The trustees present their annual report together with the accounts and auditor's report of the charitable company for the year 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024. The annual report serves the purposes of both a trustees' report, and a directors' report and strategic report under company law.
The academy trust operates an academy for pupils aged 13-16 serving a catchment area in Merseyside and Cheshire. From September 2021, the pupil capacity expanded to 150; there was a roll of 140 on the school census in May 2024 and 155 by the end of the summer term.
The academy trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The charitable company's memorandum and articles of association are the primary governing documents of the academy trust.
Trustees
The trustees of Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law. Details of the trustees who served during the year, and to the date these accounts are approved, are included in the Reference and Administrative Details on page 1.
Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charitable company in the event of it being wound up while they are a member, or within one year after they cease to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10, for the debts and liabilities contracted before they ceased to be a member.
In accordance with normal commercial practice the Academy has purchased insurance to protect governors and officers from claims arising from negligent acts, errors or omissions occurring whilst on Academy business. The insurance is the EFA Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) and provides £10 million cover (2023: £10 million) on any one claim and the cost for the year ended 31 August 2024 was £3,450 (2023 £3,150).
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the trust must appoint up to 9 governors (minimum of 3). The Principal is an ex-officio governor. In addition staff and parent governors may be elected, and further governors may be co-opted.
All new governors will undergo an induction. They will be given a tour of the Free School and the opportunity to meet with staff and students. Policies, procedures, minutes, accounts, budgets and other documents will be available to governors to enable them to undertake their role. Induction is informal and tailored specifically to the needs of the individual. Training will be provided in identified areas, and will depend on the needs and existing experience of the governing body.
The board of governors and administrative details of the Free School are detailed on page 1. Since the Academy opened on 1 April 2013, full Governing Body meetings are held at least once a term to ensure that the Free School is run in an efficient and professional manner. The board has appointed four sub-committees: Quality of Education; Arts and Community; Finance and Resources and Audit (the members of the Finance and Resources Committee meet separately as the Audit Committee). The Pay Committee is convened once a year. Currently, the business of the Arts & Community Committee is included as an item on the agenda of the Quality of Education Committee.
In line with national pay scales STPCD (School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document); and recommendations by the STRB (School Teachers’ Review Body).
Trade union facility time
The Trust has no relevant trade union officials.
Love and Joy Ministries Limited and Liverpool Lighthouse Limited are corporate members of Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust.
The Academy is an Outstanding Alternative Education School for students in Years 9 – 11. It has a Christian ethos that is based on values of trust, respect, compassion and forgiveness which permeate every aspect of school life.
Their aim is to provide every student with a Vision for Life through a personalised curriculum enabling them to fulfil their potential in education, life and employment.
Harmonize Academy aims to provide an outstanding alternative education for Key Stage 3 and 4 students across Merseyside and Cheshire underpinned by Christian values. Harmonize promotes an inclusive community where everyone feels safe, valued and secure; where students achieve their potential both educationally and personally. This is achieved through high quality teaching and learning in a caring, dynamic environment, where a variety of educational pathways exist to enable all students to achieve the academic success and the maturity of character which will enable them to succeed in adult life.
The governors confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Academy's aims, planning strategy and future activities. Our activities in 2023/24 demonstrated in all accepted definitions that Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust provides charitable services that are of public benefit through the preparation to provide secondary education, to advise and support other providers of such secondary education, and to make available the facilities and resources of the Academy for the local community and other charitable purposes. We continue to hold the delivery of public benefit as both central and fundamental to our core activities.
The Trust successfully opened in April 2013 and became one of the first Alternative Provision Free Schools of its kind in the UK. The Academy commands widespread respect and appreciation for its impact on young people and is a popular and credible option for schools and local authorities across Merseyside.
In March 2015, the Academy was graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and in January 2020, the Academy retained its ‘Outstanding’ status. It has twice been awarded the highest accolade of ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and is one of only a handful of secondary schools in Liverpool to achieve this status.
From September 2021, the Academy officially increased the number of students from 104 to 150. The expansion has been expertly overseen by the Principal. The additional classrooms and learning spaces have now been integrated into the curriculum and timetable. The additional increase in student population from 104 to 150 has been seamlessly absorbed whilst maintaining the ethos and care that underpin the values and operation of the Academy.
The trust is part of the AP Forum and The Difference and shares best practice with other AP providers; the Principal is a member of the LASH New Headteacher Support Group and has linked up with the new headteacher from Everton Free School to support her. The academy continues to have a high profile both locally and nationally with many individuals and organisations being referred to the school by the DfE as a beacon of excellence in the AP sector. The trust has also established strategic partnerships with Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University and the University of Liverpool, and provides placements for trainee teachers in English, Maths and Science, and for students of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Harmonize Academy has once again had a successful year under the leadership and guidance of its Principal who has twenty-two years of experience working in the sector and is now in her seventh year as Principal. She is widely respected for her vision and delivery of opportunities for young people who have fallen out of mainstream schooling. The Academy is headed into its twelfth year of operation and is rated as outstanding by Ofsted, it has experienced a decade of opportunity, achievement, transformation and growth. Its expansion has been successfully managed both in terms of pupil numbers, and the addition of classrooms and other learning spaces through a building programme. At the same time, the budgetary position has been improved and financial resilience increased. This has been done whilst ensuring the Christian ethos, vision and values of the Academy have been maintained for students and staff and this is reflected in the positive relationships between students and staff.
Students have benefited from an enhanced curriculum provision that engages and promotes academic success. The expansion has allowed additional staff to be employed and existing staff to be promoted into leadership positions. The wide ranging CPD provision supports all staff whatever stage of their career that they are at. CPD is viewed as critical to the quality of Teaching, staff are proud to work at the school. Many have developed their careers at the school. Some staff who joined as teaching assistants are now qualified teachers. Some teachers have completed leadership qualifications, and have gained promotion. Staff value highly the support that they receive from senior leaders. While the application to open a new school was not successful, other opportunities working directly with local authorities are being explored and this process is ongoing starting with Sefton, Knowsley and Salford.
The evidence presented shows the school commands widespread respect and appreciation for its impact on young people placed in it from across the city region. Student numbers have met and exceeded the targets set. The school is highly valued locally and in the wider city region for the work it undertakes and the opportunities it provides for young people. The curriculum offer continues to expand to provide engagement and qualifications for students as they progress to their next steps. These include art, photography, statistics, psychology and the LAMDA oracy qualification. Mathematical achievement has been brought in line with English through interventions to fill gaps in basic knowledge. In addition, students now sit Level 2 Functional Skills Maths as well as their GCSE. Literacy has been supported by the creation of a quiet reading space and a continued focus on oracy.
Academic Progress
Students arrive at Harmonize Academy at different times during KS3 and KS4, therefore for us to demonstrate the progress our students make we must compare their starting point or baseline figures. We baseline students using a mixture of GCSE subject papers, reading tests and teacher assessments. 3 levels of progress over 5 years equates to 0.66 levels of progress annually. If students at HA make 0.66 levels of progress as an average annually, they will be making “expected progress”.
Students are assessed by teaching staff every 6 weeks these assessments are based on the GCSE 9 – 1 level. This level is then compared with the student’s baseline level from their entry point at Harmonize, in each subject. From this we work out the full levels of progress since arrival; we can then use this data to produce an average possible progress annually by dividing this figure by number of weeks at Harmonize then multiplying by 38 (Academic weeks in a year).
English - 60% met or surpassed their target grade. The average attainment grade is level 3, average baseline as a level 2. Therefore, on average students made 1 level of progress while at Harmonize Academy. This equates to 0.71 levels of progress on average annually in English. 27% of students made 1 level of progress and 12% made 2 levels of progress and 8% made 3 and 4 levels of progress in English.
71% LAC or PLAC met or surpassed their target grade with 20% of them achieving a grade 4. For the SEND students 81% met or surpassed their target grades with 27% achieving grade 4 or above in English.
Maths – 50% met or surpassed their target grade. The average attainment grade is level 2, average baseline as a level 1.7. Therefore, on average students made 0.55 levels of progress while at Harmonize Academy. 22% of students made 1 level of progress and 5% made 2 levels of progress and 12% made 3 and above levels of progress in maths.
70% LAC or PLAC met or surpassed their target grade with 30% achieving a grade 4. 81% of SEN students met or surpassed their target grades with 9% achieving a grade 4.
Given the backgrounds of the children who are referred to Harmonize Academy, this represents rapid progress from their starting points on entry to the Academy.
Attendance
Achieved 75% attendance above national rate for schools in similar circumstances, currently 82% attendance this year which is back to pre-Covid levels. There is a well-planned system of rewards which provides real incentives for students to improve their behaviour and attendance and stay focused on learning. Each student belongs to one of eight houses and has their own individual mentor with whom they have a timetabled meeting once a week to review achievements, behaviour and to set targets for the following week.
Enrichment
Enrichment trips and activities continue to offer high quality learning and enrichment experiences on a daily basis. Throughout the year students benefited from many different learning opportunities and trips to enrich their educational experience, these included:
Enrichment Trips and Activities
Art: Hugh Baird visit.
Beauty: Jake’s Place; RARE Fashion College show and tour; Liverpool City College visit; End of Year Photoshoot with professional fashion photographer, Sarah Kennedy which offered an industry realistic working activity in make-up/fashion; Industry standard masterclasses & workshops with make-up artist, Charlotte Jones, and hairdresser, Kaydee Moignard.
Career Event: The National Apprenticeship Show, Liverpool Exhibition Centre.
Design Technology: Two police representatives talked with a group of students about a county lines campaign and the students created designs for a specific target audience.
Food: Liverpool City College, Duke Street Campus.
Music and Photography: A range of cultural venues and green space parks and gardens.
Performing Arts: Liverpool Empire - Grease; Swan Lake; Wicked – The Musical; The Floral Pavilion – Blood Brothers.
Sports & Fitness: Various local sports centres –boxing, football, free-running, rock climbing, trampolining.
Health & Wellbeing activity days to promote positive mental health.
School Council made up and delivered Christmas hampers and parcels for families in need.
Leavers:
Mrs Denise McNeil, School Business Manager after 8 years of service
Mrs Lynn Gandy, Cleaner after 10 years of service
Mr Billy Beet, Teaching Assistant
Miss Holly Kilvington, Teaching Assistant
Mr Tom Miello, Teaching Assistant
Miss Molly Penrose, Teaching Assistant Intern
Mr Joseph Smith, Teaching Assistant Intern
Continuing Professional Development:
SLT Ethical Leadership Training with Jane Holmes, SIL
NPQML: Achieved by Beauty Teacher/VQ IQA; two teaching staff working towards
QTS: Achieved by one Maths Teacher
Certificate of Education: Achieved by one Science Teacher and the Childcare Teacher
L2 Certificate Counselling Skills achieved by one Teaching Assistant
Classroom staff completed PREVENT training, Behaviour Management and Invigilation training
Partnerships
Over the past year we have worked successfully with the following organisations:
Beechley Riding Stables
Career Connect - Individual Careers advice service offered in school to all year 11s to assist progression; and a careers fair for years 9, 10 and 11 held in school in January attended by local employers and training providers.
Careers: ASK Apprenticeship Scheme; Life Skills, Barclays Bank;
dot-art Schools Liverpool – online schools art competition
EBD Schools Football League- Football Tournaments
Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
Karma (Therapies.Training.Courses) – Beauty Courses Verification
Liverpool Dyslexia Centre- Individual support for students 2 days per week
Liverpool Lighthouse
Liverpool Learning Partnership
L6 Food Bank
Positive Futures
Resonate- Liverpool’s Music Hub- Enrichment Music lessons
Rowan Garth Nursing Home
Royal Court ‘Reckless’ Royal Court theatre production about Hate Crime, and ‘Eve’s Story’ Royal Court theatre production about Child exploitation.
Odd Arts - Mixed Up: A production with a focus on mixed unstable unclear ideology and also an exploration of the online space and identity challenges.
University student placements: 13 student/trainee long-term and short-term placements from local and regional universities
Virtual Schools, Liverpool and regional - Looked after Children
A range of multi-agency support including:
Barnardos, Catch 22, Family First Knowsley, We Are With You, YPAS
The following Awards were achieved:
Quality in Careers Award
RHS Level 2 School Gardening Award
VIP and Education Visitors and Events 2023-24
Mr Gavin Batie, Durham Gateway
Ms Margaret Mulholland, ASCL, SEND and Inclusion Policy Specialist
Mr Nigel Langford, The Bible Society
Rev Osoba Otaigbe, Governor
Ms Sarah Devo, Headteacher, ContinU Plus Academy, Kidderminster
Ms Cathy Starbuck, Director of Education and Inclusion and Ms Dani Lang, School Improvement Officer Attendance & Inclusion, Salford City Council
Ms Laura Stanforth and Stacey Ward, Aspire Academy, Hull
Ms Anna Hudson, Lead Teacher PD/PSHE & RSE, Meadow Park School
Ms Julie Onimole and Mr Martin King, Department for Education
Pastor Tani Omideyi
Ms Anna Lancaster, Lancaster Foundation
Mr Timothy Lucas, actor performing in Blood Brothers
Ms Tracy McKeating, Sefton Council
Mr Alan Thompson, We Are With You, based around addiction and criminality
Regular Individual Facilitators:
Sandra Andrew – Liverpool Dyslexia Centre
James Dodd and Matt Humphries - Resonate
Carla Jane– Choir Tutor
Leanne Morrey – Career Connect
Pastor Fola Olaoye - Chaplaincy
James Reader – Frontrow Films and Photography Tutor
Matt Rutter – Drama Facilitator
Corey Williams – Renew Therapy
The following schools placed students at Harmonize Academy during 2023-24:
The Alsop High School, Archbishop Beck Catholic College, Archbishop Blanch School, Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, The Belvedere Academy, Birkenhead High School, Birkenhead Park School, Broughton Hall High School, Calderstones School, Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School, Childwall Sports & Science Academy, Clifford Holroyde College, De La Salle School St Helens, Deyes High School, Dixons Broadgreen Academy, Dixons Fazakerley Academy, Gateacre School, The Grange Academy, Halewood Academy, Helsby High School, Hillside High School, Holly Lodge Girls’ College, Holy Family Catholic High School, King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes, Kings Leadership Liverpool, Kirkby High School, Liverpool College, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, LIPA, Lord Derby Academy, North Liverpool Academy, Notre Dame Catholic College, Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, Ormiston Chadwick Academy, Prenton High School for Girls, The Prescot School, Rainhill High School, Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, St Edward’s College, The Academy of Saint Francis of Assisi, St Francis Xavier’s College, St Hilda’s CE High School, St John Bosco Arts College, St Julie’s Catholic High School, The Academy of St Nicholas, The Studio School Liverpool, Upton by Chester High School, Wade Deacon High School, Weatherhead High School, West Derby School, Whitby High School.
