## The Fellowship of the 

## School of Economic Science 

Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 



## 1. Reference & Administrative Details 

_The Trustees present their Annual Report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025. The reference and administrative information forms part of this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity's governing document and the Charities SORP (FRS 102)._ 

**Charity name** - The Fellowship of the School of Philosophy and Economic Science 

## **Charity registration numbers** – 313115 and SC039950 

**Principal address** – 11 Mandeville Place, London, W1U 3AJ 

The Charity is governed by the Executive Committee, whose members are the Trustees of the Charity. 

## **Trustees (Executive Committee)** 

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of approval of this report were: Stephen Silver (Principal), Richard Ibbett (General Secretary), David Woodhead (Treasurer from 26/07/25), Chris Rees (Treasurer until 26/07/25), Elina Grigoriou, Elizabeth Mazzola, Hilary Dover (co-opted 26/07/25), Kumar Kumara, Mark Toole (co-opted 26/07/25), Matt McNeill, Sherry Moran and Yolande Hesse. 

_New Trustees receive induction from existing Trustees and senior officers, together with access to key governance, financial and operational documentation._ 

**Key Management Personnel** – The Trustees consider the key management personnel of the Charity to comprise the Principal, the Treasurer, the General Secretary and the Director of Operations, Laura Counsell. 

_The Charity’s remuneration policy is overseen by the Trustees. Remuneration of senior staff is determined with reference to comparable charitable organisations, affordability and the responsibilities of the role._ 

**Governing Document** – The Charity is governed by its Fellowship Rules, which set out its objects, powers, and the framework for governance and decisionmaking. 

**Independent Auditor** – Sayer Vincent, 110 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0TG 

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Sayer Vincent LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office. 

**Bankers** – Nat West PLC, 38 The Strand, WC2N 5JB 

**Solicitors** – Field Fisher, Riverbank House, 2 Swan Lane, London EC4R 3TT 

**Insurance Broker** – Access Insurance, Selsdon House, 220-230 Addington Road, CR2 8DL 

_**Investment advisors -** CCLA Investment Management Limited, 1 Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB; P1 Investment Services Limited, Clyst House, Manor Drive, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1GB._ 

**Related Organisations** – The Charity works closely with Waterperry Gardens Limited, which supports aspects of the Charity’s activities through the provision and management of estate facilities. 

## 2. Year in View 

The work of the School during the year has continued to be sustained through regular study, meditation, retreat activity and voluntary service. 

Across the School, several hundred groups met weekly, supporting a student body numbering in the thousands. 

Student numbers continue to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic. Total enrolments in Autumn 2025 are 15% up on Spring 2020, the last term before Covid. This includes 165 students who have only ever attended online. 

Activity in specialist areas extends internationally. In Sanskrit, Economics, Renaissance, Plato and other studies, several hundred students worldwide continue to engage in regular study through a combination of in-person and online provision. 

Meditation remains a central element of the work, with a steady number of students taking up the practice each year as they progress in their studies. 

Retreat activity has remained strong for enrolled students as part of their continuing studies. Courses run by students in the School are also offered to members of the public, and the retreat facilities are made available for hire by third party organisations. 

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The School’s centres continue to be maintained and developed in support of its activities. Care for the natural environment also forms part of this stewardship, with ongoing work at a number of centres to support biodiversity and the longterm health of the land. 

## 3. Purpose & Public Benefit 

The School of Philosophy and Economic Science exists to support the study and practice of philosophy as a way of life. Its formal objects are set out in full in the Appendix. 

The School provides a setting in which individuals can inquire into fundamental questions, test understanding in the light of experience, and explore the practical application of philosophy in daily living. 

In shaping its activities, the Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. 

The Charity delivers public benefit through open-access courses in philosophy, economics and related subjects; through meditation practice; offerings of residential retreats, public events, and related initiatives. 

These activities are open to all. Concessions are available for those on low incomes or facing financial hardship, and a combination of in-person and online provision helps to widen access. 

Taken together, the School’s work contributes to education, personal development, and the wider cultural and intellectual life of the community. 

## 4. How We Create Value 

The work of the School is carried through an integrated model of study and practice, expressed through four interdependent pillars: Group, Meditation, Retreats, and Service. Together, these form a coherent approach in which understanding is developed, tested, and applied. 

The Trustees assess success through a combination of student participation, student retention, retreat attendance, meditation uptake, volunteer engagement, financial sustainability and the maintenance and development of the Charity’s educational facilities. 

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## Group 

Regular classes form the foundation of the School’s activity. These provide a structured setting in which students can engage with philosophical inquiry, supported by continuity of study and the guidance of experienced tutors. 

Through regular attendance and progression over time, students are able to deepen their understanding and engage with increasingly subtle aspects of the teaching. 

Meditation 

Meditation provides the means by which understanding is deepened through direct experience. It supports clarity of mind, attention, and the integration of study into daily life. 

The practice is introduced to students as they progress and is supported across centres through ongoing guidance, group practice, and integration within the wider work of the School. 

## Retreats 

Retreats offer the opportunity to step back from the demands of daily life and engage more fully in study and reflection. They provide a setting in which the group studies can be explored in greater depth, supported by a shared environment of inquiry, quietness, and continuity. 

## Service 

Service is the living expression of the School’s work and links understanding with practical action. Teaching, administration, care of people and places, student support, and the preservation and transmission of knowledge are sustained largely through voluntary effort. 

Taken together, these four pillars form an integrated whole, through which the School’s purpose is expressed in practice. 

The Charity did not undertake any material grant-making activity during the year. 

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## 5. Achievements & Performance 

_The Trustees assess the effectiveness of the Charity’s activities through a combination of student participation, student retention, meditation uptake, retreat attendance, volunteer engagement, financial sustainability and the stewardship of the Charity’s educational facilities and estates._ 

The School’s activities during the year have continued to demonstrate stability and sustained engagement across its core areas of work. 

Participation in regular group study has remained at the core of the School’s activities, with many students continuing their studies over a number of years. This continuity supports depth of understanding and contributes to the overall strength of the School’s work. 

Meditation continues to be taken up by students as they progress, with ongoing practice supported across centres. The integration of meditation with study and retreats remains an important feature of the School’s approach. 

Retreat provision has been maintained at a high level, with strong demand across centres and continuing forward bookings from like-minded organisations. 

In specialist areas, including Economics with Justice, Sanskrit, Plato and Renaissance studies, the School continues to engage participants internationally, reflecting both the depth and accessibility of this work. 

Taken together, these factors indicate that the School’s model of study and practice continues to be effective, supporting both continuity and the potential for future development. 

|for future development.||
|---|---|
|||
|**_Indicator_**|**_2025 Position_**|
|_Weekly groups_|_Several hundred_|
|_Student body_|_Thousands_|
|_Autumn enrolments_|_15% above Spring 2020_|
|_Online-only students_|_165_|



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## 6. Strategic Priorities & Looking Ahead 

_Experience gained from the growth of online provision and the recovery in student enrolment following the pandemic has informed the Charity’s future plans. The Trustees continue to seek an appropriate balance between online accessibility and the benefits of in-person participation._ 

The Trustees have identified a number of priorities to guide the continued development of the School’s work. 

**Deepening study and developing teaching capacity** – Supporting the School Leader by making the resources of the charity available to achieve the charity’s objects. 

**Strengthening retreat provision** – Expanding retreat capacity and accessibility whilst maintaining the quality and character of the experience. 

**Supporting meditation practice** – Encouraging wider uptake and sustained practice as a important element of the School’s work. 

**Developing Waterperry** – Continuing to establish Waterperry as a centre for philosophy, horticulture and the arts, with increasing public engagement and planned investment. 

**Improving accessibility** – Balancing in-person and online provision to widen access whilst preserving the value of direct participation. 

Following the EGM in April 2025, the contract was awarded to Cowper Griffith to develop the master plan for the Waterperry estate and the more detailed design for the first phase. A pre-app submission was received favourably by the planners. 

For 2026, detailed planning applications will be submitted for the solar farm and for the new catering facility and associated works. Once planning is approved, work will start on detailed design and engaging a building contractor for implementation. 

A new strategy for branding and marketing is being developed. Although new student enrolments are increasing, student retention remains the challenge. The aim of the new marketing strategy is to make clearer what the School offers to those who are looking for a deeper and sustained approach. 

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## 7. Sustainability 

The long-term sustainability of the School’s work depends on the careful stewardship of its resources, its environment, and its community. 

The School’s approach reflects a balanced view of sustainability, recognising the interdependence of social value, environmental responsibility and financial resilience. 

The School’s property assets, including Waterperry and other centres, provide both the setting for present activities and an important long-term resource. Their maintenance and development are therefore a practical and strategic responsibility. 

This stewardship extends beyond buildings to include the natural environment in which the School’s work takes place. At a number of centres, ongoing efforts are made to care for the land through tree planting, habitat restoration, and sensitive management of the surrounding landscape. 

The School operates on a clear and long-established financial principle: course fees support the ongoing running of the School, while donations and legacies support long-term capital development. 

Taken together, these elements support a balanced and integrated approach to sustainability, enabling the School to maintain its work in the present whilst safeguarding its future. 

## 8. Governance & Structure 

The Charity is governed by the Executive Committee, elected by the Fellowship members, which acts as the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the overall direction, governance, and oversight of the School. 

The Trustees meet regularly to review strategy, financial performance, and key areas of activity. They are supported by sub-committees covering Finance, Operations, Estates, and Marketing and Communications, together with additional committees supporting investment, student care, staff and organisational development, and creative and educational initiatives. There is a separate Membership committee. 

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The School Leader and Senior Tutor, Donald Lambie, is responsible for the philosophical and educational direction of the School’s work, including the scope and content of study materials, and the appointment of tutors and Branch Leaders, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis. 

He works in close communication with the Trustees through regular meetings with the Principal and through the Trustees’ active participation in the work of the School. 

The School Leader and Senior Tutor does not receive a salary from the Charity, although expenses, accommodation, and administrative support are provided to enable him to fulfil his role. He has no control over the finances of the Charity. 

Day-to-day activities are carried out largely through voluntary service, supported by a small number of employed staff. Branch leaders and tutors play an important role in the delivery of the School’s work at a local level. 

The Trustees consider that the Charity has adequate governance arrangements in place to support its current activities and future development. These arrangements re kept under review. 

_The Charity’s work depends heavily upon voluntary service. Tutors, branch leaders, committee members and many others contribute substantial time and expertise without remuneration._ 

## 9. Risk Management 

The Trustees have considered the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Charity and have established systems and processes to monitor and manage these risks. 

The main risk categories considered are strategic, financial, reputational and operational risks. These include changes in external conditions, the need to maintain the relevance and quality of teaching, variations in income, budgetary control, fraud prevention, conduct of staff or volunteers, health and safety, venue suitability and accessibility, and the availability and continuity of volunteers and staff. 

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The Trustees consider that appropriate systems are in place to manage these risks and to support the continued stability and development of the Charity’s work. 

## 10. Financial Review 

The annual accounts contain the detailed information required by charity law and accounting standards. This summary explains, in plain English, how the Fellowship’s main activities relate to one another and how they are funded. 

Fees paid by students, together with residential income and associated trading activities, make a substantial contribution towards the cost of delivering educational activities. This helps ensure that the Fellowship’s educational work remains accessible while reducing reliance on charitable donations for day-today operations. 

The Fellowship owns and operates important centres and estates, including Waterperry House, Nanpantan Hall, Brinscall Hall and Mandeville Place. These centres provide places for study, retreat, reflection and community, and generate income through educational activities, residential programmes, room hire, visitor activities, catering and rental income. 

Fellowship-wide services include governance and trustee support, finance and accounting, information technology and communications, insurance and compliance, and administrative support. These services help ensure that the Fellowship operates effectively and meets its legal responsibilities. 

The Fellowship continues to benefit from the generosity of members, students and friends through donations, Gift Aid and legacies. These gifts help preserve, improve and safeguard the Fellowship’s physical assets, and provide resources for major projects and future development. 

Over many years the Fellowship has built up a range of resources through careful stewardship, investment and generosity. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The Trustees maintain reserves to provide financial resilience, support the ongoing operation of the Charity and enable the long-term stewardship and development of its educational facilities. 

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At 31 December 2025, the Group held total funds of approximately £31.0 million. 

Included within total funds are: 

- Restricted funds of approximately £336,000 which are not available for the general purposes of the Charity and may only be applied in accordance with the purposes for which they were given. 

- Designated funds of approximately £4.65 million which have been set aside principally for the Waterperry Development Programme and the Solar Farm & Heating Project. These funds are expected to be utilised over the next three to five years as the projects progress through planning, design and implementation. 

- Tangible fixed assets, investment properties and other functional assets which are held to support the Charity’s educational activities and longterm objectives and are therefore not readily available to meet day-today expenditure. 

The Trustees define free reserves as total funds less restricted funds, designated funds, tangible fixed assets and investment properties. 

Based on this definition, free reserves at 31 December 2025 amounted to approximately £5.83 million. 

The Trustees consider that an adequate target level of operating reserves is approximately £2.5 million. This would provide sufficient reserves to meet the Charity’s running costs for a period of approximately six months in the event of a major disruption to its activities and would also provide flexibility to support the Benevolent Fund and manage temporary operating deficits where necessary. 

The Trustees review the level of reserves regularly and consider the current level of reserves to be appropriate having regard to the scale of the Charity’s activities, the risks it faces and its future commitments. 

The Trustees invest surplus funds in accordance with their investment policy. 

During the year the Fellowship generated approximately c£7.7 million of income from educational activities, trading operations, investments, donations 

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and legacies. This included approximately c£3.4 million of charitable giving, principally through legacies. After taking account of Group activities, the Fellowship recorded a consolidated surplus of approximately c£2.6 million for the year. 

The Charity holds a diversified portfolio of investments intended to support the long-term sustainability of its charitable activities. The investment objective is to preserve and grow capital over the long term whilst generating income to support charitable purposes (CPI + 4% over the long term). 

The Trustees have considered the Charity’s financial position, including its cash balances, investment holdings, and projected income and expenditure. On this basis, they are satisfied that the Charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. 

_The Charity does not employ professional fundraisers. Donations and legacies are received primarily from members, students and friends of the Charity._ 

## 11. Trustee Responsibilities 

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102); make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. 

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The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, 

safeguarding the assets of the Charity, and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Approved by the Trustees on 19th June 2026 and signed on their behalf by: 



S Silver D Woodhead Chair Treasurer 

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## Appendix 

## Objects of the Charity 

The objects of the Charity are: 

1. To promote understanding of the natural laws governing humanity through the study and practice of philosophy and economics and any other relevant subject, including the laws, customs and practices by which communities are governed. 

2. To disseminate by all lawful means knowledge of the matters referred to in (1) hereof. 

3. To promote any art or science, to produce, print, publish and circulate any periodicals, books and works of art. 

4. To organise a School for the furtherance of these objects, such School to be known as the School of Philosophy and Economic Science. 

5. To advance for the public benefit education in the United Kingdom and in particular by establishing or maintaining or assisting one or more schools for children. 

## Foundation of the School 

The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science was founded in 1937 to establish and maintain the School of Economic Science, initially focused on the study of economic justice. 

Over time, it became apparent that economic understanding required a deeper understanding of human nature, and philosophy was introduced in the early 1950s. 

In 2019, the Fellowship adopted the name The School of Philosophy and Economic Science, reflecting the integration of these studies. 

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Independent auditor’s report to the trustees of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science. 

## Opinion 

We have audited the financial statements of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science (the ‘parent charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the group and parent charity balance sheets, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 _The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland_ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion, the financial statements: 

- Give a true and fair view of the state of the group and parent charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended 

- Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 

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

## Basis for opinion 

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

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

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We have nothing to report in this regard. 

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

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

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

- Sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

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

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

Responsibilities of trustees 

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities set out in the trustees’ annual report, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the 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 group and the parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

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

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. 

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

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 are set out below. 

## Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities 

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

- We enquired of management, which included obtaining and reviewing supporting documentation, concerning the group’s policies and procedures relating to: 

   - Identifying, evaluating, and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; 

   - Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud; 

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   - The internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

- We inspected the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

- We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the group operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a material effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the group from our professional and sector experience. 

- We communicated applicable laws and regulations throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. 

- We reviewed any reports made to regulators. 

- We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and tested these to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

- We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud. 

- In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments, assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias and tested significant transactions that are unusual or those outside the normal course of business. 

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

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involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities _._ This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## Use of our report 

This report is made solely to the parent charity’s trustees as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the parent charity and the parent charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


## Date: 10 July 2026 

Sayer Vincent LLP, Statutory Auditor 

110 Golden Lane, LONDON, EC1Y 0TG 

Sayer Vincent LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 

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The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Consolidated statement of financial activities 

