Registered number: 07166643 Charity numbers: 1135638 & SC043973
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 – 18 |
| Independent auditors' report on the financial statements | 18 - 21 |
| Statement of financial activities | 22 |
| Balance Sheet | 23 |
| Statement of cash flows | 24 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 25 – 39 |
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Trustees
Nicholas Buckland, Chair Camilla Camley Lindsey McMurray Ata Rahman (resigned 31[st] August 2025) Rhian Haf Thomas (appointed 12[th] March 2025) Michael Ter-Berg Nicholas Woodrow (resigned 15[th] January 2026)
Company registered number
07166643
Charity registered numbers
1135638 and SC043973
Registered office
86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE
Company secretaries
Lee Mauve Patron (COO) (resigned 6 February 2026)
Executive Team
Sue Riley (CEO) (resigned 21 October 2025)
Independent auditors
Wenn Townsend 30 St Giles’ Oxford OX1 3LE
Bankers
The Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
United Trust Bank One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9AW
Virgin Money Jubilee House Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the year 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Welcome from our Chair
“The last year has seen Future First bring a number of initiatives to fruition: in particular we have been proud to work with the Careers and Enterprise Company on the first national alumni engagement course available online to all schools across England. With the Government’s statutory careers guidance mandating schools to work with their alumni this free resource is vital. We are investing in the training of underresourced careers leads, so that young people, regardless of background can benefit from access to relatable role models. Our fundraising efforts in this area are targeted at some of the most under-resourced communities, to build a sustainable solution to ensuring that all young people can ‘see someone like me’. “
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Nick Buckland, OBE Chair
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance: Public benefit: running a charity (PB2).
b. Public benefit
Annually, when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and approving the strategic plan for the coming year, Future First’s Board of Trustees refer to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Together, Trustees and the senior leadership team ensure that the charity’s work continues to deliver demonstrable public benefit which can be evidenced by the impact of Future First on its beneficiaries.
Our vision and mission
Future First's vision is for a world where a young person's background does not limit their future. Our mission is to see every state school and college - and every learner - supported by a thriving and engaged alumni and employee volunteer community which improves students' motivation, confidence and life chances.
Young people can’t be what they can’t see. It means that for 1 in 3 children who are living in poverty their background will significantly influence their life chances.
Imagine if these children could meet a role model who could show them a world of life choices they didn’t even know existed. Now imagine if that role model was relatable - someone from their town, who had attended their school, who had sat in their classroom - someone just like them.
We don’t need to imagine.
For 15 years Future First has inspired almost half a million children across the UK by introducing them to relatable role models through an engaged community of former students and local employee volunteers acting as their mentors. We are the only social mobility charity in the UK with over 120,000 role models registered and ready to share their stories. We work collaboratively with local communities to provide wrap-around support, measuring our impact at every stage. It’s why we are considered the go-to, trusted UK source on state school alumni and why we have waiting lists of schools wanting to work with us.
We dream of a day when every child has a future not hampered by their start in life. Through our programme - and with your help - we are changing the lives of young people who are able to see what “someone like me” can achieve when we work together to put their future first.
Why our charity is needed
Imagine a world where every child could start life with the same chances - potential would be met, hard work would always pay off and dreams could be fulfilled. In reality, the strongest predictor of how well a child will do in life is their household income, meaning that a child’s circumstances dictate their future. For 4.5 million children - that's 3 in every 10 - no matter what they might dream, how hard they might work, or how much their teachers might believe in them, they will fall behind before their first day of school. Through no fault of their own these young people are more likely to make slower progress, be less likely to attend higher education institutions, have fewer job opportunities and be limited in what they can earn. The cycle of generational poverty traps them in this state and whilst some might escape it, few have an opportunity to.
Children experiencing hardship have to work twice as hard as others. Just one in eight children from a low income background will become a high earner. Some are working part time jobs or being carers whilst they are in school, they may not have access to the same learning materials or will miss out on experiences because they can't afford them. It can be harder for those in poverty to form proper friendships and they’re often acutely aware of the inequality they face, leading to long-term mental and emotional health issues. Many children take on the family's financial worries; 65% of children spend their school days worrying about money. They imagine a day when
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they won’t have these kinds of concerns - dreaming of a different future - but the voice in their head which tells them they are not good enough becomes louder as their circumstances, confidence and self-belief reduces.
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Only half of 15-year-olds in the UK think someone like them can be successful.
"I have no idea what I want to do when I'm older. People like me don't go anywhere. I'm a bit scared about the future, but what can I do anyway?"
Teenagers looking to shape their identity find unrealistic role models whilst scrolling online - sports stars, campaigners and Youtubers. They believe success is measured by popularity, wealth and influence. 70% of secondary school students leave school not knowing what they want to do and nearly 50% of the most persistently disadvantaged children in the UK don't know anyone in a job that they would like to do. Put simply, they can’t be what they can’t see.
The UK’s most powerful and influential people are still 5 times more likely to have attended private schools than the general population which is why we only work with state schools and colleges.
Schools serving disadvantaged communities are least equipped to provide high-quality careers education. Staff shortages, high workloads and pastoral pressures mean careers guidance is not prioritised. Changes in the labour market are leaving students more uncertain than ever about their futures.
From next September state schools are required to embed alumni voices into their careers’ offer but a study of 500 secondary school teachers across the UK found that nearly half felt their school’s ability to give careers advice to students had worsened since the pandemic and research from Teach First found only 4% of teachers strongly agree they feel equipped to advise young people on the diversity of careers available. Without an external champion investing time and energy into the lives of these young people, a voice which tells them “you can” against a backdrop of “I can’t”, a relatable role model - their potential is lost.
“Alumni are a valuable and important part of career guidance”
Beth Jones, Head of Careers, The Gatsby Foundation
We know that relatable role models can show young people first-hand what they can become, so that when a young person is able to see what ‘someone like me’ can achieve, lives can change.
What we do
We introduce young people to “someone like them” - relatable role models who are former students or members of their local community. In a survey we found that 50% of the most persistently disadvantaged children (on free school meals) don’t know anyone in a job they would like to do. By sharing their life and career stories, backgrounds and experiences, role models can inspire, signpost and redefine what success might look like, motivating and encouraging young people to see a different version of their future.
Meeting relatable workplace role models positively impacts pupils’ motivation, confidence, engagement, and attainment with 88% of children telling us they were inspired by the relatable role models that took the time to work with them.
We are not a charity for a day. We are a lifetime shift. Once established, alumni networks grow year after year, giving students consistent access to people so they can say:
“To have been able to see people who walked the same corridors I did, the same subjects as me, with the same teachers really allowed me to see what I can become when I leave.”
An inspiring speaker who leaves at the end of the school day is not enough. Having grown up in the same area, attended the same schools and perhaps had some of the same teachers, former students are ideal role models as they are instantly relatable. They offer advice to students from their own context and first-hand experiences. They benefit from: work experience, insights into industries, information on the variety of jobs, skills that are in high demand, and stories of overcoming challenges. Alumni networks provide a sustainable, scalable way to enhance careers education in a resource constrained sector. They provide a current and ever-growing pool of volunteers to show students what ‘people like them’ can achieve.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Our impact
Development of a new impact framework
Over the past year Future First has refreshed its impact evaluation and reporting and developed a comprehensive framework that captures the voice of our key stakeholders. This work reflects the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that its programmes create meaningful change, while also supporting learning, accountability, and improved decision-making.
The newly established Impact Framework serves as a structured set of guidelines and tools designed to help Future First systematically understand, measure, and communicate its impact and a way to plot our role in the wider social mobility space. Developed with input from stakeholders, it reflects multi-stakeholder perspectives and provides a unified set of metrics to monitor both internal and external progress.
Objectives of the Impact Framework
Future First created this Impact Framework to:
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Ensure its programmes are genuinely creating positive change.
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Make data-driven decisions that prioritise impact.
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Clearly demonstrate the value of its work to schools, employers, and funders.
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Build a strong evidence base for funding applications, supporting long-term sustainability.
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Celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement
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Feeds into the wider national social mobility framework.
Future First’s Impact Framework aligns closely with its Theory of Change , ensuring clear connections between activities and outcomes. It helps measure progress toward long-term goals, such as improved student knowledge, confidence, and aspirations, as well as enhanced school capacity and employer engagement.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
By embedding this Impact Framework within the organisation, Future First fosters a culture of continuous learning and reflection. The insights gained will guide strategic decisions, ensure accountability to stakeholders, and maximize the positive difference Future First makes in the communities it serves.
This comprehensive approach to impact evaluation represents a significant milestone for Future First, reinforcing its dedication to social mobility and equitable career opportunities for all students.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Impact in action
Young people
Student feedback:
“This was amazing, I understood and got to empathise with the volunteers’ childhoods. I related to many of them…They made me feel better, I understood that I don’t have to have a specific qualification to do what I want.” (Student)
“When they’re thinking about their next steps in their future careers, it gives them a real inspiration and sense of belief that if that person did it, I can do it too”. (Deputy Head Teacher)
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Schools
School feedback:
“Being able to ask for support from Future First to advertise opportunities for alumni to return to school and talk about their career journeys to younger students has been invaluable”. (School)
"I believe the socioeconomic makeup of our students means that they rarely see themselves represented in careers. Meeting alumni is the perfect way to correct this and increase engagement and aspiration.” (School)
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Volunteers
Achievements and performance
Volunteering highlights
With over 120,000 volunteers signed up to help students we are stimulating a national volunteer movement and are presenting generations of young people with accessible, flexible and ready-made volunteering opportunities which will help shape the futures of their communities. In doing so, we alter the traditional demographics of volunteer participation, fostering a richer and more diverse volunteer population while supporting its growth, at a time when formal volunteering participation has declined.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
During the past year our national Volunteer Manager has focused on developing and enhancing:
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Volunteer Engagement: A dedicated volunteer contact channel and regular newsletters have increased engagement. Volunteers are submitting blog posts and career stories.
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Hub Utilisation: Greater use of the Future First Hub – our online social media style platform which has streamlined event management, leading to higher volunteer participation.
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Volunteer Handbook: A newly branded handbook was launched in April, further supporting volunteer engagement.
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Community Partnerships: Collaborations with Circl, Orbyts, Outer Circle, and Engineering UK have expanded our reach, promoting our work through diverse networks.
Our volunteers share why they help:
“This isn’t something we really had at school (in my day) but it’s very hard to picture yourself within a particular role or way of life unless you can see someone similar to yourself undertaking that journey. Coming from where I’ve come from and getting to where I’ve got to, I think it's incumbent on me to help those people who are from the same background to help them on their way.”
“I love my school but it was quite a difficult pathway. I didn’t really have a mentor to get into the degree apprenticeship I’m in. Having someone to help me skip those extra steps would have helped
I want students to feel “if she can do it, I can do it as well”
“Seeing young people excited about choosing their future career gave me a boost”
A national spotlight on our work – world class careers
The Gatsby Foundation Benchmark 10-year review concluded this year and for the first time from September schools will be required to work directly with their alumni: reflecting the unique and important role that these individuals have, and their importance in the careers landscape. For more information see here.
Used by over 90% of schools and colleges (over 4,700) the Benchmarks are the world class framework for secondary schools and colleges to design careers guidance programmes for people. Future First will continue to champion the unique role of alumni with the Foundation and others in 2025.
“Alumni are a valuable and important part of career guidance”
Beth Jones, Head of Careers, The Gatsby Foundation
Equipping schools and Careers Leaders with the knowledge and skills to develop and maintain their school’s alumni relationships will become even more important.
Our response to these changes
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
i. Free online open access course
We were commissioned by the national Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) to design a fully interactive online open access course for careers leads in England. This free course is available through the CEC’s learning portal. It takes careers practitioners through an alumni audit, and allows them to start building a network, providing templates for strategy and events.
ii. Amplify Your Alumni: Online Careers Conference 2025
Our annual conference was held online to enhance accessibility and reach a wider audience. This year’s theme, Relatable Role Models, highlighted how alumni challenge stereotypes, raise aspirations, and unlock potential.
Key highlights included:
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Guest speakers from the Gatsby Foundation discussing the alumni engagement
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requirements for schools from September.
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Practical sessions equipping Careers Leaders with the skills to build and sustain
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alumni networks.
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Inspiring stories from alumni and schools demonstrating the power of these
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connections.
iii. Designing the Alumni Fast Track Academy
We recognise how under-resourced careers are in state schools. National research highlights that despite state schools recognising the vital role of careers provision they are unable to deliver this due to lack of funding:
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The Sutton Trust’s 2022 research found that 32% of state school teachers said they lacked funding to deliver quality careers guidance , and 51% said they lacked time
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The Department for Education survey “School and college voice: April 2025” found that 51% of secondary school leaders said “Insufficient school funding for career services” was a barrier to providing personal guidance from a careers adviser
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School budgets do not include dedicated Careers Funding : Careers England research noted that a 5[th] of secondary schools receive less than £2K in funding per annum for careers . Given the average size of a secondary school is 1,000 this equates to circa £2 per student – less than the cost of purchasing a cup of coffee.
In response to this funding and resource crisis, Future First developed its Fast Track programme this year
for under-resourced communities. For the first time this is a dedicated programme that first invests in the training of careers leads and then provides a year’s Future First support to develop the school’s alumni community.
Across a 12-week term, a cohort of careers leads in state schools take part in live webinars and an in-person session, with gap tasks in between. They work with a cohort of schools facing similar challenges, while focusing on a plan tailored to their school’s unique context. On completion of this programme, they receive a certificate that can be used towards their CPD hours and the school has access to a year of dedicated Future First support.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
First cohorts for the Fast Track Programme
During the year Future First secured funding to design this programme and provide Fast Track training to an initial 30 schools: based in the West Midlands and Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. Their programme will commence in September 2025. We are now working on a campaign to work with further schools in the West Midlands, West Yorkshire and West of England: communities with significant levels of deprivation.
Other key developments
i.The Future First Hub
The Future First Hub powers the work that we do, connecting volunteers, staff and students.
This year we have been working to increase our organisational technical capacity whilst we fundraise for the role of technical manager.
We have done this through convening a Tech Hub Board and secured pro bono support from the CTO at Pollen Street Capital and a former CTO with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, to drive the roadmap forward and build expert capacity. Already they have supported us in working directly with our developers, acting as an informed sounding board for technology decisions within the organisation and supported sector scanning and benchmarking. Concurrently we are running a live review of the Hub’s functionality and development needs.
ii.Strengthening civic society collaboration
We believe collaboration is key to driving social mobility. Grassroots charities play a critical role in local communities, and we are committed to supporting their voices at the national level. By building evidence, fostering innovation, and encouraging cross-sector partnerships, we will create long-lasting impact. We work with a wide range of social mobility charities, and are represented on national cross-organisation bodies such as the Social Mobility Leaders’ Forum and are proud members of the Fair Education Alliance.
We actively support the engagement of young people in our work, and piloted our first internship (social media), and undertook work with PR students at the University of Gloucester this year to raise the profile of our sector.
iii. Expanding employer partnerships
To ensure every young person has access to relatable role models, we are expanding our network of employer partners across sectors and regions. By creating accessible, trackable, and flexible volunteering opportunities, we are helping businesses make a tangible impact in schools and colleges.
We continue to build our employer links with sectors such as finance, insurance and law, and have secured two new significant partners: Lloyd’s and Grant Thornton, who are working with us to both open up their sector to more diverse young people, and to build a standardised approach to volunteering. Looking at the breadth of sectors we engage with, we are proud to have brought organisations that represent communications, events, rail, hospitality and more. Our ‘fast track’ apprenticeship pilot with Shawbrook Bank has entered its second year with plans to extend from London to Glasgow, providing learners in state schools with wrap-around support for applications.
Employers are increasingly seeking to move ‘outreach’ to ‘intake’ with their school activities, and our offer does that effectively. Our ‘sponsor a school’ model is now successfully matching state schools with employers in their community, and providing our membership support to schools free of charge. This is now a key part of our business model: allowing businesses to directly support their local communities, investing in their future talent pipeline and providing their staff with meaningful volunteering opportunities, at the same time as providing vital funding for schools to develop their alumni networks.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
iv. Celebrating our 15th Anniversary - our Give 15 campaign
This year Future First celebrated its 15th anniversary - and we are marking this with our ‘Give 15’ campaign: inviting individuals to:
Donate 15 minutes
What career advice would you tell your 15 year old self? Share your wisdom to help the next generation. We’ll share your stories in our school workshops helping young people navigate their futures with confidence.
Donate £15
We raised funding to support 1,000 learners.
Plans for future periods
Our strategy: looking ahead
Future First is at a pivotal moment in our journey. As we move closer to the requirement for all state schools in England to engage alumni in their careers provision from September 2025 , we are deeply concerned that the very schools who serve the most disadvantaged communities and whose students have the least access to professional role models - are the ones least equipped to respond. Without intervention, there is a real risk that these updated national requirements will widen, rather than close, the gap in opportunity.
At the same time, we are facing one of the most dramatic transformations of the labour market in living memory. Rapid technological advancements, accelerated by the pandemic and the rise of AI, are fundamentally reshaping the world of work. For many young people, particularly those without networks in professional sectors, they are wholly reliant on their school’s careers programme to ‘keep up’ and understand how this will impact their future options. This puts enormous pressure on schools whose careers programmes are under-resourced and over-stretched . Research from Youth Employment UK and Nominet confirms that large numbers of young people feel unprepared for the careers of the future and worry they won’t be able to adapt. This comes against a backdrop of a widening social mobility gap. Without targeted action, we risk leaving a generation behind.
In this context, our mission to ensure every young person, no matter their background, can access relatable role models with real-world insights and ‘see what they can be’ - has never been more urgent.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
In response, we want to significantly grow our reach and deepen our impact in those communities that most need our support. As stated throughout this report, our vision, set out in our 2034 Roadmap, is for every state school and college in the UK to be supported by a thriving network of alumni and employee volunteers. To get there, we are focusing on the following strategic priorities:
Location – the importance of place based solutions
Although Future First started its work in London, 69% of its schools are now based outside of the capital. We know that the place you are born impacts your chances in life. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and young people across the UK deserve to have access to opportunities, regardless of postcode. By building place-based projects with local alumni and employers we are focusing on addressing local challenges that impact social mobility.
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Delivering regional, place-based interventions in social mobility cold spots and areas of poverty such as in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Last year, nearly half of the schools we worked with in England were above the national Free School Meal average and we expect this to grow.
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Further extending the Alumni Academy, a cost-effective new programme offering training and support to 45 of the most disadvantaged schools in England in its first year alone.
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Expanding our influence in the policy space, advocating for practical measures to boost schools’ careers capacity.
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Strengthening our tech capacity by investing in the strategic development of the Future First Hub, so that more schools can build sustainable alumni and volunteer communities at scale.
Through these next steps, Future First, with the support of our alumni, funders, employers and others, will continue to support schools, empower young people, and build a future where every student can see a pathway to success.
You can’t be what you can’t see
“When I think about my future now it’s different, I’ve got a lot more choice about what I’m going to do when I’m older, much more than I first thought”.
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Thank you to our supporters
Charities across the UK rely on a network of supporters.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our supporters, donors, volunteers, and partners whose generosity and commitment made our work this year possible. Your continued trust empowers us to pursue our mission with integrity, transparency, and impact.
The achievements outlined in this report reflect not only the efforts of our team, but also the dedication of individuals and organizations who share our vision of a world that recognises talent from all backgrounds and wants to extend opportunity to all.
Thank you for your steadfast support. Together, we are creating meaningful and lasting change.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Reserves policy
The Trustees review the reserve levels of the charity annually, informed by a review of the risk assessment register. This review encompasses the nature of the income including its potential volatility as a result of changes in government policy and expenditure streams, the need to match income with commitments and the nature of reserves. The Trustees also take into consideration the future plans of the charity, the uncertainty over future income streams and other key risks identified during the risk review. The Trustees have determined that the charity should hold free cash reserves sufficient to cover between 1 - 3 months’ core operating costs, which equate to approximately £75k - £225k. Reserves at 31st August 2025 were £189k representing c.2 months’ running costs.
c. Principal risks and uncertainties
The charity maintains an up-to-date risk register that is reviewed quarterly by the trustees. The senior leadership team in conjunction with the Audit, Risk & Finance Committee (A,R&F) reviews the register on a regular basis and ensures it is current and responsive to emerging risks.
The Trustees assess the major risks of the charity at each quarterly Board meeting. Additionally, risks are always considered at more frequent meetings between the Chair and CEO and by the A,R&F committee.
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The Board of Trustees is satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate the charity's exposure to the major risks.
