Over the last year Remarkable Autism has seen a number of positive changes as the Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team further develop and implement their long-term strategic plan. The Mission vision and Values are now embedding themselves into the organisation through regular communication sessions and the actions and behaviour of the leadership team. The ambitious mission to support and educate autistic people throughout their lives and redefine what’s possible by providing innovative and transformative services, reflects the ambition and appetite of the charity and all the staff.
The CEO and his senior leadership team have worked hard to ensure that we have the support and commitment of all our highly valued staff and that they are part of defining the Strategic Plans. Developing a supportive and caring culture is key to the success of Remarkable and much work is being undertaken to listen to and capture feedback from all staff members through update briefings every half-term and through a routine survey focusing on continuous improvement.
Our school continues to see an increase in learner numbers, and we have a significant waiting list as demand for our highly specialised provision grows year on year. This is testament to the commitment of our dedicated staff teams and the Head Teacher who over the last year has bedded in and made a number of visible improvements.
Demand for places at Ascent (our 16- to 25-year-old College) has also outstripped our capacity. I am pleased to report that over the last year we have undertaken much work and located and secured new premises for our college. The new building has been purchased outright, and the necessary refurbishment has been scoped out in detail and costed, along with the support of external specialist architectural and cost consultants. Following a tendering process we have now awarded a lump sum fixed price contract to the successful bidder and work will begin in April and complete in time for relocation before the next academic year in September 2025. This exciting venture will create a best in class facility, support growth, and allow more space for students to acquire the skills and knowledge required to have fulfilling and successful lives when they leave education.
The ascent leadership team continue to develop relationships with external organisations and placing students into work experience internships. We have had tremendous feedback from this, and we are grateful to the increasing number of companies supporting us.
The commitment and passion shown by the management and staff make Remarkable such an excellent place for autistic young people and our ambitious plans over the next few years will only enhance this experience.
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
Remarkable Autism Limited operates a non-maintained special school (Wargrave House School), approved by the Department for Education for children diagnosed with autism aged 5-16, and an independent specialist college (Ascent College) for autistic young adults aged 16-25 with associated learning difficulties. Wargrave House School provides 75 and Ascent College provides up to 45 day places. Both of these services are supported by our Sundial Therapy Team who provide specialist therapeutic interventions to our learner and student population.
The Charity's objects, as contained in the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are carried out for the public benefit are:
“To advance the education of people with autism, primarily but not exclusively, children and young adults by, but not limited to, running schools and further education colleges; and to advance in life and relieve the needs of persons with autism, by but not limited to:
· The provision of residential accommodation.
Providing support for independent living.
Providing support, advice, assistance and activities which develop the skills, capacities and capabilities of persons with autism, and to enable them to participate in society as mature, independent and responsible individuals.
Relieving unemployment.
The provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve conditions of life; and acting as a resource for, and providing support and training, to families, carers and support networks.”
Vision
“A world where autistic people live happy and fulfilled lives.”
Mission
“We support and educate autistic people throughout their lives and redefine what’s possible by providing innovative and transformative services.”
Values
We are creative - We redefine what’s possible every day, pushing boundaries and always striving to do things differently and better.
We are aspirational - We respond with compassion, energy and adaptability, always learning and always focused on creating a legacy of lasting happiness.
We are resilient - We keep our promises and aren’t afraid to stand up and be counted, honestly, openly, and always with pride.
We are respectful - We know how important it is to get things right and recognise the views of others. Consistency, kindness and integrity are at the heart of everything we do.
Annual review helps us ensure our mission, vision, and values remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Remarkable has continued to provide high quality education and therapeutic services to autistic children and young adults. We have established an ambitious strategic plan which aims to ensure that the organisation provides world leading services.
Our main activities, and who we try to help, are described below. All of our charitable activities focus on the education and care of children and young people with Autism and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.
Business Resources
Over the 23/24 academic year, the Business Resources Team continued to make service improvements in several key areas.
IT
A major project was the moving of servers and data to the cloud, setting the groundwork for a more secure, scalable, and efficient infrastructure. Cyber security remained a priority with Cyber Essentials accreditation renewed to strengthen protection against evolving threats.
People & Culture
The People & Culture team successfully put into operation a career path for Occupational Therapists at Sundial, securing increased apprenticeships across the organisation, and partnered with Huddersfield University for Band 3 apprenticeships.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) was implemented to streamline hiring with an accompanying careers page on the main charity website. Manager training was completed, and related onboarding programs were improved.
