The director presents the strategic report for the year ended 31 August 2022.
The group's principal activity during the year was the management of nine schools and one university located in Madrid, Barcelona, Almeria and Pontevedra (Spain), Dublin (Ireland), Megeve (France), Qatar (U.A.E) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The group also runs a sports club and a catering and cleaning company located in Madrid. The Spanish group Institucion Educativa SEK, S. L. is one of the largest groups of private schools in Spain, and its brand SEK is probably the leading brand in this activity in Spain.
The turnover of the group after the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic increased during the year 2021/22 by 14.31% from €102,060,289 to €116,662,244. The Irish branch that was established in August 2013 produced a turnover in the year 2021/22 of €2,412,062 (2021: €948,965), an increase of 154.18%. The turnover of the Irish branch has increased due to an increase in the number of students going up from 315 to 957.
The Spanish group of companies carries out its business in Spain using its own buildings that were financed in the past mainly by means of bank loans. The premises from which the Irish branch, French company and the subsidiary in Riyadh trade are under an operating lease. The total investment in tangible assets in the Spanish group is €116,629,273 before depreciation. Considering the accumulated depreciation, the net value of tangible assets is €41,227,888. From the loans taken out by the Spanish group companies to finance these investments the total balance due as at 31 August 2022 was €25,828,808. As the Spanish group's net annual operating profit before depreciation is approximately €2.4 million, the company does not foresee any problems in repaying the loans. As the school business is stable, no major changes in the profitability of the group is expected during the next years. During the year the Spanish subsidiary, Comp. Espanola De Navegacion Amorina, S.L ceased to trade and the assets and liabilities of the company were taken over by another group entity, Cento de Ensenanza Universitaria SA.
The company purchased in 2014/15 the trademarks and brands related to its school activities in Spain and abroad for a total consideration of €23,000,000. The purchase was financed by the bank Société Générale. The loan is repayable over a period of 10 years. The balance of the loan outstanding is €6,000,000.
The Spanish group of companies also owns a sports club in Madrid where different sporting activities like riding, swimming, tennis and others are performed by the students of the schools and the university and by external clients. The sports club suffered a loss during the year of €397,944 (2021: €527,400) that was covered by the profits produced by the other companies of the group. The group is keeping this sports club open, as it helps to promote the schools and adds to the value of the brand. The most profitable company of the group is the company C.E.U. SEK, S.A, which operates the University Camilo José Cela. The operating profit of this company for the year was €1.219.461,68 (2021: €1,840,694).
The key performance indicators (KPI's) of the Group were as follows:
2022 2021
Turnover €115,480,545 €102,060,289
Pre-tax loss €5,202,496 €12,579,588
The principal risk of the group is a possible reduction in the number of students. Nevertheless, due to the improvement of the economic situation in Spain, the company is gaining students again. The number of students for the course 2021/22 has increased compared with the previous year. Therefore, we believe that the improvement in the Spanish economic situation will lead to better results in future.
The main costs of the schools and the university are the salaries of the teachers. These salaries are negotiated every year with the relevant unions and the group does not expect any abnormal increase on the level of salaries next year.
At the end of the year 2021/22, the total staff employed by the Spanish group was 1,495 employees. Of this figure, 857 employees were teachers, thus directly producing income for the group. The total income per teacher in the Spanish schools and university was €122,150 (2021: €112,352).
The group opened a school in Qatar that started operating in September 2013. The performance of this school since its incorporation has been very satisfactory.
Due to the strong financial situation of the group at 31 August 2022, we do not expect any financial problems in the near future.
Credit risk
The group has implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential customers who are mainly parents of students before admission. Where debt finance is utilized, this is subject to pre-approval by the board of directors and such approval is limited to financial institutions. The amount of exposure to any individual counterpart is subject to a limit, which is reassessed annually by the board.
A significant portion of trade receivables relates to balances due from university partners. These are external schools that teach university courses under the university license of the University Camilo José Cela. The company constantly monitors these receivables to avoid any payment defaults.
Liquidity risk
The group actively maintains a mixture of long-term and short-term debt finance that is designed to ensure the group has sufficient available funds for operations and planned expansions.
Interest rate cash flow risk
The group has both interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Interest bearing assets include cash balances and short-term deposits, all of which earn interest at fixed rate. The company has a policy of maintaining debt at fixed rate to ensure certainty of future interest cash flows. The directors will revisit the appropriateness of this policy should the group's operations change in size or nature.
