K Mothersdale

K Roberts

L Gittins

J Gilmour

P Bates

K Mothersdale, Chair

K Roberts, Vice Chair

K Cunningham, Headteacher Accounting Officer

P D Haworth 1

I Mellor1

K E Jones

C Randerson1

C Vining

S Gauller (resigned 4 March 2025)

J Millington

D Lotay1

M Paziuk

1       member of the financial audit committee

08100578

Neston High School

T Phillips

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K Cunningham, Headteacher

J Vossebeld, Deputy Headteacher

S Nuttall, Deputy Headteacher

L Burton, Assistant Headteacher

J Millington, Assistant Headteacher

F Mannix, Assistant Headteacher

H Waites, Assistant Headteacher (resigned 31 December 2024)

K Smith, Assistant Headteacher

L Cray, Assistant Headteacher

E Metcalfe, Assistant Headteacher (from 1 April 2025)

T Phillips, Business Manager

Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Ltd, 24 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2AU

Lloyds, 137 Telegraph Road, Heswall, CH60 0AN

Hill Dickinson LLP

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The academy trust operates a secondary academy in the County of Cheshire West and Chester of England. Its academies have a combined pupil capacity of 1750 and had a roll of 1732 in the school census of October 2024.

The academy trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The charitable company's memorandum and articles of association are the primary governing documents of the academy trust. The trustees of the Academy Trust are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law. The charitable company operates as the Academy Trust.

Details of the trustees who served during the year, and to the date these accounts are approved are included in the Reference and Administrative page.

Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charitable company in the event of it being wound up while they are a member, or within one year after they cease to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10, for the debts and liabilities contracted before they ceased to be a member.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, Trustees have been indemnified in respect of their legal liability for financial loss arising as a result of a negligent act, accidental error or omissions in the course of their official duties.   The limit of this indemnity is £10,000,000.

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The Articles of Association and Funding Agreement allow the academy to have the following Trustees:

•         Up to three staff Trustees – appointed by Trustees through such process as they may determine

•         Up to one LA Trustee – The LA appoint the LA Trustee

•         Up to 10 Community Trustees – appointed by a majority vote of the Trustees

•         A minimum of two Parent Trustees shall be elected by parents of registered pupils at the Academy.

(A Parent Trustee must be a parent of a pupil at the Academy at the time when they are elected)

•         The Headteacher who shall be treated for all purposes as being an ex officio Trustee

In 2024/25 Trustee Membership is as follows:

•        12 Trustees

•         2 Staff Trustees plus the Headteacher (1)

•         7 Community Trustees

•         2 Parent Trustees

The term of office for any Trustee shall be four years save that this time limit shall not apply to the

Headteacher.

All newly appointed Trustees receive a basic introduction to their membership by the Headteacher.   This includes the provision of all relevant papers and reports and a tour of the school in which they meet all senior staff.

All Trustees complete a skills audit and are subject to the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

All Trustees are provided with information about training courses organised by the LA and National Governance Association and are encouraged to attend appropriate courses.   There is a Trustee training budget, the school also invites Trustees to attend relevant staff training and provides regular training and update sessions.

The management structure consists of two levels, the Trustees and the senior management of the school.

The Headteacher is the Accounting Officer.   The aim of the structure is to devolve responsibility to those best able to make appropriate decisions.

The full Board of Trustees meets monthly, up to 12 times per year.   They establish an overall framework for the governance of the School and determine membership terms of reference and procedures of the Board

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The Board of Trustees may from time to time establish Working Groups to perform specific tasks over a limited timescale.

There are five separate committees meeting when required.

•         Finance & Audit Committee

•         Headteacher Performance Review

•         Pay

•         Staff Disciplinary

•         Student Disciplinary

When determining the pay range for key management personnel the Board of Trustees will consider all the permanent responsibilities of the role, any challenges specific to the role and all other relevant circumstances including recruitment or retention difficulties.   All appointments are made in accordance with the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) details of which are published in the school's pay policy.

The Headteacher's pay range is calculated based on the school group size.   Neston High School, due to its size is classed as a Group 8 school, the pay range for a Headteacher in a Group 8 school.

The Board of Trustees has determined that two deputy head teacher posts and six assistant head teacher posts are to be included in the school's staffing structure, these roles are all classed as key management personnel.   The pay range for these positions is determined in accordance with the STPCD with due regard to pay rates for other teaching posts and the head teacher.

The Business Manager's pay range is based on the National Joint Council PayScale and reflects the job

description and pay range of Cheshire West and Chester evaluated job specification.

There were 2 relevant union officials who were full-time employees during the academic year. There was no time spent on union facility time, and the associated cost was £nil. There was no time spent on paid trade union activities.

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Percentage of pay bill spent on facility time

Provide the total cost of facility time

£0

Provide the total pay bill

0%

Provide the percentage of the total pay bill spent on facility time, calculated as:

(total cost of facility time ÷ total pay bill) × 100

0%

Brio Leisure (a Community Interest Company) manages the leisure facilities which are owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC). There is a joint use agreement between CWAC/Brio Leisure and the school.

The school has strong collaborative links with its feeder primary schools and three other high schools in cheshire West and Chester.

The school is committed to effective employee engagement and fostering an inclusive, informed, and collaborative working environment. During the year, a number of actions were taken to support staff engagement and inclusivity, including for those with disabilities.

Providing employees with information on matters of concern to them

Regular communication is maintained through a range of channels, including all-staff briefings, internal newsletters, email updates, and meetings led by the senior leadership team. These methods ensure that staff are kept informed about key developments, strategic priorities, and matters relevant to their roles.

The school values the views of its staff and engages with them through routine staff meetings and consultations. Where appropriate, staff representatives and union representatives are consulted to ensure that employee perspectives are considered in decision-making processes that may affect their work or working environment.

Encouraging the involvement of employees in the school's performance

Staff are encouraged to contribute to the school's development and performance through involvement in working groups, school improvement initiatives, and curriculum planning. Performance management processes are aligned with school priorities, helping staff to understand their role in achieving the school's strategic aims.

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Achieving a common awareness of the factors affecting performance

The school ensures that all employees are aware of the key factors influencing its performance through regular updates, staff briefings, and INSET days. These sessions help staff understand the wider context in which the school operates and how their individual and collective contributions impact outcomes for pupils.

Disabled employees and inclusive practices

The school is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the fair and respectful treatment of all staff, including those with disabilities. Applications from disabled persons are welcomed and are considered on the basis of aptitude and ability. Where an employee becomes disabled during the course of employment, the school will make reasonable adjustments to support their continued employment and ensure they can remain in their role or be supported in an alternative position where appropriate. Staff are given equal access to training, development, and promotion opportunities, in line with their needs and career aspirations.

The Academy Trust's object is specifically restricted to the following:

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We value achievement and intellectual curiosity along with lifelong learning

We value community and belonging

We value respect in all its forms

We value hard work and high aspiration

We value resilience and enthusiasm

We value manners and respect for others

We value fairness, trust and honesty

We value self-belief and personal confidence

We value diversity and embrace difference

We value the environment

We value strong relationships

Provide strong ethical leadership within a sustainable and responsible framework

Deliver a high quality, inclusive education

All pupils will be developed and nurtured to their maximum potential

Effective engagement with all our community.

A small selection of the highlights from 2024/25 are detailed below to give an insight into the activities on offer that help us to achieve our strategic goals.

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The Ofsted report states:

Trustees and leaders have high expectations of what pupils and students should achieve.  All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have equal access to a suitably ambitious curriculum.

Pupils and student in the sixth form, are proud to be part of Neston High School.  They are appreciative of the high-quality facilities available to them.  Pupils are polite and respectful towards each other and adults.  Pupils' conduct reflects teachers' high expectations.

Leaders, including Trustees, have ensured that all pupils, including those in sixth form, have access to a high-quality curriculum.  Pupils at Key Stage 4 and students at Key Stage 5 can choose to a study a wide range of academic, arts-based, technical, and vocational subjects.  The subjects meet pupils' diverse interests and needs.  Pupils, and students in the sixth form, are well prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, or training.

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The academy continues to monitor a range of key performance indicators to assess progress against strategic objectives and ensure accountability across educational, financial, and operational domains.

In 2025, the academy achieved impressive examination results, building on the success of 2024, which saw an overall progress measure of +0.22. This sustained improvement reflects the impact of targeted strategic interventions, including senior-led mentoring programmes designed to support pupil progress and attainment.