The Board of Trustees consider the most pertinent risks to be: staffing capacity, funding in an uncertain climate and ensuring our tech offer continues to meet the needs of key stakeholders. These risks are mitigated by: strong strategic plans along with recruitment plans, funding diversification, and upskilling staff in the charity’s tech offer
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
d. Financial risk management objectives and policies
The charity effectively manages its finances and financial risks through a series of procedures and policies. Monthly management accounts and cash flow are produced and reviewed by the senior leadership team. These accounts are shared with the A,R&F Committee on a quarterly basis. The overall purpose of this standing committee, that reports to the Board of Trustees, is to assist the Board in its duty to supervise the broad direction of the Charity’s financial affairs and to oversee the audit and risk management processes.
A financial report, including management accounts and cashflow are brought to the board on a quarterly basis as well. In April 2023 we appointed Playfair Partnerships as our new accountants.
Future First maintains an up-to-date financial controls document that outlines the financial systems and processes used by the charity. It covers how the finance function works and the key processes, systems and methods used to control the organisation’s finances. This document is reviewed annually.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Future First Alumni Limited (formerly The Camden Future First Network) was incorporated on 23 February 2010 as a charitable company limited by guarantee (company registration number 07166643; registered charity number 1135638). Initially, the charity was established to work with state schools in the London Borough of Camden. On 14 February 2012, the articles of association were amended to extend the scope of the charity's work to cover state schools throughout England and Wales. On 19 February 2013, the articles of association were further amended to extend the scope of the charity's work to include the rest of the world. On 4 February 2019, the articles of association were amended to incorporate administrative changes and the objects were amended to specify the prevailing charity legislation in each separate jurisdiction across the United Kingdom.
The Trustees are also the Directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law. Details of the Trustees who served throughout the year are included in the Reference and Administrative Details.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association. The charity’s Articles of Association specify that the number of Trustees shall not be less than 3, but (unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution) the number of Trustees shall not be subject to any maximum. The usual term of office for a Trustee shall be three years, at the end of which they shall retire. A trustee shall be eligible for reappointment by the trustees for up to a further two terms, each of up to three years. No trustees shall serve for more than nine consecutive years, unless the trustees consider it would be in the best interests of the Charity for a particular trustee to continue to serve beyond that period and that trustee is reappointed in accordance with the Articles.
c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
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The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the charity. It sets the general strategy and business plans for the charity, approves an annual budget, monitors performance against the plans and budgets and makes major decisions about strategy, charity development and senior staff appointments. The Trustees’ policy is to meet at least 4 times each year, and in person as the accepted norm. During the current operating period, five Board meetings were held in total, including one additional meeting concerned with signing off the audited accounts for the previous year.
The A,R&F committee was convened in-year with oversight of the charity’s financial planning and reporting, financial policies and procedures, and internal controls and risk management systems. The committee meets a minimum four times a year.
A board representative (currently the Chair) acts as trustee safeguarding lead for the charity, and provides oversight of the charity’s safeguarding policy and procedures, which are reported to the board quarterly. During the year, the Trustees continued to review their practice measured against the 2016 Charity Governance Code. The Trustees are satisfied that they have applied all the material best practice requirements of the Code.
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
All Trustees receive a general introduction to the charity, its organisation, structures and employees. They are provided with copies of policies, procedures, minutes, accounts, budgets, plans and other documents they will need to undertake their role as Trustees. As there are normally only one or two new Trustee appointments each year, induction is tailored specifically to the individual. Advantage is taken of specific courses offered by various external organisations as appropriate. Feedback from courses is delivered at Board Meetings.
e. Pay policy for key management personnel
The Trustees consider the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer to be the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing, controlling, running and operating the Charity on a day to day basis. The pay of the key management personnel is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees who take into account a wide range of factors.
All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee received any remuneration in the current or prior year for their role as Trustees. There were no expenses and other amounts paid to Trustees as disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements.
Related Parties and Other Connected Charities and Organisations
There are no related parties or connected organisations which either control or significantly influence the decisions and operations of the charity.
Page 16
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:
-
so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
-
that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Wenn Townsend, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated
Page 17
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
15 May Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on ………….…… 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ Nicholas Buckland OBE
Chair
Page 18
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Future First Alumni Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows 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, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
-
• Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
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.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
-
the information given in the trustees' report, which includes directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law, the financial year for which the statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our 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 directors’ report included within the trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
-
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, 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.
Page 20
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Auditors' 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 an auditors' 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 is detailed below:
-
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims;
-
Enquiry of entity staff in accounting and HR functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
-
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
-
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business, and reviewing accounting estimates for bias;
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 noncompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-s-responsibilities-for-the-audit-of-thefi/description-of-the-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED (CONTINUED)
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, and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 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.
Andrew Rodzynski FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants 30 Giles Street Oxford OX1 3LE Date:…….
Wenn Townsend are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 22
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) for the year Transfers between funds 17 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward 17 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 144,995 275,170 1,577 421,742 10,207 384,466 394,673 27,069 1,565 28,634 132,168 28,634 160,802 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 492,104 112,446 1,487 606,037 9,732 583,481 593,213 12,824 (1,565) 11,259 17,240 11,259 28,499 |
Total funds 2025 £ 637,099 387,616 3,064 1,027,779 19,939 967,947 987,886 39,893 - 39,893 149,408 39,893 189,301 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 271,838 294,506 3,273 569,617 18,336 478,414 496,750 72,867 (2,132) 70,735 61,433 70,735 132,168 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 775,763 68,542 2,238 846,543 14,789 839,006 853,795 (7,252) 2,132 (5,120) 22,360 (5,120) 17,240 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,047,601 363,048 5,511 1,416,160 33,125 1,317,420 1,350,545 65,615 - 65,615 83,793 65,615 149,408 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 26 to 39 form part of these financial statements.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Fixed assets Note Intangible assets 11 Tangible assets 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Investments 14 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: due within one year 15 Net current liabilities / assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 17 Unrestricted funds 17 Total funds |
54,478 72,543 111,533 |
2025 £ 220,177 1,917 |
57,611 69,665 220,322 |
2024 £ 256,051 2,854 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 222,094 (32,793) |
258,905 (109,497) |
|||
| 238,554 (271,347) |
347,598 (457,095) |
|||
| 189,301 | 149,408 | |||
| 189,301 | 149,408 | |||
| 28,499 160,802 |
17,240 132,168 |
|||
| 189,301 | 149,408 |
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
15 May The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on ………….. 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
Nicholas Buckland OBE
Chair
The notes on pages 18 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
Page 24
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 19 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Interest received Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Interest paid Net cash used in financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
2025 £ (106,500) (2,062) (413) 3,064 589 -) - (105,911) 289,987 184,076 |
2024 £ 49,346 (4,245) (1,462) 5,511 (196) (2,166) (2,166) 46,984 243,003 289,987 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 18 to 31 form part of these financial statements
Page 25
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, and a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland. The registered address is 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:
-
Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommend Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019;
-
The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
-
The Charities Act 2011;
-
The Companies Act 2006; and
-
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
2.2 Income
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (“SoFA”) when the charity is legally entitled to the income, after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
Grants are included in the SoFA on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes, but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Time spent is determined by available time summaries and appropriate estimates techniques that are based on multiple factors, including the income levels received.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity’s objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Page 26
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 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 institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.5 Intangible assets and amortisation
Intangible assets costing £nil or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable, and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life.
Amortisation is provided on the following bases:
| Intellectual property | - | 20 % |
|---|---|---|
| Alumni Portal (development costs) | - | 33 % |
| Online Portal | - | 11% |
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £nil or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Office equipment - 25% straight line
2.7 Debtors
Debtors with no stated interest rate and receivable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and 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.
Page 27
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.10 Financial instruments
The Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.11 Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.12 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
2.13 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires the trustees to make judgements, estimates, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
2.14 Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exists. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
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FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| 4. Income from charitable activities School Memberships Other 5. Investment income Bank interest receivable Donations Grants Income from Funders |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 275,170 - 275,170 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 1,577 1,577 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 96,226 48,770 - 144,996 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 112,446 - 112,446 Restricted funds 2025 £ 1,487 1,487 Restricted funds 2025 £ - 237,391 254,712 492,104 |
Total funds 2025 £ 387,616 - 387,616 Total funds 2025 £ 3,064 3,064 Total funds 2025 £ 96,226 286,161 254,712 637,099 |
Total funds 2024 £ 251,003 497,236 299,362 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,047,601 | |||||
| Total funds 2024 £ 361,557 1,491 |
|||||
| 363,048 | |||||
| Total funds 2024 £ 5,511 |
|||||
| 5,511 |
Page 29
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Raising funds | ||
| Cost of generating voluntary income | 19,939 | 32,516 |
| Wages and salaries | - | 609 |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| 19,939 | 33,125 | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Wages and salaries | 328,040 | 402,500 |
| Technology costs | 10,390 | 12,740 |
| Programme costs | 254,971 | 528,532 |
| Travel, hotels, and subsistence | 17,146 | 23,413 |
| Support costs (see below) | 357,400 | 350,235 |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| 967,947 | 1,317,402 | |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| Total expenditure | 987,886 | 1,350,545 |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Support costs | ||
| Wages and salaries | 204,473 | 163,705 |
| Technology costs | 48,987 | 48,461 |
| Other staff costs | 5,527 | 19,463 |
| Premises costs | 100 | 5,279 |
| Communication and IT | 4,865 | 8,652 |
| General office costs | 7,083 | 8,281 |
| Legal, professional, and insurance | 40,329 | 47,793 |
| Bank interest | - | 2,166 |
| Amortisation and depreciation | 39,286 | 39,210 |
| Governance costs | 6,750 | 7,225 |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| 357,400 | 350,235 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | |
| 7. Auditor’s remuneration | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Audit fees | 6,750 | 6,500 |
| ═══════ | ═══════ |
Page 30
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
8. Staff costs
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 470,631 | 502,007 |
| Social security costs | 43,531 | 46,558 |
| Pension | 18,350 | 18,249 |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| 532,513 | 566,814 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| Average number of persons employed including trustees | 17 | 18 |
| ═══ | ═══ | |
| The number of employees whose employee benefits exceeded £60,000 was: | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| £ 70,001 - £ 80,000 | 1 | - |
| £ 80,001 - £ 90,000 | - | 1 |
| £ 90,001 - £100,000 | 1 | 1 |
| ═════ | ═════ |
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £209,748 (2024 - £213,724), including pension costs.
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2024 - £nil).
During the year ended 31 August 2025, no trustee expenses have been reimbursed (2024 - £nil).
10. Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £18,350 (2024 - £18,249). Amounts totalling £4,024 (2024 - £4,461) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
Pension costs are allocated to relevant funds in accordance with the related salaries.
Page 31
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
11. Intangible fixed assets
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Intellectual|Online|
|Property|Portal|Total|
|£|£|£|
|Cost|
|At 1 September 2024|186,783|612,852|799,635|
|Additions|-|2,062|2,062|
|───────|─────── ───────|
|At 31 August 2025|186,783|614,914|801,697|
|───────|─────── ───────|
|Amortisation and impairment|
|At 1 September 2024|186,783|356,801|543,584|
|Charge for year|-|37,936|37,936|
|───────|─────── ───────|
|At 31 August 2025|186,783|394,737|581,520|
|───────|─────── ───────|
|Net book value|
|At 31 August 2025|-|220,177|220,177|
|═══════|═══════ ═══════|
|At 31 August 2024|-|256,051|256,051|
|═══════|═══════ ═══════|
----- End of picture text -----
12. Tangible fixed assets
----- Start of picture text -----
|||
|---|---|
|Office|
|Equipment|
|£|
|Cost|
|At 1 September 2024|18,345|
|Additions|413|
|───────|
|At 31 August 2025|18,758|
|───────|
|Depreciation and impairment|
|At 1 September 2024|15,491|
|Charge for year|1,350|
|───────|
|At 31 August 2025|16,841|
|───────|
|Net book value|
|At 31 August 2025|1,917|
|═══════|
|At 31 August 2024|2,854|
|═══════|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 32
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| 13. | Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade debtors | 41,021 | 49,388 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 13,457 | 8,223 | |
| ─────── | ─────── | ||
| 54,478 | 57,611 | ||
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| 14. | Current asset investments | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Notice deposits < 3 months | 72,543 | 69,665 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| 15. | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade creditors | 16,910 | 47,041 | |
| Other taxation and social security | 19,884 | 36,351 | |
| Other creditors | 4,024 | 81,124 | |
| Accruals | 17,007 | 48,094 | |
| Deferred income (note 17) | 213,522 | 244,485 | |
| ─────── | ─────── | ||
| 271,347 | 457,095 | ||
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| 16. | Deferred income | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Balance at 31 August 2024 | 244,485 | 292,969 | |
| Resources deferred during the year | 734,056 | 765,019 | |
| Amounts released during the year | (765,019) | (813,503) | |
| ─────── | ─────── | ||
| Balance at 31 August 2025 | 213,522 | 244,485 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ |
Deferred income arises as school memberships are for a period of one year and the income for the membership is spread evenly across the year.
Page 33
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
17. Movement in funds
2025
| Unrestricted funds General Fund Restricted funds Allen & Overy Arc Pensions Law Baily Thomas Black Rock CEC The Dulverton Trust The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Forvis Mazars Foundation The Grant Thornton Foundation Henderson Park The Institute of Physics Lloyds New Deal Norfolk Community Foundation Propel Somerset Imagine Possibilities Vernon Robert Charitable Trust Worshipful Company of Vintners Ashurst: London DRD Partnership Lumon Markerstudy Other restricted funds Total restricted funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 September 2024 £ 132,168 - - - - - 2,906 - - - - 14,334 - - - - - - - - - - - - 17,240 149,408 |
Income £ 421,742 2,250 3,100 5,000 31,895 2,500 9,180 18,102 32,000 20,000 2,250 163,317 36,634 111,988 6,000 115,724 669 1500 1,125 15,900 2,250 4,167 14,000 6,487 606,037 1,027,779 |
Expenditure £ (394,673) (1,958) (3,268) (4,871) (32,797) (2,420) (8,355) (17,756) (11,382) (17,450) (1,241) (178,033) (35,919) (113,165) (2,370) (114,835) (1,581) (1,449) (1,163) (15,758) (2,627) (4,154) (14,175) (6,487) (593,213) (987,886) |
Transfers in/out £ 1,565 (292) 168 (129) 902 (80) (3,731) (346) - - - 382 - 1,177 - - - (51) 38 (142) 377 (13) 175 - (1,565) - |
Balance at 31 August 2025 £ 160,802 - - - - - - - 20,618 2,550 1,009 - 715 - 3,630 889 (912) - - - - - - - 28,499 189,301 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 34
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
17. Movements in funds (continued)
Restricted Funds include:
Allen & Overy
Allen & Overy is a law firm that has provided funding for our schools work in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.
Arc Pensions Law
Arc Pensions Law are providing funding for Arc a summer work experience programme for students in their London and Leeds offices.
Baily Thomas
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund has granted funding to a project delivery costs to equip four Special Schools to run alumni activities.
Black Rock
BlackRock is an investment management company providing funding for our work supporting students across the country and introducing students to careers in finance.
Dulverton Trust
The Dulverton Trust are supporting Future First to pilot a refreshed approach to mobilising role models to support primary aged pupils. Over three years, Year 6 pupils at 15 primaries will meet local role models and secondary aged students through a series of workshops designed to build their confidence, motivation and resilience ahead of their transition to secondary school.
The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation has granted funding to establish the partnership, governance arrangements, research base, policies and evaluation framework for a programme assessing the impact of relatable role model mentors on young people who are at risk of exclusion.
Forvis Mazars Foundation
Working to improve social mobility, the Forvis Mazars Foundation has provided a generous grant to support Future First's Alumni Fast Track Programme, supporting school leaders to develop their alumni networks.
The Grant Thornton Foundation
The Grant Thornton Foundation support Future First in expanding employability relationships with schools across five regions.
Henderson Park
Henderson Park is a private equity real estate firm sponsoring school memberships.
The Institute of Physics
Future First is the grantee of funding to deliver the 'Planet Possibility' programme between 2022 and 2024, with an aim to increase uptake of Physics A Level within underrepresented groups. Future First receives funding to deliver governance for the consortium of partners, and deliver the Future First Infinity strand of work to 35 schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Future First disburses grants to the four other organisations in the consortium.
Lloyd’s of London Foundation
Lloyd's is an insurance marketplace that funds Future First with the aim to address underrepresentation of individual from lower socio-economic backgrounds in professional occupations by creating more opportunities.
Page 35
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
17. Movement in funds (continued)
New Deal
The New Deal for Young People is part of the Greater London Authority and is funding our partnership work in Camden which aims to tackle school exclusions.
Propel
Propel is an initiative through The National Lottery Community Fund, providing grant funding for the charity partnership, Inspiring Inclusion programme, tackling school exclusions.
Worshipful Company of Vintners
Worshipful Company of Vintners have provided a grant for school memberships in Newham.
Ashurst : London
Ashurst: London is a law firm that has provided funding for primary school work and career days for students.
DRD Partnership
DRD Partnership are a public relations firm providing funding for our work supporting students across the country and introducing students to careers in public relations.
Lumon
Lumon are a finance company who have provided a donation to support and extend Future First's reach and impact.
Markerstudy
Markerstudy are an insurance company who have provided a donation to support Future First's reach and impact.
Transfers between funds
Unrestricted funds of £1,565 (2024 - £2,132) were transferred to restricted funds in order to support the charitable objectives.
Page 36
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
17. Movement in funds (continued)
2024
| Unrestricted funds General Fund Restricted funds Allen & Overy Arc Pensions Law Baily Thomas BWH The Dulverton Trust The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Henderson Park The Institute of Physics Nick Strong New Deal Worshipful Company of Vintners Ashurst: London DRD Partnership Legal & General Lumon Markerstudy Taylor Wessing The 29thMay 1961 Other restricted funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 September 2023 £ 61,433 - - - - 3,133 - - 19,227 - - - - - - - - - - - 22,360 83,793 |
Income £ 569,617 2,250 5,520 5,000 1,000 18,359 30,816 2,250 515,516 6,393 185,781 1,125 18,640 1,500 2,080 5,900 20,000 17,175 5,000 2,238 846,543 1,416,160 |
Expenditure £ (496,750) (2,267) (5,558) (5,086) (1,002) (18,586) (30,868) (2,436) (520,409) (6,788) (185,929) (1,164) (18,769) (1,607) (2,357) (6,053) (20,022) (17,314) (5,342) (2,238) (853,795) (1,350,545) |
Transfers in/out £ (2,132) 17 38 86 2 - 52 186 - 395 148 39 129 107 277 153 22 139 342 - 2,132 - |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ (132,168) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - - - 2,906 - - 14,334 - - - - - - - - - - - |
|||||
| 17,240 | |||||
| 149,408 |
Page 37
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
18. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fund balances at 31 August 2025 are represented by: | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 1,917 | - | 1,917 |
| Intangible fixed assets | 220,177 | - | 220,177 |
| Current assets | 140,416 | 98,138 | 238,554 |
| Creditors due within one year | (201,708) | (69,639) | (271,347) |
| Creditors due in more than one year | - | - | - |
| ─────── | ─────── | ─────── | |
| 160,802 | 28,499 | 189,301 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | |
| Fund balances at 31 August 2024 are represented by: | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 2,854 | - | 2,854 |
| Intangible fixed assets | 256,051 | - | 256,051 |
| Current assets | 57,616 | 289,982 | 347,598 |
| Creditors due within one year | (184,353) | (272,742) | (457,095) |
| Creditors due in more than one year | - | - | - |
| ─────── | ─────── | ─────── | |
| 132,168 | 17,240 | 149,408 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ |
19. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Net income/(expenditure) for the year (per “SoFA”) | 39,893 | 65,615 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Depreciation charges | 1,350 | 933 |
| Amortisation charges | 37,936 | 38,277 |
| Dividends, interests, and rents from investments | (3,064) |
(5,511) |
| Interest paid | - | 2,166 |
| Decrease/(increase) in debtors | 3,133 | 63,458 |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | (185,748) | (115,592) |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| (106,500) | 49,346 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | |
| alysis of cash and cash equivalents | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cash in hand | 111,533 | 220,322 |
| Notice deposits (less than 3 months) | 72,543 | 69,665 |
| ─────── | ─────── | |
| 184,076 | 289,987 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ |
20. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Page 38
FUTURE FIRST ALUMNI LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
21. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand Liquid investments |
At 1 September 2024 £ 220,322 69,665 289,987 |
Cash flows £ (108,789) 2,878 (105,911) |
At 31 August 2025 £ 111,533 72,543 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 184,076 |
22. Related party transactions
During the year, the charity received £37,500 (2024 - £37,500) in unrestricted donations and other support from trustees and their associated entities.
There were no other related party transactions in the period.
Page 39