For the year ended 31st December 2025 

|Note<br>Income from:<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>Charitable activities<br>Courses & Retreats<br>3<br>Other activities<br>3<br>Other trading activities<br>4<br>Other Income<br>5<br>Investments<br>6<br>Total income<br>Expenditure on:<br>Raising funds:<br>7<br>Costs of trading activity<br>Other costs of raising funds<br>Investments<br>Charitable activities<br>Courses & Retreats<br>7<br>Other activities<br>7<br>Total expenditure<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments properties<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments<br>Net Income/ (expenditure)<br>Transfers between funds<br>Net movement in funds<br>Reconciliation of funds:<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward<br>Net income/(expenditure) before net<br>gains/(losses) on investments|Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>3,400<br>1,291<br>-<br>2,840<br>-<br>198|Restricted<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>3,400<br>1,291<br>-<br>2,840<br>-<br>198<br>7,728<br>2,522<br>46<br>47<br>2,345<br>-<br>4,960<br>2,769<br>-<br>(78)<br>2,691<br>-<br>2,691<br>29,114<br>31,805|Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>240<br>1,258<br>2<br>2,843<br>359<br>188|Restricted<br>£'000<br>2<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>242<br>1,258<br>2<br>2,843<br>359<br>188|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||7,728|-||4,891|2|4,893|
||2,522<br>46<br>47<br>2,335<br>-|-<br>-<br>-<br>10<br>-||2,407<br>41<br>294<br>2,337<br>7|-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|2,407<br>41<br>294<br>2,337<br>7|
||4,950|10||5,086|-|5,086|
||2,779<br>-<br>(78)|(10)<br>-<br>-||(195)<br>(171)<br>432|2<br>-<br>-|(193)<br>(171)<br>432|
||2,701<br>50|(10)<br>(50)||66<br>-|2<br>-|68<br>-|
||2,751<br>28,718|(60)<br>396||66<br>28,652|2<br>394|68<br>29,046|
||31,469|336||28,718|396|29,114|



Please note: The data for the Financial Statements is derived from the School accounts system which produces actual numbers down to pounds and pence.  The Financial Statements are shown as whole numbers rounded up or down to the nearest thousand.  Therefore there may be small variances in addition in some rows or columns. 

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 23 to the financial statements. 

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The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Consolidated statement of cash flows 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

|Note<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>25<br>1,508<br>198<br>(904)<br>Depreciation<br>542<br>-<br>-<br>(1,031)<br>(1,195)<br>313<br>849<br>1,162<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities<br>Cash flows from investing activities:<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments<br>Disposal of fixed assets (BV)<br>Disposal of investment properties<br>Purchase of investments<br>Purchase of fixed assets<br>2025<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year|Note<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>25<br>1,508<br>198<br>(904)<br>Depreciation<br>542<br>-<br>-<br>(1,031)<br>(1,195)<br>313<br>849<br>1,162<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities<br>Cash flows from investing activities:<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments<br>Disposal of fixed assets (BV)<br>Disposal of investment properties<br>Purchase of investments<br>Purchase of fixed assets<br>2025<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year|Note<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>25<br>1,508<br>198<br>(904)<br>Depreciation<br>542<br>-<br>-<br>(1,031)<br>(1,195)<br>313<br>849<br>1,162<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities<br>Cash flows from investing activities:<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments<br>Disposal of fixed assets (BV)<br>Disposal of investment properties<br>Purchase of investments<br>Purchase of fixed assets<br>2025<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year|£'000<br>£'000<br>(682)<br>188<br>(785)<br>330<br>31<br>3,385<br>(2,741)<br>408<br>(274)<br>1,123<br>849<br>2024|£'000<br>£'000<br>(682)<br>188<br>(785)<br>330<br>31<br>3,385<br>(2,741)<br>408<br>(274)<br>1,123<br>849<br>2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||313<br>849||(274)<br>1,123|
|||1,162||849|



22 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Balance sheets 

## As at 31st December 2025 

|Note<br>Fixed assets:<br>13<br>14<br>15<br>Current assets:<br>17<br>18<br>Liabilities:<br>19<br>21<br>20<br>24<br>Total unrestricted funds<br>Total charity funds<br>Investments<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>Tangible assets<br>Creditors: amounts falling due within one year<br>Net current assets<br>Total net assets<br>Long term (debtors)<br>Restricted income funds<br>Unrestricted income funds:<br>Designated funds<br>Fair value reserve<br>General funds<br>Non-charitable trading funds<br>Investment properties<br>Total assets less current liabilities<br>Long term creditors<br>Stock<br>Debtors<br>Funds:|2025<br>£'000<br>16,361<br>4,625<br>8,031<br>The|2024<br>£'000<br>16,001<br>4,625<br>7,081<br>group|2025<br>£'000<br>16,321<br>4,625<br>8,388<br>The|2024<br>£'000<br>15,934<br>4,625<br>7,437<br>charity|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||29,017<br>421<br>1,684<br>1,162|27,707<br>426<br>646<br>849|29,334<br>58<br>1,738<br>905|27,996<br>54<br>654<br>574|
||3,267<br>493|1,921<br>505|2,701<br>448|1,282<br>339|
||2,774|1,416|2,252|943|
||31,791<br>(19)<br>5|29,123<br>-<br>9|31,586<br>-<br>-|28,939<br>-<br>-|
||31,805|29,114|31,586|28,939|
||336<br>4,650<br>3,734<br>22,867<br>218|396<br>4,600<br>3,812<br>20,154<br>152|336<br>4,650<br>3,734<br>22,866<br>-|396<br>4,600<br>3,812<br>20,131<br>-|
||31,469|28,718|31,250|28,543|
||31,805|29,114|31,586|28,939|



Approved by the Trustees on 19 June 2026 


S. Silver Chair 


D. Woodhead Treasurer 

23 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 1 Accounting policies 

## a) Basis of preparation 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. 

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note. 

These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly-owned subsidiary Waterperry Gardens Limited (company number 02233285) on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two organisations are disclosed in the notes to the charity's balance sheet. A separate statement of financial activities, or income and expenditure account, for the charity itself is not presented as the summary of the result for the year is disclosed in  the notes to the financial statements. 

## b) Statutory information 

The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science is an unincorporated charity (charity number 313115, OSCR number SC039950) registered in England and Wales, and Scotland. The registered office and main place of business is 11 Mandeville Place, London, W1U 3A. 

## c) Public benefit entity 

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## d) Going concern 

The Trustees are confident that the Charity remains a going concern and, combined with the mitigating actions described in the Trustees' report, has sufficient cash, investment and property reserves to cope with any financial issues for the foreseeable future. 

## e) Income 

Income is recognised when the group has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. 

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. 

