Registered number:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
CONTENTS
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Directors present their Strategic Report for Sparrowhawk 2 Limited (''the Company'') and its subsidiary undertakings (together “the Group”) for the year ended 31 August 2023.
The Company is the holding company of the Oxford International Education Group (“OIEG”) which provides a range of international education services to domestic and international students. The Group comprises two principal divisions, listed below:
∙Higher Education, consisting of:
°Partnerships with UK and North American universities to provide on-campus embedded colleges which allow international students to study academic foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses;
°Independent pathways college (“OIPC”), providing remote pathways courses which allow international students to study academic foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses;
°Digital services including providing potential higher education students with high quality online English Language testing and other pre-sessional courses; and year round academic language courses for adults;
°Direct recruitment services providing student recruitment to higher education providers;
°Provision of enrolment services for universities and other educational establishments; and
°Provision of International English Language Tests (“IELTS”) testing for non-native English language speakers.
∙English Language:
°Academic and vocational based English courses to juniors principally during Easter and Summer holidays across numerous centres in the UK, Europe and North America, as well as year round English language programmes based in the UK and North America.
During the year, the Group has executed its strategic plan to grow its capability across its range of academic activities particularly in its Higher Education division. The Group continues to invest in its global student recruitment capability which has helped significantly grow its academic student numbers.
The Group's embedded University Partnership colleges at De Montfort University, Bangor University, University of Dundee, University of Greenwich, and University of Bradford continued to provide excellent academic support to international students helping to drive growth in student numbers during the year, with additional partnerships scheduled to launch during FY24. The Group also continued its investment in businesses providing enrolment services for universities and other educational establishments during the year, which contributed towards increased revenue and margin. This trend is expected to continue throughout FY24 alongside continued increases in new student enrolments within the embedded University Partnership colleges.
Our independent pathways college, OIPC, saw growth of 55% during the year, as the courses offered were recognised by a wider range of universities, and brand recognition grew.
Direct recruitment saw its first full year of trade and significant success, generating strong revenues. This has been made possible due to the strength of the Oxford International brand, in conjunction with existing levels of expertise within the wider Group.
Digital services saw growth of 13% in the year, due to significant investment in business development and increased numbers of universities accepting the online English Language testing provided. New products have also contributed towards continued growth of the digital business.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Higher education offerings from our businesses in the USA and Canada performed consistently, as post-Covid demand stabilised. Significant investment has taken place and continues to take place in order to develop and deliver a strong growth strategy going forwards.
Our enrolment services, based in India and acquired in FY22, have continued their growth trajectory, generating revenues of £6.9m. This increase in trading has been as a result of good quality service provided to our partners, as well as significant investment in capability and capacity following our acquisition in FY22.
The lifting of significant amounts of global travel restrictions following the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a partial return of the English language courses during FY22, with the UK business seeing a full recovery in FY23. The increase in revenue associated with the UK element of this was £8.6m, of a total £9.0m improvement.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The principal risk facing the business is around the continued recruitment of new students, which is influenced by certain external factors such as visa regulations and macro-economic conditions. Whilst the UK education market has been growing and remains strong, the Group does monitor and react to any weakness in the market to minimise its exposure. Following recent economic events which have triggered significant inflation, a recession and a fall in value of GBP, the Group’s management have been closely evaluating the impact on trade. Although the cost of overseas suppliers has risen as a result of this, demand from overseas students has increased, in part due to exchange rates being favourable to them.
Given the volume of overseas trading, the Group considers foreign exchange risk to be a principal risk, however, the Group continues to monitor foreign exchange movements and has not experienced any significant impacts during the period as the result of changes in exchange rate. Management pro-actively manages the risks associated with liquidity. These are managed by implementing effective financial policies and procedures and working capital management. In addition, and including post the balance sheet date, management continues to rigorously monitor the performance of the Group, controlling and minimising costs and preserving cashflow where possible. Were a pandemic such as, or similar to Covid-19 to arise again, this would have an impact on the Easter, Summer and Winter English Language programmes due to students being unable to travel. Management considers this not only to be remote, but also considered the Group to have sufficiently diversified its trade to minimise the impact at Group level.
The Directors have reviewed the balance sheet for the period ended 31 August 2023 noting that, while the net current assets shown on the balance sheet total £2,756k, adjusting this to take account of £4,164k deferred income and £21,364k payments on account, which are non-cash current liabilities, leaves adjusted net current assets of £28,284k. Payments on account comprise non-refundable payments for language courses, while deferred income is reflecting the prepaid tuition and accommodation fees. The Group made a profit of £3,488k. Adjusting this for non-cash items such as £5,622k of amortisation and £424k of depreciation, means that the Group made an underlying profit of £9,534k. This is forecast to continue going forwards.
Trading post period end is forecast to generate positive EBITDA during the year to 31 August 2024 and, with that, significant cash. Forecasting has taken place for the subsequent 2 years, continuing to forecast high levels of growth, EBITDA and cash generation. The directors have considered detailed cash flow projections, including scenario and sensitivity analysis and even when considering worst case scenarios, including a scenario whereby travel restrictions such as those experienced under Covid return, this further supports the net current assets position of the business going forward, as well as the cash and liquidity needed to support the business for at least the next 12 months. On this basis the Directors consider the Group to be a going concern.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006 requires the Directors to act in a way that they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its shareholders, having regard to (amongst other things) the following:
∙The likely long term consequences of decisions;
∙The interests of employees;
∙The need to foster relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
∙The impact of the Group’s operations on the community and the environment; and
∙The desirability to maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct.
The Group is jointly owned by its founders, members of the senior leadership team and THI Holdings GmbH.
The Group is a unique accredited education provider dedicated to creating life-enhancing experiences for students worldwide. The Group’s extensive portfolio covers academic short courses, university partnership programmes, English language courses for adult and junior students in the UK, Canada and USA and a comprehensive range of online academic courses through the Group’s OI Digital Institute.
The Group is focused on quality and academic outcomes, with a strong desire to lead in its chosen market sectors. The Group’s workforce is dedicated, enthusiastic and like-minded, with a genuine interest in what it does.
These include the following:
∙Pupils, students and their respective fee payers;
∙Employees of the Group; and
∙Certain suppliers.
The Board regularly discusses proposals for new business opportunities, capital expenditure investment and various efficiency initiatives. Whilst financial benefit and shareholder return is one of the key decision criteria, the long-term effect on the Group’s going concern, the quality of the learning environment, job security and staff satisfaction, the quality of student academic outcomes, value and service for key stakeholders and fair trading terms for suppliers are also key considerations.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Group has its own internal governance processes and is also regulated by a number of external bodies including The Office for Students, Independent Schools Inspectorate and the British Council. External regulatory bodies regularly inspect the Group’s activities/sites to ensure regulatory standards are, as a minimum, being met.
The Group maintains its own internal Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct with which all employees are required to affirm compliance annually. The Board of Directors maintains a Risk Register to:
∙Identify the nature and extent of significant risks facing the Group’s business;
∙Advise the Board on the Group’s appetite and tolerance of the risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives; and
∙To consider mitigation plans to address key risks and to present solutions for managing those which cannot be eliminated.
The Group continues to invest in its infrastructure, innovate its programme content and streamline operations to ensure it provides both a comprehensive as well as a quality driven educational experience to its students.
The Group is firmly committed to equality and diversity in all areas of its activities. As part of its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, the Company has a duty to promote equality of opportunity as well as tackling unlawful discrimination (whether direct and/or indirect and this also incorporates victimisation).
Under the Equality Act 2010, the Company ensures that characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are protected. Recruitment is carried out on the sole basis of the applicant's abilities and suitability for the job not taking into account any of the above mentioned characteristics. The Company recognises that all employees have equal rights to training, promotion, and other aspects of career development based purely on their abilities. Promotion and training will be made accessible to disabled employees by such adjustments as are reasonable.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf:
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £3,487,817 (2022 - loss £3,099,660).
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2022: nil).
The Directors who served during the year were:
Quantification and reporting methodology
We have followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2022 UK Government's Conversion Factors for Company Reporting. Intensity measurement The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per student, the recommended ratio for the sector.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
There have been no significant events affecting the Group since the year end.
The auditors, BDO LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf:
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Group strategic report, the Directors' report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of Sparrowhawk 2 Limited ("the Parent Company") and its subsidiaries ("the Group") for the year ended 31 August 2023, which comprise Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, Consolidated statement of financial position, Company statement of financial position, Consolidated statement of changes in equity, Company statement of changes in equity, Consolidated statement of cash flows, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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 believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We are independent of the Group and the 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.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors' 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 or 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 Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED (CONTINUED)
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Group strategic report, Directors' report , other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Strategic report and the Directors’ 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 its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors' report.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED (CONTINUED)
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.
Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
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:
Non-compliance with laws and regulations
Based on:
∙Our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates;
∙Discussion with management and those charged with governance; and
∙Obtaining an understanding of the Group’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;
we considered the significant laws and regulations to be the compliance with Companies Act 2006, UK accounting standards and UK tax legislation.
Our procedures in respect of the above included:
∙Review of minutes of meetings of those charged with governance for any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
∙Review of correspondence with tax authorities for any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
∙Review of financial statement disclosures and agreeing to supporting documentation;
∙Involvement of tax specialists in the audit; and
∙Review of legal expenditure accounts to understand the nature of expenditure incurred.
Fraud
We assessed the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included:
∙Enquiry with management and those charged with governance regarding any known or suspected instances of fraud;
∙Review of minutes of meetings of those charged with governance for any known or suspected instances of fraud;
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED (CONTINUED)
∙Discussion amongst the engagement team as to how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements;
∙Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; and
∙Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets and the related financial statement areas impacted by these.
Based on our risk assessment, we considered the areas most susceptible to fraud to be revenue recognition and management override of controls.
Our procedures in respect of the above included:
For revenue recognition:
∙We performed a review of the Group’s revenue recognition policy to confirm that it was in line with applicable accounting standards.
∙Where applicable, we recalculated expected recognisable and deferred tuition fee income based on published fee rates and student number data extracted from the internal systems. A sample of students were traced to registration and attendance supporting records to confirm existence. We compared our expectation of revenue to revenue recognised and deferred at year end in the financial statements.
∙We substantively tested a sample of tuition fees and other income to registration and attendance to confirm existence and examined supporting evidence of revenue value and point of recognition.
∙We substantively tested a sample of revenue relating to intakes that span across multiple financial years.
∙To address the risk of fraud relating to revenue recognition, through our journal testing we obtained a list of journal entries to revenue and reviewed manual postings which are unusual or outside of normal course of business.
For management override of controls:
∙We tested a sample of journal entries throughout the year, which met a defined risk criteria, by agreeing to supporting documentation;
∙We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risk of material misstatements due to fraud; and
∙Reviewed estimates and judgements applied by Management in the financial statements to assess their appropriateness and the existence of any systematic bias
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members who were all deemed to have appropriate competence and capabilities and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED (CONTINUED)
This report is made solely to the Parent 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 Parent Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and the Parent Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
for and on behalf of
Statutory Auditor
London, UK BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 13246693
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 23 to 47 form part of these financial statements.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 13246693
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 23 to 47 form part of these financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Sparrowhawk 2 Limited is a private company limited by shares and incorporated, domiciled and registered in England and Wales in the United Kingdom. The registered number is 13246693 and the registered address is 17 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 4QG, United Kingdom.
2.Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies.
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.
The Group has restated its operating lease commitments, see note 3 for further details.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Significant judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty Accounting estimates and assumptions are made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. There are no key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Debtor recoverability Debtors are reviewed regularly by management based on value, age and other qualitative metrics in order to ascertain the risk of bad debt and therefore the level of provision required. As a result, this is considered to be an area of significant judgement. Significant judgements Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the fair value of consideration given over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, including intangible assets identified. The Group tests annually whether goodwill and intangible assets have suffered any impairment, in accordance with the Group's accounting policy. Management uses judgment to assess whether any indicators of impairment exist as at year and whether an impairment review is required. Management reviews both
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
internal and external impairment triggers as per the requirements of FRS 102.
Fair value of deferred consideration Deferred consideration is valued at par and discounted based on the Group's WACC. This has been determined with reference to internal and external economic factors.
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
The Directors have reviewed the balance sheet for the period ended 31 August 2023 noting that, while the net current assets shown on the balance sheet total £2,756k, adjusting this to take account of £4,164k deferred income and £21,364k payments on account, which are non-cash current liabilities, leaves adjusted net current assets of £28,284k. Payments on account comprise non-refundable payments for language courses, while deferred income is reflecting the prepaid tuition and accommodation fees. The Group made a profit of £3,488k. Adjusting this for non-cash items such as £5,622k of amortisation and £424k of depreciation, means that the Group made an underlying profit of £9,534k. This is forecast to continue going forwards.
Trading post period end is forecast to generate positive EBITDA during the year to 31 August 2024 and, with that, significant cash. Forecasting has taken place for the subsequent 2 years, continuing to forecast high levels of growth, EBITDA and cash generation. The directors have considered detailed cash flow projections, including scenario and sensitivity analysis and even when considering worst case scenarios, including a scenario whereby travel restrictions such as those experienced under Covid return, this further supports the net current assets position of the business going forward, as well as the cash and liquidity needed to support the business for at least the next 12 months. On this basis the Directors consider the Group to be a going concern.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Functional and presentation currency
Transactions and balances
- University Partnerships and Independent Pathways - revenue recognised over the period these courses are provided to the students - Digital Services - revenue recognised over the period these courses are provided to the students - Direct Recruitment and Enrolment Services - revenue is recognised once student information is fully processed and they have commenced their course - International English Language Tests - revenue recognised over the period these courses are provided to the students - Other English Language Courses - revenue recognised over the period these courses are provided to the students
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.
The estimated useful lives range as follows:
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Provisions are charged as an expense to profit or loss in the year that the Group becomes aware of the obligation, and are measured at the best estimate at the reporting date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and uncertainties. When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in the Statement of financial position.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
As at 31 August 2022, in relation to note 26 Commitments under operating leases, there was an error in the disclosure of future minimum lease payments for not later than 1 year, later than 1 year and not later 5 years and later than 5 years categories of lease commitments, which have been corrected by restating the comparative column of this note. The impact of this correction is to increase the minimum rent payable for not later than 1 year by £398,067, later than 1 year and not later than 5 years by £1,081,624 and later than 5 years of £662,967. This error does not impact any other financial statements line items.
Analysis of turnover by country of destination:
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
11.Taxation (continued)
As announced in the 2022 Autumn Budget, the UK corporation tax rate has risen to 25% effective from 1 April 2023. This increased rate is only effective where UK taxable entities generate profits over £250,000. Otherwise a sliding scale rate between 19% and 25% applies where profits range from £50,000 to £250,000.
The Group operates in a number of jurisdictions and its future tax charge is subject to various factors outside of the Group's control as outlined above with changes in statutory tax rates and legislative alterations. The Group has carried forward gross tax losses of £3,802,957 (FY22: £1,752,951) in respect of overseas entities in the USA and Canada. No deferred tax asset is recognised on these losses due to significant uncertainty regarding future taxable profits within the relevant entities against which these losses may be utilised. Total losses of £2,486,936 in relation US Federal losses and the £1,316,021 of Canadian losses can be carried forward indefinitely. The US losses are also subject to local state and city tax returns and the related losses have a 20-year expiry period: £479,358 for FY20 will expire by 2040, £350,967 for FY21 by 2041, £958,707 for FY22 by 2042 and £653,978 for FY23 by 2043.
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12.Intangible assets (continued)
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Subsidiary undertakings (continued)
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Subsidiary undertakings (continued)
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The following subsidiaries have claimed exemption from the requirements of Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of their accounts, under section 479A of the Act:
Company name and number: Sparrowhawk 3 Limited - 13248723 OIDI Limited - 09392947 LIPC Partnership Limited - 09113650 BIC Partnership Limited - 10202145 JIC Partnership Limited - 10279629 ICD Partnership Limited - 10589826 Greenwich International College Limited - 11053072 Bradford International College Limited - 13307083 Oxford International Education Group Services Limited - 10893385 Oxford International Worldwide Educational Services Limited - 14062230
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Other creditors includes £1,138,611 (2022: £2,047,000) of deferred consideration in respect of the acquisition of Mohit Gambir Education Pvt Limited and EXIMMG Educational Consultants Private Limited.
This was issued in the form of preference share capital. The preference shares have fixed repayment dates but do not carry any voting rights or fixed coupon. On this basis it is considered that the preference shares have more of the characteristics of a liability than equity and have been classified as such.
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of all employees. The assets of the scheme are administered by the trustees in a fund independent from those of the Group.
The total contributions payable in the year amounted to £264,172 (2022: £241,210). The amount unpaid at 31 August 2023 was £Nil (2022: £4,639).
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SPARROWHAWK 2 LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Directors consider THI Holdings GmbH to be the ultimate controlling party by virtue of the fact they are the majority shareholder of the Company's immediate parent company, Sparrowhawk 1 Limited.
The largest group in which the results of the Company are consolidated is THI Holdings GmbH. Copies of financial statements are available on request from THI Investments, Eberhardstraße 65, 70173 Stuttgart Germany.
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