Bader College
The charity provides academic programmes for undergraduate students whose interests are oriented towards the United Kingdom and Europe; a venue and focal point for international conferences and meetings; and an enhanced educational, social and cultural environment for the local community, through its stewardship of the unique heritage of Herstmonceux Castle.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £2,080,592, driven by a £4.97 million cash injection from Queen’s University and a property revaluation gain. However, the underlying operational result was a deficit of £2.89 million, and the charity remains significantly dependent on continued financial support from Queen’s University for its viability. Unrestricted reserves stood at £16.8 million, largely tied up in fixed assets, with no specific reserves policy target currently in place.
What the accounts disclose
“During the year the charity received income of £nil (2024: £2,073,117) from Queen’s University relating to tuition and residence fees. A further £4,971,661 (2024: £4,215,750) was received as grants and donations from Queen’s. Total expenditure of £nil (2024: £275,897) was payable to Queen’s to cover costs incurred by Queen’s on the charity’s behalf.” — page 37
“Other recharges of £nil (2024: £352,742) were made between Bader College and Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited. Recharges of £1,115,475 (2024: £248,628) were made to Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited from Bader College. At the balance sheet date £1,505,419 (2024: £332,592) was due from Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited.” — page 38
“During the year the charity received income of £nil (2024: £2,073,117) from Queen’s University relating to tuition and residence fees. A further £4,971,661 (2024: £4,215,750) was received as grants and donations from Queen’s. Total expenditure of £nil (2024: £275,897) was payable to Queen’s to cover costs incurred by Queen’s on the charity’s behalf.” — page 37
“Other recharges of £nil (2024: £352,742) were made between Bader College and Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited. Recharges of £1,115,475 (2024: £248,628) were made to Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited from Bader College. At the balance sheet date £1,505,419 (2024: £332,592) was due from Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited.” — page 38
“The charity maintains Herstmonceux Castle and carries out the general day to day running of the gardens and grounds and its wholly owned subsidiary, Herstmonceux Castle Estate Limited (HCE) carries out its commercial activities” — page 12
In the news
- Bader College opens its doors to short-term programming and continuing education
- Queen’s University’s Bader College to reopen in 2026
- After two-year hiatus Bader College reopens for Winter 2026
- Bader College to re-open with new academic model in 2026
- Law program returns to Bader College in May 2026
- UWM Historic Preservation Institute holds castle field school | Bader College
- Bader College lacked structural inspection for 25 years, staff allege
- Bader College welcomes new vice-provost and executive director
Corporate structure
- Registered company of the charity Companies House 02837809
- Trading subsidiary: HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE ESTATE LIMITED Companies House 02902475
- Turnover: £129k
- Profit before tax: £-1.2m
- Intra-group recharges received: £1,115,475; Intra-group recharges paid: £0; Amount due from group undertaking: £1,504,854
Company officers (Companies House)
- TIERNEY, Ann on trustee list
- MOSEY, Nicholas, Dr on trustee list
- GIRVIN, Scott on trustee list
- DEANE, Patrick, Dr on trustee list
- KNOWLES, James Hastings Lewis on trustee list
- PURVIS, Joshua Casey Dennis on trustee list
- COUPLAND, Rebecca
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/04/2025)
Trustees
- Ann Tierney
- Dr Nicholas Mosey
- Dr Patrick Deane
- James Hastings Lewis Knowles
- Joshua Casey Dennis Purvis
- Scott Girvin
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/04/2025 | £5.2m | £3.2m |
| 30/04/2024 | £7.5m | £7.0m |
| 30/04/2023 | £10.4m | £7.5m |
| 30/04/2022 | £5.4m | £5.6m |
| 30/04/2021 | £1.8m | £4.0m |
Common questions
Is Bader College financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £2,080,592, driven by a £4.97 million cash injection from Queen’s University and a property revaluation gain. However, the underlying operational result was a deficit of £2.89 million, and the charity remains significantly dependent on continued financial support from Queen’s University for its viability. Unrestricted reserves stood at £16.8 million, largely tied up in fixed assets, with no specific reserves policy target currently in place. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by HaysMac LLP.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE ROTHERWICK FOUNDATION | 1 | — |
| WORCESTER COLLEGE OXFORD ENDOWMENT TRUST | 1 | £675k |
| Tinsley Charitable Trust | 1 | £85k |
| THE SALISBURY POOL CHARITY COMPRISING THE FIRST MOIETY ESTABLISHED BY CLAUSE 2 OF THE DEED OF DECLARATION DATED 23RD MARCH 1976 | 1 | £10k |
| THE J A R CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £8k |
Charities like this
- HARLAXTON COLLEGE
- DENSTONE COLLEGE LIMITED
- EASTBOURNE COLLEGE (INCORPORATED)
- ST CHAD'S COLLEGE DURHAM
- BRIGHTON COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP, BURSARY AND PRIZE ENDOWMENTS
- THE FOUNDATION OF THE COLLEGE OF ST GEORGE WINDSOR CASTLE
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bader College | £5.2m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| HARLAXTON COLLEGE | £3.6m | — | 0 | within | — | no doubt |
| DENSTONE COLLEGE LIMITED | £16.3m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| EASTBOURNE COLLEGE (INCORPORATED) | £28.1m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ST CHAD'S COLLEGE DURHAM | £4.2m | — | 3 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BRIGHTON COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP, BURSARY AND PRIZE ENDOWMENTS | £328k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |