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Registered number:
(A company limited by guarantee)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
COMPANY INFORMATION
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The governors, who are also the charity trustees and the directors for the purposes of company law, present their "Strategic report" and "Directors' report", which together form the "Trustees' report" required to be presented by a charity, and present the financial statements, all for the year ended 31 August 2024.
The object of the school is the provision of education for girls and boys up to the age of eleven. It achieves this by operating St. Christopher’s The Hall School, Beckenham.
The school's policy is to provide a happy and hard-working environment where all pupils can find the opportunity to develop their talents to the full within a wide but well-balanced curriculum. Each pupil is treated as an individual and encouraged to aim for the highest standards in whatever he or she is doing. The School stands against racism and sexism and embodies non-discrimination and equality in all aspects of school life, from the curriculum to the children's behaviour. The general and cultural education prepares both girls and boys for entrance at age eleven to secondary schools, including selective independent and grammar, and local state schools. All classes are small so that each pupil can make the best of his or her capabilities in an ordered, happy and friendly atmosphere.
Financial matters are considered in the ‘financial results’ section of the directors' report. In this section we set out non-financial matters.
Roll
The pupil numbers for the year ending 31 August 2024 remained stable. In total there were 234 children on roll from Preschool to Year 6 (2023 - 235). The school is deemed full with 312 children.
Academic
At the 11+ transfer the majority of Year 6 pupils opt to sit for selective Independent and/or Grammar School entrance examinations. In total 31 (2023 - 22) academic, music, drama or sport scholarships were given, and 97% of pupils received offers from their first choice of secondary school, while 71% received multiple offers.
Music and Drama
Music and Drama form part of the curriculum from Preschool to Year 6. All children are given opportunities to perform, either during class, assemblies or in the concerts that are held throughout the year. All children participate in the productions which are held termly for different phases. Preparing and taking part in a performance builds a child's confidence and demonstrates one of the School’s important character values, teamwork.
This year our productions have included the Pre-School Christmas concert and the Prep-Prep Nativity play, a Year 4 music and drama show and a Year 5 and 6 musical production, 'Whispers Across the Waves’ which was written by our drama teacher. This production included songs from the 1920’s and 1960’s and was set on a cruise ship, with some of our Orchestra pupils playing their instruments as the ‘ship’s band’. All pupils from Year 5 and 6 had a speaking part and took part in the songs and dancing. At the end of the Summer Term we held our Year 6 Leavers Celebration at St. Georges' Church, with performances from soloists, Senior choir and Chamber Choir.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
We have three Choirs: Junior Choir (Year 1-3), Senior Choir (Year 4-6) and Chamber Choir (Year 5-6, auditioned). Our relatively new Chamber Choir (16 children and formed in September 2022) went from strength to strength and, for the first time at Christmas 2023, performed Christmas carols at the Jansondean Care Home in Oakwood Avenue. This was well received by the residents, some of whom have advanced dementia but remembered and joined in with some of the carols. It was a lovely experience for the children and elderly people and very worthwhile. The Chamber Choir also competed again in the Bromley Festival in March 2024, this time performing four pieces in two classes and winning the trophies in both sections. The Chamber Choir also gave performances at the Carol service, school concert and Year 6 Leavers’ celebration.
The Senior Choir (50 children) performed in the Carol Service, various concerts and the Leavers’ Celebration. As a community outreach, they went carol singing in December 2023 at St. George’s Church during a community coffee and craft morning. This was the second year that the Choir took part in this and, again, it was a very worthwhile experience for all. We had a diverse audience including a support group for adults with learning difficulties. Everyone enjoyed the carol singing and joined in with enthusiasm. Junior Choir (30 children) performed at the Carol Service and the Year 1-3 concert in the Spring.
Individual music lessons are available on a wide range of instruments and 76 children took lessons on at least one instrument, with a total of 84 weekly instrumental lessons from 9 visiting music teachers in piano, voice, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, violin, guitar and drums. In support of this the SCA administer an instrument loan scheme which hires instruments at low cost to children starting out on lessons; 16 instruments are available through the scheme including woodwind, brass and strings.
We were able to host an ABRSM Music Examiner three times throughout the year at the end of each term, with 59 children taking music exams ranging from Preparatory to Grade 6. We also hosted 16 external candidates across the 3 exam sessions.
2024 saw the launch of a series of smaller ‘Tea concerts’ in addition to the large school concerts. These are for students of the individual Visiting Music Teachers and provide a smaller, more intimate concert setting than the big music concerts in the hall. These have proved very popular with both parents and pupils and have proved a good way of connecting the Visiting Music Teachers with parents.
This year we have started offering a LAMDA provision after school, giving pupils the opportunity to prepare and take exams in acting or other related skills such as mime or poetry recital. We have applied and been accepted as a Private Centre for LAMDA examinations, so we were able to host exams in the Summer Term.
The School Orchestra had 16 members and played for concerts, our Carol Service and Leavers' Celebration at St. George's Church. In March 2024, a group of advanced Year 6 Orchestra musicians performed solo and ensemble pieces at a public lunchtime concert at St. George’s Church, which was well received by the audience and an excellent experience for the pupils.
In addition to the Choirs and Orchestra, our Recorder Ensemble had 6 members and a Music theory club was on offer to those pupils wanting to further their musical knowledge. Children are continually encouraged to join local community choirs and orchestras and to take part in music festivals and events to develop their ability and give them the experience of working with others.
Sport
In addition to the core sports of rugby, netball, football, cricket and hockey, a wide variety of sports are offered, either during curriculum time or as after school clubs. From Year 3 onwards competitive matches are played against other local schools with our pupils consistently achieving good results.
Our teams have had success in the ISA program of sporting competitions, with our U11 Boys’ Football team qualifying for the National Finals at St. George’s Park.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Individually, 4 boys have been selected for the District Cricket Team and one of these pupils has gone on to be selected for Kent.
School Travel Plan
This is a scheme run by TFL to encourage and reward schools for their work in sustainable travel, citizenship, road safety and environmental issues. The School continues to hold the Gold Level Accreditation for its school travel plan.
Charity, Including Public Benefit
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, we have given careful consideration to section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing education and of fee charging.
The governors considered how the school’s facilities might be made available without payment to members of the local community. Unlike many independent schools which boast superior swimming and sports facilities, drama and music studios etc., St. Christopher’s is unable to offer these. It is unrealistic therefore to address its public responsibilities in this way.
However, the school offers concessions and assistance with fees. The criterion for this is financial hardship which ensures that families of limited means are not excluded from the opportunity to attend the school and conditional upon applicants meeting the general requirements for all students.
This year we have been able to support current pupils who might otherwise suffer hardship due to changes in circumstances. These monies support pupils nearing the end of their time at the School to enable them to continue their education with us. During the year we assisted several pupils (4.7% of total pupil numbers) with support at £58,410 in fees, this represents 1.89% of fee income.
The School makes charitable donations and also helps the local community in a variety of ways. The School undertakes a wide range of charity and outreach programmes for educational purposes and to awaken in our pupils an awareness of the wider social context of the education they receive at the School. The School’s nominated charity for the year was MIND, a national Mental Health charity. In addition to raising awareness of the importance of good mental health, a total of £5,875.53 was raised throughout the year through various activities. The Governors thank parents for their generosity in giving both time and money.
Offerings from the Harvest Festival were shared with members of the local community via the Penge Food Bank.
Our progress against the 4 particular objectives for the year ended August 2024 are as follows:
∙The Governors have continued to develop the operational framework of the School. A comprehensive Risk Register has been developed and the Memorandum and Articles of Association have been updated, to reflect current laws, regulations and practice.
∙Paperwork was developed for the recruitment and onboarding of new governors. Various avenues were identified for the recruitment of new governors and 2 new governors were approached, of which 1 became a member of the board.
∙Various projects were undertaken during the year, including the refurbishment of the main reception area cloakroom facilities. A planned preventative maintenance survey will be investigated to guide future works to be completed in a time and cost efficient manner. A project to redevelop the link corridor between the main house and school hall has commenced, with a view to this work being
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
undertaken during summer 2026.
∙Over the past year, we have strengthened our PSHE curriculum, embedding key themes of equality, diversity and inclusion across all year groups. Our charitable initiatives have engaged students in meaningful outreach activities, fostering a culture of empathy and social responsibility. Dedicated assemblies, workshops, and pupil-led initiatives have reinforced these values, ensuring they are actively lived within the school community.
∙To support our Year 5 and 6 students in developing essential critical thinking skills, we have introduced targeted activities within the curriculum, including structured problem-solving exercises, and enquiry based learning. A key addition has been the introduction of current affairs sessions, where students analyse and discuss global and national issues, developing their ability to evaluate different perspectives and articulate reasoned arguments. Additionally, we have embedded opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to apply these skills across subjects in preparation for their 11+ exams.
∙We placed a renewed focus on our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, and charitable endeavours, recognising their pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals and fostering a compassionate and inclusive school community. In addition to this focus, we are also prioritising the integration of critical thinking skills into the curriculum, particularly for students in Year 5 and 6 as they prepare for their 11+ exams.
The governors have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed. The principal areas identified and monitored at present, non-financial and financial, are set out below.
Areas which are within the charity's control, which are currently considered to be at low risk of occurrence, but which have the potential to be significant are:
∙Maintaining educational standards;
∙Premises safety, for pupils, parents, staff and visitors.
Other risks facing the school which are individually small but may occur more frequently are:
∙Unpaid fees - The Bursar monitors these day by day and the finance committee review them termly basis;
∙Funding the building work - When planning the building work the governors considered the effect upon the charity's cash flows, the need to borrow funds, its ability to service loan repayments and the risk of fluctuation in interest rates.
The governors consider that the school successfully achieves what it sets out to do, so future developments are planned to enhance this rather than to make changes in direction. Our current plans are:
∙To enhance the provision of digital learning, investigate the introduction of 1:1 devices for the Prep School.
∙To ensure creativity remains a core part of our curriculum, investigate the provision of a specialist art teacher, with a designated space for lessons.
∙To continue to investigate the best possible options for the future of the school, whether this is as a standalone, independent school, or as part of a larger group.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
As trustees of the charity the governors do not receive any remuneration. The remuneration of the Head and staff is set by the governors. It is benchmarked against the Government Teaching Scales.
This report was approved by the board on 1 May 2025 and signed on its behalf.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The governors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024.
St Christopher's The Hall School Limited was founded by the amalgamation of The Hall School and St Christopher's School in 1926. The school is a registered company (number 590877) and a registered charity (number 307917) and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Key personnel and professional advisors are: Headmaster T Carter Company secretary and School bursar C E Stamate Registered and principal office 49 Bromley Road Beckenham Kent, BR3 5PA Auditors Creasey Son & Wickenden Hearts of Oak House Pembroke Road Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 1XR Bankers Barclays Bank Plc 3 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent, BR3 4ES Solicitors Wellers Tenison House Tweedy Road Bromley Kent , BR1 3NF
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The governors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Charity's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The governors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £278,167 (2023 - £83,635).
Total reserves at the year end were £5,290,175. Of these an amount of £200,000 is "designated" should it be needed to meet unexpected major expenditure and £19,472 is "restricted", having been given for particular purposes. At this year end the restricted fund is comprised of several items of equipment included within fixed assets.
The governors who served during the year were:
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Organisation
The governors together with the Head determine the general policy of the school, meeting at least once each term. The day to day management of the school is delegated to the Head, with the Bursar dealing with financial administration. The chairman of the Board is elected by the governors. Recruitment and training of governors Potential governors are identified by current governors or by executive officers of the school, on the basis of particular skills, personal reputation and competence and, where possible, an existing commitment and supportive attitude towards the school. Governors are elected to the Governing Body at Governors' meetings following interviews, combined with meetings to discuss and instruct potential candidates of the responsibilities and duties involved.
The governors are of the opinion that the land and buildings owned by the school are worth more than they are carried at in these financial statements, but without a professional, current valuation no revaluation will be recognised.
During the year under review, the school was approached with an offer to merge into an existing, local charitable group of schools. After active consideration of other similar opportunities and of the option of remaining independent, the governors decided that pursuing a merger was in the best interest of the school, both in terms of securing its financial future and being able to offer enhanced provision for pupils and staff. After detailed legal and financial due diligence, with appropriate outside professional counsel, the governors approved the merger and the school joined the St. Dunstan's Educational Group on 28 February 2025.
The auditors, Creasey Son & Wickenden, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
This report was approved by the board on 1 May 2025 and signed on its behalf.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of St Christopher's The Hall School Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2024, which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Statement of financial position, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 governors' 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 charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the governors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The governors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Strategic report and the Directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors' report.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' 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:
Irregularities are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The objectives of our audit are to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding compliance with laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, to perform audit procedures to help identify instances of non-compliance with other laws and regulations that may have a material effect on the financial statements, and to respond appropriately to identified or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations identified during the audit. In relation to fraud, the objectives of our audit are to identify and assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud, to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud through designing and implementing appropriate responses and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity’s operations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulation and for the prevention and detection of fraud. In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the company audit team:
∙obtain an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and how the company is complying with the legal and regulatory framework;
∙inquired of management, and those charged with governance, about their identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including any known, actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud;
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
∙discussed matters about non-compliance with laws and regulations and how fraud might occur including assessing how and where the financial statements may be susceptible to fraud.
As a result of these procedures, we consider the most significant laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements are FRS 102, the Company Act 2006, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and tax compliance regulations. We performed audit procedures to detect non-compliance's which may have a material impact on the financial statements which included reviewing financial statement disclosures and completion of relevant checklists, inspecting correspondence with national and local tax authorities where relevant, evaluating any tax advice received.
The most significant laws and regulations that have an indirect impact on the financial statements are those in relation to food safety, health and safety and The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. We performed audit procedures to inquire of management and those charged with governance whether the company is compliant with these laws and regulations, reviewed minutes of relevant meetings and completed searches for any reportable incidents in the public domain.
The company audit engagement team identified the risk of management override of controls as the area where financial statements were most susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud. Audit procedures performed included but were not limited to testing journal entries and other adjustments and evaluating the business rationale in respect of any significant or unusual transactions and any transactions entered into outside of the normal course of business.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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 Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the 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.
for and on behalf of
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Hearts of Oak House
4 Pembroke Road
Kent
TN13 1XR
1 May 2025
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
All expenditure is incurred on activities carried out directly by the charity in furtherance of its principal activity, the running of St Christopher's The Hall school. When donations are made to the school by St Christopher's Association for a specific purpose those funds are "restricted". When they are used to purchase equipment which is carried as a tangible fixed asset a balance will remain in the fund, above, diminishing as the asset is depreciated.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 590877
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 1 May 2025.
The notes on pages 19 to 32 form part of these financial statements.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The charity is a private company incorporated in England and Wales and is limited by guarantee so does not have a share capital. It is a registered charity and is a public benefit entity. Its registered office is at 49 Bromley Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5PA. The charity's principal activity is the provision of education.
2.Accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies. They are in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland; the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities; the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.
These financial statements are prepared and presented in pounds Sterling. Values are rounded to the nearest £1. They present information for this company alone.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The governors consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Voluntary incoming resources are accounted for as and when entitlement arises, the amount can be reasonably quantified and the economic benefit to the charity is considered probable.
Voluntary income for the charity's general purposes is accounted for as unrestricted and is credited to the General Reserve. Where the donor or an appeal has imposed trust law restrictions, voluntary income is credited to the relevant restricted fund and incoming endowments are accounted for as permanent trust capital or expendable trust capital, according to whether the donor intends retention is to be permanent or not. Gifts in kind of value is at estimated market value at the date of the gift, in the case of assets for potential consumption, or at the value to the charity in the case of donated services or facilities.
Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer-term liabilities. Expenditure attributable to more than one cost category in the SOFA is apportioned to them on the basis of the estimated amount attributable to each activity in the year, either by reference to staff time or the use made of the underlying assets, as appropriate. Irrecoverable VAT is included with the item of expenditure to which it relates.
Grants awarded are expensed as soon as they become legally legal or operational commitments. Governance costs comprise the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
The Company has elected to apply the recognition and measurement provisions of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (as adopted by the UK Endorsement Board) with the disclosure requirements of Sections 11 and 12 and the other presentation requirements of FRS 102.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Company's Statement of financial position when the Company 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
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.
Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
Other financial assets
Other financial assets, which includes investments in equity instruments which are not classified as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the recognised transaction price. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value being recognised in the profit or loss. Where other financial assets are not publicly traded, hence their fair value cannot be measured reliably, they are measured at cost less impairment.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date.
Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.
If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after the deduction of all its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price after transaction costs. When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Other financial instruments
Derivatives, including forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, are not classified as basic financial instruments. These are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into, with costs being charged to the profit or loss. They are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in the profit or loss.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions as set out in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through the profit or loss. This recognition and measurement would also apply to financial instruments where the performance is evaluated on a fair value basis as with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
The Charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors or loans from banks and other third parties.
Derecognition of financial instruments
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Company transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the Company will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
General unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are funds of the charitable company that can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the directors.
Designated unrestricted funds
The directors keep a minimum reserve of £200,000, which they consider sufficient to meet unexpected, major expenditure, or to permit the orderly winding up of the school should this ever become necessary.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds are funds of the charitable company that have been set aside because they are required to be applied to the purpose for which they were originally raised. Where these funds are intended to be used to defray the cost of items that are not of a capital nature, a transfer is made of such amounts to unrestricted funds as and when they are expended.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The most significant area of judgment, in terms of value, is considered to be the assessment of recoverability / impairment of overdue sums payable to the company.
The whole of the turnover is attributable to the provision of tuition and disbursements recovered.
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Unrestricted funds: designated
Restricted fund
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ST CHRISTOPHER'S THE HALL SCHOOL LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The charity is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension charge represents total contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £108,172 (2023 - £96,438). There were £15,834 (2023 - £16,670) of outstanding contributions included within accruals at the year end.
All pension costs relate to unrestricted funds.
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