24 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

- 1 Accounting policies (continued) 

Courses and retreats fees are included in the statement of financial activities during the year as earned. 

Students attending the early parts of the philosophy course, which make up a majority of this income, pay a fee covering their attendance at these classes each term. However, most students in the senior parts of the School pay an annual composite fee that also includes the costs of their retreats accommodation and study days attendance. Any income received in advance is deferred. 

Investment income is recognised as income during the year to which it relates. 

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. 

Turnover from trading activities is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts and value added taxes. Turnover represents revenue earned from the sale of goods and is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred to the buyer. 

## f) Interest receivable 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. 

## g) Fund accounting 

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.  Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. 

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the charitable purposes. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. 

## h) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: 

- Costs of raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charity in inducing third parties to make voluntary contributions to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose and costs of trading activities. 

- Expenditure on investments relates to investment management fees and maintenance costs for the properties. 

- Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of courses,  retreats and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. 

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. 

25 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

- 1 Accounting policies (continued) 

- i) Allocation of support costs and governance costs 

   - Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned directly to the appropriate activity except for some expense items that have been apportioned according to the space occupied. 

Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity. These costs are associated with constitutional and statutory requirements and include any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity's activities. 

Support and governance costs are apportioned as follows: 

||Cost of raising funds|6.12%|
|---|---|---|
||Investments|1.84%|
||Courses & retreats|92.05%|
||Other activities|0.00%|



## j) Operating leases 

Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. 

## k) Taxation 

The Fellowship is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities. The subsidiary company is subject to corporation tax but any profits are normally Gift Aided either wholly/ partially to the parent charity.  Tax will be payable on remaining profits. 

## l) Tangible fixed assets 

The building element of the tangible fixed asset properties held by the school are depreciated over 100 years. An annual impairment review is also undertaken in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102. 

For other tangible fixed assets depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value  over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows: 

>  Long leasehold property 1% on cost 

>  Improvements in building 1%-33.3% on cost 

>  Motor vehicles 25% on cost 

>  Equipment 10%-33.3% on cost 

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £5,000, but there is some leeway for branches. Certain temporary items of equipment have been written off at the rate of 50% on cost. 

Depreciation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate their carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use. 

26 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 1 Accounting policies (continued) 

- m) Investment properties 

Investment properties are measured initially at cost and subsequently included in the balance sheet at fair value. Any change in fair value is recognised in the statement of financial activities and any excess of fair value over the historic cost of the investments will be shown as a fair value reserve in the balance sheet.  The valuation method used to determine fair value will be stated in the notes to the accounts. 

## Investments 

Investments are valued in the balance sheet at their mid-market or bid price at the balance sheet date. Investment management costs are accounted for as incidental costs of the acquisition or disposal where transaction based, while investment income management costs are charged as expenditure out of the relevant income funds. Investment gains and losses are shown in the statement of the financial activities. Any change in fair value will be recognised in the statement of financial activities and any excess of fair value over the historic cost of the investments will be shown as a fair value reserve in the balance sheet. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading ‘Net gains/(losses) on investments’ in the statement of financial activities. 

## Investments in subsidiaries 

Investments in subsidiaries are at cost. 

- n) Stocks 

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  In general, cost is determined on a first in first out basis and includes transport and handling costs.  Net realisable value is the price at which stocks can be sold in the normal course of business after allowing for the costs of realisation.  Provision is made where necessary for obsolete, slow moving and defective stocks. 

## o) Debtors 

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

## p) Cash at bank and in hand 

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

- q) Creditors and provisions and financial instruments 

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

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. 

## r) Foreign currencies 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result. 

27 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 1 Accounting policies (continued) 

## s) Pensions 

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of employees. Contributions payable are charged to the statement of financial activities in the year they are due. 

## t) Volunteers 

In line with SORP 2015, the contribution of general volunteers is not be included as income in the accounts due to the absence of a reliable measurement basis. However the role of volunteers within the charity is disclosed in the report of the Trustees. 

## u) Charitable donations 

From time to time the school makes donations to other charities and individuals whose activities are in line with its own charitable objects. These donations are made at the discretion of the Trustees. 

## 2 Income from donations and legacies 

|2<br>Income from donations and legacies|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|3<br>Courses & retreats<br>Other activities<br>Income from charitable activities<br>Total income from charitable activities<br>Legacies<br>Donations and gift aid|Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>3,315<br>85<br>3,400<br>Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>1,291<br>-<br>1,291|£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Restricted<br>Restricted|2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>3,315<br>85<br>3,400<br>2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>1,291<br>-<br>1,291|2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>81<br>161|
|||||242|
|||||2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>1,258<br>2|
|||||1,261|



28 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

- 4 Income from other trading activities 

|4<br>Income from other trading activities|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|5<br>6<br>Books and CDs<br>Refreshments<br>Various other sources of income<br>Waterperry Gardens income<br>Income from room hire<br>Sales of:<br>Other Income<br>Gain on sales of Fixed Assets<br>Rent - investment properties<br>Income from investments<br>Bank deposit and short term interest|Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>2,341<br>18<br>26<br>423<br>31<br>2,840<br>Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>171<br>27<br>198|£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Restricted<br>Restricted<br>Restricted|2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>2,341<br>18<br>26<br>423<br>31<br>2,840<br>2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>2025<br>Total<br>£'000<br>171<br>27<br>198|2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>2,358<br>28<br>29<br>374<br>54|
|||||2,843|
|||||2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>359|
|||||359|
|||||2024<br>Total<br>£'000<br>176<br>13|
|||||188|



29 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 7a Analysis of expenditure (current year) 