The following Local Authorities placed students at Harmonize Academy during 2023-24:
Liverpool City Council Alternative Provision Team, Liverpool SEN, Liverpool Virtual School, Cheshire West & Chester Council, Cheshire West & Chester Virtual School, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Wirral SEN.
Parent/Carer Support
We were able to host our usual parent/carer review day in July for students in years 9 and 10. This is always a highlight of the year and was a great success with a high turnout of students, parents and carers. A review afternoon for year 11 students and their parents/carers was held earlier in the year. These events were very worthwhile and a model that we will continue to follow. We received many positive comments including the following:
A selection of comments from parents, carers and students during 2023-24:
Feedback from Parents/Carers
Thank you to all my daughter’s teachers for pushing her and ensuring she becomes the best version of herself - never giving up, always believing and giving her the chance to believe in herself. You are all truly amazing.
Harmonize has been the making of my son’s education progress. The care and specific attention to his needs have been key to making him feel valued and focussed. He has had his challenges but would not be the person he is without Harmonize.
My daughter has come on leaps and bounds - I am so proud of her – thank you for supporting her in everything.
I am elated at the comments given to my daughter from her teachers. Thank you for all you have done to support her.
My son is so happy at Harmonize. The staff are absolutely amazing with him and he is doing so well and achieving his full potential.
I could not be happier or prouder of my daughter’s achievement at Harmonize in such a short time period – complete 180 turn around!
I’m really pleased with my son’s progress – he is doing brilliant.
I’m so pleased with my daughter’s progress here, I cannot thank everybody enough for all your support. She has settled down so much since starting here. Thank you.
Great school and staff who have been supportive to us and our daughter.
I am so proud of my son. All the teachers’ comments were amazing. They are so supportive. Thank you so much.
Overall, we are happy with our son’s report. We want to see him apply himself more in year 11 and pass his exams.
We are really happy with the way the school encourages our daughter. She has made brilliant progress.
I am extremely happy with my son’s progress and how well he has settled in the school. I thank the teachers massively for their help and dedication towards him. Well done, son, keep it up!
I am so proud of my daughter’s progress and the hard work she puts into every lesson.
Our son has come along really well and this is evident in his effort and behaviour. Thank you for all your support.
I’m very happy with all the comments from teachers and looking forward to my daughter progressing.
I am proud of what my son has achieved since joining the school. Today I have learnt what a credit he is – keep up the great work.
My son thoroughly enjoys Harmonize and I am so very grateful for all the fantastic staff who have supported him.
Overall, my daughter’s report is positive and it is good to see her doing well in respect of her school work.
I am so pleased with my daughter’s report. I am beyond proud of her and the changes she has made in this school.
I am pleased that my son is making good progress here. He is much happier and focussed since transferring here.
Delighted! My son is so happy at this school and this is down to the staff. Thank you.
I can’t thank Harmonize staff enough for helping my son meet his potential academically and socially.
Feedback and highlights from students
I absolutely love Harmonize! Ever since I came here everyone has been so kind and I have enjoyed all my lessons. Drama, Dance and Art have been my favourite lessons and the trips are phenomenal. [Year 10]
I enjoyed Harmonize because it helped me and my behaviour. I will miss Harmonize. [Year 11]
I enjoyed my time at harmonize Academy and I thank you or pushing me to my hardest and trying to help me pursue my dreams. [Year 11]
My final two years in Harmonize changed my whole perspective. I am happy with my report and glad that I finally found a school who helped me. [Year 11]
I really enjoyed coming here, everyone was so kind and I wish I had come here before. Thank you for everything. [Year 11]
The teachers are so lovely and welcoming. I love enrichment as it helps to calm me after school. I love the endless options and I always enjoy all my lessons. [Year 10]
I have enjoyed Harmonize a lot and I hope that I can stay until I finish in year 11. [Year 9]
I have improved my attitude and behaviour; I concentrate and listen more. My highlights are making friends, getting along with the teachers, and listening and understanding more. [Year 10]
Highlights: PE is fun – the food is good most of the time – the teachers are nice. [Year 10]
The staff are very understanding and amazing. [Year 10]
Good school and good opportunities. [Year 10]
I think the school has had a positive impact on my life and there is nothing I would change. [Year 10]
It has been a very fun time at Harmonize. [Year 9]
I found this year the best I have had in any school and my highlights are the trips, banter with the staff and high grades. [Year 10]
The following feedback is from others
It was great to come and see you, and to see the young people so focused on their education. I really appreciate the time you took to show us round.
Mr Martyn King, Team Leader, DfE Liverpool City Region, Warrington and Cheshire, North West Regions Group
I really appreciate you taking the time to speak so positively to Ofsted about our relationship, the feedback from them about Harmonize was excellent and we made sure that we told them what a strong provider you are.
Ms Rachael Fidler, School Trust Leader and Principal, Dixons Broadgreen Academy
Thank you so much for your time and support, you are, of course, our favourite AEP….
Mr Andy Keen, Headteacher, Holly Lodge Girls' College, Liverpool
Many thanks for the work that you do with our students, it is much appreciated.
Mr E Barford, Headteacher, Whitby High School
Life Skills at Harmonize Academy
It was great working with the students today, some real characters and some who really came out of their shells, overall it felt like the sessions were well received. Thank you and your staff for the support in the classrooms too, always fab to have teachers so active in the sessions.
Ms Jeanette Percival, Actor/Voice Over and Freelance Facilitator
Dear ITE colleagues, many thanks to those of you who took the time to respond to the mentor survey which was sent out during the PGCE developmental placement. Many thanks once again for your feedback and for all the work undertaken with our trainees on their ITE journey.
Dr Sjay Patterson-Craven EdD., SFHEA Assistant Head of Area, Edge Hill University
Rachel and I are incredibly grateful to have such a great working relationship with you that allows us to see the wonderful support you and Harmonize provide to the families you work with.
Ms Margaret Kirk, EHAT Team Manager, Early Help Children’s Services
Thank you from our side also for the support you’ve provided to students, both in Liverpool and further a-field. Looking forward to working with you and the school next academic year.
Mr David Wilcoxson, Senior SEND Casework Officer, Liverpool City Council
Multi Academy Trust Status
LHET submitted a bid in February 2023 as the lead applicant partnering with Sefton Local Authority to open an alternative provision free school in Sefton. An interview by the DFE, which was the second stage of the process, took place on 3rd July 2023. The outcome of the application process was communicated on 6th March 2024. In spite of an earlier indication to the contrary, LHET’s application was not approved. The Trust is still committed to expanding into a MAT, and is exploring doing so through the LA Presumption Process, in partnership with Sefton and other interested local authorities.
Key performance indicators
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were identified for the period 2023-24 which related to the aims and objectives of the Academy. Each priority area of the Improvement Plan has identified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These were used to evaluate the Academy’s success and progress towards achieving these objectives. These included:
Leadership and governance pursue excellence and outstanding provision for all students.
Self-evaluation leads to effective actions, improving learning and outcomes for students.
1. Maintain and Increase the Student Roll (Overall Effectiveness)
a. Increase the Academy’s roll to 150 by June 2023
b. Maintain the Academy’s roll at 100 in September 2024 June 2023
2. Attendance (Behaviour & Attitudes)
a. Maintain the historical improvements in attendance (at a minimum of 85%) and reduce PA accordingly for students who completing the 6-week trial period and are enrolled at the Academy.
b. Punctuality - Work towards 70% of students being registered present in school by 9.15 am.
3. Attainment (Quality of Education - Impact)
a. GCSE Average Point Score total at 200 points based on a cohort of approx. 60 students in Year 11
b. Combined English & Mathematics at Grade 9-4 20%
c. 5 GCSE grades 9-1 or equivalent including English & Mathematics 95%
4. Behaviour (Behaviour & Attitudes)
a. 0% Permanent exclusions
b. 2% Fixed term exclusions maximum
c. 90% Student class behaviour records Good or Outstanding
d. 2% Student class behaviour records Serious or Unacceptable maximum
5. Progress (Quality of Education - Impact)
a. All students to make one level of progress or better in all subjects in their time at the academy.
b. 60% of students to make one level of progress or better from their baseline assessment on entry to HA in English.
c. 50% of students to make one level of progress or better from their baseline assessment on entry to HA in Mathematics.
6. Teaching and Learning (Leadership & Management)
a. Lesson Observations Target - 90% Judged to be Good or better
b. Lesson Observations Target - 45% Judged to be Outstanding
c. Lesson observations Target - 0% Inadequate
7. Leadership & Management (Leadership and Management)
a. To maintain the Outstanding Ofsted judgement (Jan. 2020) for the overall effectiveness
b. To continue to support staff on a range of professional development programmes.
Community Strategy and Academy Development Targets
To open Harmonize 2 in September 2025 subject to DfE approval.
Work towards the successful application and establishment of a “new” school and MAT growth plan in conjunction with Sefton LA. Tentative opening dates Sept. 2024 or Sept. 2025
Continue to engage with local and regional agencies.
Continue to maintain the already established and effective working relationships with other AP providers including the Everton F. C. Free School.
Continue to develop, implement and strengthen the Academy’s Financial Strategy.
Look to develop a chaplaincy on-site to further support the Christian ethos of the Academy. In addition, look to incorporate the Academy's Christian ethos in Harmonize 2.
Continue to promote and develop the “Move On and Move Up” programme to improve and support the transition and logistical arrangements at 16 +. In addition, continue to engage with former Academy students where possible in both the 16-18 and 18-21 age ranges in order to benefit the current cohort groups at the Academy.
Monitoring of the above will take place through the existing management and evaluation procedures in operation at the Academy.
After making appropriate enquiries, the board of trustees has a reasonable expectation that the academy trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the board of trustees continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the statement of accounting policies.
The Trust’s main income is received from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFA). This revenue funding is called the general annual grant (GAG) and is received on a monthly basis. This is topped up by income from Liverpool City Council places allocated to provide alternative provision for pupils that have been permanently excluded. Also, we commission places from schools across Merseyside and Cheshire for those pupils in danger of exclusion or for those who cannot cope with mainstream education for a variety of reasons. These schools are invoiced on an individual basis per term.
The Academy’s deficit for 2024 is £187k (2023 surplus £51k) after depreciation and amortisation charges of £79k (2023 £93k).
After accounting for the actuarial gain on the local government pension scheme and the restriction on the pension scheme, the net movement in funds for the year is a £269k deficit (2023 surplus £271k).
A financial strategy document is currently under development.
The governors review the reserve levels of the Free School annually. This review considers the nature of income and expenditure streams, the need to match income with commitments and the nature of reserves.
The governors are looking to develop income streams that would enable the trust to build up reserves to act as a buffer against any changes in funding.
They have decided that it is prudent to try and build a reserve of restricted funds approximately equal to 5% of annual income to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, late ESFA payments, emergencies and other catastrophes. This is sound commercial practice designed to safeguard the quality of education received at the Trust.
In 2024, the value of restricted general reserves is £191k (2023: £411k) and restricted fixed asset reserves is £2,397k (2023: £2,390k).
Support staff are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme. The academy has not recognised the surplus in accordance with current guidance on the scheme (2023 surplus £59k) and this has a neutral (2023: positive) impact on the overall reserves position. The current position will be evaluated in line with the triennial valuation. This will be monitored by the Finance & Resources Committee.
The governors have yet to devise a formal investment policy, due to not considering one to be necessary given that the only cash investments are the funds held within bank accounts. However, in the future an investment policy will be considered as a part of the Academy's financial strategy.
Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust takes a robust approach to managing risk and maintains a Risk Register to assess its activities and operational risks. This is reviewed on a termly basis.
The risk assessment register is a 'live' document which continually identifies risks and where necessary, agrees and puts in place measures of control and mitigation to manage risk. The Trust's strategic plan makes clear that it is unable to mitigate risks outside of its controls such as adverse economic circumstances.
The following categories are utilised in order that all risks, including the principal risks stated, are subject to governance via the appropriate committee:
Strategic and Reputational Risks
Operational Risks
Compliance Risks
Financial Risks
The Academy Trust has put controls in place to address these risks:
Adherence to a cycle of planning agreed by the Governing Body;
Reviewed security arrangements, logging of assets in a fixed asset register and ensured adequate insurance coverage;
Cross-training and internal development of staff;
Documented its authorised policies and procedures which are reviewed annually;
Financial reports are linked to the Trust's Strategic plan and include accurate projections produced on a termly basis by staff who possess the necessary skills and competencies;
Identified key legal and regulatory requirements and allocated responsibility for the key compliance procedures, obtaining compliance reports from regulators as appropriate.
The governors have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, in particular those related to the strategic planning, operation, finances and reputation of the Trust as well as compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In as far as they are able, the governors are satisfied that they have put systems in place to identify potential risks and their impact and to mitigate exposure to major risks as well as ensuring changes to legislation are taken into consideration.
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity, as identified by the charity trustees are listed below, along with a summary of their plans and strategies for managing those risks.
Risk and impact | Strategies/plans for management and mitigation |
Loss of experience, skills and knowledge, including loss of a key member of staff or governance team Operational impact on key projects and priorities through the loss of key skills from the Academy Trust | Succession planning is in place; systems are documented. Handover periods are agreed wherever possible. Staff are cross-trained to cover skills shortages. The school has a track record of developing staff internally. |
Security of assets Possible loss of assets | The AT has reviewed its assets security arrangements, logged its assets in a fixed asset register, implemented a rolling inspection programme and ensured it has adequate insurance cover. |
Server crash or ransomware attack leading to loss or corruption of data. | The AT maintains multiple redundancy sets of data for recovery if required, including on-site systems and an enterprise grade cloud-based system maintained by an external provider. Internet content is filtered, and the Lightspeed Alerts System analyses what users are searching and typing and flags up any concerns. |
Destruction of property, equipment or records through fire, flood or similar damage | The AT has a disaster recovery plan and insurance in place. It also has robust fire safety and other H&S inspection and maintenance regimes and preventative measures in place. |
Non-compliance with GDPR and associated regulation. A data breach combined with non-compliance with regulation would expose the Trust to financial sanctions and reputational harm. | A Data Asset Register is held to maintain control of Protected Data Assets. A Data Protection Officer is appointed as a role within the Academy. Training is conducted across the Academy at all levels. |
An economic event outside of the AT’s control has an adverse impact on the AT, leading to loss or closure. | The risk register is a ‘live’ document updated for changes in legislation and funding. The AT has a well thought out strategic plan so that if such a risk crystallises it is clear that the event was outside of its control. |
The Arts and Community Committee in particular was tasked with the responsibility for initiating fundraising activities.
The following grants and donations were received during the year:
£300 Liverpool Learning Partnership for Maths support
£325 Liverpool Learning Partnership
£750 PEP Germany trip travel & accommodation support
£1,200 Royal Horticultural Society
£500 RAND Europe APST Study
£637.50 Edge Hill University for student placement programmes
£2,000 Liverpool John Moores University for student placement programmes
Harmonize Academy would like to thank all of the organisations and individuals who supported our educational activities this year.
During school holidays, Liverpool City Council distributed meals vouchers to families with children eligible for free school meals. We encouraged families who were not already receiving free school meals to apply via their local Council, if they believed they would be eligible. We provided food parcels and vouchers for any families who were in need or struggling at Christmas.
We have linked up with local authorities to open other AP Free Schools across the north west starting with Sefton, Knowsley and Salford to submit local authority presumption applications
The Improvement Plan sets the strategic direction and focus of the Academy for 2023 -2026. This will be reviewed annually as part of the monitoring and evaluation cycle.
The Improvement Plan has 4 priority areas which reflect the new Ofsted Inspection Framework (2019). Each priority area has identified Key Performance Indicators and success criteria which will be used by the leadership team to evaluate the Academy’s progress.
A resolution proposing that Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited be reappointed as auditor of the charitable company will be put to the members.
The trustees' report, incorporating a strategic report, was approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on
As trustees, we acknowledge we have overall responsibility for ensuring that Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust has an effective and appropriate system of control, financial and otherwise. However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The board of trustees has delegated the day-to-day responsibility to the principal, as accounting officer, for ensuring financial controls conform with the requirements of both propriety and good financial management and in accordance with the requirements and responsibilities assigned to it in the funding agreement between Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust and the Secretary of State for Education. The Accounting Officer is also responsible for reporting to the board of trustees any material weaknesses or breakdowns in internal control.
The information on governance included here supplements that described in the Trustees' Report and in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities. The board of trustees has formally met 4 times during the year. Attendance during the year at meetings of the board of trustees was as follows:
For details of governors’ appointments and resignations see page 1.
Governors’ training and development is a standing item on every full board agenda. New governors complete a skills audit at induction; this is used to identify initial training and development needs. Training needs, responsibilities and interests are reviewed on an ongoing basis, either as a group or one-to-one with the Chair.
Challenges which the Board faces include:
Governor recruitment. This is a challenge in the light of the national shortage of governors. Harmonize Academy works hard to recruit governors with relevant skills and expertise, both to expand the board for the future, and to replace governors moving on due to personal circumstances. We use several avenues, including the NGA’s Inspiring Governance Service and Governors for Schools.
Identifying parent governors who are able to make a commitment.
Each meeting is preceded by a declaration of interest by each governor in attendance.
We maintain a register of business interests for governors, members and senior leaders which is updated annually and if a declaration is made during the year.
Quality of Education Committee
The Quality of Education Committee is a sub-committee of the main Governing Body. Its purpose is:
To consider and advise the governing body on standards and other matters relating to the school’s curriculum, including statutory requirements and the School’s Curriculum Policy
To consider curricular issues which have implications for Finance and HR decisions and to make recommendations to the relevant committee or the Governing Body
to consider and monitor progress against the School Development Plan;
To make arrangements for the Governing Body to be represented at School Improvement discussions and for reports to be received by the Governing Body
To oversee arrangements for individual governors to take a leading role in specific areas of provision, eg SEN, Literacy, Numeracy. To receive regular reports from them and advise the Governing Body.
To oversee arrangements for educational visits, including the appointment of a named co-ordinator
To keep informed of the current statutory requirements relevant to the school’s curriculum offer;
To approve and monitor the school’s systems for assessment and tracking of pupils;
To receive and discuss the results of all examinations and key assessments in school, including academic, vocational, social and emotional development;
To receive and discuss Governor visit reports and SIP reports written by SLT;
To receive and discuss reports on the provision of Special and Additional Educational Needs;
To maintain an overview of all education-related school policies and review these on a regular basis
To be kept informed of the staffing situation, to support Principal and Finance and Resources Committee in reviewing staffing structure and assist with appointments where appropriate.
Attendance at meetings during the year was as follows:-
Trustee | Meetings attended | Out of a possible |
Modupe Victoria Emrica Omideyi | 3 | 3 |
Anthony Lawson | 2 | 3 |
Marie McConville Osoba Otaigbe Rebecca Jane Ross-Williams | 3 0 2 | 3 3 3 |
Arts and Community Committee
The Arts and Community Committee is a sub-committee of the main Governing Body. It has been agreed that the Arts and Community Committee will not convene separately and that the business of this committee will be included as an item on the agenda of The Quality of Education Committee until further notice. Its purpose is:
To consider and advise the Governing Body on standards, practice and other matters relating to creative and performing arts at Harmonize.
To consider and monitor the progress of the Arts Strategy and report to the Governing Body.
To consider and advise the Governing body on Harmonize arts practice.
To receive and discuss the arts programme for the academic year.
To make recommendations on the arts programme including curriculum subjects, arts supporting subjects across the curriculum, enrichment activity and new initiatives to the relevant committee or Governing Body.
To review results of arts examinations, qualifications and assessments in school.
To consider the communication of arts internally and externally including representation within Harmonize brand.
To oversee arrangements for individual governors to take a leading role in specific areas of provision, e.g. Arts programme curriculum/enrichment, Arts in the Community, Progression Routes.
To consider and monitor training and CPD for staff and Governors in arts and Creative Learning.
To oversee an arts and community relationships plan and assist with appointments where appropriate.
To maintain an overview of arts representation in school and review on a regular basis.
In addition, the Free School has ad hoc Committees covering disciplinary and dismissal hearings and appeal hearings in respect of staff.
Finance and Resources Committee
The finance and resources committee is a sub-committee of the main board of trustees. Its purpose is to:
To assist the decision making of the Governing Body, by enabling more detailed consideration to be given to the best means of fulfilling the Governing Body's responsibility to ensure sound management of the academy’s finances and resources, including proper planning, monitoring and probity.
To make appropriate comments and recommendations on such matters by the Governing Body on a regular basis.
Major issues will be referred to the full Governing Body for ratification.
Finance:
To consider the academy's indicative funding, notified annually by the DFE, and to assess its implications for the academy, in consultation with the Principal, in advance of the financial year, drawing any matters of significance or concern to the attention of the governing body.
To consider and recommend acceptance/non-acceptance of the academy's budget, at the start of each financial year.
To consider a budget position statement including virement decisions at least termly and to report significant anomalies from the anticipated position to the Governing Body
To contribute to the formulation of the academy’s development plan, through the consideration of financial priorities and proposals, in consultation with the Principal, with the stated and agreed aims and objectives of the academy.
To receive and make recommendations on the broad budget headings and areas of expenditure to be adopted each year, including the level and use of any contingency fund or balances, ensuring the compatibility of all such proposals with the development priorities set out in the development plan.
To liaise with and receive reports from the QoE and A&C committees, as appropriate, and to make recommendations to those committees about the financial aspects of matters being considered by them.
To monitor and review expenditure on a regular basis and ensure compliance with the overall financial plan for the academy, and with the financial regulations of the DFE, drawing any matters of concern to the attention of the governing body.
To monitor and review procedures for ensuring the effective implementation and operation of financial procedures, on a regular basis, including the implementation of bank account arrangements and, where appropriate to make recommendations for improvement.
