposes.

Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Cash at bank

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.

Financial instruments

The charity only had financial assets (debtors, cash and bank balances) and financial liabilities (creditors and accruals) 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.

Page 17

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expenses when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

Pension scheme

The Charity contributes to the Teachers' Pension Defined Benefits Scheme at the 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. Therefore, in accordance with FRS102 the scheme is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme (see note 23).

The Charity also contributes to defined contribution individual personal pension schemes for certain non-teaching staff at 5%-7.5% of annual basic pay. Contributions to both schemes are charged in the SOFA as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the schemes.

Leases

Rentals payable charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred over the term of the lease.

Irrecoverable VAT

The charity is not registered for Value Added Tax and accordingly expenditure is shown including irrecoverable Value Added Tax.

3.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations
4.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Hire of school and hall
Other receipts
2021
£
-
2021
£
866
15,080
15,946

Page 18

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

5.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest receivable
6.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Gross fees
Less: bursaries
Analysis by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Teaching costs, books and school meals
Non teaching staff costs
Premises expenses
Depreciation
Governance costs
Analysis by fund:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
2021
£
31
2021
£
1,803,932
(9,713)
1,794,219
1,792,056
2,163
1,794,219
2021
£
1,136,988
309,585
222,143
80,873
9,907
1,759,496
1,756,200
3,296
1,759,496
2020
£
424
2020
£
1,766,465

(13,256)
1,753,209
1,747,937
5,272
1,753,209
2020
£
1,317,636
300,358
230,866
82,388
9,938
1,941,186
1,940,603
583
1,941,186

Page 19

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

8. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2021 2020
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 80,873 82,388
9. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 500 - 500
Charitable activities
General 1,747,937 5,272 1,753,209
Other trading activities 11,243 - 11,243
Investment income 424 - 424
Other income 100,487 - 100,487
Total 1,860,591 5,272 1,865,863
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
General 1,940,603 583 1,941,186
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (80,012) 4,689 (75,323)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 1,517,864 9,032 1,526,896
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD 1,437,852 13,721 1,451,573

Page 20

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10. AUDITOR'S REMUNERATION

The analysis of auditors remuneration is as follows:

Audit services
Other services
2021
£
5,300
4,607
9,907
2020
£
5,200
3,818
9,018

11. EMPLOYEES

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Teachers and Assistants
Administration
Domestic
2021
Number
39
5
10
54
2020
Number
42
5
10
57

Employment costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2021
£
1,112,873
91,495
168,168
1,372,536
2020
£
1,246,828
107,096
190,849
1,544,773

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were:

80,001 - 90,000 2021
Number
1
2020
Number
1

Of the employees whose emoluments exceed £60,000, 1 (2020: 1) has retirement benefits accruing under defined benefit pension schemes.

Page 21

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 September 2020
Additions
Disposals
At 31 August 2021
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2020
Charge for year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 August 2021
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020
Freehold
land and
buildings
£
1,708,816
70,928
-
1,779,744
719,601
34,004
-
753,605
1,026,139
989,215

Leasehold
Furniture

land and
and
Motor

buildings
equipment
vehicles
£
£
£
277,493
651,671
22,053
-
31,977
-
-
(61,824)
-
277,493
621,824
22,053
92,545
502,270
21,834
18,509
28,305
55
-
(57,675)
-
111,054
472,900
21,889
166,439
148,924
164
184,948
149,401
219

Totals
£
2,660,033
102,905
(61,824)
2,701,114
1,336,250
80,873
(57,675)
1,359,448
1,341,666
1,323,783

The cost of land and buildings include an amount of £64,917 (2020: £64,917) relating to the cost of land which is not depreciated.

Although there are no bank borrowings at the year end, the bank have a first legal charge over the school and nursery buildings for the agreed overdraft facility.

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments
2021
£
12,170
113
34,952
47,235
2020
£
11,815
16,113
28,255
56,183

Page 22

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

14.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021
£
Trade creditors
55,001
Social security and other taxes
21,725
Other creditors
-
Fees received in advance
137,070
Accruals and deferred income
59,182
272,978
15.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2021
£
Bank loans (see note 17)
-
16.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
2021
£
Amounts falling between one and two years:
Bank loans - 1-2 years
-
17.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
Transfers
movement
between
At 1.9.20
in funds
funds
£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
85,532
168,144
(113,070)
Property Asset Fund
1,323,784
(84,779)
102,661
Bursary Fund
28,536
(9,713)
10,409
1,437,852
73,652
-
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
13,708
(1,133)
-
TOTAL FUNDS
1,451,560
72,519
-
2020
£
39,112
25,139
4,093
141,513
66,421
276,278
2020
£
50,000
2020
£
50,000


