Friends of Down HI h NIC104603 Trustees Annual Report for Financial Year l August 2024- 31 July 2025 Addre55'. Friends of Down High Strangford Road Downpatrick BT30 6SL Trustees, Annual Re ort Friends of Down HighlFoDHI has continued to organise fundraising events for the families, children and former members of the school community- This group has maintained the link to the school with a large number of former pupils known as "Old Dunumians" as well as ensuring that the sporting endeavours of the school are also well resourced. During the course of the 2024-25 year, the Friends of Down High made vital contributions to promote and increase individual and collective knowledge. In close consultation with the Principal and teachers, support was given to fund a range of items, activitles and services that benefit the pupils. Amongst the various areas that were supported, some funding towards the extra-curricular life of the school was included by providing extra coaching for the rugby and hockey teams. Entry fee5 to sporting competitions in activities such as Dance, Athletics and Equestrian were a150 covered. Creative arts students benefitted from the donations made as they staged numerous music and drama productions. Over the last year, various subjects have been able to purchase additional resources such as text books and ICT equipment. All pupils benefitted from the contributions made towards activities ranging from the Year 8 induction residential to a Year 13 event which develops team-work, communication and leadership 5ki115 for students in the first full day of Sixth Form. Also, bespoke training was given to enhance the study skills of our students, arid to develop our senior prefects as leaders. Pupil wellbeing was also supported through workshop5 from vlsltlng organisations as well as through various end of year events. The Friends of Down High is a fundraisinE organisation, but an important part of our role is promoting Social inclusion, promoting well-being for all in the community, developing community relations and providing a less formal channel of communication between the past pupils and staff, our parent body and the school. Many of the Friends of Down High help the school in many ways including being involved in the Careers mock interview process. At the end of the financial year, the Frierbds of Down High was in surplus by £183,447.65. A breakdown of this is made in the Receipts and Payments Account figures. There are no funds held by Friends of Down High that are materially in deficit at the end of the year.
Trustees.. The trustees during the year ended 31 July 2025 were= Mr Douglas Marr Mrs Janice Cooke Mr Charles Knox Mrs Shauna Mullan Mrsjudith Gibson Mrs Maud Perry Mrs Hilary McGuire No other people seNed as trustees during the year. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT Purpose l.. Improved relationships between home and school. The benefit which flows from this purpose includes funding for additional resources for the school and links built with the local community. This is demonstrated through having a PTA that works in partnership with the school nd engages parental support. This purpose does not lead to harm. The benefit is for children at Down High school. Charity trustees (committee members) are usually past pupils, past or current members of staff or parents at the school which their children attend and hence gain benefit in the Same way as all other beneficiaries. This benefit is incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to all beneficiaries. Purpose 2.. Advancing the education of pupils in the school. The benefit which flows from this purpose includes increased educatior)al progress and attainment of pupils in the school and links built with the local community. This is demonstrated through pupils having access to resources, events, activities and links with the local community which are not available through direct school funding. This purpose does not lead to harm. The benefit is for children at Down High school. Charity trustees (committee members) are usually past puplls, past or current members of Staff or parents at the school which their children attend and her)ce gain benefit in the same way as all other beneficiaries. This benefit is incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to all beneficiaries. 2£1,,12