The school underwent a full Ofsted inspection on 8th and 9th February 2022 and continues to be judged as “Good.” This outcome affirms the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in teaching, leadership, and pupil welfare.

The academy sets a target to maintain a revenue reserve of between 3–5% of annual income. This target has been successfully achieved, demonstrating sound financial management and resilience in line with the trust's reserves policy.

Membership of the Board of Trustees remains stable, ensuring continuity and strategic oversight. Trustees continue to engage actively in governance processes, with regular meetings and monitoring of key performance data.

The academy employs an external Health and Safety consultant who provides independent assurance to the Board of Trustees regarding compliance with building regulations and educational safety standards. This arrangement supports the trust's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.

After making appropriate enquiries, the board of trustees has a reasonable expectation that the academy trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Statement of Accounting Policies.

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The school's investment policy aligns with its charitable status and is guided by written procedures approved by the Trustees. All investments must be made with the highest level of integrity. The primary objective of the policy is to identify surplus funds that can be placed on deposit to earn interest, thereby generating additional income to support the Trust's ongoing charitable aims.

The main financial risks and uncertainties facing the school include rising payroll costs due to nationally agreed pay increases and higher national insurance contributions, as well as increased energy costs and general inflationary pressures. The most significant risk is that government funding may not keep pace with these rising expenses. An additional concern is the potential decline in post-16 student numbers, driven by increased competition from local colleges and decreasing enrolment in feeder primary schools. To mitigate this, the school is implementing a robust marketing strategy and actively promoting the unique opportunities available to students at Neston High School.

The Trustees remain focused on their duty to ensure that the Trust's estate is safe, well maintained, and compliant with all relevant health, safety, and regulatory requirements. Rising operational costs and potential funding shortfalls increase the challenge of sustaining appropriate investment in the school's infrastructure. However, the Trustees regularly review the condition of the estate and prioritise maintenance and capital projects to ensure the learning environment remains safe, secure, and fit for purpose. The Trust continues to operate within a robust compliance framework, including regular audits, risk assessments, and adherence to statutory guidance, to mitigate potential liabilities and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the estate.

The school does not use any external fundraisers. The school community is dedicated to helping others and fundraising this year has supported a number of good causes including; Bloodwise, RSPCA, World Cancer Day, Andy's Man Club. In 2024/25, students and staff shared their personal charity work and fundraising challenges through the school's social media channels.

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As the Trust is not deemed a large company, it qualifies as a low energy user under these regulations is not required to report on its emissions, energy consumption or energy efficiency activities.

The Trust does not hold any fund as custodian for others.

A statement may also be included in respect of the reappointment of the auditor.

The trustees' report, incorporating a strategic report, was approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on and signed on the board's behalf by:

Kevin Mothersdale, Chair of Trustees

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As trustees, we acknowledge we have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Trust has an effective and appropriate system of control, financial and otherwise. However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

As trustees, we have reviewed and taken account of the guidance in DFE's Governance Guide.

The board of trustees has delegated the day-to-day responsibility to the Headteacher, as accounting officer, for ensuring financial controls conform with the requirements of both propriety and good financial management and in accordance with the requirements and responsibilities assigned to it in the funding agreement between the Trust and the Secretary of State for Education. They are also responsible for reporting to the board of trustees any material weaknesses or breakdowns in internal control.

K Mothersdale

K Roberts

K Cunningham

PD Haworth

KE Jones

I Mellor

C Randerson

C Vining

J Millington

S Gauller

D Lotay

M Paziuk

There has been one resignation from the Board of Trustees in 2024/25, nominations for a replacement trustee will take place at the start of the new academic year.

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To manage potential conflicts of interest the school maintains an up-to-date register of interests which is published on our website.  This is reviewed at each meeting.  Any conflict is highlighted in meetings and if a conflict arises this person will not be involved in the decision-making process.

The board carries out regular skills audits to identify gaps of knowledge or experience.  The board of trustees has maintained effective oversight through its regular meetings.  There are also link trustees for strategic and statutory areas, these link trustees report to the full board of trustees.

The finance and risk committee is a sub-committee of the main board of trustees. Its purpose is to monitor and evaluate the annual budget, and three-year financial plan.  This committee reviews and monitors financial policies and practice.  The financial scheme of delegation is approved by the full Board of Trustees.  The committee monitors and evaluates investments and has oversight of financial benchmarking.

Attendance at meetings in the year was as follows:

PD Haworth

6

K Cunningham

6

Ian Mellor

6

Colin Randerson

6

Davinder Lotay

6

Kevin Mothersdale

6

As accounting officer, the Headteacher has responsibility for ensuring that the academy trust delivers good value in the use of public resources. The accounting officer understands that value for money refers to the educational and wider societal outcomes, as well as estate safety and management, achieved in return for the taxpayer resources received.

The accounting officer considers how the academy trust's use of its resources has provided good value for money during each academic year, and reports to the board of trustees where value for money can be improved, including the use of benchmarking data where appropriate. The accounting officer for the academy trust has delivered improved value for money during the year by:

Utilising reserves strategically by placing funds in high street banks to gain a significant income from reserves.  The Trustees have supported this initiative and copies of statements showing interest earned and projections now form part of the financial management report.

Contracts and licenses are regularly reviewed to ensure value for money and to ensure that there is no overlap between services.  The Business Manager continues to collaborate with other local schools for procurement of services and supplies.

The Business Manager, Headteacher and Deputy Head in charge of curriculum work closely together to conduct workforce planning using Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning principles.

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The system of internal control is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level rather than to eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives. It can, therefore, only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an on-going process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of academy trust policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The system of internal control has been in place in the Trust for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and financial statements.

The board of trustees has reviewed the key risks to which the academy trust is exposed together with the operating, financial and compliance controls that have been implemented to mitigate those risks. The board of trustees is of the view that there is a formal on-going process for identifying, evaluating and managing the academy trust's significant risks that has been in place for the period to 31 August 2025 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and financial statements. This process is regularly reviewed by the board of trustees.

•  comprehensive budgeting and monitoring systems with an annual budget and periodic financial reports which are reviewed and agreed by the board of trustees

•  regular reviews by the finance and general purposes committee of reports which indicate financial performance against the forecasts and of major purchase plans, capital works and expenditure programmes.

•  setting targets to measure financial and other performance

•  clearly defined purchasing (asset purchase or capital investment) guidelines

•  identification and management of risks

The board of trustees decided:

To employ Red Rambler as internal auditor.

This option was chosen to provide independent professional scrutiny.

The reviewer's role includes giving advice on financial and other matters and performing a range of checks on the academy trust's financial and other systems. In particular, the checks carried out in the current period included:

Budget Planning and Monitoring

Risk Management.

Over the course of the year, the reviewer produces reports for the Board of Trustees, on the operation of the systems of control and on the discharge of the board of trustees' financial responsibilities. On an annual basis the reviewer prepares an annual summary report to the committee outlining the areas reviewed, key findings, recommendations and conclusions to help the committee consider actions and assess year on year progress.

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As accounting officer, the Headteacher has responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. During the year in question the review has been informed by:

•      the work of the internal reviewer

•      the work of the external auditor

•

the financial management and governance self-assessment process or the school resource management self-assessment tool

•

the work of the executive managers within the academy trust who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework

•

correspondence from the EFSA e.g. FNtl/Ntl and ‘minded to' letters.

The accounting officer has been advised of the implications of the result of their review of the system of internal control by the relevant committee and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place.

Based on the advice of the audit and risk committee and the accounting officer, the board of trustees is of the opinion that the academy trust has an adequate and effective framework for governance, risk management and control.

Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on 17 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Kevin Mothersdale

Chair of Trustees

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As Accounting Officer of Neston High School I confirm that I have had due regard to the framework of authorities governing regularity, propriety and compliance, including the trust's funding agreement with DfE, and the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook, including responsibilities for estates safety and management.  I have also considered my responsibility to notify the academy trust board of trustees and DfE of material irregularity, impropriety and non-compliance with terms and conditions of all funding, including for estates safety and management.

I confirm that I and the trust board of trustees are able to identify any material irregular or improper use of funds by the academy trust, or material non-compliance with the framework of authorities.

I confirm that no instances of material irregularity, impropriety or non-compliance have been discovered to date. If any instances are identified after the date of this statement, these will be notified to the board of trustees and DfE.

Date:

18 December 2025

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The Trustees (who act as Trustees of Neston High School and are also the directors of the charitable

company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the Annual Accounts Direction issued by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. 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 2019 and the Academies Accounts

Direction 2024 to 20245

•        make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

•

state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.

•

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that in its conduct and operation the charitable company applies financial and other controls, which conform with the requirements both of propriety and of good financial management.   They are also responsible for ensuring grants received from ESFA/DfE have been applied for the purposes intended.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on 17 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Chair of Trustees

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We have audited the financial statements of Neston High School for the year ended 31 August 2025 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), the Charities SORP 2019 and the Academies Accounts Direction 2024 to 2025 issued by the Department for Education.

In our opinion the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

-

have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;

-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and

-

have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP 2019 and the Academies Accounts Direction 2024 to 2025.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the academy trust's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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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.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

-

the information given in the trustees' report including the strategic report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

-

the trustees' Report and the Strategic Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the academy trust and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report including the strategic report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

-

the 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.

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Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance;

the schools' own assessment of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error;

the results of our enquiries of management and members of the board of governors of their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities;

any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the schools' documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;

detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas:

(i) The presentation of the trust's Statement of Financial Activities, (ii) revenue recognition (iii) the overstatement of salary and other costs (iv) the assumptions used in the calculation of the valuation of the surplus or deficit on the defined benefit pension scheme and the movements for the year. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, the Statement of Recommended Practice - 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued by the joint SORP making body, along with the Academy Trust Handbook and Accounts Direction 2024-25 issued by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

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In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the academy's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. This includes regulations concerning Data Protection and Safeguarding.

As a result of performing the above, we identified the presentation of the trust's Statement of Financial Activities, revenue recognition and overstatement of wages and other costs as the key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matters in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to those key audit matters.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations described above as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

enquiring of management and members of the board concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;

performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with relevant authorities where matters identified were significant;

in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls we carried out testing of the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates were indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout

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 Auditor's report.

the audit.

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This report is made solely to the Academy'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 Academy'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 Academy and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

24 Nicholas Street

Chester

CH1 2AU

Date:

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In accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 28 July 2025 and further to the requirements of the Department for Education (DfE), as included in the extant Framework and Guide for External Auditors and Reporting Accountants of Academy Trusts, we have carried out an engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether anything has come to our attention that would suggest, in all material respects, the expenditure disbursed and income received by Neston High School during the year 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 have not been applied to the purposes identified by Parliament and that the financial transactions do not conform to the authorities which govern them.

This report is made solely to Neston High School and the Secretary of State for Education in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to Neston High School and the Secretary of State for Education those matters we are required to state in a report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Neston High School and Secretary of State for Education, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed.

The accounting officer is responsible, under the requirements of Neston High School's funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education and the Academy Trust Handbook for ensuring that expenditure disbursed and income received is applied for the purposes intended by Parliament and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.

Our responsibilities for this engagement are established in the United Kingdom by our profession's ethical guidance and are to obtain limited assurance and report in accordance with our engagement letter and the requirements of the extant Framework and Guide for External Auditors and Reporting Accountants of Academy Trusts. We report to you whether anything has come to our attention in carrying out our work which suggests that in all material respects, expenditure disbursed and income received during the year 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 have not been applied for the purposes intended by Parliament or that the financial transactions do not conform to the authorities which govern them.

We conducted our engagement in accordance with the Framework and Guide for External Auditors and Reporting Accountant of Academy Trusts issued by DfE, which requires a limited assurance engagement as set out in our engagement letter.

The objective of a limited assurance engagement is to perform such procedures as to obtain information and explanations in order to provide us with sufficient appropriate evidence to express a negative conclusion on regularity.

A limited assurance engagement is more limited in scope than a reasonable assurance engagement and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in a reasonable assurance engagement. Accordingly, we do not express a positive opinion.

Our engagement includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the regularity and propriety of the academy's income and expenditure.

The work undertaken to draw to our conclusion includes:

•

Reviewing the activities to ensure they are in keeping with the charitable objectives and framework.

•

Reviewing declarations of interest and seeking further representations.

•

Reviewing the control environment and considering potential weaknesses.

•

Reviewing minutes of various committees, management accounts and holding discussions with key personnel.

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In the course of our work, nothing has come to our attention which suggests that in all material respects the expenditure disbursed and income received during the year 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 has not been applied for the purposes intended by Parliament or that the financial transactions do not conform to the authorities which govern them.

Reporting Accountant

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Donations and capital grants

Charitable activities

Other trading activities

Investments

Charitable activities

Gross Transfers between funds

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes

Total funds brought forward

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Tangible assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Defined benefit pension scheme asset/liability

Restricted income funds:

   Restricted income funds

   Restricted fixed asset funds

   Restricted income funds excluding pension liability

   Pension reserve

   Total restricted income funds

Unrestricted income funds

The financial statements on pages 25 to 52 were approved by the Trustees, and authorised for issue, on and are signed on their behalf, by:

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Net cash used in operating activities

Dividends, interest and rents from investments

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets

Capital grants from DfE/ESFA

Cash and cash equivalents brought forward

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A summary of the principal accounting policies adopted (which have been applied consistently, except where noted), judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty, is set out below.

The financial statements of the academy trust, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Academies Accounts Direction 2024 to 2025 issued by ESFA, the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

Neston High School constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The business manager and key management personnel refer to the three-year rolling budget when making all strategic decisions to ensure that plans are sustainable. This is particularly relevant at a time when budgets remain stable but staffing and other costs are escalating.

The school is popular and heavily oversubscribed, allowing for accurate long-term budget forecasting.

The facilities at the school including a full-sized hockey pitch, 3G football pitch, multiuse games area and dance studios will be used to generate income to support school activities in the future.

The school has a well-managed budget that retains a planned reserve of between 3-5% of total income. The percentage reserve has been set to ensure that current students are not disadvantaged by the school retaining excessive reserves and the lower limit to ensure that the school has sufficient working capital to function on a day-to-day basis. The 3 Year budget plan is included in Trustees meetings at least termly. The Trustees and senior management team will continue to review forecast performance, on this basis the Trustees are satisfied that the going concern basis remains appropriate. Based on the above the trustees of Neston High School are happy that the school will continue as a going concern

The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e., whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the academy to continue as a going concern.   The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the academy has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the academy's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

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All income is recognised once the academy has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating an income and expenditure account on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

General Annual Grant is recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating an income and expenditure account in the year for which it is receivable and any abatement in respect of the period is deducted from income and recognised as a liability.

Capital grants are recognised when there is entitlement and are not deferred over the life of the asset on which they are expended. Unspent amounts of capital grant are reflected in the balance in the restricted fixed asset fund.   Capital grants are recognised when there is entitlement and are not deferred over the life of the asset on which they are expended.

Sponsorship income provided to the academy which amounts to a donation is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating an income and expenditure account in the period in which it is receivable, where receipt is probable, and it is measurable.

Donations are recognised on a receivable basis where receipt is probable, and the amount can be reliably measured.

Other income, including the hire of facilities, is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Page | 34

All assets costing more than £5,000 are capitalised and are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Where tangible fixed assets have been acquired with the aid of specific grants, either from the government or from the private sector, they are included in the Balance Sheet at cost and depreciated over their expected useful economic life. Where there are specific conditions attached

to the funding requiring the continued use of the asset, the related grants are credited to a restricted fixed asset fund in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating the income and expenditure account and carried forward in the Balance Sheet. Depreciation on the relevant assets is charged directly to the restricted fixed asset fund in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating the income and expenditure account. Where tangible fixed assets have been acquired with unrestricted funds, depreciation on such assets is charged to the unrestricted fund.

Assets in the course of construction are included at cost.   Depreciation on these assets is not charged until they are brought into use and reclassified to freehold or leasehold land and buildings. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets and freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost of these assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold property                      -      Over 10 -20 years

Leasehold land

      -

Over 125 years

Fixtures & fittings                          -      5 - 10 years Computer equipment                    -      3-5 years

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating the income and expenditure account.

The academy is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act

2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the academy is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section

256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Page | 35

Retirement benefits to employees of the academy trust are provided by the Teachers' Pension Scheme ("TPS") and the Local Governments Pension Scheme ("LGPS"). These are defined benefit schemes.

The TPS is an unfunded scheme and contributions are calculated so as to spread the cost of pensions over employees' working lives with the academy in such a way that the pension cost is a substantially level percentage of current and future pensionable payroll. The contributions are determined by the Government Actuary on the basis of quadrennial valuations using a prospective unit credit method. As stated in note 18, the TPS is a multi-employer scheme and there is insufficient information available to use defined benefit accounting. The TPS is therefore treated as a defined contribution scheme for accounting purposes and the contributions recognised in the period to which they relate.

The LGPS is a funded scheme and the assets are held separately from those of the academy trust in separate trustee administered funds. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each Balance Sheet date. The amounts charged to operating surplus are the current service costs and the costs of scheme introductions, benefit changes, settlements and curtailments. They are included as part of staff costs as incurred. Net interest on the net defined benefit liability/asset is also recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating the income

and expenditure account and comprises the interest cost on the defined benefit obligation and interest income on the scheme assets, calculated by multiplying the fair value of the scheme assets at the beginning of the period by the rate used to discount the benefit obligations. The difference between the interest income on the scheme assets and the actual return on the scheme assets is recognised in other recognised gains and losses.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in other recognised gains and losses.

Unrestricted income funds represent those resources which may be used towards meeting any of the charitable objects of the academy at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted fixed asset funds are resources which are to be applied to specific capital purposes imposed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency where the asset acquired or created is held for a specific purpose.

Restricted general funds comprise all other restricted funds received with restrictions imposed by the funder and include grants from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating income and expenditure account on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

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Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount.

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

The academy only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the academy and their measurement basis are as follows:

Financial assets - trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in note 14. Prepayments are not financial instruments. Cash at bank is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Financial liabilities trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised costs as detailed in note 15. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instruments.

Surplus on long-term contracts is taken as the work is carried out if the final outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty. The surplus included is calculated on a prudent basis to reflect the proportion of the work carried out at the year end, by recording turnover and related costs as contract activity progresses. Turnover is calculated as that proportion of total contract value which costs incurred to date bear to total expected costs for that contract. Revenues derived from variations on contracts are recognised only when they have been accepted by the customer. Full provision is made for losses on all contracts in the year in which they are first foreseen.

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The academy trust acts as an agent in distributing 16-19 bursary funds from ESFA. Payments received from ESFA and subsequent disbursements to students are excluded from the statement of financial activities as the trust does not have control over the charitable application of the funds.

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The academy trust makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

The present value of the Local Government Pension Scheme defined benefit liability depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a variety of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost (income) for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions, which are disclosed in note 18, will impact the carrying amount of the pension liability. Furthermore, a roll forward approach which projects results from the latest full actuarial valuation performed at 31 March 2022 has been used by the actuary in valuing the pensions liability at 31 August 2025. Any differences between the figures derived from the roll forward approach and a full actuarial valuation would impact on the carrying amount of the pension liability.

Other donations

Football Foundation Grant

Capital grants

Total 2025

Total 2024

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Lettings income

Total 2025

Total 2024

Short term deposits

Total 2024

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General annual grant (GAG)

Other DfE/ESFA grants

Pupil Premium

Schools Direct

High Level Funding Needs

Other DFE Income – FSM holiday voucher support

Non-Government grants

School trip income

School meal income

Salary recharges

Other school income

Total 2024

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Activities:

      Direct costs

      Support costs

Total 2025

Total 2024

Page | 41

Wages and salaries

National insurance

Pension cost

Recruitment

Staff development

Educational supplies

Trips and pupil costs

Examination fees

Other direct costs

Wages and salaries

National insurance

Pension cost

Depreciation

Maintenance

Insurance

Security and transport

I.T

Rent and rates

Telephone

Catering

Other support costs

Printing and stationery

Legal - other

Professional

Bank charges

Governance costs

During the year ended 31 August 2025, the academy incurred the following Governance Costs:

£14,059 (2024: £20,171) included within the table above in respect of audit and non-audit services.

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Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:

owned by the charity

Operating lease rentals

Auditors remuneration

Fees payable to the academy's auditor and its associates for the audit of the academy's annual accounts

Fees payable to the academy's auditor and its associates in respect of:

All other nonaudit services not included above

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Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Operating costs of defined benefit pension schemes

Supply teacher costs

Staff restructuring costs

Staff restructuring costs compromise:

Redundancy payments

Severance payments

Teachers

Admin and Support

Leadership

Page | 44

In the band £60,001  £70,000

In the band £70,001  £80,000

In the band £80,001  £90,000

In the band £90,001  £100,000

In the band £100,001  £110,000

In the band £110,001  £120,000

In the band £120,001  £130,000

K Cunningham - Principal

Remuneration

Pension contributions paid

C Vining – Staff Trustee

Remuneration

Pension contributions paid

J Millington – Staff Trustee

Remuneration

Pension contributions paid

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At 1 September 2024

Additions

Transfer to fixed assets

Disposals

At 1 September 2024

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 August 2024

At 31 August 2025

Trade debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

VAT recoverable

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Trade creditors

Other taxation and social security

Other creditors

Accruals and deferred income

Deferred income at 1 September 2024

Resources deferred during the year

Amounts released from previous years

Deferred income at 31 August 2025

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Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds – 3G pitch

         119,038

   -

-

25,000

         144,038

Unrestricted funds – sand based pitch

           56,000

   -

-

15,000

           71,000

General Annual Grant (GAG)

Funding for FSM voucher provision

High needs funding

Pupil Premium

Salary Recharges

Other DfE/ESFA funding

Passport to Neston

Schools Direct

IT sinking fund

Pension reserve

Transfer of land and buildings

Devolved Formula Capital

Capital Expenditure from GAG

Private sector capital sponsorship

Local Authority capital grants

Total restricted funds

Page | 48

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds – 3G pitch

           75,000

   -

-

44,038

         119,038

Unrestricted funds – sand based pitch

           41,000

   -

-

15,000

           56,000

General Annual Grant (GAG)

Bursary Grant

High needs funding

Pupil Premium

Salary Recharges

Other DfE/ESFA COVID-19 funding

Passport to Neston

Schools Direct

IT sinking fund

Pension reserve

Transfer of land and buildings

Devolved Formula Capital

Capital Expenditure from GAG

Total restricted funds

Page | 49

The General Annual Grant (GAG) is used specifically for the normal running costs incurred in delivering the objects of the Academy as set out in the Company's Articles

The pupil premium is additional funding for publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils of all abilities and to close the gaps between them and their peers.

Unrestricted funds are those other resources which may be used to further the objectives of the Academy and include the transfer from the predecessor school.

Restricted fixed  asset  funds  represent  the  fixed  assets  held  by  the  school.  The  expenditure relates  to depreciation.

Under the funding agreement with the Secretary of State, the academy was not subject to a limit on the amount of GAG that it could carry forward at 31 August 2025

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Tangible fixed assets

Current assets

Creditors due within one year

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Tangible fixed assets

Current assets

Creditors due within one year

Provisions for liabilities and charges

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Page | 52

2024

Discount rate for scheme liabilities

Rate of increase in salaries

3.40%

3.35%

Rate of increase for pensions in payment / inflation

2.70%

2.65%

The current mortality assumptions include sufficient allowance for future improvements in mortality rates. The assumed life expectations on retirement age 65 are:

Retiring today

2024

Males

19.9

Females

23.7

Retiring in 20 years

Males

Females

25.2

Discount rate decrease -0.1%

116,000

136,000

Salary rate increase +0.1%

5,000

6,000

Pension rate increase +0.1%

115,000

133,000

Page | 53

Equities

Debt instruments

Property

Cash and other liquid assets

Total market value of assets

Restriction on scheme assets

Current service cost

Interest income

Interest cost

Benefit changes, gain/(loss) on curtailment and gain/(loss) on settlement

Admin expenses

Total amount recognised in the SOFA

Opening defined benefit obligation

Current

Interest cost

Employee contributions

Actuarial (gains)/losses

Benefits paid

Closing defined benefit obligation

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Opening fair value of scheme assets

Interest income

Actuarial gains

Employee contributions

Benefits paid

Employer contributions

Closing fair value of scheme assets

Restriction on scheme assets

Net assets recognised

Page | 55

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After more than 5 years

Total

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After more than 5 years

Total

Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)

Depreciation charges

Loss on disposal of assets

Dividends, interest and rents from investments

(Decrease)/Increase in debtors

Increase/(decrease) in creditors

Capital grants from DfE and other capital income

Defined benefit pension scheme cost less contributions payable

Page | 56

Cash at bank

Total

Cash

Total

Page | 57

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1.

2.

3.

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