## Charitable activities 

|Staff costs<br>(Note 10)<br>Direct supply costs<br>Cost of sales<br>Publicity<br>Premises - running costs<br>Premises - major repairs<br>Legal & professional<br>Audit and other fees<br>Administration<br>Depreciation<br>Charitable donations<br>(note 9)<br>Support costs<br>Governance costs<br>Total expenditure<br>Charity only total for % allocation|Cost of raising<br>funds / Cost of<br>trading activity<br>£'000<br>1,062<br>188<br>970<br>-<br>114<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>157<br>31<br>-<br>2,522<br>43<br>3<br>2,568<br>110<br>6.12%|Investments<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>33<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>33<br>13<br>1<br>47<br>33<br>1.84%|Courses and<br>retreats<br>£'000<br>-<br>299<br>-<br>202<br>292<br>244<br>3<br>-<br>104<br>511<br>-<br>1,655<br>648<br>42<br>2,345<br>1,655<br>92.05%|Other<br>Activities<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>0.00%|Governance<br>costs<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>42<br>4<br>-<br>-<br>46<br>-<br>(46)<br>-|Support<br>costs<br>£'000<br>660<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>28<br>-<br>16<br>-<br>-<br>704<br>(704)<br>-<br>-|Total<br>£'000<br>1,722<br>487<br>970<br>202<br>406<br>244<br>64<br>42<br>281<br>542<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||4,960<br>-<br>-|
||||||||4,960|
||||||||1,798<br>100%|



30 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 7a Analysis of expenditure (prior year) 

|Staff costs<br>Direct supply costs<br>Cost of sales<br>Publicity<br>Premises - running costs<br>Premises - major repairs<br>Legal & professional<br>Audit and other fees<br>Administration<br>Depreciation<br>Charitable donations (note 8)<br>Support costs<br>Governance costs<br>Total expenditure<br>Charity only total for % allocation|Cost of<br>raising funds<br>£'000<br>1,020<br>129<br>829<br>-<br>137<br>-<br>-<br>257<br>36<br>-<br>2,408<br>39<br>2<br>2,449<br>111,326<br>5.5%|Investments<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>215<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>215<br>75<br>4<br>294<br>215,173<br>10.6%||Charitable activities|Charitable activities|Governance<br>costs<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>42<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>42<br>-<br>(42)<br>-|Support<br>costs<br>£'000<br>608<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>101<br>-<br>-<br>709<br>(709)<br>-<br>-|Total<br>£'000<br>1,627<br>416<br>829<br>216<br>387<br>275<br>281<br>42<br>681<br>330<br>1|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||Courses and<br>retreats<br>£'000<br>-<br>287<br>-<br>216<br>250<br>275<br>66<br>-<br>320<br>292<br>-<br>1,707<br>594<br>36<br>2,337<br>1,707,451<br>83.8%|Other<br>Activities<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3<br>1<br>1<br>5<br>2<br>-<br>7<br>4,609<br>0.2%||||
|||||||||5,086<br>-|
|||||||||5,086|
|||||||||2,038,559<br>100%|



31 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

- 8 Net income for the year 

This is stated after charging: 

|This is stated after charging:|||
|---|---|---|
||2025|2024|
||£'000|£'000|
|Depreciation|542|330|
|Auditor's remuneration (exclusive of VAT):|||
|Audit|42|33|



- 9 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel 

Staff costs were as follows: 

|Staff costs were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
|Social security costs<br>Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension schemes<br>Salaries and wages|2025<br>£'000<br>1,482<br>121<br>119|2024<br>£'000<br>1,403<br>113<br>112|
||1,722|1,627|



1 employee (2024:0) earned between £80,001 to £90,000 (2024: between £70,000-£79,999) not including employer's National Insurance contributions during the year. 

The total employee benefits including pension contributions and employer's National Insurance contributions of the key management personnel were £229,466 (2024: £216,799). 

The Trustees were not paid and did not receive any other benefits from employment with the Charity in the year (2024: Nil).  No trustee was reimbursed in 2025.  (2024: 1 Trustee (Richard Ibbett) was reimbursed £23,970). 

Trustees' expenses are for attendance at meetings of the Trustees or business meetings on behalf of the charity. In 2025, 2 trustees had expenses of £304 (2024: 2 trustees had expenses of £301). 

32 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 10 Staff numbers 

The average number of employees (head count based on number of staff employed including full time and part time staff) during the year was as follows: 

|Raising funds (trading activity)<br>Courses and retreats|2025<br>No.<br>71<br>20|2024<br>No.<br>67<br>18|
|---|---|---|
||91|85|



2025: 71 (2024: 67) employees above were employed by Waterperry Gardens Limited and the remaining 20 (2024: 18) were employed by the parent charity. 

## 11 Related party transactions 

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties. There are no related party transactions to disclose for this financial year (2024: none). 

## 12 Taxation 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's trading subsidiary Waterperry Gardens Limited is liable to pay corporation tax at 19% on any profits not gift aided to the parent charity.  In 2025 it had a tax liability of £5,946 (2024: £8,151). 

33 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 13 Tangible fixed assets 

The group 

|The group|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Eliminated on disposal<br>Depreciation<br>At the start of the year<br>Charge for the year<br>At the start of the year<br>Additions in year<br>At the end of the year<br>Net book value<br>At the end of the year<br>Cost<br>Depreciation<br>Cost<br>Disposals in year<br>At the start of the year<br>Charge for the year<br>At the start of the year<br>At the end of the year<br>The charity<br>Disposals in year<br>At the start of the year<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>At the end of the year<br>At the end of the year<br>Additions in year<br>Net book value<br>At the end of the year<br>At the start of the year|Freehold<br>property<br>£'000<br>12,971<br>65<br>-|<br>Leasehold<br>property<br>£'000<br>321<br>-<br>-|<br>Equipment/<br>improvements<br>£'000<br>7,480<br>839<br>-|<br>Total<br>£'000<br>20,772<br>904<br>-|
||13,036|321|8,319|21,676|
||574<br>76<br>-|302<br>5<br>-|3,897<br>461<br>-|4,773<br>542<br>-|
||650|307|4,358|5,315|
||12,386|14|3,961|16,361|
||12,397|20|3,584|16,001|
||Freehold<br>property<br>£'000<br>12,971<br>65<br>-|<br>Leasehold<br>property<br>£'000<br>11<br>-<br>-|<br>Equipment/<br>improvements<br>£'000<br>6,393<br>833<br>-|<br>Total<br>£'000<br>19,375<br>898<br>-|
||13,036|11|7,226|20,273|
||574<br>76<br>-|3<br>-<br>-|2,864<br>435<br>-|3,441<br>511<br>-|
||650|3|3,299|3,952|
||12,386|8|3,927|16,321|
||12,397|8|3,529|15,934|



All of the above assets are used for charitable purposes. 

34 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

|14<br>Additions<br>Purchase /Transfer from fixed assets<br>Investment properties<br>Property sold during year<br>Revaluation during the year<br>Fair value at the end of the year<br>Fair value at the start of the year<br>Disposals|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>4,625<br>7,885<br>The group|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>4,625<br>7,885<br>The group|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>4,625<br>7,885<br>The charity|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>4,625<br>7,885<br>The charity|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|-<br>-<br>-<br>(3,385)<br>125|-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|-<br>-<br>-<br>(3,385)<br>125|
||4,625|4,625|4,625|4,625|



The investment properties have been valued by a qualified surveyor as part of a professional appraisal for the year end 31 December 2025. 

## 15 Listed investments 

|Listed investments|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Investments consist of<br>Listed investments<br>Investment in Subsidiary<br>Investments at the start of the year<br>Deposits<br>Withdrawals<br>Fees<br>Net gains/(losses)<br>Market value at the end of the year<br>Investments at the end of the year|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>7,081<br>4,042<br>1,055<br>3,371<br>(25)<br>(630)<br>(1)<br>(9)<br>(78)<br>307<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>7,437<br>4,399<br>1,055<br>3,370<br>(25)<br>(630)<br>(1)<br>(9)<br>(78)<br>307<br>The charity||
||8,031<br>8,031<br>-|7,081<br>7,081<br>-|8,388<br>8,031<br>357|7,437<br>7,080<br>357|
||8,031|7,081|8,388|7,437|



35 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 16 Subsidiary undertaking 

The charity owns the whole of the issued ordinary share capital of Waterperry Gardens Limited, a company registered in England. The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities. All activities have been consolidated on a line by line basis in the statement of financial activities. One trustee, Sherry Moran, was appointed a director in July 2021.  Available profits are partially gift aided to the parent charity. A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below: 

|Interest payable to parent undertaking<br>Profit / (loss) for the financial year<br>Gross profit<br>Profit / (loss) on ordinary activities<br>Turnover<br>Cost of sales<br>Operating profit / (loss)<br>Tax on profit<br>Assets<br>Funds<br>Interest receivable<br>Donation to parent under gift aid<br>The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:<br>Turnover from sales to parent undertaking<br>Management charge payable to parent undertaking<br>Liabilities<br>Administrative expenses|2025<br>£'000<br>2,400<br>81<br>(1,968)|2024<br>£'000<br>2,326<br>56<br>(1,910)|
|---|---|---|
||513<br>(412)<br>(31)|471<br>(375)<br>(39)|
||70<br>3<br>(1)|57<br>-<br>(3)|
||72<br>(6)|54<br>(8)|
||66|46|
||849<br>(23)<br>(250)|813<br>(23)<br>(259)|
||576|532|



Amounts owed to/from the parent undertaking are shown in note 18. 

## 17 Stock 

|Stock|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Garden centre stock<br>Books|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>58<br>54<br>363<br>372<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>58<br>54<br>-<br>-<br>The charity||
||421|426|58|54|



36 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 18 Debtors 

|Debtors|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Prepayments<br>Amounts due from subsidiary<br>Other debtors<br>H M Revenue & Customs<br>Trade debtors|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>100<br>129<br>13<br>12<br>53<br>46<br>1,518<br>459<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>78<br>28<br>76<br>109<br>13<br>12<br>53<br>46<br>1,518<br>459<br>The charity||
||1,684|646|1,738|654|



Amounts due from subsidiary comprise a loan, current total £18,736, from the parent charity to the subsidiary to pay for expenditure on brown motorway tourist signs. It is repayable within 5 years at an interest rate of 2.25%. The loan is included at cost, as the impact of discounting would be immaterial to the financial statements. 

## 19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Accruals<br>External loans<br>Taxes and social security costs<br>Deferred income<br>Other creditors<br>Trade creditors<br>Amounts due to subsidiary|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>277<br>285<br>58<br>78<br>9<br>-<br>21<br>17<br>69<br>95<br>61<br>30<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>141<br>-<br>91<br>120<br>58<br>77<br>9<br>-<br>21<br>17<br>69<br>95<br>61<br>30<br>The charity||
||493|505|448|339|



- 20 Long term creditors 

|20<br>Long term creditors|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|21<br>Deferred Tax<br>Long term debtors<br>Long Term Debtors|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>5<br>9<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>The charity||
||5|9|-|-|
||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>19<br>-<br>The group||2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>The charity||
||19|-|-|-|



37 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 22 Pension scheme 

The Fellowship operates a defined contribution scheme and contributes 7% of the salary of those staff who have decided to enter into a personal pension arrangement, direct to the insurer. The charge for the period was £88,282 (2024: £75,371). 

## 23a Analysis of group net assets between funds (current year) 

|Restricted<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>336<br>-<br>336<br>Restricted<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>396<br>-<br>396<br>Analysis of group net assets between funds (prior year)<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Debtors: amount falling due in over one year<br>Net current assets<br>Net assets at the end of the year<br>Creditors: amount falling due in over one year<br>Net assets at the end of the year<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Net current assets|Restricted<br>£'000<br>-<br>-<br>336<br>-|£'000<br>-<br>4,650<br>-<br>-<br>Designated|General funds<br>£'000<br>16,361<br>8,006<br>2,438<br>19<br>|Total funds<br>£'000<br>16,361<br>12,656<br>2,774<br>19|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||336|4,650|26,824|31,810|
|||£'000<br>-<br>4,600<br>-<br>-<br>Designated|General funds<br>£'000<br>16,001<br>7,106<br>1,020<br>(9)<br>|Total funds<br>£'000<br>16,001<br>11,706<br>1,416<br>(9)|
||396|4,600|24,118|29,114|



23b Analysis of group net assets between funds (prior year) 

38 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 24a Movements in funds (current year) 

|Total restricted funds<br>Total designated funds<br>Fair value reserve<br>General funds<br>Total unrestricted funds<br>Building and capital asset reserve<br>Opportunity reserve<br>Restricted funds:<br>Specific charitable activities<br>Non-charitable trading funds<br>Future branches properties<br>Total funds<br>Designated funds:<br>Unrestricted funds:|At the start<br>of the year<br>£'000<br>269<br>127|<br>Income and<br>gains<br>£'000<br>-<br>-|<br>Expenditure<br>and losses<br>£'000<br>-<br>(10)|<br>Transfers<br>£'000<br>-<br>(50)|At the end of<br>the year<br>£'000<br>269<br>67|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||396|-|(10)|(50)|336|
||3,600<br>1,000|-<br>-|-<br>-|50<br>-|3,650<br>1,000|
||4,600|-|-|50|4,650|
||3,812<br>20,054<br>175|-<br>5,244<br>2,484|(78)<br>(2,431)<br>(2,441)|-<br>-<br>-|3,734<br>22,867<br>218|
||28,641|7,728|(4,950)|50|31,469|
||29,037|7,728|(4,960)|-|31,805|



Purposes of restricted funds 

Specific charitable activities relate to the activities of the various faculties and branches in the School. The Future branches properties fund comprises monies raised in prior years for the specific purpose of purchasing local buildings for two branches based in Berkshire and the Midlands. 

39 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

Purposes of designated funds 

## Building and Capital Asset reserve 

The purpose of this fund is to hold building acquisition funds for purchasing additional accommodation, particularly in the larger branches without property, where many students attend classes held in rented accommodation. Finding suitable premises with consent for educational use in the right location is difficult, so there are only limited opportunities for the Charity to make such investments. 

This Fund can be used for building improvement and refurbishment. The project to upgrade the second floor of Waterperry House was funded from this reserve. 

## Opportunity Reserve 

The Opportunity Reserve is intended to provide funds to meet special targets of opportunity or need that further the mission of the organisation, which may or may not have specific expectation of incremental or long-term increased income. The Opportunity Reserve is also intended as a source of internal funds for organisational capacity building, such as staff development, research and development, or investment in infrastructure that will build long-term capacity. In 2025 the Trustees intend to research and plan the replacement of the current accounting and CRM system, and then implement it. This will be funded from the Opportunity Reserve. The target amount of the Opportunity Reserve is determined by the Executive Committee.  To protect the longer term interests of the charity, there is currently a review of the Waterperry Estate and operations ongoing, with a view to substantial developments of the estate, including the construction of a new catering facility.  The Trustees intend to make the necessary decisions in order to ensure the financial stability fo the Charity for the longer term. 

## Benevolent Fund 

The charity also operates a benevolent fund called The School of Economic Science Benevolent Fund (Charity Number 313115-1). It is funded from the Operating reserve to provide financial assistance for elderly and vulnerable students attending any of the classes conducted by the charity. 

40 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 24b Movements in funds (prior year) 

|Movements in funds (prior year)||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|At the start<br>of the year<br>Income and<br>gains<br>Expenditure<br>and losses<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>267<br>2<br>-<br>127<br>-<br>-<br>Total restricted funds<br>394<br>2<br>-<br>428<br>-<br>(428)<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>Total designated funds<br>1,428<br>-<br>(428)<br>Fair value reserve<br>6,640<br>557<br>(3,385)<br>General funds<br>20,432<br>(491)<br>3,813<br>152<br>-<br>-<br>28,652<br>66<br>-<br>29,046<br>68<br>-<br>Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period<br>(as per the statement of financial activities)<br>(Gains)/losses on investments<br>Investment manager fees<br>Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities<br>Unrestricted funds:<br>Restricted funds:<br>Specific charitable activities<br>Future branches properties<br>Total unrestricted funds<br>(Increase)/decrease in stocks<br>Total funds<br>Designated funds:<br>Building and capital asset reserve<br>Opportunity reserve<br>Non-charitable trading funds<br>Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities<br>(Increase)/decrease in debtors<br>(Decrease)/increase in creditors<br>Investment income|At the start<br>of the year<br>£'000<br>267<br>127|<br>Income and<br>gains<br>£'000<br>2<br>-|<br>Expenditure<br>and losses<br>£'000<br>-<br>-|<br>Transfers<br>£'000<br>-<br>-|At the end of<br>the year<br>£'000<br>269<br>127|
||394|2|-|-|396|
||428<br>1,000|-<br>-|(428)<br>-|3,600<br>-|3,600<br>1,000|
||1,428|-|(428)|3,600|4,600|
||6,640<br>20,432<br>152|557<br>(491)<br>-|(3,385)<br>3,813<br>-|-<br>(3,600)<br>-|3,812<br>20,154<br>152|
||28,652|66|-|-|28,718|
||29,046|68|-|-|29,114|
|||||2025<br>£'000<br>2,691<br>78<br>1<br>5<br>(1,038)<br>(31)<br>(198)|2024<br>£'000<br>68<br>(432)<br>9<br>38<br>58<br>(235)<br>(188)|
|||||1,508|(682)|



## 25 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities 

41 



The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science 

## Notes to the financial statements 

## For the year ended 31st December 2025 

## 26 Operating lease commitments receivable as a lessor 

Amounts receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows for each of the following periods 

|Less than one year<br>One to five years|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>53<br>138<br>-<br>111<br>Property|2025<br>2024<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>53<br>138<br>-<br>111<br>Property|
|---|---|---|
||53|249|



- 27 Results of the parent charity 

|Turnover<br>Net result of the charity|2025<br>£'000<br>5,488|2024<br>£'000<br>2,706|
|---|---|---|
||2,648|49|



42