Engaging with stakeholders
The success of our business is dependent on the support of all our stakeholders. Building positive relationships with stakeholders that share our values is important to us and working together towards shared goals assists us in delivering long-term sustainable success.
Our Group comprises a number of business units (schools, university, catering company and sports club), all of which have extensive engagement with their own unique stakeholders as well as other businesses in the Group. The governance framework delegates authority for local decision-making at business unit level up to defined levels of cost and impact which allows the individual businesses to take account of the needs of their own stakeholders in their decision making.
The leadership teams of each business make decisions with a long-term view in mind and with the highest standards of conduct in line with Group policies. In order to fulfil their duties, the Directors of each business and the Group itself take care to have regard to the likely consequences on all stakeholders of the decisions and actions which they take. Where possible, decisions are carefully discussed with affected groups and are therefore fully understood and supported when taken.
Reports are regularly made to the Group Board by the business units about the strategy, performance and key decisions taken which provides the Board with assurance that proper consideration is given to stakeholder interests in decision making. At Group level, the Board is well informed about the views of stakeholders through the regular reporting on stakeholder views and it uses this information to assess the impact of decisions on each stakeholder group as part of its own decision-making process. Details of the Group's key stakeholders and how we engage with them are set out below.
Shareholders
As owners of our Group we rely on the support of our shareholder and his opinions are important to us. We have an open dialogue with our shareholder through one-to-one meetings, group meetings, webcasts and the Annual General Meeting. Discussions with the shareholder cover a wide range of topics including financial performance, strategy, outlook, governance and ethical practices. Shareholder feedback is regularly reported to and discussed by the Board and their views are considered as part of decision-making.
Colleagues
Our people are key to our success, and we want them to be successful individually and as a team. There are many ways we engage with and listen to our people including colleague surveys, forums, listening groups, face-to-face briefings, internal communities, and newsletters. Key areas of focus include health and well-being, development opportunities, pay and benefits. Regular reports about what is important to our colleagues are made to the Board ensuring consideration is given to colleague needs. Frequent communication with staff has been essential, especially during lockdown when part of the staff were working remotely. Staff have been kept informed about staffing, financial and strategic issues affecting them and the business.
Customers
Our ambition is to deliver best-in-class service to our students and customers. We build strong lasting relationships with our customers and spend considerable time with them to understand their needs and views and listen to how we can improve our offer and service for them. We use this knowledge to inform our decision-making, for example to tailor our proposition to suit customer demands.
Suppliers
We build strong relationships with our suppliers to develop mutually beneficial and lasting partnerships. Engagement with suppliers is primarily through a series of interactions and formal reviews and we also host regular conferences to bring suppliers and customers together to discuss shared goals and build relationships. Key areas of focus include innovation, product development, health and safety and sustainability. The Board recognises that relationships with suppliers are important to the Group's long-term success and is briefed on supplier feedback and issues on a regular basis.
Communities
We engage with the communities in which we operate to build trust and understand the local issues that are important to them. Key areas of focus include how we can support local causes and issues, create opportunities to recruit and develop local people and help to look after the environment. We partner with local charities and organisations at a site level to raise awareness and funds. The key issues and themes across local communities are reported back to the Board. The impact of decisions on the environment both locally and nationally is considered with such considerations as the use of and disposal of plastic and how this might be minimised.
Government and regulators
We engage with the government and regulators through a range of industry consultations, forums, meetings and conferences to communicate our views to policy makers relevant to our business. Key areas of focus are compliance with laws and regulations, health and safety and product safety. The Board is updated on legal and regulatory developments and takes these into account when considering future actions.
On behalf of the board
The director presents his annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022.
The results for the year are set out on page 13.
The director who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements was as follows:
The company operates a framework for employee information and consultation which complies with the requirements of the information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004. During the year, the policy providing employees with information about the group has been continued through the Employee Hand book and employee forums through which the employees have also been encouraged to present their suggestions and views on the group’s performance. Regular meetings are held between local management and employees to allow a free flow of information and ideas.
The group gives full consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons where the candidate’s particular aptitudes and abilities are consistent with adequately meeting the requirements of the job. Opportunities are available to disabled employees for training, career development and promotion. Where existing employees become disabled, it is the group’s policy to provide continuing employment wherever practicable in the same or an alternative position and to provide appropriate training to achieve this aim.
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Lawrence Grant LLP be reappointed as auditor of the group will be put at a General Meeting.