At
31.8.21
£
140,606
1,341,666
29,232
1,511,504
12,575
1,524,079

Page 23

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property Asset Fund
Bursary Fund
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
At 1.9.19
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
117,795
Property Asset Fund
1,352,725
Bursary Fund
47,344
1,517,864
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
9,019
TOTAL FUNDS
1,526,883
Incoming
Resources Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
1,839,565
(1,671,421)
168,144
-
(84,779)
(84,779)
(9,713)
-
(9,713)
1,829,852
(1,756,200)
73,652
2,163
(3,296)
(1,133)
1,832,015
(1,759,496)
72,519
Net
Transfers
movement
between
At

in funds
funds
31.8.20
£
£
£
15,632
(47,895)
85,532
(82,388)
53,447
1,323,784
(13,256)
(5,552)
28,536
(80,012)
-
1,437,852
4,689
-
13,708
(75,323)
-
1,451,560

Page 24

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property Asset Fund
Bursary Fund
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
1,873,847
-
(13,256)
1,860,591
5,272
1,865,863

Resources Movement

expended
in funds
£
£
(1,858,215)
15,632
(82,388)
(82,388)
-
(13,256)
(1,940,603)
(80,012)
(583)
4,689
(1,941,186)
(75,323)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property Asset Fund
Bursary Fund
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.9.19
£
117,795
1,352,725
47,344
1,517,864
9,019
1,526,883
Net
Transfers
movement
between

in funds
funds
£
£
183,776
(160,965)
(167,167)
156,108
(22,969)
4,857
(6,360)
-
3,556
-
(2,804)
-


At
31.8.21
£
140,606
1,341,666
29,232
1,511,504
12,575
1,524,079

Page 25

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property Asset Fund
Bursary Fund
Restricted funds
AEN Early Years Funding
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
3,713,412
-
(22,969)
3,690,443
7,435
3,697,878

Resources Movement

expended
in funds
£
£
(3,529,636)
183,776
(167,167)
(167,167)
-
(22,969)
(3,696,803)
(6,360)
(3,879)
3,556
(3,700,682)
(2,804)

Unrestricted funds

The general fund is the free reserves of the charity after allowing for all designated funds.

The property asset fund is represented by monies spent on the tangible fixed assets of the charity (note 8).

The transfer of £102,661 (2020: £53,447) from the free reserves represents the funds spent on fixed assets in the current year.

The resources expended of £84,779 (2020: £52,388) represents the depreciation charges and losses on disposal in the current year.

The bursary fund represents monies designated and set aside to meet the future costs of the bursaries for existing pupils.

Restricted funds

The AEN fund is monies received to support certain children. Any unused funds are carried forward to future years.

Page 26

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows:

Aggregate compensation 2021
£
290,766
2020
£
305,300

Benjamin Hall, trustee, is a director of Signs Express Limited who supplied signs to the school at a cost of £2,485 (2020: £1,365).

One governor received travel expenses totalling £111 during the year (2020: £111). No other governors or persons connected to them received any remuneration, and were not reimbursed for any expenses in this or the previous year.

During the year insurance premiums of £664 (2020: £664) were paid by the school in respect of indemnity insurance for the Governors.

19. SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
13 Ordinary shares of £1 each
2021
£
13
2020
£
13

All the assets are held for charitable purposes and cannot be distributed to the members. Should the company be wound up or dissolved, the assets have to be transferred to another charity with similar objects and which also prohibits the distribution of any income or property to it's member.

20. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Natwest hold a letter of set off over credit balances by Highfield Priory School Parents Association allowing the bank to set off the credit balances of the Parents Association account with the debit balances of Highfield Priory School Limited, although there has been no such credit balances to set off during the year.

Page 27

continued...

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

21. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, mainly in respect of the sports field which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years
2021
£
3,071
10,342
17,880
31,293
2020
£
2,202
1,920
18,360
22,482

22. PENSION SCHEMES

The School participates in the Teachers' Pension Scheme ("the TPS") for its teaching staff. The pension scheme charge for the year included contributions payable to the TPS of £155,047 (2020: £167,372) and at the year-end £15,430 (2020: £19,622) was accrued in respect of contributions to this scheme.

The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits scheme governed by The Teachers' Pension 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 valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2016 and the valuation report, which was published in June 2014, confirmed an employer contribution rate for the TPS of 23.60% from 1 September 2019. Employers are also currently required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 23.68%. This employer rate will be payable until the completion and outcome of the next actuarial valuation which is being prepared as at 31 March 2020. At the time of preparing this report, the actuarial valuation was not available.

The charity also runs a scheme for certain non-teaching staff, which is a defined contributions scheme managed by Complete Pension Trust. The cost for the year represents the Charity's contributions to that scheme of £13,120 (2020: £23,477).

Page 28

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Other trading activities
Hire of school and hall
Other receipts
Investment income
Interest receivable
Charitable activities
School fees
Other income
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Teaching costs, books and school meals
Non teaching staff costs
Premises expenses
Governance costs
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Total resources expended
Net income/(expenditure)
2021
£
-
866
15,080
15,946
31
1,794,219
21,820
1,832,015
1,136,988
309,585
222,143
9,907
80,873
1,759,496
1,759,496
72,519
2020
£
500
3,666
7,577
11,243
424
1,753,209
100,487
1,865,863
1,317,636
300,358
230,866
9,938
82,388
1,941,186
1,941,186
(75,323)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 29

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The Board of Governors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022. All Governors of the school are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Principal Activities

The Company's principal activity during the year continued to be that of a registered charity (number: 532262) operating as a school. The school was founded in 1940.

Objectives and activities

The object for which the Company is established (as set out in the Memorandum of Association) is the advancement of education for both boys and girls of all sections of the community, and in connection therewith to conduct and carry on a school in which they may receive a sound general education.

The Governors and Senior Management Team of Highfield Priory School (“Highfield”) developed the long term strategy, together with operating plans to achieve the aims, to provide strategic direction and to set out where it plans to carry out actions and allocate resources to achieve its vision and deliver its strategic goals, with due consideration to the general guidance on public benefit required by the Charity Commission.

Provision of bursaries

The Governors of Highfield Priory Independent Day School and Nursery are committed to broadening access to the School by offering to eligible parents/guardians meanstested financial support with the payment of schools fees to enable their child to benefit from the experience of the wonderful teaching, learning and life lessons here in our warm, friendly and family orientated school. Such support is known as a bursary.

Working in the wider community

By supporting and participating in activities in the wider community, the benefit to the public is that, if the school did not participate and support these events, they may not be viable which would be detrimental to the public.

Highfield Priory promotes opportunities for continuing professional development and provides supportive performance management and subsequently ensures that all members of staff benefit from an effective training and skills development programme. The school actively nurtures a sense of benevolence, social responsibility and

community spirit in the children, which will stay with them throughout the rest of their lives. By developing this sense, the children are enthusiastic about engaging in activities which will benefit the community for example supporting specialist charity days and visiting the local old people’s home to sing for the residents. Consequently, the beneficiaries are people who receive support from local charities and members of our local community.

The school actively promotes and welcomes the sharing of its facilities and resources to provide benefit to community sports groups, providers of holiday and after school care activities, local children, adults, and various other organisations.

The school provides direct employment to local people and indirect employment by utilising local suppliers and contractors.

It demonstrates a commitment to provide the widest possible access to the school and not be selective based on gender, geography, social, cultural, ethnic religious

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

background and intellectual ability. Through this commitment the school can benefit children and adults from all sectors of the community.

The school continues to improve and develop its facilities and systems thereby providing a safe and well-maintained environment for the benefit of the school community. By committing to this aim the school can benefit pupils, staff, parents, local contractors, and any one either using the school's facilities or visiting the school

Although the building does not have “listed” status the trustees ensure that all additions and alterations are made in the most environmentally friendly way and are sympathetic to the existing environment, to the benefits of everyone using the school and the neighbours of the school.

Aims and intended impact of charitable activities

The main purpose of the charity is to provide an environment in which each child can develop their talents and aspirations encouraging them to develop to their full potential. The School achieves this by providing an excellent standard of teaching, superb facilities, and a wide range of intellectual, cultural and physical opportunities. A central feature in the school’s ethos is that each child when they leave school should make a positive contribution to society and consequently the School has developed strong links with the local community.

More specifically the charity aims to:

Main objectives for the year

The main objectives for the year were:

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Strategies adopted to achieve objectives

Achievements and performance

The academic year 2020/21 started with the announcement that Highfield Priory School was ranked 7th Independent Preparatory School in the country by The Sunday Times and first in the North West. The school has now held a top thirty position for the last ten years. This level of consistency has only been achieved by three other schools in the country and the school was delighted to receive this recognition for our hard-working pupils, staff and parents.

Our Year Six has, once again, achieved excellent examination results. 12 children achieved a place at a Grammar School, 5 achieved a scholarship and all children who took entrance examinations were accepted by their chosen Independent School.

Highfield has presented four theatrical productions across the school this year: the Infant Nativity, Year 4’s production of the BFG , which also involved children from Reception to Year 6, the Year 3 and 5 production of Pandora’s Box and our end of Year 6 performance of Treasure Island. The children’s dramatic pursuits continue to instill in them a natural confidence and self-belief which has a positive effect on all their endeavours.

Highfield Priory was one of the first cohort of schools in the country allowed to resume overnight trips away from school. A large group of children travelled to Manor Adventure in Shropshire and enjoyed a weekend of adventurous activity. The teamwork and leadership skills learnt were incredibly valuable and the trip was a real highlight of the year for the children.

The school has managed the global pandemic as a community with children, staff, governors, and parents working incredibly hard to provide as safe and secure an environment as possible. Even though there was disruption to the year groups at the start of the year, the staff was able to adapt to live online lessons quickly and continued to run a normal timetable including games, art, HPSED, music lessons and assemblies. During the second lockdown, once again the school was able to respond quickly and ran a full timetable live to students at home and at school. This was a challenge as many classes were running at over 50% capacity with the school accommodating a significant number of key worker children. The children demonstrated incredible resilience throughout each period at home, and throughout the lockdown, and continued to aim high in all endeavours. The children maintained their academic progress throughout the year which was monitored through tests and homework; they also made incredible progress in their handling of technology.

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

This has been a year that the school will never forget. Despite the obvious negatives,

Highfield has managed to pull a great deal of positives from this experience. This has mostly been seen in the attitude, teamwork, and resilience of the whole school community.

Developments

The Governors are committed to the ongoing improvement of school facilities. The main focus of investment continues to centre on the provision of first class learning and teaching facilities. We continued to improve the security of the buildings and grounds.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 11.

Income shows a decrease to £1,879,652 which is due to the impact from COVID 19. We have managed to maintain consistent pupil numbers and termly fees being held at a competitive level. Maintaining fees at a competitive level ensures that as many pupils as possible can access the school, whilst ensuring that the best teaching resources and learning environment are provided.

The overall results show a surplus of £72,527, despite the impact from COVID 19. The School Business Manager maintains a strong cash and working capital position with no bank overdraft or loans outstanding at the year end.

Reserves Policy

The Governors regularly review the finances, budgets and spend against budget together with cash flow analysis as part of the effective stewardship of the School.

In common with other independent schools, the Governors have invested substantial sums in the School buildings and have a continuing programme of refurbishment, development and investment to maintain excellent teaching facilities for our pupils. As shown in note 13 to the accounts, the school has free reserves of £156,272 supported by available cash which will be utilised for future enhancements to facilities and to support committed bursary places through those pupils time at Highfield. The high proportion of designated funds illustrates the extent of the investment in our School, in line with the capital investment plans. The Governors are comfortable with the reserves position given the stability of cash flows from fee income, the ongoing popularity of the School and the available banking facilities

The Governors recognise that the level of reserves fluctuates during periods of significant investment in the School and continually monitor the availability of free cash flows and available banking facilities to manage the School’s needs.

Investment Policy

The Board aims to safeguard its funds and ensure sufficient availability of liquid resources to meet the day to day needs of the School. The School does not hold any monetary investments.

Risk Management

The Governors have a risk management strategy which comprises:

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The Governors examine the major risks that the school faces each financial year when preparing and updating the annual budgets and strategic plan. The Charity has developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the school in the future.

The major risks faced by the charity are considered to be:- Financial sustainability

The school is at risk from economic factors which may impact on the affordability of fees. The Governors also seek to ensure that fees are retained at a level which maximises the accessibility of the education provided at Highfield Priory whilst also ensuring that reserves are available to maintain and develop facilities at the school. A prudent approach to budgeting is adopted each year and performance is monitored throughout the year.. The Trustees are conscious of the impact of Government restrictions in relation to Covid ~~1~~ 9 and will continue to monitor fees levels and debts through the year. The impact is likely to continue both in terms of increased staffing costs in relation to isolation and provision for pupils to catch up on any teaching missed.

Safeguarding and welfare

The safety of pupils is a significant risk in any school environment. A separate committee is in place which reviews all elements of safeguarding and ensures that training is in place for all staff and Governors.