To consider the financial statement which is to form part of the annual report of the governing body to parents and to be filed in accordance with Companies Act and Charity Commission requirements.
To ensure, as far as is practical, that Health and Safety issues are appropriately prioritised
To review all financial policies within its remit as required.
HR
In consultation with the Principal, to consider/review the staffing structure as required.
To establish a Salary Policy for all categories of staff and to be responsible for its administration and review.
To oversee the appointment procedure for all staff.
To ensure that appropriate performance management policies are in place and are regularly reviewed.
To oversee the process leading to staff reductions.
To ensure that all employment policies are regularly reviewed and fit for purpose.
To review all staffing-related policies.
Assets:
To advise the Governing Body on priorities, including Health and Safety, for the maintenance and development of the school’s premises
To consider arrangements for repairs and maintenance
To make recommendations to the Governing Body on premises-related expenditure
In consultation with the Principal, to oversee premises-related funding bids
To consider and review arrangements, including Health and Safety, for the use of school premises by outside users, subject to governing body policy.
Disqualification:
Any relevant person employed to work at the school other than as the Principal, when the subject for consideration is the pay or performance review of any person employed to work at the school.
Attendance at meetings in the year was as follows:
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is a sub-committee of the main Governing Body. The terms quoted are those to which the Committee will operate to comply with the Academies Financial handbook and to include the Regularity audit. Its purpose is to:
To advise the Governors on the adequacy and effectiveness of the School’s whole system of internal control and its arrangements for risk management, control and governance processes and securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness (value for money).
To advise the Governors on the appointment, re-appointment, dismissal and remuneration of the financial statements auditor or the internal audit service (if applicable).
To advise the Governors on the scope and objectives of the Responsible Officer work and the financial statements auditor.
To consider and advise the Governors on the audit strategy and annual audit plans for the Responsible Officer work.
To receive auditors’ reports and to recommend to the full governing body action as appropriate in response to audit findings.
To recommend to the full governing body the appointment or reappointment of the auditors of the academy.
To advise the Governors on Responsible Officer work reports on control issues including the management letters of the financial statements auditor and management’s responses to these.
To consider and advise the Governors on relevant reports by the NAO and the Education Funding Agency and other funding bodies, and where appropriate, management responses to these.
To monitor, within an agreed timescale, the implementation of agreed recommendations relating to Responsible Officer work reports and the financial statements auditor’s management letter.
To establish in conjunction with the School’s management, relevant annual performance measures and indicators, and to monitor the effectiveness of the financial statements’ auditor through these measures and indicators and decide, based on this review, whether a competition for price and quality of the audit service is appropriate.
To produce an annual report for the Governing Body and Accounting officer, this should include the Committee’s advice on the effectiveness of the school’s risk management, control and governance processes and any significant matters arising from the Responsible Officer work and the financial statements auditor.
To ensure that all allegations of fraud and irregularity are properly followed up.
To be informed of all additional services undertaken by the financial statements’ auditor.
Attendance at meetings in the year was as follows:
As accounting officer, the principal has responsibility for ensuring that the academy trust delivers good value in the use of public resources. The accounting officer understands that value for money refers to the educational and wider societal outcomes, as well as estates safety and management, achieved in return for the taxpayer resources received.
The accounting officer considers how the Academy trust’s use of its resources has provided good value for money during each academic year, and reports to the board of trustees where value for money can be improved, including the use of benchmarking data or by using a framework where appropriate. The accounting officer for the Academy trust has delivered improved value for money during the year by:
We use Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to purchase best price energy for the school. CCS is the biggest public procurement organisation in the UK and plays an important role helping the public sector save money when buying common goods and services. CCS is currently used by Liverpool City Council.
Our catering contract continues to be with a local ‘not for profit’ sustainable school meals company who provides good quality healthy nutritional meals and uses local produce and suppliers. They aim to raise standards and offer quality of choice and ensure compliance with food hygiene and health and safety legislation.
As a result of careful management of funds that had been set aside from the previous year, we were able to do essential repair work to renew the roof on west wing of the building which was leaking into music suite.
Cat6 was installed throughout the building improving bandwidth and connectivity for good IT provision in classrooms.
A refurbishment of downstairs staff toilet facilities to add an extra toilet and wash basin for increased staff numbers.
A full Value for Money Statement can be found at http://www.harmonizeacademy.org/Value-for-Money
The system of internal control is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level rather than to eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives. It can therefore only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an on-going process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of academy trust policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The system of internal control has been in place in Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts.
The board of trustees has reviewed the key risks to which the academy trust is exposed together with the operating, financial and compliance controls that have been implemented to mitigate those risks. The board of trustees is of the view that there is a formal ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the academy trust's significant risks that has been in place for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts. This process is regularly reviewed by the board of trustees.
The academy trust's system of internal control is based on a framework of regular management information and administrative procedures including the segregation of duties and a system of delegation and accountability. In particular, it includes:
comprehensive budgeting and monitoring systems with an annual budget and periodic financial reports which are reviewed and agreed by the board of trustees;
regular reviews by the finance and resources committee of reports which indicate financial performance against the forecasts and of major purchase plans, capital works and expenditure programmes;
setting targets to measure financial and other performance;
clearly defined purchasing (asset purchase or capital investment) guidelines;
identification and management of risks.
The board of trustees has decided to employ JD Education Finance Services as internal auditor.
Internal Control enables Academy Trusts to effectively and efficiently develop systems that adapt to changing business and operating environments, mitigate risks to acceptable levels, and support sound decision making and governance of the organisation. Designing and implementing an effective system of internal control can be challenging and with greater use and dependence on technology. The Internal Control Assessor applies judgment as they monitor and assess the effectiveness of the system of internal control. The internal auditor's role includes giving advice on financial and other matters and performing a range of checks on the academy trust's financial and other systems.
The audit consisted of a high-level compliance review of the key controls in place in relation to the School's finance function. The consistent application of key controls across the School's main financial processes provides on-going assurance over the financial management of the organisation. The Internal auditor's role is in line with the ESFA's requirement included giving advice on financial matters and performing a range of checks on the school's financial systems. In particular the key control areas tested in the current period included:
• Bank reconciliations
• Cash flows
• Petty cash
• Personnel Files / Payroll
• Amendments to payroll
• Creditors/Debtors
• Income
• Purchasing
• Purchase card transactions
• Month end procedures
• Trial Balance
The trustees have agreed a programme of internal scrutiny for the Trust. The Academy had 3 visits during financial year 2023-24. These occurred in January, May and September. On a termly basis, the internal auditor reports to the board of trustees through the audit and risk committee on the operation of the systems of control and on the discharge of the financial responsibilities of the board of trustees, and annually prepares an annual summary report to the committee outlining the areas reviewed, key findings, recommendations and conclusions to help the committee consider actions and assess year on year progress.
Three internal financial assurance and one internal scrutiny report were completed for the year and no material control or other issues were reported.
The Academy trust confirms that the internal auditor has delivered their schedule of work as planned. No significant control issues arose as a result of the internal auditor’s work and remedial action has been taken to rectify minor issues raised.
As accounting officer, the principal has responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. During the year in question the review has been informed by:
the work of the internal auditor;
the work of the external auditor;
the financial management and governance self-assessment process or the school resource management self-assessment tool;
The accounting officer has been advised of the implications of the result of their review of the system of internal control by the audit committee and a plan to address weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place.
Based on the advice of the audit and risk committee and the accounting officer, the board of trustees is of the opinion that the academy trust has an adequate and effective framework for governance, risk management and control.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 18 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
As accounting officer of Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust, I have considered my responsibility to notify the academy trust board of trustees and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) of material irregularity, impropriety and non-compliance with terms and conditions of all funding, including for estates safety and management, under the funding agreement in place between the academy trust and the Secretary of State for Education. As part of my consideration I have had due regard to the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook 2023, including responsibilities for estates safety and management.
I confirm that I and the academy trust's board of trustees are able to identify any material irregular or improper use of funds by the academy trust, or material non-compliance with the terms and conditions of funding under the academy trust's funding agreement and the Academy Trust Handbook 2023.
I confirm that no instances of material irregularity, impropriety or funding non-compliance have been discovered to date. If any instances are identified after the date of this statement, these will be notified to the board of trustees and ESFA.
The trustees (who are also the directors of Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the accounts in accordance with the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024 published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year. Under company law, the trustees must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period.
In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 and the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024;
make judgements 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 accounts; and
prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for ensuring that in its conduct and operation the charitable company applies financial and other controls, which conform with the requirements both of propriety and of good financial management. They are also responsible for ensuring that grants received from ESFA/DfE have been applied for the purposes intended.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on 18 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Opinion
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP 2019 and the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024.
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 accounts' section of our report. We are independent of the academy trust in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts 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.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the academy trust’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the accounts and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts 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 trustees' report including the incorporated strategic report for the financial year for which the accounts are prepared is consistent with the accounts; and
the trustees' report including the incorporated strategic report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the academy trust and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report, including the incorporated strategic 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 accounts are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the academy trust’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts 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 accounts.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance;
the academy's own assessment of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error;
the results of our enquiries of management and members of the board of governors of their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities;
any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the academy’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:
identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and
the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and
the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas:
(i) The presentation of the academy's Statement of Financial Activities, (ii) revenue recognition (iii) the overstatement of salary and other costs (iv) the assumptions used in the calculation of the valuation of the surplus or deficit on the defined benefit pension scheme and the movements for the year. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act and the Statement of Recommended Practice - 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued by the joint SORP making body, along with the Academies Financial Handbook and Accounts direction.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the academy’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. This includes regulations concerning Data Protection and Safeguarding.
As a result of performing the above, we identified the presentation of the academy's Statement of Financial Activities, revenue recognition and overstatement of wages and other costs as the key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matters in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to those key audit matters.
In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations described above as having a direct effect on the financial statements;
enquiring of management and members of the board concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;
reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with relevant authorities where matters identified were significant;
in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
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 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.
In accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 31 August 2024 and further to the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as included in the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024, we have carried out an engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the expenditure disbursed and income received by Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust during the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 have been applied to the purposes identified by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.
This report is made solely to Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust and ESFA in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust and ESFA those matters we are required to state in a report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust and ESFA, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed.
The accounting officer is responsible, under the requirements of Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust’s funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education dated 31 March 2016 and the Academy Trust Handbook, extant from 1 September 2023, for ensuring that expenditure disbursed and income received is applied for the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.
Our responsibilities for this engagement are established in the United Kingdom by our profession’s ethical guidance, and are to obtain limited assurance and report in accordance with our engagement letter and the requirements of the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024. We report to you whether anything has come to our attention in carrying out our work which suggests that in all material respects, expenditure disbursed and income received during the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 have not been applied to purposes intended by Parliament or that the financial transactions do not conform to the authorities which govern them.
We conducted our engagement in accordance with the Framework and Guide for External Auditors and Reporting Accountant of Academy Trusts issued by ESFA. We performed a limited assurance engagement as defined in our engagement letter.
The objective of a limited assurance engagement is to perform such procedures as to obtain information and explanations in order to provide us with sufficient appropriate evidence to express a negative conclusion on regularity.
A limited assurance engagement is more limited in scope than a reasonable assurance engagement and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in a reasonable assurance engagement. Accordingly, we do not express a positive opinion.
Our engagement includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the regularity and propriety of the academy trust's income and expenditure.
The work undertaken to draw to our conclusion includes:
Reviewing the activities to ensure they are in keeping with the charitable objectives and framework.
Reviewing declarations of interest and seeking further representations.
Reviewing the control environment and considering potential weaknesses.
Reviewing minutes of various committees, management accounts and holding discussions with key personnel.
In the course of our work, nothing has come to our attention which suggests that in all material respects the expenditure disbursed and income received during the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 has not been applied to purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions do not conform to the authorities which govern them.
The accounts on pages 39 to 60 were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on
Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The address of its principal place of business is given on page 1 and the nature of its operations are set out in the trustees' report.
A summary of the principal accounting policies adopted (which have been applied consistently, except where noted), judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty, is set out below.
The accounts of the academy trust, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Academies Accounts Direction 2023 to 2024 issued by ESFA, the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
Lighthouse Harmonize Education Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
The financial statements are presented in sterling which is also the functional currency of the academy trust.
Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest whole £1,000, except where otherwise indicated.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, ie whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charitable company to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the accounts and have concluded that the academy trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the academy trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
At the balance sheet date the Academy had net assets of £2.60m (2023: £2.86m) after providing for long term pension scheme commitments of £nil (asset position) (2023: £59k asset) in respect of the support staff defined benefit pension scheme and had net current assets of £197k (2023: £414k).
The trustees have reviewed and approved budgets and cashflow forecasts for 2024/25 and future years and consider in the light of this review that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
All incoming resources are recognised when the academy trust has entitlement to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of meeting any performance-related conditions there is not unconditional entitlement to the income and its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income until the performance-related conditions are met. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
General Annual Grant is recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the period for which it is receivable, and any abatement in respect of the period is deducted from income and recognised as a liability.
Capital grants are recognised in full when there is an unconditional entitlement to the grant. Unspent amounts of capital grants are reflected in the balance sheet in the restricted fixed asset fund. Capital grants are recognised when there is entitlement and are not deferred over the life of the asset on which they are expended.
Sponsorship income provided to the academy trust which amounts to a donation is recognised in the statement of financial activities in the period in which it is receivable (where there are no performance-related conditions), where the receipt is probable and it can be measured reliably.
Donations are recognised on a receivable basis (where there are no performance-related conditions) where the receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Other income, including the hire of facilities, is recognised in the period it is receivable and to the extent the academy trust has provided the goods or services.
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.
All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
This includes all expenditure incurred by the academy trust to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
These are costs incurred on the academy trust's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the academy trust apportioned to charitable activities.
Assets costing £500 or more are capitalised as tangible fixed assets and are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.
Where tangible fixed assets have been acquired with the aid of specific grants, either from the government or from the private sector, they are included in the balance sheet at cost and depreciated over their expected useful economic life. Where there are specific conditions attached to the funding that require the continued use of the asset, the related grants are credited to a restricted fixed asset fund in the statement of financial activities and carried forward in the balance sheet. Depreciation on the relevant assets is charged directly to the restricted fixed asset fund in the statement of financial activities. Where tangible fixed assets have been acquired with unrestricted funds, depreciation on such assets is charged to the unrestricted fund.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life, as follows:
A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities.
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the academy trust anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods of services it must provide.
Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The academy trust only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the academy trust and their measurement basis are as follows.
Trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
Cash at bank is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
Trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition.
Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument.
The academy trust is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the academy trust is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by chapter 3 part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Retirement benefits to employees of the academy trust are provided by the Teachers' Pension Scheme ('TPS') and the Local Government Pension Scheme ('LGPS'). These are defined benefit schemes and the assets are held separately from those of the academy trust.
The TPS is an unfunded scheme and contributions are calculated to spread the cost of pensions over employees' working lives with the academy trust in such a way that the pension cost is a substantially level percentage of current and future pensionable payroll. The contributions are determined by the Government Actuary based on quadrennial valuations using a prospective unit credit method. The TPS is an unfunded multi-employer scheme with no underlying assets to assign between employers. Consequently, the TPS is treated as a defined contribution scheme for accounting purposes and the contributions are recognised in the period to which they relate.
The LGPS is a funded multi-employer scheme and the assets are held separately from those of the academy trust in separate trustee administered funds. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each balance sheet date. The amounts charged to net income or expenditure are the current service costs and the costs of scheme introductions, benefit changes, settlements and curtailments. They are included as part of staff costs as incurred. Net interest on the net defined benefit liability/asset is also recognised in the statement of financial activities and comprises the interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and interest income on the scheme assets, calculated by multiplying the fair value of the scheme assets at the beginning of the period by the rate used to discount the benefit obligations. The difference between the interest income on the scheme assets and the actual return on the scheme assets is recognised in other recognised gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in other recognised gains and losses.
Unrestricted income funds represent those resources which may be used towards meeting any of the charitable objects of the academy trust at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted fixed asset funds are resources which are to be applied to specific capital purposes imposed by funders where the asset acquired or created is held for a specific purpose.
Restricted general funds comprise all other restricted funds received with restrictions imposed by the funder/donor and include grants from the [Department for Education Group].
Accounting estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The academy trust makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
The present value of the Local Government Pension Scheme defined benefit liability depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a variety of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost or income for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions, which are disclosed in note 16, will impact the carrying amount of the pension liability. Furthermore, a roll forward approach which projects results from the latest full actuarial valuation performed at 31 March 2019 has been used by the actuary in valuing the pensions liability at 31 August 2024. Any differences between the figures derived from the roll forward approach and a full actuarial valuation would impact on the carrying amount of the pension liability.
FRS 102 section 28.22 allows an entity to recognise a surplus within the Local Government Pension Scheme “only to the extent it is able to recover the surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the plan”. The actuarial report as at 31 August 2024 indicates a defined benefit asset position. A calculation has been done to compare the surplus to the present value of future service costs, only where the surplus is lower has the asset position been recognised. This is on the basis that a surplus following the triennial review would result in the employer being able to reduce contributions, much like a shortfall would result in increased contributions.
The key management personnel of the academy trust comprise the trustees and the senior management team as listed on page 1. The total amount of key management personnel employee benefits (including employer pension contributions and employer national insurance contributions) received by key management personnel for their services to the academy trust was £531,562 (2023: £491,973).
One or more of the trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment with the academy trust. The principal and other staff trustees only receive remuneration in respect of services they provide undertaking the roles of principal and staff members under their contracts of employment, and not in respect of their services as trustees.
The value of trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
M McConville (Principal and trustee):
Remuneration - £100,001 - £105,000 (2023: £90,001 - £95,000)
Employer’s pension contributions paid - £25,001 - £30,000 (2022: 20,001 - £25,000)
A Lawson (staff governor and trustee):
Remuneration - £45,001 - £50,000 (2023: £40,001 - £45,000)
Employer’s pension contributions paid - £5,000 - £10,000 (2023: £0 - £5,000)
During the period ended 31 August 2024, travel and subsistence expenses totalling £nil were
reimbursed or paid directly to 1 trustee (2023: £56 to 1 trustee)
In accordance with normal commercial practice, the academy trust has purchased insurance to protect trustees and officers from claims arising from negligent acts, errors or omissions occurring whilst on academy trust business. The insurance provides cover up to £10 million (2023 £10 million) on any one claim and the cost for the year ended 31 August 2024 was £3,450 (2023: £3,150). The cost of this insurance is included in the total insurance cost.
General Annual Grant must be used for the normal running costs of the Academy. Under the funding agreement with the Secretary of State, the free school was not subject to a limit on the amount of GAG that it could carry forward at 31st August 2016.
EFA Lead in Grant and other EFA grants. These have been received for specific purposes throughout the year and include pupil premium and the lead in grant which was fully spent in the year.
Local Authority Grants consist of various support grants received from Liverpool City Council and other schools, for which pupils have been transferred to LHET.
EFA Capital Grant for the building renovation and infrastructure. Depreciation of assets capitalised is to be matched against this income in line with accounting policy.
The academy trust's employees belong to two principal pension schemes: the Teachers' Pension Scheme England and Wales (TPS) for academic and related staff; and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for non-teaching staff. Both are multi-employer defined benefit schemes.
The latest actuarial valuation of the TPS related to the period ended 31 March 2020, and that of the LGPS related to the period ended 31 March 2022.
There were no outstanding or prepaid contributions at either the beginning or end of the financial year.
The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) is a statutory, contributory, defined benefit scheme, governed by the Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014. Membership is automatic for teachers in academy trusts. All teachers have the option to opt out of the TPS following enrolment.
The TPS is an unfunded scheme to which both the member and employer makes contributions, as a percentage of salary. These contributions are credited to the Exchequer. Retirement and other pension benefits are paid by public funds provided by Parliament.
The latest actuarial TPS valuation results, as at 31 March 2020, were released in October 2023. The revised employer contribution rate, arising from this valuation, has been implemented from 1 April 2024.
The latest actuarial TPS valuation results, as at 31 March 2020, were released in October 2023. The revised employer contribution rate, arising from this valuation, is due to be implemented from 1 April 2024.
The employer's pension costs paid to the TPS in the period amounted to £204,647 (2023: £177,120).
A copy of the valuation report and supporting documentation is on the Teachers’ Pensions website.
Under the definitions set out in FRS 102, the TPS is an unfunded multi-employer pension scheme. The academy trust is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the plan. Accordingly, the academy trust has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 and has has accounted for its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The academy trust has set out above the information available on the scheme.
The LGPS is a funded defined benefit pension scheme, with the assets held in separate trustee-administered funds. The total contributions are as noted below. The employer contribution rate is 19.0% until 31 March 2026. The employee contribution rates start at 5.5% increasing to 12.5% depending on earnings.
As the scheme is in deficit the academy trust has entered into an agreement with the scheme trustees to make additional contributions of £45,100 per year in 2023/24 in addition to normal funding levels. These additional contributions are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Parliament has agreed, at the request of the Secretary of State for Education, to a guarantee that, in the event of academy closure, outstanding Local Government Pension Scheme liabilities would be met by the Department for Education. The guarantee came into force on 18 July 2013, the Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to the guarantee, with a parliamentary minute published on GOV.UK.
Scheme liabilities would have been affected by changes in assumptions as follows:
The net gain recognised on scheme assets has been restricted because the full pension surplus is not expected to be recovered through refunds or reduced contributions in the future.
Owing to the nature of the free school’s operations and the composition of the Board of Governors being drawn from local public and private sector organisations, transactions may take place with organisations in which the trust has an interest. All transactions involving the such organisations are conducted at arm’s length and in accordance with the free school’s financial regulations and normal procurement procedures.
No related party transactions took place in the period of account other than certain trustees' remuneration and expenses already disclosed in notes 9 and 10.
Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10 for the debts and liabilities contracted before he or she ceases to be a member.