Increased Diversity and Inclusion representation was achieved, including the hiring of three autistic individuals, with enhanced supporting EDI policies and the introduction of unconscious bias training.
Remarkable was also recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1) and achieved the Fair Employment Charter from the Liverpool City Region. The charity also registered as a Living Wage Employer during the year.
Finance
The team made improvements with financial management and reporting processes, resulting in improved financial visibility and accountability for senior leadership and budget holders.
Premises
Updated LED lighting was installed in Wargrave House School resulting in increased sustainability and reduced costs.
Support was also provided with the move of the Central team to the new Lowton offices in June 2024, with subsequent works to change previous Central space at Wargrave into two new classrooms in Summer 2024.
Wargrave House School
Following a period of transformation, Wargrave House School now delivers a four-strand curriculum—Preparation for Life, Outdoor Education, Learning Outside the Classroom, and the Adapted National Curriculum—designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners.
Across Key Stages 3 and 4, we offer a broad accreditation suite, including Arts Award, NCFE Maths & English (Entry Level 1–Level 2), BTEC Digital Media, ASDAN Personal Development, and GCSE Maths & English. Learners can achieve up to five qualifications by Year 11, supporting progression into further education, higher education, and employment. Two students have already secured Level 2 FE placements for 2024–25.
Students continue to shine nationally, earning accolades from the Engage in Their Future Awards for personal achievement, resilience, citizenship, and sport.
Our CEIAG programme features real-world initiatives such as the Wargrave Shop, Exchange Bank, and a new Barista Coffee Shop, fostering communication, employability, and life skills. We were re-accredited as a Centre of Excellence in Financial Education (Nov 2024) and awarded the Quality in Careers Standard (Jan 2025).
Launched in September 2024, the Puddle Project strengthens outdoor learning and family engagement. Residentials now span KS2–4, and staff training is underway to support a future Duke of Edinburgh programme.
A new initiative promotes interest-led learning and wellbeing, while careers education is expanding through work placements and an SEN careers fair.
We’re currently working toward reaccreditation for NAS Advanced and Beacon Status, supported by multi-agency partnerships including Section 175 audits and borough-wide collaborations. Our Admissions Officer is streamlining processes, with a strong waiting list of 77 learners.
Leadership development remains a priority, with staff pursuing NPQs, NPQH, and Level 7 Coaching, alongside embedded weekly CPD. 36 staff are trained Youth Mental Health First Aiders, with ongoing training in ELKLAN and Talking Mats.
To deepen community engagement and life skills, we’re exploring learner participation in the Sea Cadets and developing a school radio station in partnership with One Fylde Radio.
Ascent Autism Specialist College
Ascent Autism Specialist College experienced a year of significant growth and impact in 2023/24, reflecting our continued commitment to high-quality education and support for autistic students. Student enrolment rose from 34 to 43 applications for 2024/25, with 41 officially registered—highlighting our growing reputation within the community.
We continue to offer a wide range of vocational pathways, from Entry Level 1 to Level 3, including BTECs, Open Awards, Gateway qualifications, and functional skills through City & Guilds and Open Awards. Our Supported Internships Programme secured placements for three students on bespoke packages, strengthening employability through real-world experience.
Staff development remained a priority: 10 education staff trained in TSI (Training in Systematic Instruction), four pursued NPQSL qualifications, and two achieved NPQH—enhancing our specialist expertise.
Our efforts gained national recognition with award shortlistings from TES, Pearson, Natspec, Liverpool City Region, Education Today, and Educate. The launch of the Ascent Autism Advice Forums (AAA) provided vital online support around autism, safeguarding, financial awareness, independence, and employment planning.
We further enhanced employability support by appointing an Employment Engagement Officer, building partnerships with employers such as Vinci Construction, Haydock Park Jockey Club Catering, Little Foxes Nursery, WN7 Sports and Fitness, and local educational institutions including St Helens College and Liverpool Hope University.
As part of our strategic development, we secured a new site within a local office park. Refurbishment begins in 2024/25, expanding our capacity and facilities.
Our students also made their voices heard—advocating in Parliament on SEND and education, supporting the Natspec conference, and hosting wellbeing events that strengthened peer support across campus.
The progress in 2023/24 reflects our unwavering dedication to empowering autistic individuals to thrive. As we look ahead, we remain committed to growth, opportunity, and meaningful impact for all members of our community.
Sundial Therapy Service
This year the focus of the therapy service has been on consolidating work done last year on the embedded model.
The team have been working closely with the AEPs in school and college to link up therapy and education. This has included jointly delivered training in school, class check-ins to support consistency of strategy and approach application and multidisciplinary planning in college for therapy delivery. Direct therapy continues to be provided, where appropriate, and class-based sessions have been used to support transfer of skills for learners and students, as well as upskilling staff through modelling and coaching.
The PBS service has now launched, and our PBS lead has been meeting regularly with the AEPs to plan and implement the roll out. The team has been supporting with post-incident support, debriefs and PBS plan writing and reviews. While the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® instructors have been busy updating and training for as many staff as possible.
We have also signed up to the Restraint Reduction Network and committed to an action plan to support us in reducing the use of restrictive practices across the organisation. Our top 3 priorities have been agreed as:
Ensure that staff are trained in PBS and PROACT-SCIPr-UK® to a level that is appropriate to their role.
To reduce the use of restrictive practices and improve quality of life for all stakeholders.
To be able to critically analyse the use of PBS approach and the impact on quality of life for all stakeholders.
CPD is well supported within the team to ensure that all staff remain up to date with current best practice and are utilising evidence-based assessment and interventions. Members of the team are also linked to a range of special interest and neurodiversity affirming groups.
SunDIAL have also begun working on an outreach offer of training for families and other organisations supporting neurodivergent individuals. The aim of this training is to promote neurodiversity affirming practice and improving the lives of autistic individuals in the wider community. This offer has been well received, and further bookings have been secured as a result, increasing opportunities for income generation by the team.
Recruitment has been a challenge which appears to be a common theme across the sector. SunDIAL have therefore linked up with Huddersfield University to support apprenticeships. The therapy team now consists of Head of therapy (who is qualified as a Sensory Integration OT), 3 SaLTs, 2 OTs, 2 OT apprentices, therapy assistant and therapy dog and PBS lead. The team is also supported by music therapists and consulting psychologists who are commissioned in as appropriate.
The main source of income is by way of fees from Local Authorities, increases are in line with those approved by the Trustees. School fees and charitable expenditure for the year are in line with expectation.
The trustees have reviewed the need for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The trustees believe that, in addition to known commitments to students and employees. Any excess, unless otherwise approved by the Trustees, is to be issued for the benefit of the students.
An analysis of reserves at 31 August 2024 reveals that of total reserves of £5,921,040, £2,970,147 was held as unrestricted fixed assets and the £26,857 was held as restricted funds, leaving a balance of £2,924,036 after taking in to account the pension surplus of £nil. Free reserves at 31 August 2024, excluding the pension liability, therefore amounted to £2,924,036. Based on the year ended 31 August 2024 expenditure totals, this meets the policy on reserves set by the Trustees.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Investment policy and objectives
Under the Memorandum of Association, the trustees have the power to deposit or invest funds not immediately required for the furtherance of its objects as may be thought fit. During the period trustees considered the most appropriate policy for investing surplus funds to be that of purchasing ethical investments through the charity fund investment managers CCLA. The charity also owns fixed asset investments that were left to it as a legacy in the form of quoted investments of which approximately 50% are narrow-range investments and 50% a broader range.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks, under the guidance of the investment managers.
The organisation monitors risk closely with defined review dates, to ensure that all activities are under review, with risk assessments and mitigation plans document and implemented. The board review risk at each Trustee meeting and define the current key risks to the organisation as being:
Regulatory risk through the potential for adverse findings by OFSTED;
Financial risk through fluctuations in stock markets having a negative impact on both investment portfolios and the defined benefit pension scheme;
Financial risk pressures through the cost of living crisis, with increasing salary costs and the potential for industrial action impacting the charitable activities of the organisation; and,
Operational risk through a shortage of applicants to be skilled roles.
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited Company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed by members and serve for three years after which they may put themselves forwards for re-election. Trustees appointed other than at the Annual General Meeting serve until the next Annual General Meeting at which they may put themselves forward for re-election for a further three year term of office.
Trustees delegate responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the school and college to an appointed Governing Body, approved by the Non-Maintained Special School Regulations (NMSS) board of the Department for Education. There are two parent representatives on this board. The Governing Body has a very detailed governing document, the Instrument of Government, and all committees have terms of reference
All trustees sign a declaration to confirm they are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the provisions of section 72 of the Charities Act 1993. This is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Governors sign a similar declaration to confirm their eligibility and a register is maintained of pecuniary interests. All voluntary members hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBD) check and receive in-house safeguarding training and updates.
Induction and training of new trustees
Newly appointed trustees participate in an orientation programme. The objective of the programme is to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During their induction period they meet key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Risk management
The organisation monitors risk closely through an independent Risk Audit Committee with defined review dates, to ensure that all activities are under review, with Risk Registers in place for all areas of the organisation, with mitigation plans documented and implemented. Each sub-committee reviews the Risk Register specific to their area of responsibility and the board review risk at each Trustee meeting and define the current key risks to the organisation as being:
Regulatory risk through the potential for adverse findings for OFSTED,
Financial risk through fluctuations in stock markets having a negative impact on both investment portfolios and the defined benefit pension scheme,
Financial risk pressures through the cost of living crisis, with increasing salary costs and the potential for industrial action impacting the charitable activities of the organisation; and,
Operational risk through a shortage of applicants to skilled roles.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Remarkable Autism Ltd for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Xeinadin Audit Limited were appointed as auditor to the company and a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Remarkable Autism Ltd (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
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 charity’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 financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
· Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims;
· Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
· Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias;
· Enquiry of management and those charged with governance to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation and taxation legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequence of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the company’s license to operate. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.
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.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
No instances of material non-compliance were identified, although the prospect of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is inherently difficult. This is due to; difficulty in detecting irregularities; limits imposed by the effectiveness of the entity’s controls; and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities as a result of fraud are inherently more difficult to detect than those that resulting from error. Despite the audit being planned and performed in accordance with ISAs (UK), there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements may not be detected.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the companies act 2006.
Remarkable Autism Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 449 Wargrave Road, Newton Le Willows, Merseyside, WA12 8RS.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
The charity receives government grants in respect of student fees. Income from government grants and other grants is recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement once any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
Grants received to help finance the activities of the charity are credited to the statement of financial activity in the period to which they relate. Grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met., it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Grants received in advance of a period in which the funder requires the expenditure to be applied will be reflected in deferred income within the balance sheet.
Investment income, donations and legacies are included in the statement of financial activity on receipt, or when the amounts involved can be quantified with sufficient certainty and the amounts measured reliably.
Liabilities are recognised as expenses as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. What costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts, where utilised, are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The present value of the defined benefit pension scheme liability (or asset) depends on the 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, includes, amongst others, the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions, which are disclosed in note 24 to the accounts, will impact the carrying amount of the pension liability (or asset).
The useful economic life of tangible fixed assets is judged to be at the point of purchase and reviewed at each financial reporting date. This judgement is based upon the trustees experience of managing the school and the assets within it, including their expected lifetime of use.
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2023: £nil).
One trustee had expenses reimbursed during the year to the value of £nil (2023: £105).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The bank loan is secured by a first legal charge over the commercial freehold property registered under MS558810.
The bank loan is secured by a first legal charge over the commercial freehold property register under the title number MS558810.
The bank loan is repayable in monthly instalments, with the latest instalment due in December 2030. The interest rate in place during the year was 2.25% above the Base of England base rate.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Teaching staff
The charity contributes to The Teachers Pension Scheme (England and Wales), which provides benefits based on final pensionable salary. The charity is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities in the scheme. Employers’ contributions are paid within the scheme guidelines of 23.68% of pensionable salary.
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 Government Actuary, using normal actuarial principles, conducts a formal actuarial review of the TPS in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Valuations and Employer Cost Cap) Directions 2014 published by HM Treasury every 4 years. The aim of the review is to specify the level of future contributions. Actuarial scheme valuations are dependent on the assumptions about the value of future costs, design of benefits and many other factors. The latest actuarial valuation of the TPS was carried out as at 31 March 2020. The valuation report was published by the Department for Education on 26th October 2023.
The key elements of the valuation and subsequent consultation are:
Employer contribution rates are set at 23.68% of pensionable pay (including a 0.08% employer administration charge).
Total scheme liabilities (pensions currently in payment and the estimated cost of future benefits) for service to the effective date of £262,000 million, and notional assets (estimated future contributions together with the notional investments held at the valuation date) of £222,200 million giving a notional past service deficit of £39,800 million.
