DOWNE HOUSE TRUST
The object of Downe House Trust is the provision and conduct at or near Cold Ash, near Newbury, of a day or day and boarding school for girls. To that end the trust provides and intends to provide the 110 acre site and properties used by Downe House School.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £9,859,000 are fully represented by tangible fixed assets and associated liabilities, with no free funds beyond these assets and commitments. The charity reports a net outgoing of resources of £1,988,000 for the year, supported by a letter of support from its parent undertaking, Downe House School, which has also written off significant debt to strengthen the Trust's balance sheet.
What the accounts disclose
“As described in note 9 the Trust’s unrestricted reserves are fully represented by tangible fixed assets and associated liabilities. There are no free funds beyond the extent of these assets and commitments. The Trustee considers that the existing level of reserves is appropriate for the needs of the Trust.” — page 7
“During the year the Trust received rental income of £646,000 (2024: £646,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
“The Trust accrued interest on loans of £1,553,000 (2024: £2,044,000), and £590,000 for capital expenditure and other items (2024: £1,194,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
“During the year the Trust received rental income of £646,000 (2024: £646,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
“The Trust accrued interest on loans of £1,553,000 (2024: £2,044,000), and £590,000 for capital expenditure and other items (2024: £1,194,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
“During the year the Trust received rental income of £646,000 (2024: £646,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
“The Trust accrued interest on loans of £1,553,000 (2024: £2,044,000), and £590,000 for capital expenditure and other items (2024: £1,194,000) from Downe House School.” — page 19
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- Downe House School
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £646k | £2.6m |
| 31/08/2024 | £15.6m | £3.1m |
| 31/08/2023 | £646k | £2.8m |
| 31/08/2022 | £646k | £1.5m |
| 31/08/2021 | £647k | £1.3m |
Common questions
Is DOWNE HOUSE TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves of £9,859,000 are fully represented by tangible fixed assets and associated liabilities, with no free funds beyond these assets and commitments. The charity reports a net outgoing of resources of £1,988,000 for the year, supported by a letter of support from its parent undertaking, Downe House School, which has also written off significant debt to strengthen the Trust's balance sheet. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by HaysMac LLP.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| MISS W E LAWRENCE 1973 CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT | 1 | £3k |
Charities like this
- DOWNE HOUSE FOUNDATION
- THE DOWNS SCHOOL TRUST
- DOWNE HOUSE SCHOOL
- THE DOWNS SCHOOL (CHARLTON HOUSE) LIMITED
- SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED
- THE SOUTHDOWN SCHOOL TRUST
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOWNE HOUSE TRUST | £646k | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| DOWNE HOUSE FOUNDATION | £393k | — | 0 | within | — | no doubt |
| THE DOWNS SCHOOL TRUST | £106k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| DOWNE HOUSE SCHOOL | £29.6m | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| THE DOWNS SCHOOL (CHARLTON HOUSE) LIMITED | £5.8m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL TRUST LIMITED | £11.0m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |