Company registration number 02898673 (England and Wales)
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 AUGUST 2025
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
The Courtyard
Shoreham Road
Upper Beeding
Steyning
West Sussex
BN44 3TN
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Company information
1
Chairman's report
2 - 4
Balance sheet
5
Notes to the financial statements
6 - 13
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
- 1 -
Directors
Mrs S Jay
Mr C Jay
Mr M Piercy
Mr V Hales
Mr A Law
Secretary
Mr A Law
Company number
02898673
Registered office
Eartham House
Eartham
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0LR
Auditor
TC Group
The Courtyard
Shoreham Road
Upper Beeding
Steyning
West Sussex
BN44 3TN
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 2 -
In challenging economic times where the independent sector of education faces increasing pressures, Great Ballard has continued to flourish. While many schools are seeing reducing pupil rolls, the school has seen considerable interest from local families with personal visits and busy open days. The distinctive, unique ethos and curriculum cater for a broad ability range preparing young people for further education and the real world. The second cohort of GCSE students exceeded all expectations with detail of performance below. Academic statistics, as with investments, can go up and down but the main focus is on individual achievement, student by student, within a warm, caring, cohesive, supportive environment.
Acheivements and performance
Our GCSE cohort once again did themselves proud this summer, achieving outcomes that reflect both their resilience and the continued ambition of the school. An outstanding 100% of students achieved Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, ensuring that every student was able to access Level 3 pathways in colleges and sixth forms. Alongside this, 42% of all grades awarded were at Grade 7 or above - a remarkable increase of 24% from the previous year and 20% above the national average. Overall, 92% of grades achieved were at Grade 4 or above, representing a 9% increase from 2024 and placing the school 25% above national averages. These results are a testament not only to academic achievement, but also to the determination, growth, and confidence shown by students throughout their journey at GB.
The continued success of GCSE outcomes has further strengthened the culture of aspiration and academic progress across the school. Our overall value-added score increased again this year, demonstrating that students continue to make strong progress from their starting points. Particularly pleasing was the improvement in value added outcomes for students with SEND, reflecting the school's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every learner is supported to succeed and thrive. Together, these outcomes show a school continuing on a very positive trajectory, with high expectations and inclusive practice at the heart of its success.
The curriculum is now firmly embedded across the school, and we continue to be excited by both the breadth of our provision and the way it reflects the school's commitment to developing confident, capable and well-rounded young people. Rooted firmly in the school motto, “conquer yourself, conquer anything”, our curriculum places wellbeing, resilience and personal growth alongside academic ambition, preparing students not only for examinations, but for life. This year also saw further success in the Higher Project Qualification, with 71% of students successfully achieving the qualification. This reflects the growing confidence of students in
independent learning, research and presentation skills, and demonstrates the increasingly ambitious academic culture developing throughout the school. Our Learning to Learn programme continues to successfully connect classroom learning with wider experiential opportunities, particularly through Great Outdoors and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Participation in Duke of Edinburgh remains exceptionally strong, with 100% of students in the senior year groups continuing to engage with the qualification and the valuable life skills it promotes.
We awarded 21 scholarships ranging from 11+ to 13+ with 3 for sport, 4 across academic areas and 5 across the creative arts. There were 7 Brian Jay all round awards and 2 service and leadership scholarships.
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 3 -
We have enjoyed ten residentials including one to Berlin, and another highly successful ski trip to Auron. All children have the chance to take part in an end of year residential as part of their GB diplomas. Other educational trips included different places of worship and a tour of Parliament.
The Performing Arts continue to thrive at the heart of school life, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and collaboration through a rich programme of performances, festivals and examinations. Pupils participated in a wide range of public performance opportunities throughout the year alongside an extensive extracurricular offering, with the senior production of We Will Rock You and the riotous junior show Ernie standing out as a particular highlight. The production showcased not only exceptional talent, but also the commitment, teamwork and enthusiasm that characterise the department and its students. We enjoyed some truly wonderful Christmas shows in Pre-Prep.  Music has delivered a regular series of concerts – formal and informal – with performances from students across all sections of the school.  Performances at the O2 arena, carols round the tree, Boxgrove Priory and at our Arundel Christmas service showed ongoing ambition. Students also enjoyed significant success at the Worthing Festival, achieving four 1st place awards alongside multiple 2nd and 3rd place finishes across prose, verse and drama categories for students aged 11–14. Further recognition came with one student being named Runner-Up Young Performer of the Year, while Katherine Mustafa was deservedly recognised as Runner-Up for the Teacher Award. Success also continued in LAMDA examinations, with students achieving 12 Distinctions across Acting and Verse & Prose qualifications.
Our sporting fixture list continues to grow and our ability to compete has increased swiftly with our numbers. But the focus on health and sport for all remains ever strong.
Service and Leadership dinners continue to be successful, with speakers from the worlds of sport, business and charity all inspiring our student leaders. House competition continues to thrive, with this year seeing really successful Photography Competition, House Music competition, House Quiz and our biggest ever sports days. We started up a CCF while Agents For Change and FOGB continue to do great charitable work.
Future developments
We developed further classrooms and common rooms on the top floor of the main building this year meeting the needs of our growing senior school. A new medical room was built on the ground floor. Art moved to its new home in the Stable block with draft planning permission in place for further connection to the orangery. Treetops, our Forest School area, grows apace with new buildings, running water, drainage and fencing built with the help of our older students. Similar progress has been seen in the school gardens where there is a new polytunnel and the beginnings of a wildflower garden. Work has been ongoing on our car parking arrangements and driveway.
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 4 -

Financial review

Firstly, we would like to thank the charitable trust that continues to assist our growth path and provides funding which supports our growth path and provides funding which supports the school facilities and advances the education of our pupils.

The year ended with total turnover up by £512,745 or 15% which mainly reflects the continued pupil gains across the school. The school has continued to invest in capital expenditure of £202,451 (2024 £184,312) and the annual operating loss has been reduced to -£2,655 (2024 -£154,344) after charging depreciation of £117,161. These figures have been achieved despite the school and parents being faced with the imposition of VAT from January 2025

Governance

The Board of Governance has continued to meet at least twice a term to cover all aspects of school life and in addition various members of the Board attend meetings covering education, safeguarding and health & safety. The Board also held its annual strategy with members of the Advisory Board and the Senior Leadership Team to review the future direction for the school. Following the year end M. Piercy took over the Chairmanship of the Board.

Mrs S Jay
Mr M R Piercy
Director
Chairman
19 May 2026
19 May 2026
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 AUGUST 2025
31 August 2025
- 5 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
4
1,488,739
1,406,663
Current assets
Stocks
2,060
1,882
Debtors
5
1,124,601
169,015
Cash at bank and in hand
129,794
477,620
1,256,455
648,517
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
6
(1,778,772)
(970,972)
Net current liabilities
(522,317)
(322,455)
Total assets less current liabilities
966,422
1,084,208
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
7
(257,793)
(372,924)
Net assets
708,629
711,284
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
2,230,280
2,230,280
Profit and loss reserves
(1,521,651)
(1,518,996)
Total equity
708,629
711,284

These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the profit and loss account within the financial statements.true

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 19 May 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mrs S Jay
Director
Company registration number 02898673 (England and Wales)
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 6 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Great Ballard School Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Eartham House, Eartham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0LR.

1.1
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

As set out in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page 6, in preparing these financial statements the directors are required to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The business of the company is that of operating as an independent school and in satisfaction of this responsibility the directors have reviewed in detail the cash flow projections of the school which are updated regularly, and considered the school’s ability to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

The school has substantially reduced its operating loss from £154,344 in 2024 to £2,655 which is after charging depreciation of £117,161. Therefore, the directors are confident that the school will now return to an operating surplus. The increase in operating loss this year was due to the planned reduction in donation from an educational charity. This reduction in support indicates progress towards self-​sufficiency.

The school has no bank lending facilities in place and operates entirely from its bank current account to meet its commitments as they fall due. Accordingly, the directors consider it appropriate to prepare these financial statements on a going concern basis.

1.3
Turnover
Turnover represents amounts receivable to the school for services provided during the period. This includes school fees receivable and charges for services and use of the premises, less any allowances and bursaries granted by the school. Turnover also includes grants of a revenue nature received from educational charities, which are recognised when it is reasonable to expect the grant will be received and that all the related conditions will be met.
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
1.4
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Land and buildings Freehold
2% / 10% straight line
Plant and machinery
20% reducing balance / 5% straight line
Computer equipment
25% reducing balance
Motor vehicles
20% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.5
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

1.6
Stocks
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Net realisable value is based on selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling costs.
1.7
Cash at bank and in hand

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet 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.

GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 8 -
Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans and loans from shareholders that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future paymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. A m ounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.

1.9
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 9 -
1.10
Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the lease s asset are consumed.

1.11

Pensions

The company contributes to pension schemes on behalf of its teaching and non-teaching staff. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable. The funds of the schemes are administered by trustees and are separate from the company.

1.12

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less or to receive more tax.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the previous periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A net deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

If full provision for deferred tax was made in these accounts, there would be an asset at 31 August 2025 of £241,565 (2024: £262,464).

GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 10 -
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

In the opinion of the directors there are no significant judgements or areas of estimation uncertainty.

3
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
Total
93
88
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 11 -
4
Tangible fixed assets
Land and buildings Freehold
Plant and machinery
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 September 2024
1,777,920
586,285
238,323
50,595
2,653,123
Additions
52,510
104,173
19,279
26,489
202,451
Disposals
-
0
(2,643)
(5,882)
-
0
(8,525)
At 31 August 2025
1,830,430
687,815
251,720
77,084
2,847,049
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2024
748,643
322,771
153,540
21,506
1,246,460
Depreciation charged in the year
70,320
27,498
17,578
1,765
117,161
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
0
(1,076)
(4,235)
-
0
(5,311)
At 31 August 2025
818,963
349,193
166,883
23,271
1,358,310
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025
1,011,467
338,622
84,837
53,813
1,488,739
At 31 August 2024
1,029,277
263,514
84,783
29,089
1,406,663
5
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,038,854
1,684
Other debtors
1,290
70,645
Prepayments and accrued income
84,457
96,686
1,124,601
169,015
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 12 -
6
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Obligations under finance leases
4,906
-
0
Trade creditors
137,902
193,881
Taxation and social security
321,605
34,534
Other creditors
341,205
469,985
Accruals and deferred income
973,154
272,572
1,778,772
970,972
7
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Obligations under hire purchase agreements
19,198
-
0
Fees in advance scheme
238,595
372,924
257,793
372,924
The hire purchase liabilities are secured on the assets to which they relate.
8
Audit report information

As the income statement has been omitted from the filing copy of the financial statements, the following information in relation to the audit report on the statutory financial statements is provided in accordance with s444(5B) of the Companies Act 2006:

The auditor's report was unqualified.

Senior Statutory Auditor:
Mark Cummins FCCA
Statutory Auditor:
TC Group
Date of audit report:
21 May 2026
GREAT BALLARD SCHOOL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 13 -
9
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
58,822
113,590
10
Related party transactions

The directors have applied the exemption available within FRS 102 Section 1A from disclosing transactions with related parties which have been undertaken under normal market conditions. The directors reviewed the transactions with related parties and have concluded that there are no transactions requiring disclosure.

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