ISI Inspection

The risk of non-compliance and failing to meet standards as a result of an ISI inspection are managed by the establishment and continuous review of robust policies and procedures.

Academic Results

The risk of a deterioration in the excellent results achieved by the school is managed by continuous review of provision and results by both staff and Governors. The academic progress of each pupil is monitored as part of their overall development.

Risks within the market or industry sector

The school faces the risk of losing the accolades and awards of academic excellence, it has always achieved in past years. There is always the concern that parents may move the younger child of an older sibling when he/she goes to senior school. Competition is strong, both in the industry sector and in the local geographic area. There is a risk of the demographic changing as mobility of populations is so volatile. The School has also considered the effects of proposed new housing developments. It is uncertain as to whether population growth will avail it of a wider admission base or if it will have an adverse effect.

Plans for future periods

The Governors have strategic and operating plans that are regularly reviewed. At the core of the plans is the key objective to continue to provide a good quality education to the pupils at Highfield Priory School by investing in the facilities and resources required to do so.

Structure, governance and management

Highfield Priory School Ltd is a charitable company limited by shares. The charity is governed by the company’s Memorandum and Article of Association and regulated by the Companies Act 2006 and the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The maximum number of governors is thirteen. All governors of the school are directors and trustees of the charity.

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The number of current governors is ten, consisting of two governors who are parents of children at the school and eight co-opted governors. Governors are appointed by the Board on recommendation from a nominations committee.

Governors are recruited and appointed based on specialist skills, personal competence, eligibility and availability to serve the school.

All of the Governors of the School are Directors and Trustees of the charity.

The directors who held office during the year and since the year end are detailed below:-

Name of director Office held in year Committees attended D Whitman Chair of Governors, Chair of AUD, STR, FGP Strategic Committee Vice Chair of Governors STR E M S Ahmed Chair of H&S Committee AUD, STR, HS M Booker (appointed 1 July 2018) STR, FGP W R Garment B R Hall STR, FGP M Illsley (appointed 1 July 2018) STR, FGP N Mason Chair of FGP Committee AUD, STR, FGP J A T Nairn Chair of Safeguarding & Child AUD, EDU, STR, Protection SCP D Patel-Smith (Appointed 27 April 2017) STR J R Wood Chair of Audit & Compliance AUD, STR, EDU Committee, Chair of Education Committee

Governors are inducted into the workings of the school and of its legal status of a limited company and as a registered charity. The induction includes familiarisation of all policy and procedures. The induction documentation contains the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the last two years’ final accounts, the latest management accounts, previous minutes, information on the role of a school governor and charity commission publications regarding the responsibilities of a trustee and Terms of Reference for sub-committees. The Chairman, fellow Governors, Headmaster and School Business Manager provide ongoing support.

The day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Headmaster, who attends the governors’ meetings.

The governors meet three times per year to determine the general policy and review its overall controls and management structure. There are sub-committees covering Audit and Compliance, Strategic Planning, Finance and General Purposes, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety and Education. Objectives for each Committee are set at the start of the year as part of a wider review of the strategy of the charity.

The committees to which the Governors are appointed are indicated above, as identified using the key shown below: AU Audit and Compliance D

STR Strategic Committee

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

SCP Safeguarding and Child Protection

FGP Finance and General Purposes Committee (Inc. Marketing) HS Health & Safety ED Education Committee U

Sub-committees are chaired by a governor and other members of the governing body, the Senior Management Team and other school employees.

Key management personnel

The Governors, together with the Headmaster, the School Business Manager and the Senior Management Team comprise the Key Management Personnel (see note 17 to the accounts). The Governors volunteer their time and do not receive any remuneration or benefit in consideration of the time given. The pay and remuneration of the Head and senior staff is determined by the Pay Review Committee under the terms of the Pay Policy, which aims to set out the framework for making decisions on the pay for all school staff, not just senior leaders. It has been developed to meet the aims the school taking into consideration that it is an independent school which is susceptible to political and economic external influences outside its control, the school aims to offer attractive salaries and pay progression, when compared with the education and educational support sector generally to support recruitment and retention and ensure accountability, transparency, objectivity and equality of opportunity.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Highfield Priory School Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

Auditor

After discussion with the board, Rushton’s have been appointed as the school’s auditors, previously Azets.

Disclosure of information to auditor

HIGHFIELD PRIORY SCHOOL LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

.............................. N Mason Trustee Dated: .........................