The Governors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 27 August 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the school's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
In setting objectives for the School and planning its activities, the Governors have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public guidance on advancing education and fee charging. The Governors have for many years offered assistance with fees and the School has been particularly successful in attracting children whose parents would not be able to afford a full fee paying place. The assistance takes in to account the cost of extra curricular activities. The Governors are also conscious of the role that the School has always played, and continues to play, in the local community and this Report sets out details of activities which benefit all sections of that community. However we are not complacent in respect of the public benefit requirements; on the contrary we are continuously exploring opportunities to enhance the School's activities and use all its resources for the benefit of all strands of the local community.
Our School welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. There is no entrance requirement as such although in the upper forms an initial academic assessment is made, and this identifies the educational requirements and programme for the child. We have made significant investments in infrastructure to cater for the needs of children who are, or become, disabled. The welfare and progress of the children in every respect is a priority commitment and our procedures facilitate effective monitoring of development and success.
The School's objectives are the advancement of education for 6 months to 11 year old children. The Charity has also to maintain its heritage endowment, in particular the Hall which is a grade 2* listed building and various artefacts, books and works of art. The Governors have also emphasised the need to make the School's resources and activities available to the wider community and to contribute to the welfare of the community. The Governors also make bursaries available and are intent on achieving a wider access to the School, offering assisted places to children whose parents are unable to meet the full fees and making the School's resources available to the local community.
Within these Objects, the School's aim is to provide a first class independent education, based on excellent academic tuition and extra curricular activities involving the development of sporting, artistic and social skills in all its pupils. This is designed to provide an environment in which all pupils can develop and fulfil their potential, both in gaining access to the secondary school of their choice, and in building self confidence and a desire to contribute to the wider community.
The focus in the period ended 27 August 2023 and beyond has been on maintaining and improving academic performance; increasing contribution to the wider community both by activity and visibility in the community and by making the School's resources and activities available to others; actively pursuing the development and introduction of a bursary scheme; and investment in the School's infrastructure and facilities.
The activities which have contributed to the implementation of the School's strategy and the achievement of its objectives are dealt with in the next section of this Report.
The Governors have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the school should undertake.
The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the Governors to present a strategic report.
Education Quality and Compliance Inspections were undertaken by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in March 2017. The Inspectors concluded that the quality of the pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent and that the quality of the pupils' personal development is excellent. Specific mention was made of excellent performance in every aspect of pupils' education. The Inspectors made no recommendations themselves but commended the objectives in the School's strategic plan. The results of the Compliance Inspection were similarly positive with the School meeting the laid down standards. A further Compliance Inspection in March 2020 resulted in a very positive assessment. The Robins room for under 2 has also received an OFSTED inspection in July 23 and has received a ‘Good’ rating for all aspects which was a fantastic outcome for a provision which has been in operation for just 30 months. Finally, in order to obtain a Material Change Increase to the Schools Registered Capacity a further compliance inspection was carried out during 2023 and all expectations were found to have been met and the Material Change application was approved.
Our children continued to attain the highest quality academic standards. 96% of the children in Form 6 achieved passes in the 11+ entrance examinations and were offered places at the secondary Schools of their choice, including Manchester Grammar School, Stockport Grammar School, The King’s School Macclesfield, Cheadle Hulme School, Alderley Edge School for Girls, Manchester High School for Girls, Hulme Hall Grammar School, Wilmslow High, Newcastle Under Lyme Our children received 68 offers of places including 9 scholarships.
Although the primary focus of the School is on academic success, all our children participate in many extra-curricular activities which we consider essential for their development and prepares them for the rigorous demands of secondary school and beyond. There is considerable emphasis on music and drama. Many of the children passed music examinations and almost all are involved in choral activities. The majority of the senior School participated in excellent productions throughout the year, outstanding performances which received numerous accolades. All children in the School sung and performed in numerous concerts and plays. Our choirs participated in many public, as well as internal, performances during the year.
Sport continues to be an integral part of our children's activities and opportunities, and the all weather hard court, which was originally financed by a specific and generous donation from our Parents' Association, is used extensively for football, hockey, tennis, netball and other sports. This together with the Sports Hall and our extensive external facilities provides for a variety of sporting activities in which our children participate with great enthusiasm, enjoyment and success. Tennis, football, hockey, cricket, netball, cross-country, swimming, rugby and athletics are just some of the sports in which our children are extensively involved. No less important are other activities such as music, art, cooking and chess which add to the broad education which is provided.
The Governors in implementing the bursary policy, awarded a number of assisted places to children who otherwise would have been unable to attend the School. The Finance Governor continues to develop the formal policy and the Governors are anxious to ensure that assisted places are made available to the wider community on a consistent, equitable and realistic basis.
Considerable emphasis has been placed on updating the School's infrastructure and facilities. This year the focus has continued to be on enhancing and modernising teaching facilities. There has been further investment in ICT with the purchase of laptops and iPads for pupils. Investment has also been made into improvements to the efficiency of the heating within the school with the replacement of three boilers. The Parents and Staff Association have also funded the refurbishment of the Science Laboratory and the play areas in the EYFS.
The Governors, staff and parents, together with their children, are particularly committed to the School's contribution to the wider local community. The Hall being a grade 2* listed Arts and Crafts building is opened to visitors on several occasions during the year. The School's sporting and other facilities are frequently used by local sports clubs and similar organisations and the Governors are seeking to extend this opportunity to those who are not fortunate enough to have their own facilities. Our children's plays and choral activities are provided to many in the community, in particular pensioners, and a considerable number of charitable activities are organised by all members of the School community.
The School's operations are funded in the main by fee income. However, the Governors and other volunteers and supporters of the School are alert to potential fundraising opportunities although these are largely focused on specific projects. The School's Parents' Committee is particularly active and successful in mounting social and other events and surpluses are typically used to purchase equipment for classrooms and other school facilities, entirely at the discretion of the Committee. The Governors would like to record their appreciation of the parents' contribution to the School.
At 29 August 2021 the financing of the School comprised the interim loan of £1,050,000 from a personal lender and loans from Governors and their families of £458,000. The repayment of these loans had been extended to April 2022 to enable the Governors to conclude alternative funding arrangements. The adverse financial impact of the Covid pandemic, which had continued in to 20/21 and beyond, meant that the School was unable to meet the lending parameters and criteria indicated by our bankers as a requirement for refinancing. As a result an alternative source of finance was obtained again from a personal lender to replace the above mentioned loan of £1,050,000. This new loan for £1,050,000 commenced on 26th August 2022 and is interest free with no repayments required for a period of 3 years whilst the Governors source replacement finance from the School’s bankers. During the period ended 27th August 2023 the school has commenced repayment of the Governors loans and the balance was reduced by £50,000 to £408,000.
Numbers in the School have increased throughout the period and continue to do so to the extent that the School was required to submit a material change application to increase the Registered Capacity of the School from 260 to 338 pupils which was subsequently approved. During the previous year the Nursery provision was expanded with the opening of the Robin’s room to accommodate children from 6 months and upwards, but pupil numbers have also continued to increase throughout the School rising from 272 on roll at the start of this school year to 306 on roll for the first day of term in 2023/24.
The Governors report a surplus of £188,719 for the period, compared to a deficit of £79,941 in the previous period, the improvement reflects the growth in pupil numbers during the year. This does however, include significant donations of capital items funded by the PSA within the restricted funds which will be depreciated over the lifetime of the assets. The underlying numbers for the unrestricted fund show a movement from a deficit of £64,411 to a surplus of £141,715.
During the year the cash flow pressures have significantly improved in line with rising pupil numbers. As a result, deferred payments of Teachers Pensions and PAYE as well as repayment of Governors loans have been made totalling in excess of £250,000.
The Governors' policy towards reserves is to invest any surpluses in the School’s facilities and infrastructure. Although this impacts on reserves only through the progressive recognition of depreciation in the Statement of Financial Activities, the impact on the School’s cash resources is immediate. Consequently, the Governors think it appropriate that the overall financial position, including and in particular the cash position, informs and influences the policy on, and level of, reserves.
The Governors are conscious that the Unrestricted funds are in deficit. However, as stated above, the school is experiencing significant increases in numbers and although the impact of Covid-19 had postponed the return to profitability, this has now been achieved in the year to August 23 and is forecast to increase in the subsequent years. The sale of surplus land in 2017/18 yielded a significant profit and was consistent with the valuation of the School's freehold land and buildings, undertaken in 2012 as part of the negotiations in connection with the increased bank facilities, which indicated a value significantly in excess of the carrying value in the balance sheet.
Under the direction of the Governors and the Headmaster, the School has continued to invest in modernising and enhancing the teaching provision, and in the provision of new facilities which will enhance the education experience of our children. Essential, albeit modest, investment programmes were continued during this period. The current emphasis has been on new teaching and assessment schemes, as well as on direct contact teaching methods and content. Some of the investment was once again funded by our Parents’ Committee and we again record our appreciation of their tireless activities, support and contribution.
The Board of Governors is responsible for the management of risks faced by the School. Detailed consideration and management of risks are delegated to the executive management team who report informally to the Business Management Committee (‘BMC’) and Board. The Governors have continued to implement enhanced risk management processes during the year. Major risks and issues are evaluated and considered at all management meetings and the risk identification, assessment and response process has been formally documented during the year. The Governors and executive management team are risk conscious and are satisfied that the major risks faced by the School have been managed and mitigated to an adequate extent. The governors recognise that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.
The key objectives of the medium to long term strategic plan are:
To achieve optimum capacity in each class throughout the School
To ensure that teaching capacity and capability is commensurate with these class sizes
To maintain the current high standards of academic achievement measured in the main by the success of the School's children in securing offers from the secondary schools of their choice
To continue to maintain the School's reputation for excellence in extra curricular activity in the arts, sport and community activity
To widen participation in the School by offering assisted places for children, and to make the School's resources, facilities and activities available to the wider community
To continue the programme of improving the School's infrastructure and facilities.
In the short term the Governors are conscious of the School's financial position. Initiatives to achieve efficiencies and economies in the cost base continue to be implemented and emphasis is being placed on initiatives to increase pupil numbers. The Governors will implement projects and initiatives only on the basis that the School remains within its financial facilities.
The Governors, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who have served since 28th August 2022 were:
In accordance with the Articles of Association, Mr G D Dawber, Mr T J Wareham and Mrs L Window will retire by rotation at the forthcoming AGM, and being eligible, will offer themselves for re-election.
The Trust does not have any share capital but each Governor is guarantor to the extent of £1. No Governor has a beneficial interest in the Trust.
Governors are elected by The Board of Governors having regard to the skills requirements of the Board. Each Governor contributes a specific area of expertise relevant to the management of the School.
The Governors, as the Charity Trustees, are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the School and meet at least five times a year. The work of implementing most of the policies laid down by the Board of Governors and the day to day management of the School is undertaken by the executive senior management team under the supervision of the BMC, chaired by the Chair of the Board, which meets at least five times a year before the meetings of the Board, and which normally includes the Deputy Chair (Finance Governor), Headmaster and Business Manager.
The Governors, who are also the directors of Pownall Hall School Trust Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Governors' 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 Governors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the school and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Governors are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the school will continue in operation.
The Governors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the school 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 school and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Josolyne LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The Governors' report, including the strategic report, was approved by the Board of Governors.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Pownall Hall School Trust Limited (the ‘school’) for the year ended 27 August 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Cash Flows and the 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:
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 school 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.
Due to the Statement of Financial Position showing net liabilities of £1,285,620 we draw your attention to the relevant disclosure in the Governors report and note 1.2.
Our opinion has not been modified in respect of this disclosure.
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 Governors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
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 Governors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report included within the Governors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the school and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report included within the Governors' 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, 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
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the statement of Governors' responsibilities, the Governors, who are also the directors of the school for the purpose 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 Governors 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 Governors are responsible for assessing the school’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 Governors either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have 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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the entity and its industry, and determined that the most significant are those that relate to breaches of safeguarding, health and safety regulations, data protection and employment laws. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the financial statements such as FRS102 accounting principles and the Companies Act 2006. We have considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements and also evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements.
We established that the principal risks related to revenue recognition, management bias in accounting estimates and management override, recoverability of debtors, potential understatement of creditors and the going concern status of the school. Audit procedures performed included:
Performed a reconciliation of total school fees to expectations based on pupil numbers and current fee rates.
Reviewed fee invoices raised either side of the year end to ensure accounted for in the correct period.
Vouched year end accruals and prepayment balances to supporting invoices.
Reviewed payments and invoices post year end for omitted creditors and accruals.
Checked cash received after date to confirm recoverability of year end debtors and ensure sufficient provision was included.
Designed our audit procedures in order to incorporate unpredictability around the nature, timing or extent of our testing.
Identified and tested journal entries to consider the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments;
Assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business.
Challenged assumptions made by management in making their significant accounting estimates
Reviewed financial statement disclosures and tested to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Reviewed managements assumptions with regard to the going concern status of the school. Reviewed profit and cash flow forecasts prepared for a period in excess of 12 months from approval of the accounts.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
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 charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an 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 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.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Pownall Hall School Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Pownall Hall School, Carrwood Road, Pownall Park, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5DW.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the school's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The school is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the school. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The financing of the School at 27 August 2023 comprised interim funding of £1.05m from a personal lender and loans of £408,000 from Governors and their families. The School’s bankers, Lloyds, have orally indicated their willingness to consider replacing this funding based on the School’s return to profitability. For the reasons more fully explained in the Governors’ Report, discussions with Lloyds have been deferred as a result of the many issues arising from Covid-19.
The interim funding of £1.05m was agreed in August 2022 and has been provided interest free and with no repayments required until 26th August 2025.
As more fully explained in the Governors’ Report, the adverse financial impact of Covid-19 has been significant. The losses arising were funded initially by a Bounce Back Loan of £50,000, a deferral of amounts due to HMRC, repayment of which by instalments commenced in October 2020 and have been completed in July 23 and finally by deferral of amounts due to Teachers Pension Scheme for which there is also a repayment plan in place, which will be concluded by April 24. As a result the School has been funding the Covid-19 losses over a relatively short period and the Governors and School Executive have implemented measures to meet this funding requirement by income, cost and cash flow management. Based on these measures, the school has now returned to a position of positive trading cash flow and this has been evidenced by the settlement of arrears of PAYE and Teachers Pension totalling £101,361 and £99,000 respectively during the year ended 27th August 23 as well as a reduction in Governors loans of £50,000 during the same period.
Although the School’s statement of financial position as at 27th August 2023 show a cumulative deficit of £1.3m, this is of course with properties included at a depreciated cost well below their current values. During the year ended 27th August 23 the settlement of borrowings as detailed above in excess of £250,000 clearly demonstrates that the School is having no difficulty meeting liabilities as they fall due and is generating significant operating cash flows. Draft management accounts and forecasts for the years to August 2024 and August 2025 show significant surpluses that will continue to generate sufficient cashflows to reduce borrowings further before the interest free period provided by the personal lender finance of £1.05m comes to an end in August 2025. By this time the expectation is that the School will have the August 2024 accounts approved and showing significant surpluses that will support refinancing of the £1.05m loan facility. The Trustees therefore have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual accounts.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Governors in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Income is recognised when the school is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Fee income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities on the accruals basis. Fees received in advance of education to be provided in future years are held until either taken to income in the term or else refunded.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the school has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. The cost headings comprise expenditure, including staff costs and depreciation, directly attributable to the activity. Where costs cannot be directly attributed they have been allocated to activities on a fair and reasonable basis.
Support costs comprise all services including an appropriate proportion of general overheads specifically identified as wholly or mainly incurred in support of the direct charitable expenditure.
Governance costs comprise the costs incurred in managing the schools assets, organisational management, administration of and compliance with the statutory requirements of the school.
Where overheads and other costs cannot be directly attributed they have been allocated on the basis of management estimates of the amount attributable to such activities, either by reference to staff time or space occupied, if material. Expenses are inclusive of VAT as it is irrecoverable.
Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
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 statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the school reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The school 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 school's balance sheet when the school becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with 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 trade and other receivables 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.
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans 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 payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations 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 payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the school’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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 school is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
The School participates in a multi employer pension scheme, the Government's Teachers Pension Defined Benefits Scheme, for its teaching staff. The pension liability is the responsibility of the Teachers' Pensions. As a result it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme that are attributable to the school. Accordingly, the scheme is accounted for as if it were a defined contributions scheme.
The school also contributes to defined contribution schemes for non-teaching staff. Contributions payable for the year are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to net income/(expenditure) for the year so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Government grants
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.
In the application of the school’s accounting policies, the Governors are 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.
Sale of goods
Raising funds
Printing, postage and office stationery
Telephone costs
Motor and travel
School costs
Computer costs
Legal, professional and consultancy fees
Equipment hire
Bad and doubtful debts
Subscriptions and donations
Sundry expenses
School inspection costs
Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £19,200 (2022- £14,400) for audit fees. In addition costs of £8,675 were incurred on accountancy, bookkeeping and payroll services (2022 - £10,471).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Of the employees whose emoluments exceed £60,000, 1 (2021 - 1) has retirement benefits accruing under a defined benefit pension scheme (TPS) described more fully in note 21.
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts. The depreciation charge in respect of such assets amounted to £23,771 (2022 - £23,105) for the year.
The loan of £1,050,000 from a third party individual is secured by a legal charge over the property known as Pownall Hall School, Carrwood Road, Wilmslow, SK9 5DW.
The loan from the third party individual started on 26th August 2022 and is interest free for a period 36 months at which point the school will have obtained replacement funds from its bankers.
The loans from the Governor's and their families carry an interest rate of 2.5% pa above base (minimum 3% pa)., although 3% per annum has now been agreed as the maximum rate. These loans have since been extended and repayments have commenced. During the year ended 31st August 2023 there has been a £50,000 repayment of these loans and a monthly repayment plan is now in place which will be accelerated once the Teacher Pension Scheme settlement is complete. The agreement is that these loans will be reduced by a further £80,000 during the year ending 31st August 2024 with an additional repayment of £75,000 subject to cashflow.
Additional commentary on these loans is provided in the Governors' Report and in Note 1.2.
The above represents finance leases to acquire equipment and motor vehicles entered into for a term of 3 or 5 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
The finance lease creditors are secured over the assets to which they relate.
Other payable includes deposits of £139,734 (2022- £116,234) technically payable with one terms notice hence included as due in under 1 year, However, expectation is that these will be repaid over a number of years as each pupil leaves the school.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Parents may enter into an agreement to pay the school fees in advance. The money may be returned subject to specific conditions on the receipt of one term's notice.
In addition the school receives advance payments from Cheshire East in respect of childcare funding for the Early years pupils and from parents prior to the start of the Michaelmas term in September.
The amounts paid in advance are split between fees in connection with the year ended 31st August 2023 and lifetime fees paid for future school years post 31st August 2023.
The school participates in the Teachers' Pension Scheme ("the TPS") for its teaching staff. The pension charge for the year includes contributions payable to the scheme of £208,281 (2022- £188,228) and at the year end contributions of £133,376 (2022 - £229,285) accrued in respect of contributions to the scheme.
The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer defined benefits pension scheme governed by The Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010 (as amended) and The Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014 (as amended). Members contribute on a “pay as you go” basis with contributions from members and the employer being credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.
The employer contribution rate is set by the Secretary of State following scheme valuations undertaken by the Government Actuary’s Department. The most recent actuarial valuation of the TPS was prepared as at 31 March 2020 and the Valuation Report, which was published in October 2023.
Following the McCloud judgement, the remedy proposed that when benefits become payable, eligible members can select to receive them from either the reformed or legacy schemes for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. The actuaries have assumed that members are likely to choose the option that provides them with the greater benefits, and in preparing the 2020 valuation have valued the ‘greater value’ benefits for groups of relevant members.
The valuation confirmed that the employer contribution rate for the TPS would increase from 23.6% to 28.6% from 1 April 2024. Employers are also required to pay a scheme administration levy of 0.08% giving a total employer contribution rate of 28.68%.
The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £14,939 (2022 - £10,423). and at the year end £3,159 was accrued (2022 - £2,425) in respect of contributions to this scheme.
The funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes. The expended resources relate to the depreciation charges for the period and repair work undertaken in the year. At the year end, unexpended income was £226,042 (2022 - £179,038)
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
Restricted Funds are funds which have been given for particular purposes and projects. The restricted fund must be used for the purpose specified ie; roof appeal, the netball court, nursery play floor, Bay Window repairs, Pupil playground, quality improvement, ICT software and Early Years Foundation Stage canopy and play area.
At the reporting end date the school had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
The operating leases represent leases of telephones, copiers and computer equipment from third parties. The leases are negotiated over terms of 5 years and rentals are fixed for this period.
Amounts recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities for the year was £9,543 (2022 - £1,479).
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.