The UK government's Streamlined Energy and Carbon Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy was implemented on 1 April 2019, this is the Company's first time adoption of disclosures on energy and carbon. The table below represents Education Management Corporation Group's energy use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity and fuel in the UK and Europe for the year ended 31 August 2022.
The SECR submission has been complied using the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. Emissions have been grouped according to the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.
We have used the following data sources for the report for the :
Energy and Fuel Data - Energy supplier billing data.
Transport data - Company mileage records
CO2 emissions have been calculated using the 2021 UK Government Conversion Factors for Group Reporting. Emissions have been calculated for the group for the financial years ending 31 August 2022 and 2021.
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per KWh, the recommended ratio for the sector.
We have audited the financial statements of Education Management Corporation Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 August 2022 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows, the company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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 and parent 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 director's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent 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 director 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 annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The director is 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.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the director's report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the director's responsibilities statement, the director is 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 director determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the director is responsible for assessing the parent 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 director either intends to liquidate the parent company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
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, is detailed below.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with law and regulations, was as follows:
The engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussion with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the relevant sector;
The specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, are as follows;
Companies Act 2006
FRS102
Tax legislation
Health and safety regulations
Employment Laws
We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and reviewing board minutes;
Laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team at the planning meeting, and during the audit as any further laws and regulation were identified. The audit team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur by:
Making enquires of management as to where they consider there was susceptibility to fraud and their knowledge of actual suspected and alleged fraud;
Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations;
Reviewing the financial statements and testing the disclosures against supporting documentation;
Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected trends or anomalies;
Inspecting and testing journal entries to identify unusual or unexpected transactions;
Assessing whether judgement and assumptions made in determining significant accounting estimates were indicative of management bias; and
Investigating the rationale behind significant transactions, or transactions that are unusual or outside the company’s usual course of business.
The areas that we identified as being susceptible to misstatement through fraud were:
Management bias in the estimates and judgements made;
Management override of controls; and
Posting of unusual journals or transactions.
We did not identify any matters relating to non-compliance with laws and regulation or relating to fraud.
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 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/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members 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 company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was €1,231,621 (2021 - €143,113 profit).
Education Management Corporation Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 2nd Floor, Hygeia House, 66 College Road, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom, HA1 1BE.
The group consists of Education Management Corporation Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in euros, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest €.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Education Management Corporation Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 31 August 2022. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the director has a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the director continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for all services provided in the UK and Overseas.
Turnover represents student fees receivable during the year and is recognised in advance at the start of each school term and is based on the number of students on the register. Adjustments are made at the year end in respect of any deferred income.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
Transactions in currencies other than euros are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the director is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
In the opinion of the director there are no areas involving a high degree of judgement, complexity or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the group's financial statements, other than the determination of the useful lives of tangible fixed assets.
The turnover and loss before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the group.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected credit for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
The above corporation tax charge relates to the Spanish subsidiaries at a rate of 30% and the Irish branch at a rate of 12.5%.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 August 2022 are as follows:
Other participating interests relate to the Spanish companies Portal Universia, S.A., El Leon del Espanol Publicaciones S.A, Wouzee Media, S.L, Acciones Golf La Moraleja, Insl. Innovacion Digital S.L and One Million Bot, S.L
Details of associates at 31 August 2022 are as follows:
Other than fixed asset investments and current asset investments, all financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.
The loan from Societe Generale amounting to €20,000,000 has been secured by assets recorded on a third party guarantors' accounts. The loan is repayable between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2024.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which is dependent upon its shareholder, XXI Learning Limited continuing to provide the necessary financial facilities via a loan, to enable the company to continue in operation for the foreseeable future.
XXI Learning Limited has confirmed that repayment of the loan will not be demanded for repayment until the company has the necessary financial facilities to repay the loan.
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
At the year end, a loan amounting to €66,643,403 (2021: €67,685,515) was payable to the ultimate parent
company, XXI Learning Limited. This was an interest free loan to the ultimate parent company and is included in creditors falling due after more than one year.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption available in FRS 102 (s33 "Related Party Disclosure"), whereby it has not disclosed transactions with any wholly owned subsidiary undertaking of the group.
The ultimate parent entity for the year under review was Teleno Education Charity Trust, a trust which is registered in New Zealand.
Minority interest is represented by a 9.26% investment in the Spanish group, Institucion Educativa,Sek ,SEK Sarl Alpes and of 49.56% of Catergest, S.L.