THE QUEEN'S SCHOOL CHESTER
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £130,057 for the year, driven by a depreciation charge and bad debt provision, though underlying operating performance remained stable with a small surplus before these items. Per the trustees' report, unrestricted reserves stood at £9,705,013, providing substantial resources to support ongoing operations and strategic priorities despite the temporary financial pressures.
What the accounts disclose
“The Governors consider that a minimum free cash balance equivalent to one month’s expenditure should be held throughout the year to cover the risks and uncertainties of operating as an independent educational establishment.” — page 18
“Mrs L Fearnall is the founder and Director of Luya Agency Ltd. Luya provides the School with marketing, PR and social media services under a formal contract commencing 1 April 2025. The transactions during the year totalled £16,487 inclusive of VAT (2024: £nil). All services were procured on normal commercial terms in accordance with the agreed contract.” — page 42
“Mr P Wildes is the Chief Executive Officer of the Wildes Group and the Wildes Foundation. The Wildes Foundation provides charitable support to the School by funding partial bursaries to assist talented pupils to attend. At 31 August 2025 an amount of £15,038 was due from the Foundation in respect of these commitments.” — page 42
“Mrs L Fearnall is the founder and Director of Luya Agency Ltd. Luya provides the School with marketing, PR and social media services under a formal contract commencing 1 April 2025. The transactions during the year totalled £16,487 inclusive of VAT (2024: £nil). All services were procured on normal commercial terms in accordance with the agreed contract.” — page 42
“Mr P Wildes is the Chief Executive Officer of the Wildes Group and the Wildes Foundation. The Wildes Foundation provides charitable support to the School by funding partial bursaries to assist talented pupils to attend. At 31 August 2025 an amount of £15,038 was due from the Foundation in respect of these commitments.” — page 42
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- Adam Jonathan Dandy
- Anthony Lees-Smith
- Dr Qaisar Murtaza Jaffri
- ELEANOR JOHNSON
- Hayley McKelvey
- Kirsty Jean Whiteley
- Laura Fearnall
- Lesley Elizabeth Cooke
- Lindsay Cooper
- Neil Pownall
- Paul Wildes
- Razia Daniels
- Rowena Ridgway
- Susan Claire Danby
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £6.7m | £6.8m |
| 31/08/2024 | £6.9m | £6.3m |
| 31/08/2023 | £7.2m | £6.2m |
Common questions
Is THE QUEEN'S SCHOOL CHESTER financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £130,057 for the year, driven by a depreciation charge and bad debt provision, though underlying operating performance remained stable with a small surplus before these items. Per the trustees' report, unrestricted reserves stood at £9,705,013, providing substantial resources to support ongoing operations and strategic priorities despite the temporary financial pressures. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Xeinadin Audit Limited.