The SCAPE rate, set by HMT, is used to determine the notional investment return. The current SCAPE rate is 1.7% above the rate of CPI. The assumed real rate of return is 3% in excess of prices and 4% in excess of earnings. The rate of real earnings growth is assumed to be 1%. The assumed nominal rate of return including earnings growth is 5%.
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 charity has accounted for its contributions to the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The charity has set out above the information available on the scheme.
Non-teaching staff
The charity operates a Group Personal Pension Plan (GPPP) for all members of non-teaching staff in line with auto-enrolment legislation. This is at a rate of 4.8% employee and 8% employer.
The April 2012 actuarial valuation highlighted a requirement to significantly increase the funding rate to in excess of 40% of the salary roll to maintain the current level of benefits. This was despite the good investment the scheme had experienced and was due largely to the fact that people were living longer, and therefore receiving benefits for longer. In addition, gilt yields were at their lowest point for many, many years, and this was the factor that regulated annuity rates, in other words, the cost of providing the final salary benefits was escalating to levels that could not be justified.
After much discussion, the Trustees agreed that the scheme would be shut to future accrual (as at 31st December 2013), this meant simply that members of the scheme would not earn any more entitlement to benefits after the scheme closed to future accrual. However, any benefits earned to date would be protected and would also be revalued going forward to help protect its value against inflation.
The pension cost is determined on the advice of independent qualified actuaries. The pension cost for the year is based on the results of the actuarial valuation of the scheme as at 31st March 2024.
George Whittaker FIA, of Broadstone Corporate Benefits Limited, independent actuaries to the scheme, completed actuarial valuations based on the value of the fund at 31st March 2024. The results of the actuarial valuation shows that there is a projected surplus in the pension fund of £760,000. Based on the results of this valuation, the Trustees have agreed a new Schedule of Contributions, whereby funding contributions are not required.
The actuary has provided calculations on the scheme as at 31st August 2024 they have prepared the calculations in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s actuarial standard TAS 100. At the date of this calculation, the scheme was no longer in deficit and is fully funded.
The assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65 are:
The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the charity's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:
The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly or partly funded.
The actual return on plan assets was £467,000 (2023 - £200,000).
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
ESFA - this funding compromises of additional funding received for the furtherance of education, which must be used in accordance with specific terms of the grant.
Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) Recycling Grant - once a year project to reduce waste, increase recycling and encourage resource reuse.
DFC - this funding is to spend on capital improvements that enhance building condition, energy efficiency, or educational infrastructure.
SCA - this funding is to maintain and improve the overall condition of school buildings.
Additional information
During the year, the charity repaid £2,995 of restricted grant funding originally received in the previous year. The grant had been fully spent in the prior year, however this was returned in the current year as a duplicate payment had been received. The repayment has been recorded as a negative restricted income in the Statement of Financial Activities.
During the year, the charity transferred £1,842 from unrestricted to restricted funds to cover the repayment stated above.
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
The 2024 capital commitments relate to the purchase of 11 The Parks, Haydock, St Helens which was committed to prior to the balance sheet date and subsequently completed in September 2024.
During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:
Key management personnel are considered to be those employees of the Charity in positions of management and governance, who are not trustees or directors.
Wargrave House Pension Scheme Limited, a dormant subsidiary of the charitable company is Corporate Trustee to the Wargrave House Pension Scheme, the previously operating defined benefit pension scheme of the Charity, now closed to future accrual. During the year, the charitable company paid £110,923 (2023: £115,746) into the pension scheme in line with the deficit funding requirements. At the year end the balance due from the pension scheme to the charity was £62,762 (2023: £48,880), as shown in note 18 of the financial statements.
Mr R Bush is secretary of the Corporate Trustee. Mr G Van Oss and Mrs C Reece are directors of the Corporate Trustee. Mr R Bush and Mr G Van Oss are also considered key management personnel of the Charity.
There are considered to be no other related party transactions requiring disclosure.
No guarantees have been given or received by the charity.
These financial statements are separate charity financial statements for remarkable Autism Limited on the basis that it has only one subsidiary entity which is a dormant Corporate Trustee company for that of the defined benefit pension scheme previously operated by the charity. The dormant subsidiary has not traded in the current year and exists for legal purposes only.
Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 August 2024 are as follows: