ELLESMERE COLLEGE LIMITED
Financial health, per its FY2023 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £314,021 for the year ended 31 August 2023, resulting in a decrease in unrestricted funds to £3,970,703. The trustees note that free reserves are at a negative balance of £3.6m due to substantial investment in school buildings, but assert that financial viability depends on the ability to trade at a surplus and the value of fixed assets rather than income reserves. The directors confirmed a reasonable expectation of continuing as a going concern, supported by bank facilities and increased income from subsidiary companies.
What the accounts disclose
“The aim is to budget so as to provide sufficient working capital to meet the present needs and future development requirements of the school without the requirement to have recourse to sales of tangible fixed assets, or use of the school's readily realisable investments to support unrestricted funds.” — page 14
“During the year £70,237 (2022 : £68,826) was invoiced by the Woodard Corporation for a levy to meet running costs and staff training.” — page 45
“Gift aid distributed to the College for the year was £13,464 (2022:nil)”
“During the year £70,237 (2022 : £68,826) was invoiced by the Woodard Corporation for a levy to meet running costs and staff training.” — page 45
“Gift aid distributed to the College for the year was £13,464 (2022:nil)”
“During the year £70,237 (2022 : £68,826) was invoiced by the Woodard Corporation for a levy to meet running costs and staff training.” — page 45
“Gift aid distributed to the College for the year was £13,464 (2022:nil)”
“During the year £70,237 (2022 : £68,826) was invoiced by the Woodard Corporation for a levy to meet running costs and staff training.” — page 45
“Gift aid distributed to the College for the year was £13,464 (2022:nil)”
“The school has 2 wholly owned non-charitable subsidiaries, Ellesmere College Enterprises Limited and Ellesmere College International Limited.” — page 6
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- CHARLES LILLISchair
- Anna Sutton
- Dr Julie Scanlon
- Dr Karen Castle
- JANE MAKIE TROWBRIDGE LLP JP
- John Kevin Clarke
- Julie Nieto
- Michael Donald Thomas Sampson
- Michael Ward
- SIOBHAN CONNOR
- William Simon Clarkson Webb
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £11.1m | £11.7m |
| 31/08/2024 | £12.8m | £13.0m |
| 31/08/2023 | £12.2m | £12.5m |
| 31/08/2022 | £9.6m | £10.7m |
| 31/08/2021 | £9.6m | £9.5m |
Common questions
Is ELLESMERE COLLEGE LIMITED financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £314,021 for the year ended 31 August 2023, resulting in a decrease in unrestricted funds to £3,970,703. The trustees note that free reserves are at a negative balance of £3.6m due to substantial investment in school buildings, but assert that financial viability depends on the ability to trade at a surplus and the value of fixed assets rather than income reserves. The directors confirmed a reasonable expectation of continuing as a going concern, supported by bank facilities and increased income from subsidiary companies. Its FY2023 accounts were audited by RSM UK Audit LLP.